For the first time in three years, hundreds of future students and their families flocked to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa on April 2 for a peek at life and education on campus. The Mānoa Experience, the UH Mānoa Preview Day for prospective and admitted students and their families showcased one of the world’s great universities. UH Mānoa is consistently ranked among the top 2% globally by major higher education rankings services.
An estimated 2,900 attended the event, along with hundreds of UH Mānoa students, faculty and staff facilitating the event and exhibits. The event had been virtual during the pandemic.
Prospective students and their families were given an opportunity to engage with UH Mānoa students, faculty and staff and learn about the large variety of academic programs and campus activities while experiencing the beautiful UH Mānoa campus.
“Just to see the campus and see what the University of Hawaiʻi is all about,” said Mae Green, a high school senior and prospective UH student. “I also have a really close friend of mine who actually attends here, so I’m staying with her and visiting and seeing what college decision I want to make.”
“This is my first day in Hawaiʻi so far, so honestly just the campus, I’ve gone on a little campus tour, the campus is absolutely beautiful and everyone was super nice and friendly,” Green added.
More than 130 different departments and programs shared information in displays and booths along McCarthy Mall and Legacy Path featuring hands-on activities, campus tours, prizes, student performances and more.
Current students led walking tours of the campus, including the Warrior Recreation Center, an engineering research lab and the brand new broadcast studio facility. The UH Pep Band gave live performances and attendees purchased their UH gear at the UH Bookstore and participated in a photo booth—Rainbow Warrior style.
“They’re getting involved into the university community, checking out different departments and services that we have here on campus,” said McKenzie Tynanes, a current UH Mānoa student in the College of Social Sciences. “So overall it’s just a big community wide event that we’re having here at UH Mānoa for everyone to be able to participate in.”
Many who attended the event were impressed by the university’s efforts.
This event is an example of UH Mānoa’s goal of Enhancing Student Success (PDF), one of four goals identified in the 2015–25 Strategic Plan (PDF), updated in December 2020.
