University of Hawaii at HiloStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for University of Hawaii at Hilo. Free for students.

Public Research University in Hilo, HI. Operating on a semester system.

Looking for dorms? Scroll for the dorm and housing breakdown below.

Free for all University of Hawaii at Hilo students. No credit card required.

3K+

Total Enrollment

Research University

Institution Type

5

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Fall Semester 2026

The semester, explained for University of Hawaii at Hilo

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Fall Semester 2026
Campus terms
15
Local details
13

Academic calendar

Fall Semester 2026 runs Aug 19, 2026 – Dec 18, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

3 entries
  1. Summer Session II 2026
  2. Fall Semester 2026Relevant now
  3. Spring Semester 2027

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

15 terms

A

Alahonua
Hale 'Alahonua, the newest suite-style residence hall on campus.

B

BOSP
Board of Student Publications, the student-led body overseeing campus media like the newspaper and literary journal.

D

Deja Brew
The on-campus coffee kiosk located near the Library and UCB.

H

Hilo Rain
The frequent and sudden rainfall characteristic of the Hilo climate that students must always be prepared for.

I

Ikena
Hale Ikena, the apartment-style residence hall typically for upperclassmen.

K

Kanilehua
Hale Kanilehua, a residence hall often associated with the Living Learning Communities.
Kauanoe
Hale Kauanoe, a traditional-style residence hall.
Ke Kalahea
The official student-run newspaper of UH Hilo.
Kehau
Hale Kehau, a suite-style residence hall that also houses a dining room.
Kehau Dining
The dining hall located within the Hale Kehau residence hall, often used by students living on that side of campus.

S

SAC
Student Activities Council, the group responsible for planning campus-wide events and entertainment.

T

The CC
The Campus Center Dining Room, the primary cafeteria and food court on campus.
The Plaza
The open concrete area in front of the Campus Center where tabling and outdoor events occur.

U

UHHSA
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Student Association, the campus student government.

V

Vulcans
The official mascot and the name used to refer to the student body and athletic teams.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

13 details
campus_center_dining_room
Campus Center Dining Room
CC
Campus Center, the hub for student life, dining, and the bookstore.
d_j_brew
Déjà Brew
EKH
Edith Kanakaʻole Hall, a major classroom building housing humanities and social science departments.
hale_kehau_resident_dining_room
Hale Kehau Resident Dining Room
Hele-On
The Hawaii County bus system which students can often use for free or at a discount to travel around Hilo.
Hilo One
The official student ID card used for meal plans, library checkouts, and building access.
late_night_munchies
Late Night Munchies
Laulima
The University of Hawaiʻi system's online learning management system used for course materials and assignments.
Mookini
The Edwin H. Mookini Library, shared between UH Hilo and Hawaii Community College.
STAR
The GPS-guided academic system used by students for registration, tracking degree progress, and graduation applications.
STB
Sciences and Technology Building, housing high-tech labs and science classrooms.
UCB
University Classroom Building, one of the primary locations for general education lectures.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Fall Semester 2026 runs Aug 19, 2026 – Dec 18, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
15 approved campus terms and 13 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · University of Hawaii at Hilo

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  • Aug 24

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Assisted

Find a few communities to try at University of Hawaii at Hilo

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

15 mapped items from 8 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Outdoor EdVenture Program

Provides a wide range of outdoor activities and programs, allowing participants to explore the Big Island through diverse adventure trips like hiking, boating, and beach trips.

Drop in any time

Source: hilo.hawaii.edu · Verified 20 days ago

View Trips

American Medical Student Association - UH Hilo Chapter

A pre-medical organization for students interested in the field of medicine.

Open to all

Source: public campus page · Verified 20 days ago

American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists - Hilo Chapter

Organization for student pharmacists dedicated to leading the future of pharmacy.

Open to all

Source: public campus page · Verified 20 days ago

Hawaii Island Pre-Vet Club

Provides resources and support for students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

Open to all

Source: public campus page · Verified 20 days ago

Easy to try first

Intramural Basketball

Competitive and recreational basketball leagues for students.

