University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of Hawaii at Manoa
Discover groundbreaking research and unique opportunities at the heart of the Pacific.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa stands as the flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi System, a vibrant public land-grant research institution nestled in Honolulu. Renowned for its "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity" classification, UH Mānoa offers an unparalleled academic experience with over 200 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Its distinction extends to being one of only three universities nationwide to participate in all four federal research consortia—land-grant, sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant—underscoring its deep commitment to comprehensive discovery.
Rooted in a rich history, the university was founded in 1907 as a college of agriculture and mechanic arts, driven by the initiatives of Native Hawaiian legislators and local citizens. It evolved from the College of Hawaii to the University of Hawaiʻi, expanding its academic scope and physical footprint over decades. Post-World War II, the institution experienced rapid growth, becoming a constitutional agency with Hawaii's statehood in 1959 and later forming the broader University of Hawaiʻi System, distinguishing its Mānoa campus in 1972.
Prospective students and families will find an engaging and dynamic environment at UH Mānoa. Its unique location not only provides a stunning backdrop but also informs its strong academic programs, particularly in fields like tropical agriculture, oceanography (implied by sea-grant), and engineering. The university's deep ties to the state are evident, with a significant number of Hawaii's state senators and representatives being UH graduates, reflecting the institution's pivotal role in shaping local leadership and innovation.
Key Highlights
- ✦Flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi System, classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity."
- ✦One of only three universities nationwide to participate in all four federal research consortia: Land-grant, Sea-grant, Space-grant, and Sun-grant.
- ✦Houses a U.S. Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), one of only 14 in the country.
- ✦Offers over 200 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools.
- ✦A significant contributor to Hawaii's leadership, with 44% of state senators and 51% of state representatives being UH graduates.
- ✦Established on March 23, 1907, with a vibrant history of expansion and evolution.
- ✦Serves 20,012 students (Fall 2024) across its programs.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within University of Hawaii at Manoa
John A. Burns School of Medicine
The medical school located adjacent to Kakaʻako Waterfront Park.
College of Education
Formerly Teacher's College, formed in 1931 after absorbing the Territorial Normal School.
College of Engineering
One of the expanded colleges by the 1950s.
College of Business Administration
One of the expanded colleges by the 1950s.
College of Tropical Agriculture
One of the expanded colleges by the 1950s, building on its land-grant roots.
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