UH Mānoa earns national recognition for campus beauty

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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa continues to gain national recognition for its scenic campus, most recently being in the top 35 most beautiful colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report in March 2026.

The publication highlighted campuses that "captivate not only students and faculty but also travelers who appreciate scenic architecture, lush green spaces and unique landmarks."

The latest honor builds on previous accolades, including a 2025 ranking by Travel + Leisure, which placed UH Mānoa among the 30 most stunning college campuses in the United States.

Natural beauty, unique setting

Spanning 320 acres in Mānoa Valley, UH Mānoa is home to more than 4,000 trees and more than 500 plant species. The campus is recognized as an accredited arboretum-one of only 823 worldwide-and one of just ten in Hawaiʻi, along with UH's Lyon Arboretum. The landscape features a wide range of flora native to Hawaiʻi as well as plants from across the Pacific, creating an environment that reflects the university's unique setting.

"This recognition reflects what our students, faculty and community experience every day at UH Mānoa: a campus where natural beauty, culture and academic excellence come together in a unique way," said Vassilis L. Syrmos, interim provost for UH Mānoa. "From our diverse arboretum to our historic and modern spaces, UH Mānoa offers an environment that inspires learning, discovery and a deep connection to place."

U.S. News and World Report also highlighted UH Mānoa's architecture as a standout feature, including the Isabella Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building, which opened in 2020, the iconic Hawaiʻi Hall built in 1912, and Andrews Amphitheater, which can accommodate up to 5,500 people and continues to serve as a gathering place for both UH and community events and performances.

Together, these recognitions highlight UH Mānoa's combination of natural beauty, environmental stewardship and culture, strengthening its standing as one of the nation's most distinctive campuses.

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UH Mānoa is getting national attention, not just for academics-but for its beauty.

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The campus just landed in the top 35 most beautiful colleges in the country… according to U.S. News & World Report.

UH Mānoa features more than 4,000 trees and hundreds of plant species.

The university is even an accredited arboretum… one of only a handful in Hawaiʻi.

And it's not just the landscape. Historic Hawaiʻi Hall and modern science buildings all add to the view.

It's the latest in a growing list of honors highlighting UH Mānoa as one of the most scenic campuses in the nation.