Student smiling with the cityscape of Honolulu in the background.

The Best College Town In Hawaii

Honolulu is an island city on Oahu's southern shore of Hawaii and a famed Pacific getaway destination as a major college town for the University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UH Manoa). As a city full of natural vibrance, exotic landmarks, and locales, the capital of the "Aloha State" is a common vacation retreat for almost every tourist globally. It is a harbor-centric town with international business acclaim, a militarized history, and an array of culinary and nightlife pleasures to satisfy all new and returning visitors. Formerly a colony settlement tracing back to the 11th century and part of a Hawaiian monarchy system in the 1890s, the Polynesian island later evolved into an airport and seaport for tourism and travel industries in the modern day.

Founded in 1907, UH Manoa is a public institution recognized for its academic reputation and a testament to Hawaiian beauty and historical foundations. The campus has been a staple for both learning communities and personal tourism, allowing for a mixture of scientific research, cultural impact, and cherished tropical memories as a gateway to Hawaiian paradise!

Community and Campus Life

University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public co-educational research university as well as the flagship campus of University of Hawaii. — Exterior of the University of Hawaii Manoa. Image credit Osugi via Shutterstock.

The community that makes the University of Hawai'i at Manoa is thrilling and lovable! UH Manoa is a grand and adventurous landmark that brings out academic brilliance, on-campus excitement, and wellness options, including those who choose to study here short or long-term. Community life at the campus is quite massive, as students are generally seen within all types of themes and pursuits, ranging from vibrant arts and culture to political and social climate talks, to community service and humanitarian efforts on behalf of UH Manoa's Outreach College. This also extends to Honolulu as a whole, as people around town will always feel like they belong in a laidback community that caters to "family," acts of service, and appealing campus festivals.

Hawaii Hall view. Image credit Phillip B. Espinasse via Shutterstock.

Those who live and work around the campus may find dozens of motivators for building strong relationships, whether with family friends, school faculty, or fellow students in classes. The town prides itself on building familial ties, making it an ideal destination for collegegoers and travelers who want to feel included through volunteerism and on-site nature walks with faculty. There are also ways to enjoy turtle snorkeling and sports viewing parties with friendly restaurant owners all across town!

Cultural and Recreational Offerings

A woman capturing a panoramic view of the city of Honolulu on her camera on a bright summer day.

Recreational and intramural activities are quite popular around Honolulu, as UH Manoa students can participate in many sporting activities and enjoy fresh air while feeling the Hawaiian breeze! Some students love to write and publish stories on behalf of Manoa Now to help bolster academic initiatives about work life in Honolulu. The essence of celebration and ethnic ties is also evident, as students and tourists alike can participate in domestic and international rhetoric that centers around Hawaiian cultural endeavors through the Leisure Center, historic live shows and musical recitals at the Kennedy Theatre, and even social family cookouts for Oahu patrons!

Chinese Granite Statue of a Guardian Lion Statue at the University of Hawaii in Manoa, Oahu — Chinese Granite Statue of a Guardian Lion Statue at the University of Hawaii in Manoa. Image credit Theodore Trimmer via Shutterstock.

The Kanewai Cultural Resource Center is a key host for group-oriented cultural retreats for students and visitors in town. The learning curriculum allows people to build connections as part of a "sanctuary" and generates a lot of tourism from outsiders because of its emphasis on heritage and upbringing. Those who visit Honolulu or reside on campus at UH Manoa can participate in cultural ceremonies to benefit natives who believe in kalo cultivation and ancestral island preservation. For travelers who are long-term guests around the city, Experience Nutridge provides rainforest luau performances and backyard heritage for all to remember!

Social Scene

Arial skyline view of Honolulu, Hawaii at dusk

Restaurants and nightlife entertainment are easy to find around Honolulu and UH Manoa. While the college does not offer Greek fraternities or sororities, it does create laidback social excursions for all who prefer being out and about. Hawaiian Brian's is a social club that encourages friendly bartending, kitchen vendors, and evening ping-pong; it is also known for "Halloweekend" events during October! Others may like Scarlet Honolulu, a unique nightclub that doubles as an inclusive safe space for LGBTQ+ students.

Anna O'Briens is a live music locale with the coolest historical jazz charms and classic pub fare for Hawaiian backpackers. At Secret Spot Honolulu in the Waikiki area, locals and residents can savor acai bowls and breakfast bacon while taking in pleasant plaza views. Cafe Kaila is known for its potato creations and tasty sourdough ingredients. The Magical Mystery Show is a blessing for entertainment fans who want to enjoy comedy magic and intimate elegance within a fancy showroom! For older audiences, Ko'olau Distillery makes brewery tastes more fun with Happy Hour specials and narrated walk-in tours of rich whiskeys; it is also conveniently found within the Ko'olau Mountains for nature lovers!

Appeal to Non-Students

Waikiki Beach view of Honolulu — Tourists in the Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. Editorial credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock.com

Waikiki is a core neighborhood in Honolulu, offering plenty of casual and thrilling activities. Waikiki Beach is a prominent stop for non-students and students with a penchant for surfing and downtown bar-hopping. Oahu's South Shore is also a great idea, with its fantastic tropical scenery and splendid shoreline weekends for Honolulu residents! Around Hanauma Bay, marine preserve fans can check out local fish and exotic species that make Honolulu the best destination in Hawaii for oceanic retreats or expeditions.

The Sea Life Park is a family-friendly detour for close encounters with dolphins, seals, tropical birds, and scenic coasts! For history buffs, the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace have insect specimen exhibits, extensive local relics from Hawaii's missionary past, and scientific and cultural artworks based on Pearl Harbor. Shoppers from both around the UH Manoa campus and the city can take on Kahala Mall for boutique goods and Waikiki gifts to take home. These options are perfect for retirees, alumni, and family-oriented traveling groups who want to participate in meaningful tours and historical splendors.

Honolulu's unique historical, natural, and commercial vibrance makes it the best college town one can visit at any time of year. With UH Manoa's most important features and nearby stopping points, one may find so much to see and do in any itinerary. For anyone who visits Hawaii for the first time or is even a familiar face, there is no shortage of scenery and charming delights to be had. For new or settled travelers, this college town is no stranger to culture, allure, and island memories!

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