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
- In Hawaii, agriculture, livestock farming, tourism, forestry, and mining are a vital part of the economy.
- Hawaii also produces large quantities of different flowers which are mainly grown for export purposes.
- Tourism, energy, defense, food processing, manufacturing (glass products, textiles, steel products, etc.), refined petroleum, are among the topmost important industrial sectors of Hawaii.
- The state is slowly recovering from the Covid-19 crisis with the tourism sector gaining momentum, almost reaching the pre-pandemic levels. Despite the efforts, the economy is predicted to be almost stagnant till next year.
- The unemployment rate in Hawaii is 7.3% which is higher than the national average of 5.4%. This is expected to drop by 2022.
- The largest companies in the state are Tesoro, Hawaii Pacific Health, Hawaiian Airlines, Kyo-Ya Hotels Resorts LP, and Hawaiian Electric Industries.
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
- University of Hawaii at Manoa This is the most reputed institution in the state and is situated in the capital city of Honolulu. It is a public university that was established on March 23, 1907. With approximately 21,000 students, the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The institution is known for its high-quality education, diversity, and high research activity. Popular courses are Psychology, Kinesiology, Communications, and Finance. The tuition fee for undergraduate in-state students is around $14,000, and about $37,000 for out-of-state students.
- Brigham Young University-Hawaii Situated in Laie, this is a private university run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university is best known for offering excellent education at considerably affordable rates. It is also popular for the best teaching and learning experience, an extensive curriculum, and a diverse student body. With around 3,000 students, the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. Popular majors offered here are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Accounting, Education, and Psychology. The tuition fee is about $7,000 for all undergraduate students.
- University of Hawaii at Hilo Founded in 1945, the University of Hawaii at Hilo is a public university situated in the city of Hilo. It is famous for its diverse student body. It has around 4,000 students and around 200 teachers, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The university offers over 85 academic programs. Popular majors include Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, Communications, and Kinesiology. The tuition fee for undergraduate in-state students is around $9,000 and roughly $22,000 for out-of-state students.
- Hawaii Pacific University Situated in the capital city of Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific University is a private institution established in 1965. It is popular for its beautiful campus atmosphere, student diversity, and strong academic programs. Some of the most popular majors are Business, Nursing, Psychology, and Biology. There are about 5,000 students in this university, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. The tuition fee for all undergraduate students is around $30,000.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
- State of Hawaii B Plus Scholarship: This is a need-based and a merit-based scholarship program. To be qualified for this program, the candidate must be a legal resident of Hawaii, must have graduated high school from an institute in Hawaii, plan to attend an accredited institution to pursue an undergraduate program, and demonstrate financial need. The student is also required to secure a score of 3.0 GPA during high school and maintain the score in college. The award amount is $2,000 per year and may vary based on the availability of funds.
- Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation: This is a scholarship program sponsored by Servco Pacific Inc. to assist Hawaiian high school graduates. To be eligible for the program, the student must be a resident of Hawaii, must have graduated high school from an institute in Hawaii, plan to attend an undergraduate program in business, marketing, or any related field, attend an accredited institution on a full-time basis, and display financial need. Other requirements include the student to have leadership qualities, secure and maintain a 3.0 GPA, submit SAT scores, Student Aid report, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. The total award amount is $20,000, which is $5,000 per academic year.
- UH-OHA Hoʻonaʻauao Higher Education Scholarship Program This is a popular scholarship program funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). This is to assist the Native Hawaiian students of the state who are planning to pursue an undergraduate, graduate, or vocational degree from any one of the campuses under the University of Hawaii. The student must belong to a traditional native Hawaiian family, secure and maintain a score of 2.0 as an undergraduate and a score of 3.0 as a graduate, and submit at least one letter of recommendation. The program also offers the selected students with various benefits such as "advising and mentoring, professional and leadership development, and cultural-based workshops." The award amount will be used to cover tuition and other fees.
- Edward Payson and Bernice Piilani Irwin Scholarship: This is a scholarship program initiated by the Hawaii Community Foundation. Every year, almost 19 candidates are selected for the scholarship. To be qualified for the program, the student is required to be a permanent resident of Hawaii, pursue a major in journalism and communication from an accredited institution, and secure a minimum score of 2.7 GPA. This program is applicable for students pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree. The total award amount is about $36,000. Students are also required to submit official transcripts and a personal statement along with the application.
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
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
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