How should I choose high school classes to show rigor for the University of Hawaii?

For the University of Hawaii, the best way to show rigor is to take the most challenging classes you can handle well in the core academic subjects, especially English, math, lab science, social studies, and world language. UH campuses generally want to see that you did not avoid stronger courses when they were available, but they also do not expect you to overload your schedule with APs if that would clearly hurt your grades. A balanced schedule with solid grades is usually better than taking too many advanced classes and slipping badly.

In practice, that means choosing honors, AP, IB, or dual enrollment in the subjects where you are strongest and where you have already built the prerequisite background. For senior year, it helps to keep all five core areas going if possible, especially math and science if those relate to your intended major.

For example, a schedule like AP English, honors pre-calculus or calculus, a lab science at the highest level you can manage, social studies, and one or two regular electives can show good rigor without looking reckless. If world language has been part of your program, continuing it senior year can also strengthen your record. On the other hand, stacking AP classes in every subject just to impress colleges is usually not the best move if it leads to weaker grades.

What matters most is upward or steady challenge. If you took mostly regular classes before and now add one or two advanced core courses, that still shows growth. If you already have a rigorous transcript, senior year should maintain that level rather than suddenly getting easier. For UH, a thoughtful schedule that matches your strengths and keeps your GPA healthy is the strongest approach.