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| Arrival Information |
Flight Reservation
Flights to Honolulu are usually booked up far in advance. Make reservations
as early as possible. For new students who have not yet located
housing in Honolulu, it is recommended to arrive no later than two
weeks before the semester begins.
Airport and Maps
The Honolulu
International Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the University
of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM). This map
of Honolulu shows where UHM is located, in relation to the airport
and some of the main points of interest in the city. More maps of O'ahu as well as the neighbor islands are available at Hawai'i Drive Guide Maps. To locate a specific address, visit MapQuest.
Ground Transportation
For information on ground transportation from the airport, see Honolulu
International Airport< Ground Transportation.
International students may also contact the International
Student Services for availability of airport pick-up by volunteer
groups.
International Arrival
International students should have their documents for Immigration
and Customs in hand upon arrival. For new students coming from abroad,
note that pay phones require U.S. 50 cents per call.
Directions to UHM
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From Honolulu International Airport to UHM (Parking Structure) |
Via Highway:
- Head south-east on Nimitz Hwy.
- Merge into Ala Moana Blvd.
- Turn left on Ward Ave.
- Turn right onto South King St.
- Turn left onto University Ave.
- Turn right onto Dole St.
- Turn right onto Lower Campus Rd.
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Via H-1 Freeway:
- Head east on H-1 Freeway.
- Exit University Ave.
- Turn right onto Dole St.
- Turn right onto Lower Campus Rd.
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From Waikiki to UHM (Parking Structure) |
- Take Ala Wai Blvd.
- Turn right onto McCully St.
- Turn right onto Kapiolani Blvd.
- Turn left onto University Ave.
- Turn right onto Dole St.
- Turn right onto Lower Campus Rd.
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| Weather and Clothing |
 The
temperature in Hawai'i ranges between mid 60s and low 90s, with mostly
moderate humidity. Most rainfall occurs in the winter, but can also
occur at any time of the year. There are frequent, brief but sometimes
drenching tropical showers. It is practical to carry an umbrella
and a light nylon windbreaker. For forecasts, visit Hawai'i Weather and Surf Reports.
The dress code in Hawai'i is very casual both on and off campus.
UHM students usually wear T-shirts, jeans, cotton pants or shorts.
Lightweight clothing made of washable cottons and synthetic fabrics
is suitable year-round. Sweaters or light jackets may be needed
during the cooler winter months. Due to problems with humidity and
mold, wool and leather clothing are not recommended for use in Hawai'i. |
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| Medical Needs |
Registered UHM students have access to services provided by University
Health Services Mānoa .
The Waikiki Health Center provides low-cost and friendly services
geared toward visitors' emergency medical needs. The center makes
referrals if it is unable to handle a particular health problem.
- Waikiki Health Center
277 Ohua Avenue
Tel: (808) 922-4787
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| Personal Finances |
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Budget
Housing and food prices in Honolulu are considerably higher than
in most other U.S. mainland cities. Bring along sufficient funds,
more than you anticipate would be necessary. Traveler's checks are
the safest and most efficient way to bring money. Graduate assistants
will experience substantial delays in receiving the first installment
of their compensation. See Financial
Matters < Graduate Assistantships < Compensation for more
information.
Checking Account
You can arrange for a checking account in advance by corresponding
with a bank. Banks in Hawai'i usually require 10 to 18 days to clear
checks drawn on U.S. mainland banks, including certified checks,
cashier's checks and money orders. Checks drawn on foreign banks
take longer to clear. To cash checks easily in Hawai'i, obtain a
Hawai'i
State driver’s license or a Hawai'i
State Identification Card upon arrival.
ATMs
A number of ATMs are available on campus. The ATMs accept Visa,
Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, Discover, and Armed Forces Financial Cards.
ATMs are located at the following locations:
| Type of ATM |
Campus Location(s) |
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American Savings Bank ATMs |
Campus Center ground floor,
next to Ba-Le Sandwich & Bakery |
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Bank of Hawai'i ATMs |
Campus Center ground floor,
Paradise Palms Café main entrance |
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First Hawaiian Bank ATM |
Campus Center ground floor |
Banks
Two banking institutions have branches at UHM:
Below is a list of some of the financial institutions near UHM.
Note that UHM is not affiliated with and does not endorse any of
the following institutions.
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| Housing |
Temporary Accommodations
Below are possibilities for affordable temporary accommodation.
Check with the individual establishments for current rates and further
information.
Below is a list of some moderately-priced accomodations in Honolulu.
Note that UHM is not affiliated with and does not endorse any of
the following establishments.
