Why Study in Hawaiʻi?
The University of Hawaiʻi System is one of America's most unique public university networks — 10 campuses spread across 6 islands, serving 50,000+ students from every background. It's the only U.S. university system embedded in the Pacific, making it a global hub for marine science, astronomy, indigenous studies, and Asia-Pacific research.
Beyond academics, studying in Hawaiʻi means year-round outdoor access — surfing, hiking, snorkeling, and stargazing as part of daily student life. Hawaiian culture isn't a footnote here; hula, language, and indigenous knowledge are woven into campus life at every campus. And with in-state tuition starting at $3,300/year for community colleges, UH offers some of the most affordable pathways to a degree in the country.
This guide covers all 10 UH campuses organized by type, including standout programs that you can't find anywhere else on Earth.
Flagship & Four-Year Universities
The three degree-granting universities in the UH system offering bachelor's through doctoral programs.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Honolulu, Oʻahu
The UH flagship and Hawaiʻi's only R1 research university, set in lush Mānoa Valley minutes from Waikiki. Home to SOEST (world-ranked oceanography), JABSOM medical school, and 100+ nationalities.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
Intimate liberal arts university on the Big Island. Home to the world's only PhD program in Hawaiian Language and the only pharmacy school in Hawaiʻi. Mauna Kea observatories are 40 minutes away.
UH West Oʻahu
Kapolei, Oʻahu
Purpose-built for working adults and transfer students in fast-growing Kapolei. Upper-division focus with flexible evening and hybrid scheduling. Hawaiʻi's newest 4-year campus.
Community Colleges — Oʻahu
Four community colleges on Oʻahu offering certificates, associate degrees, and transfer pathways.
Kapiʻolani Community College
Honolulu, Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi's largest community college by enrollment, known for its nationally recognized Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs, as well as Nursing and Dental Hygiene.
Leeward Community College
Pearl City, Oʻahu
Serving West Oʻahu with strong liberal arts transfer pathways and a growing Creative Media program. Convenient to Pearl Harbor and Kapolei communities.
Honolulu Community College
Honolulu, Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi's premier technical and vocational college. Trains students in Aviation, Marine Trades, Construction Technology, and Automotive Repair.
Windward Community College
Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu
Small, scenic campus on the lush windward coast of Oʻahu. Strong in Hawaiian Studies, Arts, and Natural Sciences within a tight-knit community setting.
Community Colleges — Neighbor Islands
Three community colleges on Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, and Kauaʻi serving their local communities.
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
Kahului, Maui
The only neighbor-island campus offering 4-year Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees. Strong in Culinary Arts, Sustainable Science, and Nursing. Serves all of Maui County.
Hawaiʻi Community College
Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
Serves the Big Island community with technical and academic programs including Agriculture, Nursing, Construction, and Emergency Medical Services.
Kauaʻi Community College
Puhi, Kauaʻi
The Garden Isle's community college, offering career-focused programs in Hospitality, Business, and Nursing alongside liberal arts transfer courses.
Standout Programs Unique to UH
Programs where the UH system is nationally or globally recognized — or simply the only place to study them.
Marine Science & Oceanography
UH Mānoa — SOEST
The School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology (SOEST) consistently ranks among the world's top oceanography programs. Students work on research vessels, dive coral reefs, and collaborate with NOAA, the Navy, and international agencies.
Astronomy & Astrophysics
UH Mānoa & UH Hilo
Mauna Kea on Hawaiʻi Island hosts the greatest collection of observatories on Earth — Keck, Subaru, Gemini North, CFHT, and more. UH astronomers have priority access to these facilities.
Hawaiian & Indigenous Pacific Studies
UH Hilo (PhD) · All Campuses
UH is the global center for Hawaiian language revitalization. UH Hilo offers the world's only PhD in Hawaiian Language. Hawaiian Studies courses and Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language are woven into campuses across the system.
Medicine & Health Sciences
UH Mānoa · UH Hilo
JABSOM (John A. Burns School of Medicine) trains MDs with a community health focus. UH Hilo's College of Pharmacy is the only PharmD program in Hawaiʻi. Nursing programs exist across multiple UH campuses.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance (2025–26)
In-state tuition across all UH campuses — one of the most affordable public systems in the U.S.
| Campus | Tuition (in-state) | Total COA | Aid Recipients | FAFSA Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UH Mānoa | $11,970 | ~$30,000 | 68% | 001610 |
| UH Hilo | $8,304 | ~$24,000 | 72% | 001611 |
| UH West Oʻahu | $7,896 | ~$20,000 | 70% | 009272 |
| Community Colleges | ~$3,300 | ~$17,000 | 65% | varies |
💡 Smart Transfer Strategy: Start at a community college (~$3,300/yr) → complete AA in 2 years → transfer to UH Mānoa. Total 4-year in-state cost: as low as $23,000.
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