Early Start Program
Students accepted to UH Mānoa for Fall 2026 are eligible to participate in the Early Start Program!
NOTE: Adjustments for health and safety reasons will be made as needed.
Why wait until the fall? The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Early Start Program (ESP) allows you to start your college experience during the less hectic summer–with a variety of benefits!
Take a course or two during Summer Session 2 (July 6 – August 14). Program staff will help you navigate the process and provide support as questions arise.
Benefits Include
- Course offerings will be available in February 2026. There are currently 160 introductory-level courses offered in Summer Session 2 and 130 of those are online.
- Register for high-demand courses to fulfill basic course requirements. (Summer registration opens in March.)
- Save money–the resident tuition rate applies to ALL Summer Sessions undergraduate courses.
- Students taking an in-person course can learn how to navigate the college environment during the less hectic summertime.
- Attend a program orientation to make sure you’re all set for your first college course.
- Start to build a community of college friends.
RSVP here (available in March)
Priority Deadline: May 15, 2026
Final Deadline: May 30, 2026
RSVP by the Priority Deadline to be considered for a program need-based scholarship (if available) for students who are Pell-eligible AND attending UH Mānoa in the fall.
Who is Eligible for ESP?
Students who were accepted to UH Mānoa for Fall 2026 are invited to participate in this program. Whether you attend UH Mānoa or another institution in the fall, we welcome you to join us this summer.
Scholarships
A limited number of need-based program scholarships are available for students who are Pell-eligible AND attending UH Mānoa in the fall.
Courses Available
A link to Summer 2026 courses will be provided here in March. Students should contact their academic advisor to decide on which course(s) to take.
Contact Us
(808) 956-9246
summer.programs@hawaii.edu