FALL 2026
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Friday, August 14, 2026
NSO is MANDATORY for all new First-Year, Transfer, and Marianist Exchange students.
New Student Orientation is the ultimate on-campus transition experience designed to welcome all new students, like yourself, to campus before the start of classes
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Ho‘omaika‘i ‘ana (Congratulations)! We are excited to welcome you and your family to the Chaminade ‘ohana. At New Student Orientation (NSO), you’ll meet with faculty, connect with fellow Silverswords and learn about the many resources, services and opportunities available to you, making your transition to Chaminade as smooth as possible. Our program is designed to prepare you for academic rigor and introduce you to our traditions and values.
NSO is mandatory for all new first-year, transfer and exchange students.
New Silversword & ‘Ohana Week
New Student Orientation
PARKING
Parking is FREE and will be available in our Parking Structure and on Upper-Campus. Please follow the Admissions Event and Parking signs upon arrival to campus, or ask any employee wearing a Neon Yellow Vest!
CHECK-IN
Check-in will begin prior to the start of New Student Orientation. Please refer to your confirmation email for details.
Nursing Students: Nursing Orientation begins 2 hours before New Student Orientation. Please refer to the schedule below for your arrival time. Following Nursing Orientation, you’ll transition directly into New Student Orientation and participate in the remainder of the day’s programming.
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Student Type |
Time |
Activity |
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Nursing Orientation New Incoming Nursing Students Only |
7:30 AM |
Check-In, Breakfast & Nursing Orientation Sullivan Family Library Begin your day by checking in, enjoying breakfast, and attending Nursing Orientation. You’ll meet nursing faculty, learn about your program, and prepare for the semester before joining the rest of the incoming class for New Student Orientation and the day’s remaining activities. * Parents and family members will attend a separate Nursing Parent Program during this time. |
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New Student Orientation All Students, including Nursing |
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
New Student Orientation Begins Please refer to the schedule below for a full agenda |
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Get ready for an exciting start to your Chaminade journey! This schedule is packed with can’t-miss sessions, campus tips, and chances to meet your new Silversword ‘ohana! From helpful info to fun and ‘ono-licious food—we’ve got it lined up. Let’s make your first days unforgettable! 🤙
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Time |
Session |
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9:30 – 10:30 AM |
Check-In & Breakfast Various Locations Start your day with a light breakfast and refreshments while connecting with fellow new silverswords, families, and guests before the day’s events begin. We encourage you to arrive early, enjoy breakfast, and get settled before Orientation officially starts. |
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10:45 – 11:30 AM |
Convocation + Welcome McCabe Gymnasium Our university president, administrators, faculty, and staff in welcoming you and your ‘ohana to Chaminade. We’ll kick off the new academic year with a special blessing as we celebrate the start of your exciting journey. |
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STUDENTS ONLY Session #1 | Follow your Orientation Leader Various Locations Stay with your Orientation Leader and small group as you get to know your fellow students and explore campus through interactive activities, conversations, and guided experiences. PARENTS & FAMILY Session #1 | Holding On & Letting Go Eiben Hall, Ching Conference Center Hear from Chaminade faculty and staff who have walked this journey with their own children, sharing stories, tips and real experience of holding on with love while learning to let go with trust. |
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12:00 – 12:30 PM |
STUDENTS ONLY Session #2 | Follow your Orientation Leader Various Locations Stay with your Orientation Leader and small group as you get to know your fellow students and explore campus through interactive activities, conversations, and guided experiences. PARENTS & FAMILY Session #2 | ‘Ohana Means Family Eiben Hall, Ching Conference Center At Chaminade, you’re never navigating this journey alone, you are apart of an ‘ohana. In this session, we’ll engage in meaningful activities and conversations about encouraging your student as they grow and find their place at Chaminade. Connect with fellow families, share experiences, and discover ways to stay involved while letting your student thrive. Because now, not only is your student apart of our Chaminade ‘Ohana, YOU ARE TOO! |
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12:30 – 1:30 PM |
Lunch Sullivan Family Library Enjoy lunch with your fellow Silverswords! This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, connect with Orientation Leaders, and continue building your Chaminade community. 🍽️🌺 |
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STUDENTS, PARENTS, & FAMILY Session #3 | Choose One of the Following Sessions
One Stop Services
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2:30 – 3:30 PM |
Campus + Community Resource Fair & Pau Hana Sullivan Family Library Enjoy a sweet treat while mingling with your Chaminade ‘ohana. Discover opportunities to get involved -explore a variety of on- and off-campus organizations Campus Resources:
Community Resources:
One Stop Services
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Saturday, August 15th
Explore Chaminade
Join your Silversword ‘ohana for fun, free, and memorable campus-hosted events.
🍳Welcome Weekend Brunch | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Silversword Cafe
Start your day with a delicious welcome brunch before settling into campus life. All students are welcome to join us and no meal plan is required!
