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 O?ahu and programmes on military installations.
Unique Features
- Range of academic programmes: HPU offers a broad portfolio of degrees¡ªincluding associate, bachelor¡¯s, master¡¯s, and doctoral programmes¡ªin 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¡ªenhancing campus spirit and community involvement.
Location
HPU¡¯s main campus is situated in downtown Honolulu on the island of O?ahu, offering easy access to cultural, professional, and recreational resources in Hawaii¡¯s capital. Additional campus sites¡ªincluding coastal and military base locations¡ªextend the university¡¯s reach across the island. The Honolulu location provides scenic ocean and mountain views and proximity to internships, beaches, and city life.
