Overview of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa), founded in 1907, is the flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi system. Located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, United States, UH Mānoa is a major public, research-intensive institution with a longstanding tradition of academic excellence and a distinctive geographic setting in the heart of the Pacific. The campus serves over 19,000 undergraduate and graduate students, supported by more than 1,200 faculty members across 17 colleges and schools, offering a comprehensive array of programs. Its strategic position and diversity enrich the university’s intellectual, cultural, and research landscape, making it a key hub for learning and innovation in the region.
UH Mānoa is internationally recognized for its strengths in oceanography, earth and environmental sciences, tropical agriculture, Asian and Pacific area studies, and linguistics. The university is home to leading research institutes, including the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), and regularly ranks among the world’s top institutions for environmental and marine sciences. Interdisciplinary education is a hallmark, with flexible curricula that encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and problem-based learning. UH Mānoa ranks among the top 1.5% of universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2022) and is an active participant in global research networks and joint degree initiatives. The university holds R1 Carnegie classification, reflecting very high research activity, and has produced numerous internationally recognized scholars and Nobel laureates.
Student life at UH Mānoa is vibrant and diverse, shaped by more than 200 student-run clubs, multicultural organizations, and a calendar full of campus events including the Aloha Bash and East-West Fest. The campus celebrates an inclusive ethos, welcoming students from over 100 countries and fostering a unique intercultural experience. Comprehensive student support services—ranging from counseling and mentoring to career development—underscore the university’s commitment to well-being. On-campus residence halls, a robust athletics program (home of the Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine), and access to exceptional arts and recreational facilities offer students opportunities for engagement and personal growth beyond academics.
UH Mānoa’s mission is to foster a community of learning, discovery, and service in a globally connected Pacific, with a steadfast commitment to sustainability, innovation, equity, and cultivating responsible global citizenship.
