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Last Updated: October 07, 2021

Hawaii - The Aloha State

Hawaii, wholly made up of islands, is a state of the US that is situated in the Pacific Ocean. Honolulu is the capital of the state and is also the largest and the most expensive city. As per the statistics presented by the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of Hawaii is 1.46 million, with Oahu being the most populous island. Hawaii is composed of people belonging to various races and ethnicities. Almost 38% of the population of Hawaii consists of Asians followed by the White and the Native Hawaiian population. Apart from Hawaii, the seven major islands of the Hawaiian islands are Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe.

Hawaii presents a typically tropical climate with the warmest temperature of 100 F and the lowest temperature of 12 F during winters. However, Hawaii's variegated natural landscapes from mountains, cliffs, active volcanoes to the abundance of ocean beaches make it an attractive destination for numerous tourists. Hawaii Pacific University, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and Brigham Young University are some of the most important educational centers in the State. The most reputed institution is the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a total student capacity of approximately 21,000.

Major Cities in Hawaii

Honolulu

Honolulu is the biggest city in the state with a population of about 349,000. It is the capital city of Hawaii and is situated on the island of Oahu. This is a place that offers many job opportunities and is a major hub for business and trade. The median income here is around $72,000. The University of Hawaii at Manoa and the Hawaii Pacific University are situated here.

East Honolulu

With a population of about 48,000, the city of East Honolulu is the second-largest in Hawaii. It is situated in Honolulu County. Its major economic sectors are healthcare and educational services and the median income here is around $133,000. It is a vibrant city known for its diversity.

Pearl City

It is the third biggest city with an estimated population of 46,000. Major economic sectors in this city are healthcare services, agriculture, and mining. The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is situated here. Popular sites include the Mānana Ridge Trail, Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, Koolau Range, Ewa Forest Reserve, and so on.

Hilo

Hilo is the fourth largest city in Hawaii and has a population of about 45,000. It is a beautiful city ideal for sightseeing and is also a major commercial center. The University of Hawaii at Hilo is also located in this city. There are numerous attractions here like the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Rainbow Falls, Hilo Farmers Market, Richardson Ocean Park, and a lot more.

Economy/Job Market

Tuition Fee and Living Cost in Hawaii

The cost of living in the case of Hawaii is a lot higher than the national average. The median household income in Hawaii is as much as $97,000 which is also higher than the national average. Due to high unemployment rates and the high cost of living, it has become extremely difficult for the common masses to afford a comfortable living. Considering the terrain, land area, as well as state regulations, it is getting difficult each year to build houses for the rising population. Due to this rise in demand but lack of supply, the housing costs are extremely expensive to afford.

Apart from housing, transportation and utilities are also expensive in this state. Some of the most affordable places in Hawaii are Hilo, Waihee-Waiehu, Waimea CDP (Hawaii County), Waianae, Ewa Beach, and Kapaa. The most expensive places to live here are Kaneohe Station, Wailea, Kailua CDP, Haiku-Pauwela, and Napili-Honokowai. Education costs are neither too high nor too low in the state. The only exception here is the Brigham Young University-Hawaii that charges an extremely affordable tuition fee, considering that it is a private institution. The tuition fee is about $7,000 for all undergraduate students.

List of Few Major Universities/Colleges

Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students

Tourism

The island state of Hawaii is popularly known as the Aloha State. However, Aloha is more than just a greeting, and it means to spread love and warmth to one and all unconditionally. This symbolizes the kind of unquestioning nurturance, love, and abundance nature provides to its people. This is the very essence of this place. Its rich culture, history, and beauty attract countless visitors from across the globe. Popular tourist destinations are Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Pearl Harbor, Haleakala National Park, Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, etc.

Other than sightseeing, Hawaii is an incredible destination for a plethora of fun activities like snorkeling, surfing, swimming, kayaking, and so much more. In fact, surfing was invented in the islands of Hawaii. The weather is usually warm and sunny in the islands but there are days when it experiences a downpour. It is best to visit Hawaii during May, August, and September. Hawaii also offers some of the most delicious cuisines that include laulau, poi, saimin, uala (sweet potato), malasadas, kalua pig, poke, loco moco, and so on.

Universities & Colleges in Hawaii

University (city) Total StudentsUG (in) / UG (out)G (in) / G (out)
University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu) 20653$13590 / $36590$17772 / $40772
Brigham Young University-Hawaii (Laie) 2718$6272 / $6272$N/A / $N/A
University of Hawaii at Hilo (Hilo) 3983$8363 / $21954$13590 / $29272
Hawaii Pacific University (Honolulu) 4967$29272 / $29272$21954 / $21954
Chaminade University of Honolulu (Honolulu) 2466$22999 / $22999$18818 / $18818
University of Hawaii Maui College (Kahului) 3593$4181 / $8363$N/A / $N/A
Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Med (Honolulu) 55$N/A / $N/A$14636 / $14636
Argosy University-Hawaii (Honolulu) 1008$14636 / $14636$15681 / $15681
University of Hawaii-West Oahu (Kapolei) 2692$8363 / $20908$N/A / $N/A
University of Phoenix-Hawaii (Honolulu) 1416$11499 / $11499$16727 / $16727
Remington College-Honolulu Campus (Honolulu) 463$17772 / $17772$N/A / $N/A

*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
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