Crowds explore programs, labs, and housing during UH Mānoaʻs largest open house

Thousands of prospective students, families, alumni, and community members packed the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa campus on Saturday, Nov. 15, for ʻDiscover UH Mānoa,ʻ the university’s largest annual open house.

The three-hour event offered an expansive look at academic life, featuring more than 100 programs and student services with hands-on demonstrations, workshops, research activities, guided tours and live performances.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel said she hopes visitors left campus with a sense of belonging. “I hope they walk away feeling that this is their ‘ohana,” Hensel said.

“We can’t wait to welcome them in, support them, and help them reach every goal they’re chasing.”

Guests explored student projects across disciplines, including STEM, the arts, humanities, and Hawaiian studies.

The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience drew steady lines with cooking demonstrations showcasing dishes made from locally grown ingredients, such as green onion, Korean pancakes, and ‘uala desserts. The UH Marching Band and cheerleaders added to the atmosphere with performances and meet-and-greet sessions.

The open house also featured an Alumni Makers’ Market, campus housing tours, food trucks, free shave ice, giveaways, and UH Bookstore merchandise, offering a broad snapshot of campus culture. UH Mānoa Provost Vassilis Syrmos said the campus provides “world-class research opportunities, strong academic programs, Division I athletics, and a campus experience you won’t find just anywhere.”

This year’s event comes as UH Mānoa continues to gain national recognition.

The university recently climbed 62 spots in the 2026 Wall Street Journal Best Colleges rankings and set new records in research funding and philanthropic support. Enrollment also reached its highest level in five years, reflecting growing interest from Hawai‘i families and students nationwide.