Speaking about the push, Hokulani Holt, the director of UH Maui College, says: "Our college provides students with opportunities to use their knowledge, interact with people from all over the world and learn skills that you can use to improve your life and that of the whole family."

According to the Study Hawaii Education Consortium, some of the reasons why Hawaii is sought by international students are safety, the weather, cultural diversity, and convenient transportation options.

According to the 2017 Hawaii International Education Survey by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism of Hawaii, international students in Hawaii are also a contributor to its economy.

As of 2017, Hawaii had a total of 10,803 international students, and more than $484 million was added to the state's total economic output over the year, according to DBEDT.