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Honolulu, Hawaii is the island state's capital and largest city, a dense coastal hub on Oahu that's home to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Chaminade University of Honolulu. UH Manoa anchors the student scene in the lush Manoa valley, with Chaminade nearby, and students fan out into the neighborhoods between campus, the beaches, and downtown. McCully-Moiliili, a central district between Manoa and Waikiki, is a classic student area, while Makiki and Kaimuki pull students who want a local feel. Public green space is everywhere, from Kapiolani Park near Diamond Head to Ala Moana Beach Park. Being a student renter here means trading the mainland college-town routine for island life, with beach, mountains, and city culture all close by.
Sits between Manoa and Waikiki and is the classic student district, central and well-served by TheBus.
The lush valley around UH, suiting anyone who wants to be steps from campus and the arboretum trails.
Near Diamond Head, with a laid-back, local vibe and an easy ride to Chaminade.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Honolulu.
TheBus, the island's public transit system, blankets Oahu, and UH Manoa students with paid fees get a U-PASS for unlimited rides. Chaminade students can use the discounted HOLO card for the bus and the rail line. Routes like the 4, 6, 13, and 18 serve the Manoa campus directly. Many students rely on TheBus, walking, and the occasional rideshare for daily trips.
The neighborhoods around campus, plus McCully-Moiliili and Waikiki, are walkable and bikeable, and biking is pleasant in the steady warm weather. The compact central districts put a lot within walking distance. Students near campus often walk or bike to class. The year-round mild climate makes both an easy everyday choice.
Parking near UH Manoa is famously tight, with permits limited mostly to upper-class and grad students, so a car can be more headache than help. Many students skip car ownership rather than deal with parking. Street parking in dense areas like Waikiki and McCully-Moiliili is competitive. For most, TheBus and the occasional rideshare beat hunting for a spot.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Honolulu is one of the priciest U.S. rental markets, so brace yourself. A studio often runs around $1,000-$1,400 per month, and a one-bedroom commonly lands near $1,400-$1,800 per month. Sharing is the smart play here: splitting a two- or three-bedroom with roommates can bring your per-person share down meaningfully, often into the $800-$1,200 range depending on the unit and neighborhood.
Browse student housing near each Honolulu-area university.