For someone new to Hawai'i, it is difficult to know which neighborhoods are close to the school when reading a newspaper ad. The island is grooved with valleys that go into the mountain ranges. Each valley and nearby flat area has a name and a bus line. St. Louis Heights, Palolo and Kaimuki. Waikiki is in front of the university, about 15 minutes by bus away.
Transportation is a major consideration for students selecting a rental.
St. Louis Heights is a very steep hill with bus service that often runs only once an hour. If you can visit Hawai'i before you move here, an excellent way to see these neighborhoods and get spectacular views is by taking the valley bus lines for round-trips. Over the mountain. The Pali Highway goes through tunnels in the Koolau Range to that side. Housing is cheaper and more rural here, but it is only workable if you have a car.