Butchery

Introduction to Butchering and Meat cutting

Hawaiʻi Island Butchery Program

The Hawaiʻi Island Butchery Program is a hands-on, whole-animal butchery course designed to develop skilled, workforce-ready professionals who are deeply grounded in land stewardship, food sustainability, and entrepreneurial thinking. Through humane, species-spanning training – including beef, pork, lamb, and poultry – participants engage in both field harvest and facility-based processing. This unique program supports Hawaiʻi’s local food systems by encouraging innovation, community-based food sovereignty, and ethical harvesting practices.

What Youʻll Learn



Humane Slaughter Techniques (including on-ranch slaughter)



Whole-animal Breakdown and Processing



HACCP Principles and Food Safety



Species-specific Butchery: Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Poultry



Business Skills and Entrepreneurial Startup Planning



Local Ranching and Food Systems on Hawaiʻi Island



Land Stewardship and Regenerative Agriculture Principles

Program expectations

Full attendance is mandatory. No absence allowed.

Students must commit to the full duration of their selected track.

Must be physically able to lift up to 75 lbs.

Reliable transportation to the Hawaiʻi CC Kō facility in Honokaʻa is required.

Option 1:

Intensive WorkForce Ready Track

Length: 6 weeks

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00a – 4:00p

Best for: Career changes, job seekers, and entrepreneurs ready to fully commit.

Includes: Field slaughter, classroom/lecture sessions, and hands-on instruction.

Option 2:

Modular Short courses

Length: 3- 1 week sessions (offered in species-specific intervals)

Schedule: Varies and may include weekends/evenings

Best For: Part-time learners, farmers, or industry professionals.

Modules Offered: Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Poultry

Hawaiʻi Community College’s Inaugural Butchery Cohort

(March 2025)

Interested?

Whether you’re looking to participate or partner in some way, please see a few of the ways you can connect with us.

If you’re interested in future offerings or have any questions please complete our interest form to be added to our list.

General Interest Form

Ranching Partners

We encourage partnerships with local ranches and farming operations. We constantly need specimens, that we will slaughter, cut, wrap, and return to you. If you are interested in collaborating with us or have a ranch that may be interested in participating in future sessions, please reach out by filling out our General Interest Form.

Inter-Island Interest

As we expand our program across Hawaiʻi, we are planning to roll out the curriculum to other islands. If you are from another island and would like to express interest in future programs or courses, please reach out and we will keep you updated on new offerings.

Recruitment for Cohort 4 has closed.

Cohort 4: August 29 – October 10, 2025 (6-weeks)

Please complete our general interest form to be included on our email list and be informed of open recruitment for Cohort 5.