⚽ Women’s Soccer vs. Saint Michael’s | 2:00 PM
Saint Louis Field | Lower Campus
Admissions: FREE! Head over to lower campus to cheer on our Women’s Soccer team. They play Saint Michael’s at 2:00 p.m.
🍽️Welcome Weekend Dinner | 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Silversword Cafe
Wrap up your day with a special welcome dinner at the Silversword Cafe. No meal plan is required, just bring your appetite and enjoy a meal with fellow Silverswords before classes begin!
Explore O’ahu on Your Own
Go off campus and explore our stunning city of Honolulu and take in the beautiful island of O’ahu and check out some of the amazing events happening in the area!
🌷 KCC Farmers’ Market | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Kapiolani Community College – Parking Lot B | Honolulu (1.7 Miles from Campus)
The KCC Farmers’ Market is one of Oʻahu’s most popular Saturday morning destinations, bringing together local farmers, food vendors, and artisans in the shadow of Diamond Head. Visitors can shop for fresh island-grown produce, tropical fruits, flowers, locally made products, baked goods, coffee, and a wide variety of ready-to-eat dishes while supporting Hawaiʻi’s local agriculture and small businesses.
🍓 Kakaako Farmers Market | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
919 Ala Moana Blvd | Honolulu (3.3 Miles from Campus)
Kick off your weekends at the Kaka‘ako Farmers Market. Every Saturday from 8am – 12pm, vendors from across O‘ahu are sharing the bounty of Hawai‘i. Expect fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables and flowers sourced from Hawai‘i farms, grab-and-go goodies, and exciting eats and treats from numerous food stalls. Find your favorites or discover new products and brands while supporting the larger community.
Sunday, August 16th
⛪ Sunday Mass | 10:00 AM
Mystical Rose Oratory
Join us for Sunday Morning Mass on campus. A welcoming and reflective celebration open to students of all faith backgrounds. It’s a beautiful way to recharge, connect with our Marianist and Catholic values, and center yourself for your first day of the semester. Take a look inside the Mystical Rose Oratory.
🍳Sunday Brunch | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Silversword Cafe
Fuel up for an exciting semester at our special welcome brunch! Gather with fellow students, enjoy a great meal, and get ready for the first day of classes. All students are welcome, and no meal plan is required
Explore Kaimukī!
Chaminade sits right in the heart of Kaimukī, one of Honolulu’s most down-to-earth and welcoming neighborhoods. From grabbing coffee at local spots to catching sunset views of Diamond Head, life here is all about community and connection.
Just beyond campus, Oʻahu has it al—beaches, hiking trails, ono food, and the rich culture that makes Hawaiʻi so special. Whether you’re born and raised or new to the islands, you’ll feel right at home here at Chaminade.
Traveling to O’ahu
Whether you’re flying in, driving here, or bringing the whole family along, this section has everything you need—from when to arrive and where to stay, to how to get to campus and what to pack. Use the buttons below to explore each part of your travel plans!
Special Southwest Flight Discount
Take advantage of our Special Southwest Discount for our New Students & Families!
Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer exclusive discounted fares for New Student Orientation Week 2026 attendees. To access this special rate, simply book your flight by using the provided link below.
This discount is valid for travel between August 9 – August 18, 2026, making it easier and more affordable to join us as your prepare for your Chaminade Journey. We encourage you to book early and take advantage of this limited-time offer.
Back to School Airport Shuttles
Make your arrival a little eaier with Roberts Hawaii’s special Back to School Airport Shuttle Offer!
Chaminade students can receive 20% off airport shuttle services between the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Chaminade University by using Promo Code: College26 when booking
This discount is valid for shuttle services between August 1 – August 31, 2026, making it easier and more affordable. Book now to enjoy a convenient, reliable ride as you begin your Silversword Journey!
New Silversword Checklist
Set Up Your Student Accounts
Get started as you will be utilizing these accounts throughout your time here at Chaminade University of Honolulu
College Move-In
Move-In Day: Thursday, August 13, 2026
More information on move-in coming soon. Be sure to check your Chaminade Student Email in July!
Quick Links
Jump directly to key information and student resources.
The Journey Starts Here: For You and Your Student
Becoming part of the Chaminade ‘ohana is an exciting new chapter and this guide is here to help you navigate the journey ahead with confidence and pride.
At Chaminade, we believe families play a vital role in student success. Whether you’re exploring how to stay connected from afar or looking for ways to be involved on campus, this guide will help you feel right at home. Together, we’ll celebrate milestones, embrace challenges, and make memories that last a lifetime!
Once you join the Chaminade ‘ohana, you’re forever apart of our family!
Parents & Family Resources
Welcome to the Chaminade ‘ohana! Not only is your student joining our #swordnation, but so are you!
Money Matters
Ensure that everything is for your First Day of Classes! From purchasing parking passes and student-discounted transit cards to depositing external scholarship checks.
If you have any questions, please contact Admissions at (808) 739-8340 or [email protected].