Off-Campus Housing

Off-Campus Housing

Many students choose to find their own housing and live off-campus.  The island of O'ahu offers many different lifestyles--from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu to the quiet beach vibes of Kailua town.

Review the information below to help you during this process:

  • Preparation is Key
  • Where to Begin Your Search
  • HPU eAds Service
  • Off-Campus Housing Checklist
  • Protecting your Personal Property: Renters Insurance
  • Summer Storage Options

Questions? Contact us at 808-356-5295 or send an email to t_harnan@hpu.edu. 

 

Preparation is key

First and foremost, it must be noted that rental housing is always in high demand in Hawai'i. Honolulu is one of the most desirable cities to live in and one of the top tourist destinations in the world. This creates a highly competitive housing market both on and off campus. Therefore, we encourage you to secure housing as soon as possible. 

Avoid Housing Scams

Educate yourself about housing scams. Whenever possible, don't sign a lease until you are in Hawai'i and have viewed the property in person. Do not send money via wire transfer or electronic means for a security deposit or first/last month's rent until you have viewed a property in person and/or have a signed lease because wire transfers are not refundable. You can learn more about housing scams and the best practices of renting from USA.gov.

 

Start early

We recommend that you do all that you can to start your off-campus housing search early. 

It is advisable to set up and schedule showings before you arrive in order to spend the first couple of days looking at these options. Review and research your options to become familiar with the rental market a month before your desired move-in date.  Begin calling landlords to set up showings one to two weeks prior to arriving. 

If you are going to search for an apartment to rent after you have arrived in Hawai'i, you should consider arriving early enough to secure a rental unit.  If you wait until you are on island to begin your housing search, it may be more difficult to find rental accommodations that suit your needs.

 

Where to begin your search

There are a variety of ways in which students can search for off-campus housing through rental websites. The off-campus rental units offer different options and living arrangements. Some of the properties offer hotel-type services with weekly in-room cleaning and varying amenities/security arrangements. Some of the private rental units/apartments offer traditional apartment living with limited amenities.

In addition to the resources below, you can also learn more about off-campus options by watching our webinar recorded July 12, 2022.

Below are properties in the Honolulu area that may be an option for students seeking off-campus housing:

*12 month lease minimum

Other platforms to explore:

 

HPU EAds Service:

HPU's online eAds Service provides HPU students with platform to aid in their off-campus housing search. All you need is your HPU email address to create an account. 

HPU community members may use this service to advertise:

  • Rooms Available
  • Apartments to Rent
  • Houses to Rent

If you have questions, please contact the Housing and Residence Life staff at housing@hpu.edu.

 

DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that the University cannot take responsibility for any leasing agreements entered into by and between students or between students and any third parties.  The University assumes no responsibility for any such contracts/leases and encourages students to use written agreements for any leased space. The Office of Housing and Residence Life is not responsible or liable for the consequences of any off-campus student housing arrangement.  In addition, Hawai‘i Pacific University does not endorse or sponsor any of the agencies, services, advertisements, properties or landlords included in this website and is not promoting any of these vendors.  The information is provided only as an aid in your housing quest.

Off-Campus Housing Checklist

  1. DECIDE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

    Do you want to live by yourself or with roommates? How much are you able to pay? How far are you willing to travel? Think about these kinds of things early to narrow your search down.

  2. RESEARCH COST

    Check current rental listings to get an idea of what you should expect to pay. You can check rental cost ranges and averages on www.rentometer.com. Budget additionally for utilities, household supplies, and transportation costs.

  3. CREATE A RENTAL APPLICATION PACKET

    A rental packet is a great tool to promote yourself and become a better prospect to landlords. It should include a cover letter, rental application, and references. If you are applying as a group, include each person in the packet.

  4. SEARCH RENTALS

    Review the list above for some initial options or review the apartment search platforms to find other options that fit your needs.

  5. MAKE THE CALL

    Call the landlord or property manager of the rentals you are interested in. You should be trying to make a good impression, so be professional and polite. Set up a time to view the property.

