The on-campus housing complex provides full academic year accommodations (fall, winter, and spring semesters) for students in six residence halls. Each hall is coed (men and women, in most cases, are assigned to separate floors).  Two halls are theme halls: Global (international and US students living together to learn more about each other's countries and cultures) and Smoke-free hall. Primarily, first-year (traditional freshman) students choose to live in the residence halls because of the convenient meal plan, quick access to the downtown campus from the windward Hawai'i Loa campus by using the University's Intercampus Shuttle Service, and strong community atmosphere.

The windward Hawai'i Loa campus residence life office provides services, programs, and facilities designed to enhance students' educational experience. This is accomplished under the leadership of the residential life staff who assist students in developing leadership and life skills in a challenging and supportive atmosphere.

The Hawai'i Pacific University Housing Association (HPUHA) is a student-governed body that organizes activities to enhance the student-resident experience in University housing. Throughout the academic year, HPUHA sponsors periodic excursions to some of Hawaii's spectacular cultural and recreational sites, on-campus social events, and special dinners. The windward Hawai'i Loa campus offers recreational facilities that include basketball/volleyball courts, tennis courts, fitness center and a student center. Students participate in intramural sports throughout the academic year.The free residence life shuttle program provides weekly transportation to the beach, shopping, Waikiki and other off-campus sites for residence hall students only.

For health and safety reasons smoking is not permitted inside the residence halls and residential life facilities and grounds. A designated smoking area is available in the residential life area.

Residence hall contracts are for the full academic year, and all payments, partial or full, are nonrefundable. Additional winter intercession (December) contracts are available, but without a meal plan. Housing prices for the fall or spring term normally range from $3,600 to $4,500 per semester (including the meal plan) depending on options selected. Prices can vary, so it is best to call for the most current price information. Hawai'i Pacific University policy states that the residence halls are drug-free and alcohol-free. The possession or use of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia is prohibited.