HONOLULU (KHON2) — The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is preparing for a surge in traffic as more than 3,500 students arrive on campus for the 2025 fall semester.
Move-in events are taking place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on several dates and will affect major roads in the Mānoa, Mōʻiliʻili and Kaimukī areas.
On Friday, Aug. 15, students will move into the Walter Dods Jr. Residences for Innovative Student Entrepreneurs.
The newly completed Hale Haukani will welcome residents on Monday, Aug. 18.
From Tuesday, Aug. 19, through Friday, Aug. 22, additional students will settle into other UH Mānoa housing.
“[Monday] August 25th is the first day of school for all of our ten campuses across the entire UH system, across all of our islands,” explained Marc Arakaki, spokesperson for UH Mānoa. “And so, we just want the public to be vigilant, to be to exercise patience as you traverse to the areas near our campuses here at Mānoa.”
Several roads are expected to see delays. They include University Avenue, Dole Street, Metcalf Street and the eastbound and westbound University Avenue off-ramps from the H-1 Freeway.
UH officials said signage will be posted and traffic modifications will be in place to manage congestion.
Drivers can expect to see and experience heavier vehicle activity and more pedestrians, especially along Dole Street and University Avenue.
Drivers can also expect lane closures and frequent stops as vehicles unload belongings.
“We just want the folks to know that our roads along the old street, as well as University Avenue and the on and off ramps of the each one freeway, are going to be significantly more busy, especially in the morning and afternoon hours when students are coming and leaving campus,” advised Arakaki.
The campus community is encouraged to allow extra travel time and use alternate routes when possible.
These measures aim to keep traffic flowing and improve safety for everyone navigating the busy move-in period.
Drivers will need to remain alert and patient as thousands of students begin their semester in Mānoa.
“We just want the public to be respectful [and] exercise patience as they come through the area,” added Arakaki.
Careful driving will help ensure a smooth transition for both residents and visitors during this busy start to the school year.