Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, United States • Founded 1965
Overview
Founded in 1965, the Hawaii Pacific University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Honolulu (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Hawaii.
Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 59-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
HPU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where Hawaii Pacific University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
Hawaii Pacific University's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Academic Structures
Below: how Hawaii Pacific University organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.
Unit 5 items
- Center for English Language Programs
- College of Business Administration
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Programs Offered
Hawaii Pacific University's catalogue, searchable by name and grouped by level. Joint programmes with partner institutions appear here but carry dual-credentialing rules worth checking with both bodies.
Bachelor's Degree
38 programmes
Browse 38 programmes at Hawaii Pacific University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
Social Work Social Work
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Economics Economics
Public Administration Public Administration
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
History History
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Psychology, General Psychology
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Public Health Public Health
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Chemistry Chemistry
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Mathematics Mathematics
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biological/Biosystems Engineering General Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
20 programmes
Hawaii Pacific University offers 20 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Social Work Social Work
Public Administration Public Administration
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Public Health Public Health
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Marine Sciences Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
3 programmes
These 3 programmes make up Hawaii Pacific University's doctoral catalogue, where candidates work closely with supervisors to produce publishable, original research.
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
22 programmes
Hawaii Pacific University offers 22 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Public Administration
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Mathematics Mathematics
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Hawaii Pacific University
How to apply to Hawaii Pacific University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Hawaii Pacific University offers 83 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Hawaii Pacific University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via Hawaii Pacific University's online portal at www.hpu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (808) 544 0200. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaii Pacific University
Common questions about Hawaii Pacific University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
How old is Hawaii Pacific University?
The institution opened in 1965 (approximately 61 years ago).
Where is Hawaii Pacific University located?
Hawaii Pacific University is located in Honolulu, United States.
What is Hawaii Pacific University's control type?
Hawaii Pacific University operates as a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Hawaii Pacific University?
Student enrolment at Hawaii Pacific University is around 4,000-4,999.
How is Hawaii Pacific University organised academically?
The institution comprises 5 academic units.
Is Hawaii Pacific University officially recognised?
Hawaii Pacific University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Where can I learn more about Hawaii Pacific University?
Hawaii Pacific University's official website is www.hpu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Top universities in the United States typically offer the most generous institutional scholarships. Hawaii Pacific University's scholarship range relative to these benchmarks reflects funding capacity.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Cross-credit recognition between National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members reduces friction for students moving between universities. Hawaii Pacific University's membership often eases credit transfer to the institutions below.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
If Hawaii Pacific University's location appeals to you, these nearby universities offer comparable environments and academic breadth. Local clusters tend to share cultural, linguistic, and employment context, which can matter as much as institutional choice itself.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Liberal Arts programmes in the United States. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.
Universities Often Compared with Hawaii Pacific University
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Hawaii Pacific University in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
