Student Housing at UH Mānoa, Honolulu
Packed with Perks,
Built for You
Live right where you learn - with modern dorm-style rooms, study spaces, and community amenities that make student life simpler, smarter, and more fun.
Live, Learn, Innovate
Reach New Heights At Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center
Unlock your full potential at Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center - a one-of-a-kind innovation hub combined with student housing. Here, makers and doers from every discipline come together to live, learn, and collaborate in an integrated community right on the UH Mānoa campus in Honolulu.
What’s Waiting for You
From co-working spaces to places to hang out, RISE blends comfort and convenience with spaces designed to help you focus, connect, and recharge.
No More Sweating in Bed
Each room has air conditioning to keep you comfy.
Shared Kitchens w/Stainless Steel Appliances
Cook, create, and connect in fully equipped shared kitchen.
Ideation & Prototyping Labs
Bring your ideas to life with creative spaces built for innovation and hands-on learning.
Immediate Access to the Bus
Hop on the bus and be anywhere on the island in minutes.
Co-Working Spaces
Work side-by-side with fellow students in open, flexible environments that spark collaboration.
Outdoor Deck with Dining & Grills
Take in the views while enjoying dinner, group hangouts, or weekend BBQs.
The RISE Experience
Living, Learning, and Leading at RISE
Empowered by its partnership with PACE, Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center goes beyond traditional student housing. Here, you’ll find a live–learn–work community designed to inspire. From collaborative partnerships with PACE to sustainable design through LEED certification, RISE is a place where students can grow, connect, and make an impact - all while living steps from the heart of UH Mānoa.
Your Home at UH Mānoa
More Is on the Horizon
Immerse yourself in a welcoming community that celebrates diversity and creativity. At Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center, you are on-campus and close to the Campus Center and Warrior Recreation Center. Walter Dods, Jr, RISE Center provides a one-of-a-kind university experience.
Our residents enjoy a live, learn, work community at their home away from home. Offering private and shared living accommodations, RISE is also equipped with tools and technology to inspire entrepreneurship and collaboration with like-minded University of Hawai'i Students.
Partnering With PACE for Student Success
A Partnership With PACE
The unique components of Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center are made possible by the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE) at UH Mānoa. All UH students - not just Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center residents - have access to its co-working spaces, meeting rooms, maker-spaces, and entrepreneurship programs dedicated to nurturing creativity and innovation.
PACE is the central unit that coordinates and offers entrepreneurship events, competitions, mentorship programs, and scholarship opportunities to students at all campuses of the University of Hawai’i System.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
LEED Certification
The Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center earned LEED Gold certification in January 2025 by demonstrating leadership in sustainable building practices through the use of energy-efficient fixtures, a photovoltaic energy system, solar water heaters, and water conservation measures.
RISE's LEED Gold certification helps move forward the University of Hawaiʻi's commitment towards sustainability and serves as an example for future green building initiatives.
The Vision Behind RISE
Building Hawai‘i’s Future Through Innovation
A bold initiative to inspire students, strengthen the economy, and spark entrepreneurship.
A Bold Vision for Hawai‘i’s Future
Launched by the University of Hawai‘i and the UH Foundation, RISE serves as a hub for collaboration — helping students turn ideas into ventures or apply entrepreneurial thinking in any career.
As home to the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE), RISE welcomes students from across the UH System to explore ideas, access mentorship, and gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
Made possible through a public–private partnership with Hunt Development Group, RISE was built on the historic Atherton YMCA site. The six-story facility combines modern student housing with innovation spaces, supported by income from 374 beds and donor contributions that fund scholarships, equipment, and programs.
Schedule a Tour
Let’s Show You RISE
Curious what it’s really like to live at RISE? Come hang out! We’ll check out the rooms, chill on the rooftop deck, and peek into the maker spaces where big ideas come to life. You’ll see the study spots, the coffeehouse, and maybe even catch a game of foosball. Got questions? Bring ’em - we’ve got answers (and the coffee’s on us).