The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ continues to gain national recognition for its scenic campus, most recently being in the top 35 most beautiful colleges in the country by in March 2026.
The publication highlighted campuses that “captivate not only students and faculty but also travelers who appreciate scenic architecture, lush green spaces and unique landmarks.”
The latest honor builds on previous accolades, including a 2025 ranking by Travel + Leisure, which placed UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ among the 30 most stunning college campuses in the United States.
Natural beauty, unique setting
Spanning 320 acres in ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ Valley, UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ is home to more than 4,000 trees and more than 500 plant species. The campus is recognized as an accredited arboretum—one of only 823 worldwide—and one of just ten in Â鶹´«Ã½, along with UH¡¯²õ . The landscape features a wide range of flora native to Â鶹´«Ã½ as well as plants from across the Pacific, creating an environment that reflects the university¡¯²õ unique setting.
“This recognition reflects what our students, faculty and community experience every day at UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹: a campus where natural beauty, culture and academic excellence come together in a unique way,” said Vassilis L. Syrmos, interim provost for UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹. “From our diverse arboretum to our historic and modern spaces, UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ offers an environment that inspires learning, discovery and a deep connection to place.”
U.S. News and World Report also highlighted UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯²õ architecture as a standout feature, including the Isabella Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building, which opened in 2020, the iconic Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall built in 1912, and Andrews Amphitheater, which can accommodate up to 5,500 people and continues to serve as a gathering place for both UH and community events and performances.
Together, these recognitions highlight UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯²õ combination of natural beauty, environmental stewardship and culture, strengthening its standing as one of the nation¡¯²õ most distinctive campuses.