The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa welcomed 2,410 incoming students on Aug. 19 and 20 during the mandatory two-day, in-person fall 2026 new student orientation.
The orientation began with an opening rally at the Stan Sheriff Center before students spread across campus for more than 60 hands-on “Choose Your Own Adventure” activities designed to introduce them to campus life and help them build connections.
Students could choose from a wide range of experiences, including Beijing Opera stage combat, eSports and activities focused on planting and exploring the campus environment.
At the Sherman Laboratory Courtyard, students worked together to move mulch and plant native trees and grasses. Other students visited information tables at the Campus Center to learn about student organizations, services and other campus resources.
“I really like it,” said Maile Havas, an Island School graduate studying botany, in a press release. “I hope that the spirits are up all throughout the next four years and that my now new classmates are pretty awesome.”
Students also received complimentary bento lunches on both days as they moved between activities and meetings.
The second day shifted the focus to academics, with students visiting their respective colleges and schools to meet faculty, academic advisers and fellow students and prepare for the start of the semester.
For some incoming students, the transition to college brought a mix of nerves and excitement.
“It was very scary when I came,” said Max Geyrozaga, a Mililani High School graduate studying electrical engineering. “But it was very chill when I realized everybody wants to be here.”