Drop in any time

Source: hilo.hawaii.edu · Verified 20 days ago

Resources & spaces

Counseling Services

Provides free and confidential individual, group, and relationship counseling, mental health screenings, and outreach programs to support student well-being.

Open to all

Kilohana: The Academic Success Center

Offers free peer tutoring on a walk-in basis for a variety of subjects, including math, science, and writing.

Open to all

Kīpapa I Ke Ala Kaʻi: Center for Career Advancement

Offers career counseling, resume reviews, interview preparation, internship and job search assistance, and career fairs.

Open to all

Using DormWay at University of Hawaii at Hilo

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University of Hawaii at Hilo on DormWay

Current DormWay activity for this campus

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Life in Hilo for University of Hawaii at Hilo Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Hilo.

Timezone

Hawaii Time (HT)

Median Rent

$1,427

Cost of Living Index

120

Student Population

5,000

City Transportation

Walkability

55

Bikeability

45

Public Transit

Hele-On Bus

Nearest Airports

Hilo International Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Tropical rainforest

Avg Annual Temp

74°F

Avg Snowfall

0 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Athletics/Tennis Courts

surface_lot • High

General parking area; no permit required 6 AM - midnight.

Theater Lot

surface_lot • High

General parking area; no permit required 6 AM - midnight.

Housing Parking Zones

surface_lot • Limited

Requires a valid Housing Parking Permit ($35/semester) for overnight parking.

Campus News

Latest updates from University of Hawaii at Hilo

UH Hilo begins fall 2026 with resilience after Hurricane Lala

The campus community demonstrated resilience by restoring facilities and supporting students after Hurricane Lala impacted the island just before the semester began.

Sep 1, 2026

Read More

Chancellor's Column: Workforce development initiatives shift focus to keep current

Chancellor Bonnie Irwin discusses new initiatives, including AI degree pathways and career readiness materials, to meet evolving workforce needs.

Sep 1, 2026

Read More

UH Hilo's Dance Collective celebrates its 10th year

The Dance Collective prepares for a special 10th-anniversary performance on September 18 at the Performing Arts Center.

Sep 2, 2026

Read More

UH Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College campuses were closed August 15-16, 2026, due to Tropical Storm Lala. Normal operations resumed August 17.

UH Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College campuses were closed August 15-16, 2026, due to Tropical Storm Lala. Normal operations resumed August 17.

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at University of Hawaii at Hilo

Boot Scoot & Boogie

September 9, 2026

Campus Center Plaza

A campus event featuring music and dancing from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

TCBES Seminar Series: Kainalu Steward

September 10, 2026

To be determined

Seminar featuring speaker Kainalu Steward for the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science program.

Welina Bash: Grindz and Vibes

September 11, 2026

Campus Center Plaza

A social event for students featuring food and music starting at 3:00 PM.

Mind Your Brain - Hilo Brain Health and Wellness Fair

September 12, 2026

To be determined

A community fair focused on brain health and wellness starting at 10:00 AM.

Law School (WSRSL) Informational Session

September 16, 2026

University Classroom Building (UCB) Room 115

Admissions outreach session for the William S. Richardson School of Law from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM.

10th Annual Dance Collective

September 18, 2026

UH Hilo Performing Arts Center

A special performance celebrating the 10th year of the Dance Collective at 7:00 PM.

Tomáš Kubínek Performance

October 8, 2026

UH Hilo Performing Arts Center

An exuberant one-man show featuring comic brilliance and vaudeville at 7:00 PM.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at University of Hawaii at Hilo

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

5 known dorm and housing options. Every known option is shown below.

Hale ʻAlahonua

Room types: single

Hale ʻIkena

Room types: single, double

Hale Kanilehua

Room types: single, double

Hale Kauanoe

Room types: single, double

Hale Kēhau

Room types: single

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@hilo.hawaii.edu

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