The Beauty of UH Hilo
Story by Pualani Ovono | Photos by Alexi Jimeno
The iconic red rooftops of the dorm buildings on campus. -Alexi J
With an acceptance rate of 92.2% and yearly tuition costing $7,344 for an in-state undergraduate degree, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) is often considered a back-up school for many students. However, UH Hilo offers many opportunities, both in the academic and in the extracurricular sense.
The campus is relatively small, with an enrollment of 2,593 (as of fall 2022) on 115 acres. This results in many things, from it being a very walkable campus to smaller class sizes. The class sizes in particular are seen as an advantage, as it allows for more communication between peers and professors, as well as more individualized teaching opportunities.
Trails in the UH Hilo botanical garden. -Alexi J
UH Hilo is also a very pretty campus that incorporates lots of nature, from the botanical garden near Hale Kauanoe to the various species of trees around the campus. Apart from the campus, Hilo town is also beautiful in a rural sort of way. The Kīlauea volcano is also a relatively short distance away, offering breathtaking views of Hale maʻumaʻu crater throughout the year. These natural resources not only add to the beauty of the Hilo area, but also offer more academic opportunities for students attending UH Hilo, as many of them are utilized in various academic programs.
Mauna Kea is the best place in the world for astronomy. There are 13 world class telescopes on the mountain. UH Hilo students are able to take advantage of these resources, either by going up to the mountain for an astronomy lab to look at astronomical objects through a telescope, or getting to use the professional telescopes at the higher levels. Mauna Kea, or Mauna A Wākea as it was originally known, is also very important to the Hawaiian culture.
Marine science is also a popular field at UH Hilo, one that attracts students from all over the world. The marine science program utilizes the surrounding area, and the surplus of turtles that love the Hilo waters. Marine science labs include tagging turtles, and many students are familiar with the feeling of sunburn after being out on a boat all day for a lab.
UH Hilo also has the most diverse school population in the nation. At 35%, the largest percentage of this population is Pacific Islander (including Hawaiian). Many clubs and classes at UH Hilo are also centered or incorporate Pacific cultures, particularly the Hawaiian one. UH Hilo is well known for its Hawaiian language and culture programs, housed in the beautiful Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani at the top of the hill.
UH Hilo also has a lot of resources available for students in every aspect of their lives. These resources include multiple tutoring services in every subject offered. Free counseling services are also available to students. There are also child sitting services for mothers, and breastfeeding rooms available. There are also many clubs and organizations available for students to join and pursue their interests, from Registered Independent Student Organizations like the Geology Club, to groups like Ke Kalahea which are Chartered Student Organizations. Study abroad programs are also available and offer over 30 different options of international colleges to attend for the same cost as UH Hilo tuition, which is an amazing opportunity.
Overall, UH Hilo offers many experiences that are unique to the Hilo. From its small class sizes and friendly atmosphere to the natural beauties of the Big Island, UH Hilo remains a great choice for students that enjoy a mellow environment and intimate class atmosphere while still having many opportunities and resources, both academically and in general.
The Student Services Building. -Alexi J
The College of Hawaiian language entrance. -Alexi J
Mural of Edith Kanakaʻole on the K-Hall building. -Alexi J
The Hawaiian flag outside the Moʻokini Library