Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI, USA

Reviews

Hawaii Pacific University

Christina from Dunkirk, MD

a current student here
44 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The foreign language and business classes here are taught really well and the students actually learn applicable material. The small class sizes allow for a lot of focus on areas specific to the individual students.
Am enjoying being here
The school is beautiful and the people are all really nice. There are people from all over the world, and every day something new is going on.
Bang for the buck
For a private college, this school comes at a great price. There are a lot of scholarships. The classes are interesting and the professors try hard.
Tips for prospective students
Just make sure you keep up with the work load from the beginning. Do not schedule any classes before 9. Also, live in the off-campus housing, it is much cheaper and closer to more activities.
Great for these types of students
People who can balance having fun and working hard.

Klaire Marie from Honolulu, HI

a current student here
25 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Although this is just my first semester and third month at Hawaii Pacific University, I must admit that it has been, so far, the greatest three months of learning I have ever received since grade school. I am currently taking five courses: COM 1200, WRI 1100, CSCI 1011, ARTS 1000, and MATH 1105. The instructors I have are profoundly passionate about what they teach. Furthermore, HPU instructors remarkably do their best to help when students are in need of assistance. Students are free to let the instructor know whether or not the pacing of the lecture is too quick, too slow, or just right. When students are stressing before a test, HPU instructors carefully explain to the students what to know and review what will be on the test. In COM 1200, I have learned that mid-terms, finals, and other tests are a “celebration of knowledge.” With that in mind, I became more excited to learn about new concepts, new lessons, and further my knowledge than simply skim at through the surface of new ideas. One of the most important things that I have learned in all my classes is the importance of understanding. I realized how each of my professors has taken into account that not all students are at the same level of understanding. Therefore, each professor would ensure that they are teaching at the level to which all students are able to understand what is going on in the class. Especially since there are foreign exchange students, I condemn my instructors for clearly explaining the syllabus and what is expected to earn an A for their class. HPU professors really take the time to ensure that students receive the full education and learning they paid for.
Am enjoying being here
I am currently taking all of my class in the downtown campus where HPU’s buildings are scattered in various places. However, although HPU has multiple buildings all over downtown, it should not take more than seven minutes to travel from one class to another. I find that the location of HPU’s downtown campus is highly convenient for every student attending the school. There are many restaurants ranging from Mexican to Filipino Restaurants and Italian to Local dining eateries. In addition, there are clothing shops such as Macy’s, Ross, and Local Fever where students are able to buy clothes within walking distance from school. Furthermore, if students need to buy school supplies, grocery shop, or other necessities, there is Longs, Fishers Hawaii, and Chinatown which are all again, within walking distance. Aside from what is located around campus, though, the students, faculty, and staff of HPU really show the “Aloha Spirit.” People hold the door for each other, say a friendly hello, greet each other, and smile at everyone who they pass by, even if they haven’t even met. If someone is having a difficult time navigating their way around campus or town, there are security guards who are variously stationed and can be found practically anywhere you need them to ask for directions. Overall, I am highly enjoying my time at HPU and would recommend my school to all students. Also, there is a shuttle that is free for students for transportation from both the Windward and Downtown campuses.
Bang for the buck
The price may seem costly, but that’s what scholarship and Financial Aid is for. As I previously mentioned, professors will ultimately teach and ensure that their students are earning the learning experience and education they are paying for. HPU offers many different scholarships for prospective and current students. Outside scholarships and grants are also very helpful to pay for tuition and other college-related expenses. I think that with scholarships and grants, the education I am paying for at HPU is a fairly reasonable price.
Tips for prospective students
Upon deciding which college I wanted to attend, I was always reminded from an academic counselor that, College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. Students who choose to a college just for its name is not a good idea. However, if the students really want to attend that school, by all means. For students who are interested in attending HPU, my remarks are stated above. Overall, as long as students to their work, ask questions in class, participate in class discussions, and further their learning outside the classroom, college is like high school, except at a much higher level. In addition, time management is a skill that students should really be good at, especially for students who are well-rounded.
Great for these types of students
All students.

