Hawai'i Community College

Hawai‘i Community College holds regular commencement ceremonies — for example, its 2025 Commencement exercises are scheduled on May 16 at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi‑Purpose Stadium for its Hilo campus, and on May 17 at the Pālamanui campus for West Hawaiʻi graduates.

All graduates participating in the ceremony are required to come dressed in academic regalia: cap, gown, and tassel. For this, Hawai‘i CC partners with the UH Hilo Bookstore — the cap, gown, and tassel sets are available for purchase.

The standard undergraduate regalia bundle costs around US $58.95; separate purchase options (cap only or tassel only) are also listed. Tassel color is specified: graduating students must select the correct tassel for Hawai‘i CC — burgundy — ensuring uniformity in ceremony appearance.

For students graduating with honors (i.e. meeting the GPA and credit requirements set by Hawai‘i CC), a gold honors cord is available for purchase; honors candidates are notified by the Records Office prior to commencement. This honors cord is intended to be worn during the commencement ceremony, distinguishing honors graduates.

In addition to academic/honors cords, some graduates (especially those in honor societies such as Phi Theta Kappa — via Hawai‘i CC’s chapter — may wear additional regalia like stoles, cords or medallions if eligible.

Ceremony instructions emphasize that all graduates must check in, wear the cap and gown with the correct tassel, and — upon arrival — will receive a “kīhei” (a traditional woven sash) to wear as part of their formal graduation attire.

In summary: Hawai‘i Community College uses a standardized academic‑regalia protocol for commencement — black cap and gown, burgundy tassel for all graduates, with optional gold honors cords (and optionally additional society stoles/cords) for honors or honor‑society members. This ensures a unified, dignified graduation appearance while allowing recognition for special academic or society-based achievements.

Hawaiʻi CC Academic Regalia – Cap, Gown & Tassel + Optional Honors Cord

Official graduation attire for Hawai‘i Community College graduates — mortarboard cap, academic gown, burgundy tassel, with optional gold honors cord for eligible graduates or extra regalia for honor‑society members.

• Academic Graduation Gown & Cap: Standard robe and mortarboard provided for all graduating students — required for Commencement ceremony. ([Hawai‘i CC Graduation Requirements])
• Burgundy Tassel (Graduation Standard): Official tassel color for Hawai‘i CC — included with the regalia set for ceremony use. ([Hawai‘i CC Bookstore])
• Optional Honors Cord (Gold): Awarded to graduates who meet honors criteria — sold separately via bookstore, worn during Commencement. ([Hawai‘i CC Honors Info])
• Additional Honor‑Society / Organization Regalia (If Eligible): Eligible graduates (e.g. members of Phi Theta Kappa or NSLS) may purchase cords, stoles, or medallions to signify their achievements or affiliations. ([Hawai‘i CC Regalia Options])
• Official Regalia Kit via UH Hilo Bookstore: Cap, gown, and tassel sets (and optional honors or society accessories) are processed through the UH Hilo Bookstore — ensures ceremonial uniformity and compliance. ([Hawai‘i CC Bookstore])

Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Hawai'i Community College, you can reach out directly to the college's administration or the office responsible for commencement and student services. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding academic regalia.