University of HawaiʻI at Mānoa

HonoluluUnited States of America 21° N · 157° W Updated Oct 2026

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa), located in the picturesque Mānoa Valley of Honolulu, stands as a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural…

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University of HawaiʻI at Mānoa
Sausage tree with hanging sausage-shaped fruits on the University of Hawaii campus
Postcard image featuring a sausage tree with distinctive hanging sausage-like fruits located on the campus of the University of Hawaii.
Sausage tree with large hanging fruit on University of Hawaii campus
Postcard image of a sausage tree featuring large hanging sausage-shaped fruit on the University of Hawaii campus
Commemorative IEEE plaque for the creation of ALOHAnet, a foundational early large scale network
Photo of the commemorative IEEE plaque celebrating the creation of ALOHAnet, an early pioneering network that laid the groundwork for large scale networks of the future.
Research Building at John A Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu Hawaii
The Research Building at the John A Burns School of Medicine located in Honolulu Hawaii, photo taken by Scott Dahlem on October 13, 2005
Stone marking the entrance to University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Stone marker at the entrance to University of Hawai'i at Mānoa campus, symbolizing the university's identity and location
Brown lesions indicating taro leaf blight on taro plant leaf
Close-up image showing brown lesions caused by taro leaf blight on a taro plant leaf, captured by Scot Nelson from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Upper Campus buildings and greenery
Scenic view of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Upper Campus showcasing its academic buildings surrounded by lush green landscape.
University of Hawaii campus landscape with modern buildings and lush greenery under a clear sky
Panoramic view of University of Hawaii campus featuring modern architecture, open green spaces, and tropical landscaping under bright daylight
Traditional Wayang shadow puppets from Central Java depicting a scene from Irawan's Wedding
Mid 20th century Wayang shadow puppets from Central Java, illustrating a scene from Irawan's Wedding, housed at the University of Hawaii Department of Theater and Dance

What the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) sits in the lush Mānoa Valley of Honolulu. Founded in 1907, it has grown from a small agricultural college into a global research university, with land-, sea-, sun-, and space-grant status. Its 320-acre campus combines historic and Pacific-inspired architecture, multicultural communities, and connections to Hawaiian heritage.

UH Mānoa is known for research in astronomy, oceanography, biomedical research, and genetics. Its Pacific location also supports strengths in Asian and Pacific studies, international business, and environmental law. The East-West Center strengthens academic and cultural exchanges.

The university is home to the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language, and the Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. It is dedicated to perpetuating Native Hawaiian language and culture, and integrates traditional ecological knowledge with research and technology.

History and cultural significance

UH Mānoa began as the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1907 and moved to Mānoa Valley in 1912. By 1920, it had become the University of Hawaiʻi and was expanding its academic reach and establishing new colleges (UH History; UH Mānoa History).

The university has students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Its commitment to cultural enrichment and sustainability is reflected in campus programs, festivals, and activities (Society19; Honolulu Education).

What to see and do

  • Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies Explore cultural programs and native gardens.
  • Hamilton Library The largest research library in the Pacific, with special exhibits (Hamilton Library website).
  • Lyon Arboretum A botanical garden with 5,000+ plant species (Lyon Arboretum website).
  • Art galleries and Kennedy Theatre See rotating exhibitions and performances (UH Mānoa Arts Calendar).
  • Athletics Attend Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine games at Stan Sheriff Center or Les Murakami Stadium.
  • Campus events More than 200 student clubs support activities including cultural festivals, public lectures, art markets, and sporting events. Annual highlights include International Night and the Hawaiian Cultural Festival (UH Mānoa events calendar).
  • Outdoor spaces Mānoa Falls and its trail are among the nearby natural attractions.

Visiting information

UH Mānoa hours, tours, and access

  • Campus grounds Open daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
  • Most buildings Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
  • Special facilities Check individual websites for specific hours.
  • Admission General campus access is free. Some events or museums may charge admission.
  • Guided tours Free, last 60–90 minutes, and require advance reservations through the Admissions Office.
  • Self-guided tours Download maps online or pick them up at the visitor center.
  • Accessibility The campus is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking. The KOKUA Program and Disability Services Office provide additional support. Contact Disability Services for specific needs (UH Mānoa Catalog).

Parking and transportation

  • Parking Visitor parking is available in the Lower Campus Parking Structure (Zone 20), $5/day (UH Mānoa parking page).
  • Public transit TheBus routes 4, 6, and 18 serve campus. Route planning is available at TheBus official website.
  • Bikes and rideshares Bike paths and rideshare drop-off points are available.

Visitor services and amenities

  • Dining Campus Center Food Court, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, and Manoa Gardens offer diverse menus.
  • Bookstore Shop for apparel, gifts, and local products.
  • Wi-Fi Free guest Wi-Fi is available in major public areas.
  • Safety Campus security operates 24/7, and emergency call boxes are available.
  • Language support Services are available in Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Tagalog.

Tips and planning

For current details on visiting, consult the official UH Mānoa visitor page and the Campus Visitor Guide. Special facility hours, tours, and event schedules may vary; the palace’s official website provides its tour and event schedules.

Download the Audiala app for guided tours, maps, and event updates. Follow UH Mānoa on social media for news and happenings. The Honolulu tourism website is another planning resource.

Nearby places

ʻIolani Palace

ʻIolani Palace, in downtown Honolulu, was built in 1882 by King Kalākaua. It served as the residence of the Hawaiian monarchy until the kingdom’s overthrow in 1893. The only royal palace on U.S. soil, it is a National Historic Landmark. Its architecture blends American Florentine and Italian Renaissance styles, and it preserves royal artifacts and tells the story of Hawaiʻi’s monarchy (Iolani Palace Official Website).

The palace represents the identity and resilience of Native Hawaiians. It hosts cultural events, educational programs, and ceremonies that celebrate and perpetuate Hawaiian traditions. Visitors can learn about Queen Liliʻuokalani and King Kalākaua, the last reigning monarchs, and experience living history on the palace grounds.

  • Hours Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; last admission 3:15 PM. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.
  • Tickets $20 for adults; $10 for youth 5–17; free for children under 5 and Hawaiʻi residents with ID. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office.
  • Tours and events Guided tours are led by docents. Cultural performances and holiday celebrations are held regularly; check the official website for schedules.
  • Location and access Centrally located in downtown Honolulu, the palace is accessible via public transit and nearby parking.
  • Accessibility Wheelchair accessible, with accommodations available for visitors with disabilities. Service animals are welcome.
  • Photography Permitted on palace grounds; restrictions apply indoors.

Nearby sites include the King Kamehameha Statue, Mission Houses Museum, and the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Chinatown offers nearby dining and cultural experiences.

Other nearby attractions

  • Bishop Museum Features Hawaiian history and culture exhibits (Bishop Museum website).
  • Waikīkī Beach and Honolulu Museum of Art Within a short drive or bus ride from campus.
  • Mānoa Falls Trail Also within a short drive or bus ride from campus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours at UH Mānoa?
A: Campus grounds are open daily from 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; most buildings operate Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Q: Are tickets required for campus tours?
A: Guided tours are free but require advance reservations.

Q: Is the campus wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. Accessible facilities and parking are available. Contact Disability Services for specific needs.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No; general campus access is free. Some events or museums may charge admission.

Q: Where can I buy tickets for athletic events?
A: Online via the athletics website or at venue box offices.