Founded in 1955 by David O. McKay and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Church College of Hawaii, Brigham Young University–Hawaii is a premier private university located in Laie, Hawaii. Spanning a picturesque 100-acre campus on Oahu's North Shore anchored by the Polynesian Cultural Center, BYU–Hawaii connects business management, computer science, Pacific Island studies, TESOL instruction, and intercultural leadership. You can examine its founding charter, religious heritage, and campus evolution through the BYU–Hawaii Wikipedia historical entry.
When you study at BYU–Hawaii, you enter a values-driven academic community defined by an Honor Code, intercultural unity, and high international enrollment from over 70 nations. Living in Laie places you on Oahu's scenic North Shore surrounded by surf beaches and coastal mountains.
Premier Academic Programs
BYU–Hawaii organizes its instruction across specialized academic faculties holding national reputations:
- Faculty of Business and Government: Delivers accredited instruction in corporate finance, accounting, supply chain analytics, and hospitality management. Explore degree options on the BYU–Hawaii Faculty of Business portal.
- Faculty of Sciences: Focuses on computer science, information technology, biochemistry, and marine biology.
- Department of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): World-renowned leader in global English language teacher preparation.
- Faculty of Culture, Language and Performing Arts: Renowned center for Pacific Island studies, Hawaiian studies, digital media, and music.
"Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve, the shared motto driving BYU–Hawaii's commitment to Pacific leadership."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on the David O. McKay Building quadrangle, the Joseph F. Smith Library, and the Aloha Plaza. School spirit revolves around Seasider, the historical mascot representing BYU–Hawaii student traditions and club sports teams. You can read about spirit traditions and student life on the official BYU–Hawaii Student Life portal. Working at the adjacent Polynesian Cultural Center, attending culture night showcases, and joining over 30 student associations creates a unique campus culture.
Research Infrastructure and Intercultural Leadership
BYU–Hawaii operates an active applied research framework focused on Pacific economic development and language preservation:
- Jonathan Napela Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Studies: Academic research facility documenting Pacific oral histories, cultural artifacts, and navigation.
- Computer and Information Sciences Research Lab: Advanced technology facility where students analyze enterprise software design and network security. Learn more via BYU–Hawaii Academic Operations.
- Polynesian Cultural Center Partnership: Living cultural laboratory providing direct hospitality and cultural performance management experience.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of international Cabinet members, corporate CEOs, cultural directors, and civic leaders, including:
- Anote Tong: Former President of the Republic of Kiribati and international climate advocate who earned his degree at BYU–Hawaii.
- Mufi Hannemann: Former Mayor of Honolulu and corporate executive who supported educational partnerships with BYU–Hawaii.
- Siaosi Sovaleni: Prime Minister of Tonga who earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at BYU–Hawaii.
- Keiko Matsui: Prominent international corporate supervisor directing financial trade firms across Asia and the Pacific.
BYU–Hawaii maintains subsidized tuition rates and generous IWORK financial grant programs for qualified Pacific and international students. Review full admission standards on the official BYU–Hawaii Admissions portal.