How to get into Brigham Young University-Hawaii
How to get into BYU-Hawaii: an LDS-affiliated university with a global student body and the Honor Code commitment
47%
Acceptance rate
$6,630
In-state cost
What makes Brigham Young University-Hawaii admissions different
Brigham Young University-Hawaii is a small (~2,900 undergrad) private university in Laie, on the North Shore of Oahu, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The student body is intentionally global — roughly half of students come from outside the U.S., primarily from the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Latin America. All students sign and live by the BYU Honor Code (no alcohol, no coffee or tea, modest dress, no premarital sexual relations, regular religious observance) regardless of religious background. The Polynesian Cultural Center, adjacent to campus, is a major employer of BYU-H students through its on-campus work program. Most LDS applicants receive significantly reduced tuition; non-LDS applicants pay roughly double the LDS rate (still well below private-university norms).
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the unified BYU application (which covers BYU-Provo, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, Ensign College). Indicate BYU-Hawaii as your campus preference.
- 2.
Complete the Ecclesiastical Endorsement. All applicants (LDS and non-LDS) must obtain an endorsement from a religious leader confirming willingness to live the Honor Code — for LDS applicants this comes from a bishop; for non-LDS applicants from another clergy member or the BYU-H Honor Code Office's designated alternative.
- 3.
Maintain a strong academic record. Middle-50% admit profile is typically around 3.5+ GPA with college-prep coursework. Test scores are optional but reinforce a borderline file.
- 4.
Write the application essays around the Honor Code, the mission of the university, and how you'd contribute to the international community at Laie. Generic 'why Hawaii' essays don't land.
- 5.
Apply for institutional aid through IWORK and other BYU-H-specific programs — international students are often eligible for need-based aid through these programs in exchange for work commitments at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Treating the Honor Code as a formality. Enforcement is real — violations lead to discipline up to expulsion. Applicants who aren't prepared to live the Honor Code regret enrolling.
- ✕
Writing essays about beaches and surfing. The application is read for mission fit; outdoor enthusiasm is fine as flavor but not as the main point.
- ✕
Underestimating the international competition for seats. Non-LDS applicants and out-of-region applicants compete in tighter sub-pools because the school intentionally maintains a global mix.
The specifics for Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Application deadlines
- Priority application2026-02-01
- Final application2026-04-01Apply through the unified BYU application.
Supplemental essay prompts
- Ecclesiastical Endorsement: confirmation from a religious leader that you understand and intend to live the BYU Honor Code (no alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, or premarital sexual relations; modest dress; regular religious observance).Required for all applicants (LDS and non-LDS). LDS applicants obtain from a bishop; non-LDS applicants from a clergy member or the BYU-H Honor Code Office's designated alternative.
What makes this admissions process distinctive
International student body and Polynesian Cultural Center work program ↗
Roughly half of BYU-H students come from outside the U.S., primarily from the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Latin America. The IWORK program funds international students through work commitments at the adjacent Polynesian Cultural Center.
Tiered tuition by LDS membership
LDS applicants pay substantially reduced tuition; non-LDS applicants pay roughly double the LDS rate (still well below private-university norms). All students are bound by the Honor Code regardless of religious affiliation.
What graduates actually do
BYU-Hawaii is the smallest of the BYU campuses, located in Laie on Oahu's North Shore, with a unique mission focused on educating LDS students from across the Pacific Rim. Graduates return to their home countries to serve as teachers, business leaders, and church administrators, with the Polynesian Cultural Center providing on-campus employment and tourism-industry training. Strong international placement and LDS Church-related career pipelines.
Notable alumni
- Vai Sikahema — NFL player and sportscaster
- Mason Cook — Actor
Transfer pathway
BYU-Hawaii accepts transfer students who meet LDS Church Educational System honor code requirements. The university honors credits from regionally accredited institutions and has informal articulation with other BYU campuses and LDS Business College. Most transfer applicants are returned missionaries or international LDS students.
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App (supplements re-verified this pass). Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
BYU-Hawaii admits applicants who fit the Honor Code, demonstrate academic preparation, and complete the ecclesiastical endorsement. If you're LDS, academically prepared, and committed to the Honor Code, this is a likely admit. If you're non-LDS, the bar is the same on academics and the Honor Code commitment must be authentic — but admission is reachable.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.