Barton from Kaneohe, HI

a current student here
20 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Pick your professors carefully. Some of them will not really teach you anything new.
Am enjoying being here
Everybody is nice at the Hawaii Loa Residence Halls.
Bang for the buck
I think that the cost for living in the Hawaii Loa Residence Halls is too overpriced. Getting an apartment will save you money for sure!
Tips for prospective students
Work hard in college. Do not just try to get by. You are working to get a job. Not a degree. I mean a degree is important, but there are lots of people who are losing their jobs even if they have a Bachelors Degree or even a Masters Degree. Try to find places where you can do volunteer work or internships so you understand what you need to do the job you are going to do.
Great for these types of students
Students who are willing to work hard and manage their time wisely.

Aira from Ewa Beach, HI

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Hawaii Pacific University offers many courses. I am currently a freshman and this university is great on transitioning from high school to college. What's best about HPU is the class sizes. For most of the classes taught in HPU class sizes are around 25 students. Having such small classes gives a great teacher to student ratio. From this small class sizes you are more able to learn efficiently and ask the professors on one on one help. HPU provides tutoring both on campus and on-line.
Am enjoying being here
Hawaii Pacific University is situated in paradise. The campus is near the ocean and the mountains, making it easy not to be bored. From hearing this you might think that the school is in the middle of the tropics, but HPU has it's main campus in downtown right by the infamous Waikiki. HPU has many clubs and organization to join. For example I am currently in Student Government and C.A.B. (Campus Activities Board) HPU provides many events that are student oriented. Additionally HPU is a very diverse campus, where you can have class that has multiple nationalities and having that you make friends who are lives halfway around the world.
Bang for the buck
Hawaii Pacific University is a private college, meaning that it is more costly than a public university but the cost is worth it. HPU is technologically updated, having multiple computer labs available. Also the courses you take are taught by professors who are experts in that subject, knowing that you are being taught by the best. HPU is a student orientated campus, they cater to their students. Academically HPU excels but also socially. HPU has a lot of events for the students to enjoy. Also there many services that are available due to the tuition that you pay. Like tutoring, multiple lounges, advising, events and many more.
Tips for prospective students
Always finish your studies before playing. Yes, the beach is a few minutes away but don't let it distract you.
Learn to take the city bus, is the easiest way to get around the island and to school if you do not drive.
Hawaii Pacific University offers many resources, make sure to make use of them. For examples academic advising is excellent in helping you plan your 4 years in college.
Great for these types of students
Hawaii Pacific University are for students who like an adventure. Those who enjoys outdoors activities such as hiking, camping, swimming and etc. It is also perfect for those who wants to live in a tropical weather year round. Also for those who wants to attend a University that is very diverse. Those who are open to experiencing and learning new cultures. I believe all students will have a great time in HPU.

Geraldine from Waipahu, HI

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers allow you to meet up with them whenever you need help. There are many opportunities to help you understand a certain subject and the work isn't too overloading, even if you have 5 classes.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here; Hawaii Pacific University provides many cool clubs, events, and benefits to socialize with others. There are lots of convenient shops if you're in a rush, or if you just want to chill. Having so many people of different cultures and places makes this school unique and interesting. I am proud to be a Sea Warrior!
Bang for the buck
There are many scholarships provided from this school, which allows your tuition to be at a reasonable price- it may seem like a very costly school, but it's not bad at all once you have scholarships. The shuttle to go from downtown to windward or vice versa is very convenient for those who have classes in both campuses. It's free and comes in about every half an hour.
Tips for prospective students
Hawaii Pacific University has great advisors to help you with every step of the way to make sure you become successful.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for those who like small classes, like to meet different kinds of people and are school spirited.

Katie from Scappoose, OR

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
HPU is a great community! Everyone here is super nice and very helpful! We have many great teachers with great programs!!
Tips for prospective students
Just because its Hawaii does not mean that its going to be sunny all the time. It does rain here, and once you are used to the weather it does get a little cold. SO pack a couple pairs of pants and a couple sweaters!
Academic Rigor
Most of the classes are pretty straight forward. There can be a heavy workload once you get into the higher up classes but the majority of teachers are pretty laid back.
Dorm Life
The residence halls are great! Each building holds about 30 students and so we are a family away from home. Everyone looks out for one-another, and its mostly freshman. There are many activities going on each month to be involved with, and each individual hall does movie nights and stuff. The only downside is the campus with the residence halls is a little away from everything so you either need to take the shuttle, the bus, or have a car.
Food and Dining
The food here is great!! Sure, its not your moms home cooked meal, but its usually quite good. The only downside is there is limited hours that the cafeteria is open.
What to do for fun
Well its Hawaii!! You can go the beach, the park, go hiking, go clubbing, go shopping, see a movie, golf, bowling, ice skating. Plus tons more stuff to do. Don't let the fact that its an island make you think there is not much to do.
Bang for the buck
The tuition is a lot, but you will never have a class over 25 students, and all the teachers are awesome, and they are truly invested in your future.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
HPU is a very diverse school, with many inter nation students, and people from all over. This is the school to go to if you want to meet people from other countries. HPU also has a tradition of holding an annual Intercultural Day, where all the cultures at HPU can hold a booth to tell others about themselves and their traditions.
Great for these types of students
HPU is great if you are looking to become more independent. HPU is known for its nursing, and marine science program. Though we have many other programs as well.
Clubs and Activities
HPU has a huge variety of clubs and if we don't have it then you can start it!!
Greek Life
HPU has no greek life.
Campus Safety
HPU has 24-7 campus security on both campuses.

