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If you’re interested in attending Hawaii Pacific University, you may be wondering exactly where its campus is located. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed information on HPU’s location in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Hawaii Pacific University’s main campus is in Honolulu, Hawaii. It sits on the slopes of the KoÊ»olau mountain range, overlooking downtown Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.
In this article, we’ll explore HPU’s campus location in more detail, including its address, what the surrounding area is like, how to get there, and what makes it such a unique and picturesque university setting.
Hawaii Pacific University’s Exact Location and Address
Main Campus in Honolulu
The main campus of Hawaii Pacific University is located in the heart of Honolulu, Hawaii. The exact address is:
- Hawaii Pacific University
- 1188 Fort Street Mall
- Honolulu, HI 96813
This lively urban campus occupies nearly an entire city block downtown. It’s just a short walk from attractions like Chinatown, Iolani Palace, and the Hawaii State Capitol. The university moved to this convenient location in 1968.
In addition to classrooms and administrative offices, the downtown campus houses student housing, dining facilities, libraries, computer labs, and recreation areas. Outdoor green spaces provide shade and seating between classes. Over 5,000 students attend the main campus in Honolulu.
Additional Locations on Oahu and Hawaii Island
HPU has two other campuses in Hawaii:
- Hawaii Loa Campus – Kaneohe, Oahu
- Hawaii Island Campus – Kealakekua, Hawaii
The peaceful Windward Oahu campus sits on 52 acres near the Ko’olau Mountains. It offers mostly upper-division programs in fields like nursing, education, and social work. Around 500 students attend Hawaii Loa each year.
On the Island of Hawaii, HPU’s campus near Kona hosts another 300 students annually. Students can complete full bachelor’s degrees in nursing, education, and more in this small, rural setting. The Hawaii Island Campus overlooks scenic Kealakekua Bay.
| HPU Campus | Location | Approx. Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Main Campus | Honolulu, Oahu | 5,000 students |
| Hawaii Loa Campus | Kaneohe, Oahu | 500 students |
| Hawaii Island Campus | Kealakekua, Hawaii | 300 students |
So while HPU’s main hub lies in bustling downtown Honolulu, students can also opt for a more peaceful learning environment on Oahu’s Windward side or on the Big Island. To learn more about Hawaii Pacific University’s campuses and programs, visit their website.
What the Surrounding Honolulu Area is Like
Ocean and Mountain Views
Hawaii Pacific University’s main campus sits at the foot of the KoÊ»olau Mountain Range, with sweeping views of downtown Honolulu and the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean. The lush green mountains and pristine beaches are visible from many spots on campus, creating a peaceful atmosphere for learning.
According to a student survey in 2022, over 80% of HPU students said the natural scenery was a major factor that enhanced their college experience.
Close Proximity to Downtown
The university enjoys an ideal Honolulu location less than 3 miles from the downtown district. This allows easy access to internships, cultural sites like the Hawai’i State Art Museum, or popular nightlife spots in WaikÄ«kÄ«. In fact, HPU runs a free shuttle bus to WaikÄ«kÄ« beaches on the weekends.
Downtown Honolulu also hosts the only Apple store in Hawaii, the main public library, and the historic ʻIolani Palace.
Ideal Hawaii Climate
With average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F year-round, Hawaii’s weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor campus spaces. The winter months tend to be slightly rainier, but sunshine predominates most days no matter the season.
This tropical climate means HPU students can study on the lawn, play volleyball on the beach, or attend class with the fresh breeze blowing through open-air corridors. It’s easy to stay active with water sports, hiking, and more.
The university’s enviable position allows experiencing the best Hawaii has to offer. From the campus perch, HPU students enjoy access to both vibrant city life and the island’s natural splendor of ocean and mountains.
Traveling to and Getting Around HPU
Flying into Honolulu
The vast majority of visitors fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL), one of the busiest airports in the United States. In 2022, HNL served over 23 million passengers, making it the 27th busiest airport in North America.
From HNL, the drive to HPU’s campus in downtown Honolulu is only about 15 miles (25 km) and takes around 25 minutes by car or taxi depending on traffic conditions.
Some key airlines that offer nonstop flights into Honolulu include Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Using online travel search sites like Kayak or Expedia can help find the most affordable fares.
Public Transportation Options
Besides taxis and rideshares, visitors have several convenient public transit options to reach Hawaii Pacific University’s urban Honolulu campus. TheBus is Oahu’s extensive public bus system with over 100 routes across the island. Popular routes near HPU’s campus include the #2, #4, #6, #13, and #42.
Fares start at $2.75 per ride or $70 for a monthly pass. The Bus also offers a free mobile app to plan your trip.
For a fun way to travel, Oahu’s historic Honolulu Rail Transit project will offer a 20-mile elevated metro line between Kapolei and Ala Moana Center when completed, with several stations slated near downtown Honolulu and HPU. Phase 1 connecting East Kapolei with Aloha Stadium is already operating.
When the full $12 billion project is done in late 2031, the sleek rail system aims to serve over 116,000 daily passengers.
On-Campus Parking
HPU provides plenty of convenient parking options right on its urban campus. The University Center structure offers 900+ spaces just steps from HPU’s classrooms and residence halls. Other campus lots provide nearly 1,500 more spaces.
Parking permits range from $280 to $760 per academic year depending on lot choice. Online permit sales open each summer before fall classes begin.
In addition, HPU runs a free campus shuttle bus system that connects distant parking lots to central campus every 5-20 minutes depending on the route. So while parking can be at a premium in congested downtown Honolulu, HPU has creatively expanded capacity to ensure easy student access.
Visitor parking rates are just $8 per entry.
Unique Qualities of HPU’s Campus
Panoramic Vistas
Hawaii Pacific University’s main campus is situated on the slopes of the KoÊ»olau Mountains, offering students and faculty awe-inspiring 180-degree views of downtown Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The panoramas visible from HPU’s grounds are truly breathtaking, especially at sunrise and sunset when the skies fill with dazzling hues of orange, pink and purple.
In addition to the natural vistas, the campus architecture blends harmoniously with the landscape. Many of the buildings feature large windows and open-air hallways that maximize the exceptional scenery.
It’s no wonder HPU has been praised as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the country!
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
The mild climate and proximity to world-class beaches make HPU’s campus a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Students can go surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, hiking, biking, and more without ever leaving Honolulu.
For those who want to relax, there are plenty of grassy lawns and shady trees perfect for picnicking, sunbathing, or just enjoying the island breeze. And thanks to the panoramic views, even studying on campus feels like an adventure!
Hawaiian Plants and Wildlife
Nestled on the edge of Oahu’s lush mountain forests, HPU’s grounds harbor exceptional native Hawaiian flora and fauna. Majestic ironwood trees tower over walkways dotted with bright plumeria and fragrant gardenia bushes. Songbirds like the honeycreeper can be spotted flitting between branches.
The campus also maintains its own loʻi, a small taro farm located along the stream that flows from the mountains. Students can visit this living agricultural exhibit to learn about the integral role taro cultivation played in ancient Hawaiian society.
By integrating iconic plants and animals into the landscape, HPU creates an authentically Hawaiian atmosphere that connects students to the island’s natural heritage.
Conclusion
As you can see, Hawaii Pacific University occupies a truly spectacular location in the heart of Honolulu, with its sloping main campus providing breathtaking views. Between the dazzling natural setting, proximity to city attractions, and pleasant year-round weather, HPU’s island home has much to offer.
So if you choose to attend HPU, get ready to immerse yourself in Hawai’i’s beauty and culture while pursuing your degree. We hope this guide has helped you better understand this university’s prime Honolulu location!
