6 Best Universities In Hawaii For International Students 2025

Hawaii is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 6 universities in Hawaii, University of Hawaii at Mānoa and University of Hawaii at Hilo are the top-performing schools in Hawaii. This list covers both public and private institutions in Hawaii.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Hawaii. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Hawaii.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Hawaii?

Applying to the universities in Hawaii involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Hawaii to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Hawaii?

Tuition fees at Hawaii’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 8,334 USD to 41,100 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 10,100 USD to 27,500 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Hawaii!

As we cover the best universities in Hawaii for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Hawaii for International Students

Founded as a land-grant college of agriculture and mechanic arts under the Morrill Act, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa started with 10 students and 13 faculty. 13 years from its establishment, the college was granted university status and later on offered various other programs. The university continued to expand and offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is, as its name states, located in the town of Hilo, Hawaii. It was founded in 1947 and has a more hands-on direct approach by making smaller classes. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered, with a diverse population taught with Hawaiian culture and tradition in mind. As cliché as it sounds, their mission and vision focus on family, responsibility, and diversity to guide the learning process of their students. In their 70 years of service, they have produced students that are highly competent, innovative, and involved in society.

The Hawaii Pacific University is the most extensive private institution in its region. The institution has several locations across Hawaii. Their campuses include one in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii Loa, Makapu‘u, and military campuses on different bases such as O‘ahu and Pearl Harbor. It is ranked 201st in the US by QS rankings.

Brigham Young University-Hawaii was established in 1955 by the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is located in Laie, Hawaii, and is also an active partner of the Polynesian Cultural Center. It currently offers undergraduate programs in a wide range of academic disciplines such as arts, humanities, mathematics, and professional studies. 

The University of Hawaii-West Oahu provides a safe space for students to learn and experience the career they are passionate about. The university reflects the uniqueness and authenticity of the Hawaiian tradition, which is why it is famous among international students. The University of Hawaii-West Oahu is one of the fastest-growing public baccalaureate schools in the country.

The Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private university in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was founded in 1955 by the religious congregation, Society of Mary. The university is well-known for its biology, business, forensic science, design, nursing, and religious studies programs.