Hawaii Pacific University
Aloha! 🌺 This was my first time visiting Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University and I was not disappointed.
I had the opportunity to spend a few days visiting the campus and talking extensively with students, faculty, and administration about what makes the school so innovative and unique. It’s definitely student-focused and there is a huge focus on outcomes and career opportunities.
Students here are independent, adventurous, and willing to step outside their comfortable bubble. This non-traditional school is vibrantly urban, and with an undergraduate population of a little over 3,000 students, what stood out to me was the sense of community and robust advising. Students repeatedly gushed about how all the professors knew them by name and talked with them about internships, jobs, and career pathways that made sense for them.
The most popular programs are marine biology/sciences (and the Oceanic Institute on the Makapu'u campus is stunning) and nursing. They are doing cutting edge research on micro plastics and students are researching as early as their first year. Fun fact—OI scientists achieved the first-ever successful cultivation of captive-bred Yellow Tang and are working with industry partners to commercialize this technology. 🐠
It’s certainly not a “rah rah” school, but students talked about how much there is to do, and they definitely take advantage of the free bus to explore the entire island. Beach going is definitely a popular activity. 🌊
Some exciting and innovative opportunities include:
HPU boasts one of the top E-Sports programs and they even offer scholarships
incredible support for first generation students
undergrads can take up to 4 graduate classes for free (which can count for both undergrad/grad reqs) and guaranteed admissions to grad programs!
large merit aid
unlimited psychotherapy sessions and significant mental health support
Mahalo to the entire HPU staff, especially Suzanne Prenovost, Madeline Fetter and Amanda Borjas for organizing the amazing counselor visit, and to President John Gotanda for talking candidly and openly with us. And to Greg Grauman for talking with us and answering our endless questions (and for the local recommendations!).