Overview
Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) is a private, non-profit university located in Honolulu, Hawaii, recognised as the largest private university in the state. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programmes grounded in a liberal arts foundation while emphasising experiential, hands-on learning, career readiness, and global perspectives. The university serves a diverse student body from all 50 U.S. states and dozens of countries, fostering a multicultural learning environment in a tropical Pacific setting.
History
Founded in 1965 as Hawaii Pacific College, HPU grew steadily, achieving university status in 1990 and later expanding through mergers, including with Hawai’i Loa College in 1992. Over the decades, it evolved into a comprehensive institution with multiple campuses and sites, including locations across Oʻahu and programmes on military installations.
Unique Features
- Range of academic programmes: HPU offers a broad portfolio of degrees—including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes—in areas such as business, nursing, sciences, social sciences, public health, and professional studies.
- Applied and experiential learning: Courses emphasise interactive, hands-on experiences with opportunities for research, internships, and community engagement, preparing students for real-world careers.
- Cultural and global engagement: Set in the heart of the Pacific, HPU’s curriculum incorporates Hawaiian values such as pono (balance and moral integrity), kuleana (responsibility), and aloha (kindness and respect), reinforcing communal and ethical development.
- Diverse student body: Students hail from across the U.S. and many countries, creating a vibrant multicultural campus life.
- Athletics: HPU’s athletic teams, known as the Sharks, compete in NCAA Division II—enhancing campus spirit and community involvement.
Location
HPU’s main campus is situated in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu, offering easy access to cultural, professional, and recreational resources in Hawaii’s capital. Additional campus sites—including coastal and military base locations—extend the university’s reach across the island. The Honolulu location provides scenic ocean and mountain views and proximity to internships, beaches, and city life.
