UH Manoa graduates cross the stage in 2026 commencement

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s graduating class of 2026 filled the Stan Sheriff Center for Saturday’s commencement ceremonies.

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About 1,500 students received diplomas at 9 a.m. ceremony, and the remaining 1,300 accepted theirs in the 3:30 p.m. ceremony.

Students, families and supporters were eager to celebrate the milestone, with many graduates sporting smiles as they crossed the stage.

“I’d say it’s the best four years of my life,” said communications graduate Jason Visitacion. “Feeling the culture here, feeling the Aloha, it just feels like a second home and all that stuff.”

For many graduates, their years at UH Manoa created friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. Savvy Andrews, a journalism graduate, encouraged students to focus on building meaningful relationships.

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“Pour into relationships. That is my number one thing. Networking and fostering your community is so important,” said Andrews.

Carrying Chamorro lineage, Andrews said she was surprised to find a community in Hawaiʻi that shared her interests and values.

“I think the people around me and my cohort are who I owe the most thanks to,” she said. “I’m really appreciative for my circle.”

Following the ceremonies, graduates and their families gathered for separate lei celebrations at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex and Les Murakami Stadium.

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