Hawaii Universities

Most university-level study-abroad programs are conducted in English. You can search www.studyabroad.com for various semester programs that meet your criteria, including your desired location and focus of study. If you’re a college student, your friendly campus study-abroad office is often the best place to start.

The University of Hawaii (www.hawaii.edu) is composed of 10 independent university and community college campuses and five education centers throughout the islands. Students wishing to study in Hawaii may find it cheaper to enroll directly in one of the two major universities on Oahu and the Big Island (listed below), but check about obtaining college credit. While Honolulu is certainly the largest college town, you may find that the most rewarding study-abroad experiences in Hawaii occur in an off-campus research setting. Dining halls and college bars look less appealing when compared to beaches, coral reefs, rainforests, and volcanoes.

Hawaii Pacific University, 1164 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (☎808-544-0200; www.hpu.edu). Offers 12 different masters programs, as well as hundreds of courses over the summer for anyone wishing to take a few classes.
Maui Community College, 310 Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732 (☎808-984-3500; http://maui.hawaii.edu). Has 2-year vocational and liberal arts degrees and 4-year programs. The Culinary Arts program and Maui Language Institute are particularly notable.
Sea Education Association (SEA), P.O. Box 6, Woods Hole, MA 02543 (☎800-552-3633; www.sea.edu). Students undertake coursework in oceanography, nautical science, and maritime literature and history, followed by a practical component of hands-on marine science and blue-water sailing in the Pacific Ocean. Students are full participants in the operation and navigation of a 134’ brigantine with a scientific mission and ongoing student research projects. All programming is accredited and available for any major.
Study Abroad Hawaii, 25 New South St., #102, Northampton, MA 01060 (☎413-584-7639; www.studyabroadhawaii.com). An all-inclusive cultural and educational program takes place at various satellites of Hawaii Pacific University and includes excursions, tours, and luaus. Perhaps a bit gimmicky, Study Abroad Hawaii is still a good option for those looking for an introduction to Hawaii.
University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2500 Campus Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822 (☎808-956- 8111; http://manoa.hawaii.edu). A research institution with close to 20,000 students has strengths in tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, and Hawaiian, Pacific Island, and Asian studies and languages. Over 1000 graduate and undergraduate classes are offered over the summer. Airfare discounts are available. A program for high school students to earn college credit is also offered.
University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720 (☎808-974-7414 or 800-897-4456; http://hilo.hawaii.edu). Specializes in the study of indigenous languages, volcanoes, astronomy, and marine science, and offers undergraduate liberal arts, professional, and graduate degrees. A summer session is also offered.