The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, the state's only public liberal arts college, sits on the Big Island beneath Maunakea's world-famous observatories, home to the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, whose three titanium-clad cones echo the island's own volcanoes, with new Vulcans moving into traditional halls like Hale Kanilehua each August ahead of orientation, timed carefully around the Hawaiʻi Statehood Holiday.
Enrollment
2,971
Total Students
Freshman Class
743
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 18-21, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
70%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
The primary move-in day is Tuesday, Aug. 18, and you are strongly encouraged to arrive then; check-in is open through Aug. 21. Friday, Aug. 21 is also the Hawaiʻi Statehood Holiday, falling right in the middle of orientation week - expect state offices and some campus services to be closed that day. Freshmen can apply to join a Living Learning Community (LLC) to be placed in housing with students of similar interests and career goals. All residents are required to be on a meal plan except for those living in the apartment-style Hale ʻIkena. A free airport shuttle sign-up opens in August to help welcome new students into the campus ʻohana.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Primary move-in day is Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with check-in open August 18-21 - arriving on the 18th is strongly encouraged to leave time to finish check-in and clear any outstanding requirements.
- What you'll receive
- If you have a Fall 2026 meal plan, it activates starting with dinner on move-in day (August 18). Anyone who has not checked in by August 25 without notifying the Housing Office of a late arrival may have their housing contract canceled.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Hale Kanilehua
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Hale Kauanoe
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
Vulcan Fall Orientation (NSO) (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 19 - August 22, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$8,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens1.6 miles
- Walmart1.7 miles
- Target1.9 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
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