Honestly, if you live in Hawaii, you've probably heard of UH Manoa (University of Hawaii at Manoa).

If you stop anyone in the neighborhood and ask, they all know it. I found out that this school, which opened in 1907, has been playing a significant role in Hawaii's education for over 100 years.

As you enter the Honolulu Manoa Valley, you'll see a spacious main campus that spans about 300 acres, filled with lush tropical plants, making it feel like a giant resort just to walk around. You could say the study environment itself is like a massive vacation spot.

The total number of students, including both undergraduates and graduates, is around 18,000. Considering the tuition at mainland universities, it can be quite daunting, but here, the in-state tuition for Hawaii residents is about $13,000 a year, which is much more reasonable compared to major public universities on the mainland.

While popular majors like business, education, nursing, and engineering are in high demand, the real gems are marine biology and Pacific-Asian studies. These two fields are among the best in the U.S., attracting top researchers from around the world who are eager to collaborate.

Due to its geographical location, it serves as a unique academic hub connecting the mainland U.S. with Asia and the Pacific Islands.

The Korean studies program is also well-developed, with active Korean language courses and classes related to Korean culture, and the Korean Student Association (KSA) is quite active as well. The professional graduate programs are impressive too, including the William S. Richardson School of Law, John A. Burns School of Medicine, and the Shidler College of Business MBA, providing a surprisingly wide range of career options.

However, the real charm of this school lies in the incredible natural environment of Hawaii that is integrated into campus life.

After class, it's completely normal for students to throw down their backpacks and run to the beach to surf, or go scuba diving and hiking on the weekends. You won't find this kind of romance at any university on the mainland. Plus, with so many international students from diverse countries, the campus has a wonderful atmosphere where various cultures blend naturally.

Tuition at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) varies significantly depending on residency.

If you qualify as a Hawaii resident (In-State), the annual tuition is about $11,500 to $12,000, and with mandatory fees, it totals around $12,000 to $13,000. Compared to public universities on the mainland, this is definitely reasonable and offers great value.

On the other hand, for international students or out-of-state residents from the mainland, tuition jumps to about $33,500 to $34,000 per year.

Additionally, due to Hawaii's high cost of living, expenses for housing and food (Room & Board) add about $15,000 per year.

In total, the estimated cost of attendance, including tuition, living expenses, and textbooks, is about $33,000 per year for residents and around $55,000 for out-of-state/international students. Many freshmen receive scholarships or financial aid, so the actual out-of-pocket cost may be lower.

For Korean students in Hawaii, UH Manoa is a practical and solid choice. Especially if you qualify as a Hawaii resident and take advantage of in-state tuition benefits, you can enjoy both value and romance. If you want to study while truly experiencing Hawaii under the sun, there's no better place than this.