Brigham Young University-Hawaii

About Brigham Young University-Hawaii

Brigham Young University-Hawaii occupies one of the most remarkable campus settings in American higher education, nestled on the North Shore of Oahu in the small town of Laie. This private university is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enrolls roughly 2,700 students from over 70 countries, creating an unusually international student body for its size. The university opened in 1955 as the Church College of Hawaii before becoming part of the BYU system in 1974. Its mission emphasizes preparing students from the Pacific Rim and Asia for leadership roles in their home countries. The campus spreads across 100 acres between the Koolau Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, with palm trees and tropical vegetation creating a setting unlike any mainland university. The Polynesian Cultural Center, a major tourist attraction that doubles as a student employment hub, sits adjacent to campus. Students here experience a tight-knit community shaped by shared religious values and cultural exchange across nationalities. The affordable tuition, made possible by church subsidies, attracts students who might otherwise be unable to afford a four-year private education. Academic programs are career-focused while incorporating the spiritual development that defines all BYU institutions.

BYU-Hawaii maintains a moderately selective admissions process with an acceptance rate around 36 percent. The university seeks students who demonstrate academic capability, commitment to Latter-day Saint values, and potential for leadership in their communities. Applicants must complete an ecclesiastical endorsement from their local church leader, affirming their adherence to religious standards. This requirement means the university appeals primarily, though not exclusively, to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Academic credentials typically include high school GPAs above 3.0 and SAT scores in the mid-range, though the admissions team evaluates applications holistically. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not their primary language. The application opens in September for fall admission the following year, with a priority deadline in February. Transfer students are welcomed and make up a meaningful portion of each class. Campus visits are encouraged when possible, though the university understands the challenge of traveling to Hawaii for prospective students from distant locations. Virtual tours and video chats with current students offer alternatives for those who cannot visit in person.

BYU-Hawaii offers approximately 40 undergraduate majors through four colleges: Business and Government, Human Development, Language Arts and Education, and Math and Sciences. The business programs draw strong enrollment, with particular emphasis on hospitality and tourism management given the local economy. International business studies benefit from the global student body, with peers providing firsthand perspectives on markets across Asia and the Pacific. The university operates on a trimester system that allows students to complete degrees in three years if they attend year-round. Class sizes remain small, with most courses having fewer than 25 students and many seminars in the single digits. Faculty members focus primarily on teaching rather than research, dedicating significant time to mentoring students individually. Hawaiian studies programs provide opportunities to learn the Hawaiian language and explore indigenous culture and history. All students complete religion courses as part of their degree requirements, studying scripture and church history alongside their major coursework. The Jonathan Napela Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Island Studies connects academic work to community engagement across Polynesia. Internship opportunities emerge through the Polynesian Cultural Center and tourism employers throughout Oahu, giving students practical experience before graduation.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Town setting offering focused academic environment
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at BYU-Hawaii reflects its religious affiliation and international character. The honor code shapes campus culture, prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea while requiring modest dress and maintaining curfews for unmarried students. These standards create a distinct atmosphere that appeals to students seeking an environment aligned with Latter-day Saint values. The Polynesian Cultural Center employs many students, providing both income and immersion in Pacific Island traditions. Campus housing is required for unmarried students, with residence halls fostering community through organized activities and study groups. International students comprise over half the student body, leading to cultural showcases, food festivals, and friendship groups that span continents. The beach sits just minutes from campus, and many students surf, snorkel, or simply relax on the sand between classes. Intramural sports are popular despite the lack of varsity athletics at the NCAA level. The campus gym and recreation facilities provide outlets for fitness and pick-up games. Weekly devotionals and firesides bring students together for spiritual reflection and community building. Dating culture is active given the emphasis on marriage within the faith community, and the campus environment encourages wholesome social interaction. Student organizations cover interests from business clubs to cultural associations representing dozens of home countries.

Location & Surroundings

Laie sits on the North Shore of Oahu, about an hour's drive from Honolulu and Waikiki. The town exists largely because of BYU-Hawaii and the LDS temple that stands near campus, giving it a quiet, residential feel far removed from the tourist bustle of the island's south side. The North Shore is famous for its winter surf, with legendary breaks like Pipeline and Sunset Beach drawing professional surfers and spectators from November through February. Summers bring calmer waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The Koolau Mountains rise behind campus, offering hiking trails and dramatic scenery. Students with cars can reach Honolulu in an hour for shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The island's bus system, TheBus, provides connections but requires patience and planning for the journey. Living costs in Hawaii run significantly higher than the mainland, though Laie itself is more affordable than Honolulu. Fresh tropical fruit is abundant and cheap at roadside stands, while imported goods carry premium prices. The weather stays warm year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 65 degrees or climbing above 90. Trade winds keep humidity manageable most days. Students from cold climates often joke about selling their winter coats upon arrival.

Costs & Career Outcomes

BYU-Hawaii offers one of the most affordable private university educations in the country, thanks to substantial subsidies from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tuition runs approximately $6,900 per year for LDS members and around $10,400 for students of other faiths. Room and board adds roughly $8,500 annually, with on-campus housing required for unmarried students. The total cost of attendance remains well below most private universities, making it accessible to students from modest economic backgrounds. Church members are expected to tithe, and this voluntary contribution is considered when calculating expected family contributions for financial aid. The university offers institutional scholarships based on academic merit and need. Federal financial aid programs including Pell Grants are available to eligible U.S. citizens. The Polynesian Cultural Center provides employment for over 700 students each year, with flexible scheduling around class times and competitive wages. Career preparation emphasizes returning value to home communities, particularly for international students from developing nations. Graduates have found success in business, education, hospitality, and church service across the Pacific Rim. The alumni network, while smaller than major universities, is tightly connected and helpful for job seekers. Graduate school placement is strong for students pursuing advanced degrees in law, business, and other professional fields.