The principal campus of the University of Hawaii is in beautiful Manoa Valley, about 5 km from downtown Honolulu and 3 km from Waikiki Beach. Recreational and cultural aspects include the ocean, beaches and mountains, parks, spectator and participant sports, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Bishop Museum, and several theater and musical groups. Also, the neighbor islands are just a short plane ride away.
Most students share apartments or houses near the campus.