Best Universities in Hawaii for 2026

Hawaii is one of the most distinctive places to study in the United States — a Pacific crossroads with world-class marine science, strong Asian-Pacific connections, and a flagship that punches well above the state's small size. The University of Hawaii at Manoa charges international students around $34,200 per year in non-resident tuition and fees, while smaller campuses run cheaper. The catch is the cost of living: housing and food in Honolulu push total annual costs toward $55,000, the highest of the five states in this series. This guide profiles six real institutions, what each is known for, approximate international tuition, selectivity, and the support you can expect.

For visas, climate, and the wider context, see our guide to studying in Hawaii. This article goes deeper on the institutions.

Hawaii Universities at a Glance

University	Type	City / Island	Intl Tuition/Yr (approx.)	Selectivity
University of Hawaii at Manoa	Public (flagship)	Honolulu, Oahu	$34,200	Moderate (~70%)
University of Hawaii at Hilo	Public	Hilo, Big Island	$20,000	Open-to-moderate
University of Hawaii–West Oahu	Public	Kapolei, Oahu	$18,000	Open
Hawaii Pacific University	Private	Honolulu, Oahu	$32,000	Open-to-moderate
Chaminade University	Private (Catholic)	Honolulu, Oahu	$30,000	Open-to-moderate
Brigham Young University–Hawaii	Private (LDS)	Laie, Oahu	$12,000	Selective

University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa)

UH Manoa in Honolulu is the state's flagship and an R1 (very high research activity) university — the only one in Hawaii. It enrolls around 18,000 students. Non-resident tuition and fees sit near $34,200 per year, and because of housing costs, total cost of attendance reaches roughly $55,000.

Known for

Marine biology and oceanography (among the best programs in the world, given the Pacific location), volcanology and earth sciences, astronomy (UH operates telescopes on Mauna Kea), tropical agriculture, Asian and Pacific Islands studies, and Hawaiian language and culture. The School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology is a global research leader.

International support

The International Student Services office provides immigration advising, OPT/CPT, and orientation. UH Manoa is unusually diverse, with strong ties across Asia and the Pacific, so international students rarely feel out of place. WICHE and WUE regional tuition programs may also reduce costs for some applicants.

University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo)

UH Hilo on the Big Island is the smaller, more affordable sister campus, with international tuition near $20,000 per year and a lower cost of living than Honolulu. It is a strong choice for science students who want field access.

Known for

Astronomy and astrophysics (with direct access to the Mauna Kea observatories), volcanology, marine science, tropical conservation biology, and pharmacy — it houses the only college of pharmacy in the state. The Big Island's active volcanoes make it a living laboratory for earth science.

International support

UH Hilo offers dedicated international advising and a small-campus feel, with research opportunities that are hard to match elsewhere for earth and marine sciences.

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU)

HPU is a private university in downtown Honolulu with one of the most internationally diverse student bodies in the U.S. — students come from over 60 countries. Tuition near $32,000 per year is offset by substantial merit aid.

Known for

Marine science, nursing, business and international business, and oceanography. HPU's small class sizes, urban location, and international focus make it a popular landing spot for students who want a globally minded environment.

International support

HPU has extensive experience with international students and offers strong advising, orientation, and community support given its international makeup.

Other Options Worth Knowing

University of Hawaii–West Oahu

In Kapolei, UH West Oahu offers four-year degrees at international tuition near $18,000 per year — the most affordable public four-year option. Strong in business, education, public administration, and creative media, with a growing, modern campus.

Chaminade University

A private Catholic university in Honolulu with tuition near $30,000, heavily offset by merit aid. Strong in nursing, forensic science, criminal justice, and the sciences, with small classes and a service-oriented mission.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii

BYU–Hawaii in Laie is a small, selective private university affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with one of the most internationally diverse student bodies in the country — students from over 70 nations. Tuition is unusually low, around $12,000 per year, though students must commit to an honor code including faith-based conduct standards. Strong in business, education, and TESOL.

The Community-College Transfer Route

Because Honolulu's cost of living is so high, the community college route is especially valuable in Hawaii. The University of Hawaii system includes several community colleges — Kapiolani, Leeward, and Honolulu Community College among them — where you can complete two years at roughly $8,000–$10,000 in international tuition, then transfer seamlessly into a UH four-year campus. Because they share the same system, credit transfer is unusually smooth. Our U.S. community college guide explains the 2+2 pathway.

How to Choose the Right Hawaii University

Weigh three filters:

• Budget. Honolulu is expensive. UH Hilo and UH West Oahu cost less, and the community college route cuts costs sharply. Model your full annual number — tuition plus high Hawaii housing — with the cost of study calculator before committing.
• Field. Marine science, oceanography, and astronomy point to UH Manoa or UH Hilo; international business to HPU; pharmacy to UH Hilo.
• Setting. Honolulu offers a city and the biggest campus. Hilo is quieter, cheaper, and closer to active volcanoes and field research.

For the wider U.S. application picture, see our complete guide to studying in the USA.

Application Basics for International Students

Hawaii's public universities have moderate admissions, with the flagship the most competitive. You will typically submit:

• Proof of English: TOEFL (61–79+) or IELTS (6.0–6.5), depending on campus.
• Academic transcripts with a credential evaluation where required.
• Financial documentation for the I-20 and F-1 visa — budget for Hawaii's high living costs.
• Application fee of roughly $50–$70.

Apply by December–February for fall entry to allow visa processing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best university in Hawaii for international students?

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is the flagship and only R1 research university, world-renowned for marine science, oceanography, and astronomy. For lower costs with strong earth sciences, UH Hilo is an excellent alternative on the Big Island.

How much does it cost to study in Hawaii?

International tuition ranges from about $12,000 per year at BYU–Hawaii to $34,200 at UH Manoa. The bigger factor is living costs: Honolulu housing and food push total annual costs toward $55,000, the highest in this five-state series.

Is University of Hawaii at Manoa good for marine biology?

Yes — it is one of the best in the world. Its School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Pacific location, and research facilities make UH Manoa a top destination for marine biology, oceanography, and volcanology.

Can international students work in Hawaii while studying?

Yes. F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and full time in breaks. After graduation, OPT allows 12 months of work, extended to 36 months for STEM degrees — relevant for the science-heavy programs at UH Manoa and UH Hilo. On-campus work also helps offset Hawaii's high living costs.

How do students manage Hawaii's high cost of living?

Many start at a University of Hawaii community college to cut tuition, share housing off campus, and work on-campus jobs. UH Hilo and UH West Oahu also cost less than Honolulu. Budget carefully — housing is the single biggest expense in the state.

Why are BYU–Hawaii and HPU so internationally diverse?

Both recruit heavily across Asia and the Pacific. BYU–Hawaii enrolls students from over 70 nations as part of its mission, and Hawaii Pacific University draws students from more than 60 countries, making both among the most internationally diverse campuses in the United States.