Katie from Kaneohe, HI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
great college! everyone here is so nice and accommodating! they really want to see you succeed. you want to be right on top of everything and if you feel something is not getting done fast enough then jut make a call and they will see whats taking so long!
Tips for prospective students
if you can afford it i would recommend staying in the dorms! if not then get an apartment. you will want to stay away from the off campus housing because they are crap (not worth your money).
Academic Rigor
teachers can be pretty lenient on work. everybody is more than willing to help you with questions. if you haven't already check out <www.ratemyprofessors.com>. quite a helpful site that i didnt know about until i got here. it can also be used for any other college, as long as they are registered on the site.
Dorm Life
i love it here. its small but homie, you get a nice sense of community. people here become your second family. the internet is not great, especially at midterms and finals. it is getting better though because they are putting in a new system.
Food and Dining
meal plan for the dorm life is kinda iffy. you get two meals a day and have to pay for the third. most times the food is good but sometimes its not. they have vegan and vegetarian options along with a grill.
What to do for fun
beach, mall, movies, and going to waikiki!!!
Bang for the buck
sometimes it seems that they are just trying to get your money but usually they give you pretty good deals. many shops and resturants will give discounts to hpu students!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
there are two campuses. one in downtown honolulu, the other on the windward side of the island between kaneohe and kailua. on the downtown campus there are two student lounges. one is kinda loud because there is a pool and ping-pong table. the other is more of a homework lounge because it is quiet and has desks!
Great for these types of students
athletic (not football, we don't have a team), good academic standing, kinda laid back, marine bio majors, international studies majors (good programs for theses two).
Clubs and Activities
lots of clubs and activities, there is a whole list on the hpu website.
Greek Life
none this is a small private college.
Campus Safety
we have security everywhere! on the windward campus you have to actually check in with the guard to get on campus! they are all very nice and will give you rides on their carts at night.

Nick from KahuluiKahului, HI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The small classroom sizes at HPU are great. As a student, you aren't just a nobody in a sink-or-swim lecture class. Instead, the instructors are always there to help you out and answer any questions.
Tips for prospective students
Bring jackets to your classes. The classrooms can get pretty cold; especially if you have back to back classes in the same building.
Academic Rigor
I've had some really good classes where I learn a lot of material. I've also had some not so good ones. Make sure to preview your professors before registering for classes! The academic rigor is good overall.
Dorm Life
I can't give a real rating for this since I've never dormed at HPU, but from what I've been told from other students I can tell it's all based on perspective. The on-campus dorms are either in the middle of nowhere or quiet and peaceful depending on how you look at it. I've heard some great things about the off-campus housing in Waikiki.
Food and Dining
If there's one thing that's great at HPU, it's the food. There are so many affordable places to eat at the downtown campus that you will never go hungry. The food taste amazing and you can get anything from Asian food to Italian food to vegan food.
What to do for fun
There are a few bars near the campus for students who are into that kind of stuff. There is also a small nightclub near the campus. If you're living in the off-campus housing in Waikiki, you will never run out of things to do.
Bang for the buck
I feel this is all based on perspective. The professors are usually available to offer extra help to students so if you have the drive to learn, HPU has the resources to help you do just that. There are also a lot of scholarships offered by the school so you shouldn't have too much trouble easing the cost.
Great for these types of students
Students who have an interest in other cultures. HPU has a lot of foreign/study abroad students and offer a TON of study abroad options. You can study abroad practically for free. I studied in Japan for a year and all I had to pay for was my plane ticket there. I know there's a program to study in Korea that actually only requires you to pay half of your airfare! If you want to see the world, this school is for you.
Clubs and Activities
The school has been raising the number of events ever since the tuition increase. We have movies, Pizza, cultural days and more. For example, we got to watch the movie Hunger Games: Catching Fire in our own rented out theater on the day it was released for free. The school also often orders a TON of pizza to be passed out to students for free.

