Global Village Hawaii

Hawaii’s Premier English Language School

Global Village Hawaii is where ESL students excel academically in what can only be described as Paradise. Global Village Hawaii delivers a first-rate educational experience to students from across the globe. Once you join our family, your English can rapidly improve on our warm, safe, and friendly island. At Global Village Hawaii, you may achieve your educational goals, have unforgettable adventures, and leave filled with memories and Aloha. We are the only school in Honolulu that is accredited both nationally [ACCET] and internationally [IALC]. We have a proven track record of providing high quality English language instruction and have received numerous awards to validate our focus on excellence – we received a Best School Award by being voted the #1 ESL school [tie] in the U.S. (RJ Best School Award 2017)

  • School size: Small
  • Class size for Junior programs: 16
  • Age Group: Adults (16+), Juniors (6+)
  • Class size for Juniors: 20
  • Levels: All levels welcome, including those with no prior knowledge
  • Accommodations: Homestay, Shared Apartment, Studio

Highlights

  • 7 ocean-view classrooms and a scenic student lounge create an inspiring learning environment
  • Located across from Ala Moana Center and just minutes from Waikiki Beach and major bus stops
  • The only Hawaii school accredited by both ACCET and IALC; authorized to issue I-20s
  • Diverse student body, 20+ monthly activities, and a strong English-Only Policy for immersion

Programmes Offered

Global Village Hawaii offers a wide range of high-quality English language programmes designed to meet the needs of students of all ages, goals, and language levels.

General English Programme

Our General English Programme focuses on developing communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through engaging, interactive lessons. Students can choose from full-time or part-time options, with the flexibility of starting on any week throughout the year.

Exam Preparation Courses

GV Hawaii is the only authorized Cambridge Examination Centre in Hawaii, offering intensive preparation courses for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) exams. For youth, we offer the Cambridge Young Learners of English (YLE) and the Cambridge Teen Learners of English (TLE] programmes. Both of these excellent programmes have the option of daily activities which provide outstanding cultural and learning opportunities

Parent & Child/Youth Programme

Private and Semi-Private Lessons and Customized Group Study Tours

Available year-round and can be tailored to academic, business, or travel-focused objectives.

English + Activity Programme

Options for Surfing, Hula, Ukulele & Yoga. These programmes are perfect those students wanting to enhance their educational adventure and stay active while in Honolulu.

GVH offers a range of comfortable and safe accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. All placements are carefully selected to ensure a positive experience for students.

Homestay
Our most popular option is homestay, where students live with a local host family. This allows for cultural exchange and daily English practice in a supportive home environment. All homestay providers undergo a nationwide background check.

Shared Apartment/Studio/Hotel
For students seeking more independence, we also offer student residences and condos conveniently located near the school, shopping centers, and the beach. These options are ideal for those who prefer a self-catered lifestyle while still being close to campus. Whether you choose homestay or independent housing, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

  • Homestay
  • Shared Apartment
  • Studio

The school sits on the 11th floor of a modern building right next to Ala Moana Shopping Center—Hawaii’s largest mall—and just a short walk from the beach, bus stops and many stores and restaurants.

The area is safe, clean, and pedestrian-friendly, offering easy access to the beach, major bus routes, cafés, restaurants, and parks. Students enjoy a relaxed island lifestyle with the convenience of an urban setting.

Nearby attractions include Ala Moana Beach Park, Diamond Head, and cultural landmarks like the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace. It’s an ideal place for students to experience both Hawaii’s natural beauty and its vibrant local culture.

Exams

GV Hawaii is the only Cambridge Exam Centre in Hawaii, offering official preparation and testing for Cambridge B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) exams. In addition, youth in the wonderful Cambridge Young Learners of English Programme [ages 6-12] can also take a Cambridge exam. Students receive personalized academic support through small class sizes and regular progress assessments. Teachers and staff are approachable and committed to helping each student succeed. In addition, GV Hawaii offers private lessons for targeted exam practice and study support. The English Pro programme can be used by students to study for other exams [e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, etc.) The English-Only Policy ensures full language immersion, helping students build confidence and fluency more effectively.

More Features

GV Hawaii offers a true “ohana” (family) atmosphere where every student is treated with warmth, respect, and individual care. All of the classrooms have ocean views. In addition, our beautiful student lounge, with panoramic ocean views, is not just a place to relax, it’s a hub for friendships, cultural exchange, and social events. Free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate help create a cozy and warm community feel. In addition to language classes, GV Hawaii integrates Hawaiian culture into the student experience through cultural workshops, hula classes, and island excursions—providing a uniquely local learning experience. A full activity schedule is available to further enhance the students’ cultural and educational experience.

Testimonials

I like the school because there are very good activities such as visiting the neighbour islands. I also like the computer lab because there are a lot of them and they all work. The Cambridge programme is very good because I am learning a lot of grammar and vocabulary.

My experience at GV Hawaii was amazing! The classes were fun and effective, the staff was so kind, and the activities like skydiving and hula lessons helped me learn about Hawaiian culture while making lifelong friends.

I attended this school 2 years ago and I liked it so much that I returned to school this year. The teachers and staff are very friendly, funny, and helpful. I also like the structure of the lessons because it’s varied and it helps me to learn English. My accommodation is convenient due to it’s close proximity to school, Waikiki, and public transportation. On the weekends, I go to the neighbour island trips with the school, go sightseeing, see different beaches, and participate in school activities.

I like my teacher because she’s very friendly and is very knowledgeable about Cambridge Prep. Class. I enjoy studying in Hawaii because we can learn about Hawaiian culture and learn how to surf and hula. The activities program helped me to meet and make a lot of friends. The English Only policy helped improve and speak more English. After my Cambridge test, I plan to do more activities such as surfing and hiking.

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