The University of Hawaii System had humble beginnings when it was founded as the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in Honolulu, in 1907. With only 13 faculty members and 10 students at the time of its start, the university has continued to grow, undergoing name changes and merging with other schools in the process. The University of Hawaii System now consists of 10 campuses and educational centers spread throughout six islands in Hawaii.

Because of the various universities, community colleges, educational centers, and distance learning outreach sites that constitute the system, the University of Hawaii is able to offer over 600 degree and certificates programs - including bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as doctorate and associate degree programs.

The university also enjoys diversity in its student body with over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled. More than 30 percent of the student body identify themselves as Asian, 21 percent as Caucasian, 14 percent as Hawaiian, and 3 percent as Pacific Islanders.