As far as clubs go, I had once joined a club and got no notifications from that club. I had thought the club just didn't do anything but it turns out that they had just chosen not to contact a lot of the new club members. That was the only club experience that I've had at HPU.
Greek Life
There is none. Enjoy the intercultural life here instead.
Campus Safety
There are a few weirdos around the campus sometimes, but there are quite a few security guards dispersed around the campus so there isn't much to worry about.

Katya from Montebello, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Hawaii Pacific University offers an environment that makes you comfortable learning about different subjects and areas because they allow you to ask questions and take the time to really make sure you understand what you are learning. The teachers here are passionate about what they teach and are always willing to stay after class or come early to help an individual in any way possible. The other students are friendly and always willing to give a hand whether its study time, down time, or carrying some stuff to your room; they are constantly willing to help out a fellow college-mate.
Tips for prospective students
I think it's important to talk to other students about classes, especially people who have taken a class before. Also, study groups help a lot. Make friends and get help!
Academic Rigor
The teachers do not ask too much of you. They know what you can handle and what you can't. They're also always willing to offer help and office hours. You should just stay on task and plan out your homework and classwork accordingly.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is really good! The halls are three levels and you share a bathroom between 4 people. The dining commons aren't the best, but it's tasty a majority of the time. The Views are great everywhere and you're close to the beach, you really can't complain. Shuttles will take you to different places like Waikiki, Ward Center, and Windward mall.
Food and Dining
Food is okay. They have a salad bar all the time and they also have a grill. The food choices range from 4 or 5 different items. They have an off-campus meal plan and in the food in the downtown campus is AMAZING.
What to do for fun
Shuttles will take students who live on campus to different parts of the island. Friday they will take you to a local mall and shopping center, Saturday goes to the Waikiki area, and Sunday will take you to a nearby city and beach, Kailua. They run every hour to every two hour. There's plenty to do if you're willing to explore.
Bang for the buck
Overall great location, great teachers, and great environment! There's always people to meet and things to do. Taking a hike or relaxing on the beach offers as some stress relievers.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
They have a lot of activities like movie nights downtown and they offer a lot of clubs to join. They also have what's called Da Freakshow which is a talent show for the school. It's really big for HPU and so fun to watch.
Great for these types of students
Anyone willing to learn with hands-on learning. You really have to be dedicated to school to resist going to the beach everyday. This school is great for anyone who knows exactly what they want to do in life and they know what they want to study.
Clubs and Activities
They offer clubs for the different majors like a pre-med club and a law club. They really tailor to every type of interest you may have.
Greek Life
There are many honor societies, however there aren't many sororities. I actually didn't hear about any while I was on campus.
Campus Safety
There are securities everywhere on these campuses. In the Main campus, the security come around to each hall every hour and there is a security office right at the dorms. At the downtown campus, some building require HPU id, so you know it's safe here.

Ryan from Sheridan, WY

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Hawaii Pacific University is one of the most unique colleges I've ever encountered. It's an attractive college to a student like me because I believe that college is more than just good grades, but also about who you know and meet to find connections with for work and for life. Hawaii Pacific University offers this unique perspective by having a rich culture of student body.
Tips for prospective students
Ask. Ask as much as you can about all the things you have questions about. HPU so far has been very helpful to me even though I'm 4000k miles away. Ask all the questions you can to help yourself in every way possible and get involved with actively trying to find people to connect with.
Academic Rigor
I don't know first hand, but I've read a lot of reviews,and a lot of people love the classes because they're smaller and they offer a more hands on approach. To a student like me, I'm a hands on learner and really enjoy a classroom that allows me to express myself and begin to practice my trade in the real world.
What to do for fun
I'm a surfer and adventurer, so I plan on doing that when I get time!
Bang for the buck
I don't know firsthand if the experience is worth it, but I've decided to follow through with my choice and do my best to make it work. even if I were to completely fail and have to move back to the mainland, I believe it would be a worthwhile experience. If you want something you've never had, you've gotta do something you've never done! How many people can say they went to college in Hawaii anyways?? As long as you formulate a good plan and execute it, anything is possible.