  6. VIEW THE PROPERTY

    Be sure to ask questions and give the place a good look

  7. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION PACKET

    Have a copy with you. Let the manager know your confidential information is available for the credit check as soon as you are being considered seriously as a tenant.

  8. SIGN RENTAL AGREEMENT AND PAY YOUR DEPOSIT

    Get a copy of all paperwork you sign and a receipt for all financial transactions. Keep a rental file.

  9. look into and opt-in: renters insurance 

    We strongly recommend that you get renters insurance coverage for your personal property. Whether you live in university housing or off-campus, you’re eligible to purchase coverage through GradGuard’s student renters insurance program. HPU does not receive compensation for providing this student benefit. This preferred rate is available to you because you’re an HPU student. GradGuard’s Renters Insurance is underwritten by Markel® American Insurance Company. Claims and coverages are subject to language, limits and exclusions, and policy. Click GradGuard Renters Insurance to get more information about their coverage and a quote.

 

Protecting Your Personal Property: GradGuard Renters Insurance

GradGuard Renters Insurance is a smart investment for college students and their families. With the GradGuard Renters Insurance plan, personal items that are stolen or damaged by a covered cause of loss can be replaced, subject to a low deductible. GradGuard Renters Insurance also protects students financially from large-scale, unintentional damage they may cause to their residence hall or bodily injury they may cause to others for which they are legally liable.

Learn more:

Features of GradGuard Renters Insurance for HPU students include:

  • Low $100.00 Deductible: Compared to $500, $1000, or more for a typical homeowners insurance policy.
  • Replacement Cost: If your personal property is stolen or damaged due to a covered peril, it can be replaced with an item of like kind and quality.
  • Worldwide coverage: Your personal belongings are protected even when you’re away from campus, traveling, or studying abroad.
  • Electronics coverage: Your electronics, including your TV, laptop, smartphone, and tablet are covered up to the policy limits.
  • Personal Liability Coverage: If you cause damage to university property or injure others, you may be liable for the damages. Renters insurance from GradGuard provides up to $300,000 in personal liability coverage. For example, if you unintentionally set off your building’s sprinkler system, liability protection can help pay for the resulting damages.
  • An Alternative to Homeowners Insurance: Not all homeowners insurance policies are the same. Limitations may apply when the property is away from the principal residences. Unlike homeowner's insurance, your premium will not increase if you make a claim on the policy.

GradGuard’s Renters Insurance is underwritten by Markel® American Insurance Company. Claims and coverages are subject to language, limits and exclusions, and policy. Visit GradGuard to get more information about their coverage and a quote.

 

DISCLAIMER: Students are responsible for their personal property whether living in University residences or off-campus. HPU assumes no responsibility and strongly recommends that students purchase renters insurance coverage. There are various providers of renters’ insurance and HPU is not affiliated with Grad Guard, nor can we guarantee, endorse or be responsible for their insurance coverages. The information is provided here to aid students who are moving to Hawaii and/or moving into University residences to provide an insurance option offering a discount for HPU students. Please read closely to confirm the details of coverage for this and any insurance programs.

 

Summer Storage Options

Whether you are packing for the summer or preparing to leave Hawaii'i after graduation, give yourself enough time to pack. There are storage companies on Oahu who can help. If you are interested in one of these options, contact the company directly. If these storage deals are not suited for your needs, make sure to reach out to other vendors on Oahu. Questions? Contact housing@hpu.edu. 

 

DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that the University cannot take responsibility for any storage rental agreements entered into by and between students and any third parties.  The University assumes no responsibility for any such contracts/leases and encourages students to use written agreements. The Office of Housing and Residence Life is not responsible or liable for the consequences of any off-campus storage space arrangement.  In addition, Hawaii‘i Pacific University does not endorse or sponsor any of the agencies, services, advertisements, properties or landlords included in this website and is not promoting any of these vendors.  The information is provided only as an aid in your summer storage housing preparations.