Hawaii offers a uniquely distinctive higher education experience shaped by its Pacific Island location, multicultural heritage, and natural environment. The University of Hawaii at Manoa — an AAU research university — is globally renowned for oceanography, astronomy (Maunakea Observatories), marine biology, and Pacific and Asian studies programs found nowhere else in the US higher education system.
Best Universities in Hawaii 2026
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Location: Hilo | Type: Public | Founded: 1970 | Tuition: $7,860/yr
The University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a public university founded in 1970 on the Big Island of Hawaii. Enrolling 3,000 students near Mauna Kea (home to 13 world-class observatories), UH Hilo is known for astronomy, marine science, Hawaiian language studies, pharmacy, and…
Programs: Agriculture & Environment, Arts & Design, Business & Finance, Liberal Arts
Hawaii Pacific University
Location: Honolulu | Type: Private | Founded: 1965 | Tuition: $25,000/yr
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) is a private university founded in 1965 in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. Enrolling 4,000 students from 50+ countries in the heart of Honolulu, HPU is known for nursing, marine science, business, criminal justice, and diplomacy programs with a uniquely international student body…
Programs: Business & Finance, Liberal Arts, Medicine & Health Sciences, Science & Research
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Location: Honolulu | Type: Private | Founded: 1955 | Tuition: $22,300/yr
Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Catholic Marianist liberal arts university founded in 1955 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Enrolling 2,500 students, Chaminade is known for criminal justice (one of the strongest in Hawaii), nursing, business, and education programs with a deep Pacific community mission.nnSchoolsSchool of…
Programs: Business & Finance, Education, Liberal Arts, Medicine & Health Sciences
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Location: Honolulu | Type: Public | Founded: 1907 | Tuition: $12,218/yr
The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) is a public research university founded in 1907 in Honolulu — Hawaii’s flagship. A member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), UH Manoa enrolls 20,000 students and is uniquely positioned for oceanography, marine biology, astronomy (Maunakea…
Programs: Agriculture & Environment, Business & Finance, Liberal Arts, Science & Research
Top Community Colleges in Hawaii 2026
Community colleges in Hawaii offer affordable pathways with transfer agreements to all major state universities.
- Kapiolani Community College — Honolulu
- Leeward Community College — Pearl City
- Honolulu Community College — Honolulu
How to Choose a University in Hawaii
Consider your major, tuition, accreditations, location, and career outcomes when selecting a Hawaii university. Compare financial aid packages and campus culture.
- Tuition: Compare in-state vs out-of-state rates and financial aid generosity.
- Accreditation: AACSB (business), ABET (engineering), CCNE (nursing).
- Location: Proximity to employers and internship opportunities.
- Campus Fit: Visit to find the environment where you will thrive.
Hawaii’s universities prepare students for careers in tourism, hospitality, marine science, healthcare, and Pacific Rim business — industries driven by Hawaii’s unique geographic position as the crossroads of the Pacific. The East-West Center on the UH Manoa campus is a world hub for US-Asia-Pacific relations research and scholarship.
Browse our complete Hawaii university directory.
Comments