For more hotel listings, visit the Hawai'i
Visitors and Convention Bureau's Website and search for accommodations.
Rental Tips
Housing in Honolulu is expensive. Late July or early August is one
of the best times of the year to find a place to live. Neighborhoods
near UHM include Mānoa, McCully, Makiki, Moiliili, Kapahulu,
Kaimuki, Kapiolani Boulevard, and St. Louis Heights.
A resume indicating financial status and references may increase
chances of finding a suitable rental unit. Signing a lease helps
to avoid unexpected increases in rent. Renters are normally required
to pay up front the first month's rent and a security deposit. By
law, the deposit cannot exceed one month's rent. Those who plan
to spend vacations away from Hawai'i may want to inquire with their
landlords about subleasing rights.
Types of Housing
| Dormitories |
Contact the UHM
Student Housing Services for information on on-campus
housing.
Rooms near UHM are available at the Atherton YMCA. Rooms
are rented out by the semester. Apply in advance to ensure
room availability. Contact the YMCA for more information.
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| Apartments |
In general, apartments tend to be small by
comparison to U.S. mainland standards. Apartments can be furnished,
partly furnished (major appliances included), or unfurnished
(no major appliances included).
Rental rates vary. On the average, a partly furnished one-bedroom
apartment costs $800 and up; a furnished one-bedroom apartment
costs $900 and up. |
| Houses |
Rental rates vary depending on property size and location, etc. |
| Shared Rental |
A common option among students. Roommates share
the costs for rent and utilities. Costs average about $450
and up per person. |
Where to Look
If you have not already done so, contact the UHM
Student Housing Services for information on dormitories as well
as off-campus housing. UHM does not have housing for married students.
If you plan to search for rental listings online, visit the following
Web sites:
Word-of-mouth may be the most effective way for locating affordable,
comfortable housing. Ask the faculty, staff and fellow students
in your graduate program about housing possibilities. When you are
on campus, check the bulletin boards in front of Hamilton
and Sinclair Libraries for rental ads.
To place a "Rental Wanted" ad in Honolulu's local newspapers.
Contact the Classified Department of the following newspapers:
- Honolulu Advertiser — Tel: (808) 521-9111
- Star-Bulletin — Tel: (808) 529-4800
- Honolulu Weekly — Tel: (808) 534-7024
Utilities
Depending on the property, utilities may or may not be included
in the rent. Unless you have documents proving previous utility
service in your name, you will most likely need to pay deposits
on utilities. Check with the utility companies for details.
| Electricity |
Water |
Telephone |
Hawaiian Electric Company
Tel: (808) 548-7311
Web: www.heco.com/
Average bill runs between $55 to $95 for two people per month,
in an apartment without a washing machine. |
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Tel: (808) 748-5000
Web: www.hbws.org
Average bill runs from $80 and up, for two people for two
months. |
Hawaiian Telcom
Tel: (808) 643-3456
Web: www.hawaiiantel.com/
Basic service costs about $27. To minimize your bill, purchase
your own telephone from Hawaiian Telcom retail stores or from
any retail outlet carrying domestic telecommunications equipment. |
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| Food and Meals |
 Food
costs in Hawai'i are among the highest in the United States. A single
person can expect to spend about $350 per month for food. A couple
can expect to spend about $550 per month.
For fresh produce, visit Chinatown or the various farmer's markets.
There is an open market at UHM
Campus Center on Fridays during instructional periods. The Kapiolani
Community College hosts the Saturday
Farmer's Market.
The following is a list of markets near UHM. Note that UHM is not
affiliated with and does not endorse any of the following establishments.
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Store |
Address |
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Daiei |
801 Kaheka Street |
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Down to Earth Natural Foods |
2525 S. King Street |
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Foodland Supermarket |
2939 Harding Avenue,
1460 S. Beretania Street |
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Kokua Market Natural Foods Co-op |
2643 S. King Street |
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Safeway Store |
2855 E. Mānoa Road |
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Star Market |
2470 S. King Street |
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Times Supermarket |
3221 Waialae Avenue |
Major U.S. mainland chains with branches in Hawai'i include Costco
Wholesale, Kmart, Sam's Club, and Walmart stores.
There is a number of ethnic restaurants near UHM. Ask your fellow
students for restaurant tips. |
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| Transportation |
Bus
TheBus will take you anywhere
on the island for a flat rate, which includes a transfer. Exact
change for fare is required. A monthly bus pass is valid for unlimited
riding. Passes are for sale on campus at Campus
Center, all Satellite City Halls, Foodland Supermarkets, Star
Markets, Times Supermarkets, and 7-Eleven Stores. The pass is sold
for cash only.
