University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI · founded 1907 · 18,000 students · public research university · Big West Conference (most sports), Mountain West Conference (football)

Known for: The flagship campus of the University of Hawaii system, internationally renowned for its unique programs in oceanography, earth sciences, astronomy, Hawaiian studies, and Asian-Pacific studies, leveraging its exceptional island location.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #166
QS World: #407
Times Higher Education: #401

Top programmes

Oceanography and Earth Sciences
Astronomy (Institute for Astronomy)
Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Studies
Asian Studies
Travel Industry Management
Law (William S. Richardson School of Law)

Notable alumni

Barack Obama — 44th President of the United States (attended Punahou School and lived in Honolulu).
Steve Case — Co-founder of AOL and businessman.
Daniel K. Inouye — Former U.S. Senator from Hawaii and Medal of Honor recipient.
Mazie Hirono — U.S. Senator from Hawaii.
Bette Midler — Singer, actress, and comedian.
Lt. Gen. Eric Shinseki — Former U.S. Army Chief of Staff and Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Georgia Engelhard — Mountaineer and photographer.
Nainoa Thompson — Master navigator of traditional Polynesian voyaging.

Traditions

'Manoa' Rain (a daily campus phenomenon)
Homecoming and the Rainbow Warrior football games
May Day Lei Day Celebration
Kaleinani O Ke Kai (canoe regatta)
International Night

If University of Hawaii at Manoa were…

As a food: Poke bowl — Fresh, multicultural, unpretentious, and utterly tied to its place—you can get imitations anywhere, but the real thing only works with Pacific ingredients and local know-how. UH Manoa blends Asian, Pacific Islander, and
As an athlete: Marcus Mariota — The Saint Louis School and Oregon Heisman winner who brought understated Hawaiian excellence to the mainland—humble, hardworking, and representing island values on the biggest stage. UH Manoa students carry that same qui
As a person alive today: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson — Born in the Pacific, raised with island values, and became a global force while never forgetting where he came from—charismatic, hardworking, and bridging cultures. UH Manoa produces people who navigate between worlds wh
As a historical figure: Queen Liliʻuokalani — The last Hawaiian monarch who fought to preserve indigenous sovereignty while navigating colonial powers—resilient, culturally grounded, and representing a people's dignity. UH Manoa carries the responsibility of serving
As a movie or TV show: Lost — Set in Hawaii, featuring a wildly diverse cast thrown together by circumstance, full of mystery and research stations, where paradise and danger coexist. UH Manoa is that same mix of tropical beauty, scientific intrigue,
As a US president: Barack Obama — The Punahou grad who embodies Hawaii's multicultural pragmatism—comfortable in multiple worlds, intellectually curious, and shaped by island values of tolerance and community. UH Manoa students inherit that same cosmopol
As a city: Singapore — A multicultural Pacific hub where East meets West, blending research excellence with tropical living, expensive as hell, and serving as a bridge between continents. UH Manoa occupies that same crossroads position, connec
As an element: Helium — Studied extensively through astronomy, found in stars, lighter than air, and essential for scientific instruments—plus it's what you're breathing at Maunakea's observatories. UH Manoa's identity is inseparable from looki
As a car: 1990 Toyota 4Runner SR5 — Manoa's laid-back research culture meets island practicality—a vehicle equally suited to astronomy labs on Mauna Kea and surf checks at Waimea, with that specific sun-faded patina that screams 'local knowledge.' It's alo

Campus life

Campus life reflects the diverse, multicultural fabric of Hawaii, with a relaxed, outdoor-oriented vibe. Social scenes blend academic focus with island culture, featuring local food, beach outings, and a wide range of clubs celebrating the university's ethnic diversity. There is less emphasis on traditional big-time football culture compared to mainland schools.