Do you like the beach or class?

Introduction
Before deciding why you are picking UH, ask yourself whether or not you are only coming for the beach and nice weather (which a lot of people say). If your idea of a college experience is to lay out on the beach and drink then maybe go back to your dorm to study the night before your test then this school is for you. More hours are spent lounging in the sun then in the library. If you want to study hard and be surrounded by motivated peers, you might want to reconsider. There are definitely many brite students here but most of them live at home (it's a commuter campus for sure) or they don't socialize much (since its hard to find other 'academic' students). However, because many students don't try to be stellar students, you can achieve great things if you are a good student here. Professors practically jump up and down if a student asks to intern/learn from them. So few students take the time to ask that if you do, you will have amazing opportunities that you might not get a better school. It's all relative. You can achieve great things if you try (all the profs are amazing! They came because they love Hawaii even though they could work at Harvard), or, you can spend all day (and night) at the beach and still end up with a degree. It's your choice.

Campus Life and Social Life
There isn't much partying in the dorms because of new policies but there is at the Frat houses. Students spend a lot of time drinking at the beach and going to the many clubs in Waikiki. Most 'social' stuff happens off campus. The campus is dead at night. Sports aren't overly popular although fans show up to cheer on the football team and women's volleyball. Advertisement
Academics
All my professors have been incredible. I seriously think they are people who could work at ANY top school and came here for the location. We are lucky! My classes have been great. I've tried to avoid lecture classes that are huge but you can't avoid them completly. Take honors if you can. It means smaller classes and early registration which is awesome.

Student Body
Most of the student body seem to maintain their high school cliques since they all grew up together and since most are commuting from home, it doesnt change. There are lots of surfers, harajukuish Japanese girls from Tokyo, and a bunch of super friendly people. Hawaii is so diverse that you will have friends from all different races, religions, etc. Everyone loves Hawaii whether they are Japanese, Haole, Hawaiian, Phillipeno, Portuguese, etc.

In Closing...
Hawaii is very laid back, much like the university. Students don't worry too much and seem to love life in Honolulu. Everyone gets along with other cultures. It truly is the ALOHA state. :-)