SAT and ACT in Hawaii
Hawaii graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1132 on the SAT (31% took it) and 17.7 on the ACT (66% took it). Hawaii has 1 state merit scholarship that can count SAT or ACT scores: Hawaii State Scholars Program (HRS 304A-504, University of Hawaii). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Hawaii's class of 2027 is 218. We cover 6 colleges in Hawaii. For fall 2027, 1 requires a score only below a GPA cutoff and 4 let you choose whether to send a score.
- average SAT, class of 2026
- 1132
- National Merit cutoff
- 218
- state scholarship using scores
- 1
- colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
- 0
Average SAT and ACT scores in Hawaii
From the official reports College Board and ACT publish each fall for the graduating class. Compare states with care: an average depends on how many students take the test.
| Test | Graduates who took it | Share of the class | Average | National average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SATClass of 2026 | Graduates who took it4,296 | Share of the class31% | Average1132575 Reading and Writing, 558 Math | National average1045 |
| ACTClass of 2026 | Share of the class66% | Average17.7 | National average19.2 |
In the class of 2026, 4,296 Hawaii graduates (31% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1132 (575 in Reading and Writing, 558 in Math), against 1045 nationally.
In the class of 2026, 66% of Hawaii graduates took the ACT and averaged 17.7, against 19.2 nationally.
See where a score stands nationally with the SAT percentile calculator, or what a 1150 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.
Sources: College Board, 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report: Hawaii · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026
Testing in Hawaii high schools
Every Hawaii public school junior takes the ACT in school. The PreACT is optional in 9th and 10th grade.
Source: Hawaii Department of Education, ACT testing · Checked October 31, 2026
Hawaii merit scholarships
State programs for Hawaii residents that count SAT or ACT scores. Each card shows the score and GPA minimums we track; the program's own page has every rule.
Hawaii State Scholars Program (HRS 304A-504, University of Hawaii)
State program · In-state students
Number and amount set by University of Hawaii subject to available funds; covers educational costs (tuition, fees, books, housing, other)
- Test pathway (SAT/ACT in top 10th percentile nationally); Enroll at a UH system campus within 18 months of HS graduation; maintain satisfactory progress and cumulative 3.0 college GPA
National Merit in Hawaii
For the class of 2027, students in Hawaii needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 218 to become National Merit Semifinalists. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
Work out your index with the Selection Index calculator, compare states in National Merit cutoffs by state, and see which colleges reward it in colleges with National Merit scholarships.
Source: NMSC, Guide to the National Merit Scholarship Program
Colleges in Hawaii
Test policies for fall 2027, and the SAT and ACT scores of the middle 50% of enrolled freshmen. Largest colleges first; each links to its full page.
| College | Test policy | Acceptance rate | SAT, middle 50% | ACT, middle 50% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate88% | SAT, middle 50%1081 to 1293 | ACT, middle 50%17 to 25 |
| Brigham Young University-HawaiiLaie | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate47% | SAT, middle 50%960 to 1190 | ACT, middle 50%21 to 25 |
| University of Hawaii-West OahuKapolei | Test policyVaries by applicant | Acceptance rate95% | SAT, middle 50%931 to 1103 | ACT, middle 50%15 to 21 |
| Hawaii Pacific UniversityHonolulu | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate86% | SAT, middle 50%998 to 1200 | ACT, middle 50%19 to 27 |
| University of Hawaii at HiloHilo | Test policyTest optionalRequired below a 2.7 GPA | Acceptance rate61% | SAT, middle 50%945 to 1175 | ACT, middle 50%15 to 22 |
| Chaminade University of HonoluluHonolulu | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate91% | SAT, middle 50%970 to 1250 | ACT, middle 50%Not published |
To decide whether to send your score, compare it with each college's range in the submit or retake tool.
Other states
Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Hawaii
What is the average SAT score in Hawaii?
What is the average ACT score in Hawaii?
Do Hawaii high schools give the SAT or ACT?
What is the National Merit cutoff in Hawaii?
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Which colleges in Hawaii have the highest SAT scores?
Have another question? Email us at team@getsharp.app.