Hawaii Tokai International College (HTIC) was founded in 1991 as Tokai International College (TIC) and is part of the Tokai University Educational System (TES)—a global network of campuses and learning centers founded in Japan in 1942 by Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae. Guided by the ideal of “universities for the people,” TES has expanded its academic offerings and geographic reach over decades, bringing its spirit of interdisciplinary learning and international exchange to Hawai‘i through Tokai University Pacific Center and HTIC.

TES Expansion & Growth (1942 – 1990)

1940s
TES consolidated its science and engineering colleges into Tokai College and opened its main Shimizu campus in Shizuoka.
1950s
Following accreditation under the new university system, TES launched its School of Engineering and School of Letters, opened Yoyogi Campus in Tokyo, and began VHF (FM) experimental broadcasting.
1960s
The system added multiple domestic campuses (Shimizu, Shonan, Sapporo), introduced the research vessel Tokai Daigaku Maru and worldwide educational cruises.
1970s–1980s
Further diversification included new campuses in Numazu, Kumamoto, Asahikawa, a disaster-prevention training school in Denmark, university hospitals, and international research and cultural centers (e.g., Copenhagen and Vienna).

Dec 1988: Groundbreaking ceremony for Tokai University pacific Center in Honolulu

Feb 1991: Old HTIC campus in Honolulu, Hawaii

Oct 2013: Groundbreaking Ceremony for HTIC in Kapolei

Construction for our new HTIC campus in Kapolei

2015: HTIC-UHWO Reinforcement of Partnership MOU

2023: HTIC-UHWO Cooperative Planning MOU

HTIC Milestones

1990

In January 1990, Tokai University Pacific Center opens in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

1992

Tokai International College (TIC) is founded as a nonprofit private junior college within the Tokai University Pacific Center. In Fall 1992, TIC welcomes its first cohort: 26 students from 7 countries (16 enrolled in the A.A. program and the rest in ESL).