Colleges or Universities in Hawaii - Any Recommendations?

Aloha! I'm a junior based in Oahu, and I have been thinking about potentially staying in Hawaii for college. Could anyone give info on the colleges or universities available here? What are some advantages or challenges of staying local?

Sure, I'd be happy to provide some information on colleges in Hawaii. The main university in Hawaii is the University of Hawaii System, which includes three universities: University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and University of Hawaii–West Oahu.

UH Manoa, based in Honolulu, is the flagship campus and is considered a research-intensive university. This means that there are a lot of opportunities for students to engage in research projects, which is especially good if you're considering fields like marine biology, astronomy, or geology, where you can take full advantage of Hawaii's unique environment.

UH Hilo offers unique academic programs, like its College of Pharmacy and College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management. It's relatively small compared to larger state schools, which can mean smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.

UH-West Oahu is known for its programs in Business Administration, Education, Humanities, Public Administration, and Social Sciences. It has a strong focus on distance and online learning, which could be an advantage if you value flexibility in your academic schedule.

Advantages of staying local for school often include saving money on living expenses and tuition (if you qualify for in-state tuition), being close to family and friends, and being able to take advantage of local connections when looking for job opportunities or internships.

As for challenges, one that often comes up is the lack of variety in the type of colleges available on the islands. Universities, small liberal arts colleges, research-intensive institutions, religious colleges – they all have their unique cultures, and you'll have access to a more limited range within the Hawaii higher education system. Another shared challenge is the "island fever" - some students might feel a sense of limitation or lack of opportunities due to Hawaii's geographical isolation.

There are also private institutions in Hawaii, like Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade University. Private colleges can sometimes provide more aid, or have unique programs not found in state colleges.

To find the best fit, consider factors like your intended major, the size of school you prefer, the available extracurriculars, and financial considerations. Planning visits or talking to current students or alumni can also be beneficial in your quest to choose the right school.