The Ala Moana Boulevard side of the Ala Moana Shopping Center is
the place for catching most buses to destinations outside of Honolulu.
Some of the routes frequently used by UHM students include:
- Numbers 6 and 18 — connect UHM and the Ala Moana Shopping
Center.
- Number 4 — connects Waikiki and UHM.
- Number 8 — connects Waikiki and the Ala Moana Shopping
Center.
- Numbers 52 and 55 — circle island routes.
- The City Express-Route A bus departs from University Avenue
(near Sinclair Library) and passes near Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Bicycles and Mopeds
Hawai'i's mild weather makes it easy to get around with bicycles
or mopeds. However, Honolulu has few bike lanes and traffic can
be aggressive. Helmets are highly recommended for both cyclists
and moped riders.
Motor Vehicles
New and used automobiles in Honolulu are somewhat expensive by U.S.
mainland standards. To browse car prices in Hawai'i, visit cars.com.
Some students find it more economical to ship their vehicles to
Honolulu. Companies that offer vehicle shipping services to Hawai'i include shipmyvehicle.com
and Matson, Inc. Visit movecars.com
for listings of more shippers.
When a motor vehicle arrives in Honolulu, the owner must register
the vehicle within 10 days with the City and County of Honolulu.
Annual registration renewal and safety inspections for automobiles
and motorcycles are required by law. See Vehicle
Registration Information for more information.
Operators of automobiles, motorcycles and mopeds need to obtain
the appropriate license. Licensing requires a vision test, a written
test and in some cases a road test. A valid out-of-state driver's
license may be used in Hawai'i. You are strongly advised to apply
for a State
of Hawai'i driver’s license before your out-of-state license
expires.
No-fault insurance is mandatory. Proof of coverage must be provided
at the required annual safety inspection. For the purpose of obtaining
insurance, it is helpful to bring documentation of your driving
record. Insurance rates in Honolulu vary depending on the driver's
record, type of car and type of coverage. Check the Paradise
Yellow Pages for a listing of insurance companies. Some insurance
companies on the U.S. mainland have representatives in Hawai'i. |
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| Children |
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TB Clearance
Children need to have TB clearance before they can enter day care
centers or schools in Hawai'i. The test can be obtained on the U.S.
mainland up to one year before coming to Hawai'i. Bring proof of
the TB test reading with you. Children also need to have a physical
examination by the end of the third month after entering school.
Child Care
The UHM
Children’s Center provides child care on campus for 2-year-old
to 5-year-old children of students, faculty, and staff. Contact
the center for more information.
Pre-school child care centers are numerous and widespread. The
cost varies considerably as do the types of approaches toward discipline
and education. There is a waiting list for many pre-schools.
Child care for school-age children is available through the After
School Plus (A+) program, available at all public elementary
schools. |
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| Pets |
It is not advisable to bring pets to Hawai'i, since they are not
allowed in most rental properties. Certain exotic pets, such as
snakes and various types of hamsters, are prohibited in Hawai'i.
Importation of dogs, cats and other carnivores into Hawai'i is
subject to the State
of Hawai'i's Animal Quarantine Laws. If the pet has two owners,
it is best to place both owners' names on the pet's crate. This
way, both owners will have authorization for dealings with quarantine
officials and for visitations at the quarantine. For more information,
contact the Animal Quarantine Station. |
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| Leisure Activities |
Outdoor Life
Hawai'i's
tropical climate makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Beach-going, surfing, fishing, hiking and camping are some of the
popular activities enjoyed by Hawai'i residents. Wildernet
provides information on a variety of outdoor activities in Hawai'i.
The most popular beaches in the vicinity of the university include
the ones listed below. Check with the lifeguard for surf conditions,
hazardous currents, and bothersome marine life such as jellyfish,
Portuguese man-of-war, or sharp coral reef.
- Ala Moana Beach Park - One of the most popular beaches on O'ahu
featuring a beautiful shoreline, picnic grounds, tennis courts,
jogging paths and grassy playing fields.
- Waikiki Beach - Only minutes from campus, this beach is popular
with visitors and residents for swimming, sunbathing, surfing,
snorkeling or diving.
- Kahala Beach Park - Located at the east end of Kahala Avenue,
this is a beach frequented by picnicking families and windsurfers.
The University of Hawai'i Press publishes a number of guides to beaches in Hawai'i.
Popular Attractions
For more information on popular attractions on O'ahu as
well as the neighbor islands, visit the following links:
Events
For listings of events happening around town and the university,
visit the following links:
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