Top Hawaii Scholarships and Grant Programs

Find the top Hawaii scholarships and grants available to prospective students looking for higher education in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.

Pursuing higher education can be expensive, especially in a state like Hawaii with a high cost of living. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarship and grant programs available to help students and graduates offset the costs and achieve their academic goals. Taking advantage of these funding opportunities can make college or vocational training much more affordable.

Table of Contents

Overview of Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are two main types of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, such as academic achievements, talents, or other qualifications. Grants are often need-based, taking into account family income levels and financial need. Both can provide substantial assistance in covering tuition, fees, books, housing, and other educational expenses.

For residents of Hawaii interested in attending school in the state, there are many state-specific scholarships and grants to tap into. There are also numerous nationwide programs open to applicants from all states. Understanding the options available and taking time to apply can unlock significant funding.

Importance of Financial Aid in Hawaii

The cost of attending college in Hawaii tends to be higher than the national average. For example, tuition and fees at the University of Hawaii at Manoa for the 2022-2023 academic year were $12,954 for in-state undergraduates and $34,189 for out-of-state students. Books, supplies, housing, food, and other expenses can add significantly to the overall price tag for higher education.

This means financial aid is critical for making college accessible and affordable for Hawaii residents. Scholarships and grants help to offset the elevated costs and make degree programs or vocational certifications viable for students and families. They help ensure Hawaiian students have access to higher education opportunities right in their home state.

Scholarships

There are many scholarship programs tailored specifically to students in and from Hawaii. Others are open to applicants from anywhere in the country. Here are some of the main types of scholarships available:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit scholarships recognize outstanding student achievement, including:

Top High School Achiever Scholarships

Hawaiian Electric Industries Scholarship – For top high school students planning to major in engineering, computer science, accounting or business. Award amounts range from $2,000 to $10,000.
First Hawaiian Bank Scholarship – Awards up to $3,000 to high-achieving high school seniors in Hawaii.
Hawaii Community Foundation Scholarships – Need- and merit-based awards for graduating seniors, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $15,000.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

University of Hawaii Academic Excellence Scholarships – Full or partial tuition coverage for outstanding incoming freshmen.
Patsy T. Mink Scholarship – Covers tuition and fees for exceptional UH undergraduate students.
UH Hilo Chancellor’s Scholarship – Merit-based award covering 50% of tuition.

STEM Scholarships

Hawaii Space Grant Consortium Scholarships – For students pursuing space-related fields at Hawaii colleges. Awards up to $5,000 per year.
Hawai‘i Energy Foundation Scholarship – Encourages students to pursue energy-related majors. $2,500 award amounts.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships assist students from lower-income families or underrepresented backgrounds. These include:

Income-Based Scholarships

Kipona Scholarship Fund – Supports Hawaiian students from families earning less than $7,500 annually. Awards up to $1,000.
Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Scholarship – For Native Hawaiian students with demonstrated financial need. Covers up to $4,000 per year.

First-Generation Scholarships

UH System First Generation Matching Grant – Matching grant for first-generation college students receiving a UH scholarship.
American Dream Scholarship – For first-generation immigrant students or children of immigrants pursuing higher education in Hawaii.

Underrepresented Minority Scholarships

William S. Richardson Scholarship – Full UH tuition for students of Native Hawaiian ancestry demonstrating financial need.
Project Success Scholarship – Assists underrepresented students, including Native Hawaiian, Filipino and Pacific Islander students.

Specialized Scholarships

There are also scholarships for students interested in specific areas of study or co-curricular activities:

Arts and Culture Scholarships

Taupori Award – Recognizes young artists helping to preserve Hawaiian culture through hula, music, chant or dance. $1,000 scholarship.
State Foundation on Culture and the Arts – Scholarships supporting students studying traditional arts like lauhala weaving or lei making.

Athletic Scholarships

UH Manoa Athletic Scholarship Office – Awards scholarships to student athletes in NCAA Division I sports programs.
Kamehameha Schools Athletics Scholarship – For student athletes who excel in school sports like volleyball, football, basketball, canoe paddling, wrestling, swimming, soccer and more.

Environmental Conservation Scholarships

Hawaii Island Palm Conservation Scholarship – Encourages students to pursue environmental science related to Hawaiian palm trees. Awards up to $5,000.
Maui Land & Pineapple Scholarship – Supports students studying agriculture and culinary arts with a focus on sustainability in Hawaii.

Grant Programs

In addition to scholarships, need-based grants can provide substantial funding for college and vocational programs. Here are some top options:

State Grant Programs

Hawaii Promise Scholarship

Merit- and need-based scholarship covering up to $6,000 in tuition per year at UH community colleges.

Hawaii State Incentive Grant

Need-based grant providing up to $2,700 per year for students pursuing a first bachelor’s degree.

Federal Grant Programs

Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants provide up to $6,895 a year based on financial need. Does not need to be repaid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Additional federal grants up to $4,000 per year for students with exceptional financial need. Priority given to Pell Grant recipients.

Private and Nonprofit Grants

Hawaii Community Foundation Grants

The HCF provides grants supporting undergraduate and graduate students pursuing health, culture, agriculture and sustainability fields.

Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship

Scholarships from Papa Ola Lokahi funding students dedicated to improving Native Hawaiian health. Average award is $2,000.

Rotary Club Educational Grants

Local Rotary Clubs offer grants supporting community college students, technical training, and more. Award amounts vary.

Application Process

Applying for scholarships and grants takes time and effort, but can yield major dividends in funding. Here are some tips for navigating the process:

Common Scholarship Application Steps

Researching Eligibility

Look for scholarships fitting your background, interests and academic program. Meet basic criteria like GPA requirements.

Gathering Required Documents

Application forms, transcripts, letters of recommendation, financial records, essays.

Writing Scholarship Essays

Essays allow you to showcase skills, interests and goals. Reflect on prompt questions thoroughly.

Obtaining Letters of Recommendation

Ask teachers, counselors, employers or others who can speak to your strengths and potential. Give them plenty of advance notice.

Grant Application Procedures

FAFSA and CSS Profile

Complete the FAFSA and CSS to apply for need-based federal and university grants. Priority deadlines apply.

Completing State Grant Applications

Individual applications may be required for some state grants, like the Hawaii State Incentive Grant. Follow instructions carefully.

Submitting Federal Grant Applications

Pell Grants and FSEOG are applied for through the FAFSA. Separate forms may be required for specialized grants.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips to strengthen your scholarship and grant applications:

Scholarship Essay Writing Tips

Showcase your personality and what makes you unique. Use vivid examples.
Tie your interests and goals directly to the scholarship mission. Demonstrate passion.
Draft early and ask teachers and mentors for feedback. Revise thoroughly.

Navigating the Interview Process

Prepare responses highlighting your achievements and leadership experience. Practice aloud.
Dress professionally and arrive early. Make eye contact and exude confidence. Send thank you notes after.

Maintaining Eligibility for Grants

Meet GPA requirements and minimum course loads specified by grants.
Renew FAFSA and state grant forms each year. Update any changes in financial situation promptly.

Success Stories

Scholarship and grant funding has enabled countless Hawaii students to achieve their higher education dreams. Here are a few examples:

Profiles of Hawaii Scholarship Recipients

Malia S., Hilo – Received a full-ride William S. Richardson Scholarship to study Hawaiian language education at UH Hilo.
Micah L., Kauai – Awarded a Hawai’i Energy Foundation Scholarship supporting his electrical engineering studies at UH Manoa.
Leilani K., Oahu – Winner of a $10,000 Hawaiian Electric Industries Scholarship, allowing her to attend her top choice mainland college to study computer science.

Grant Beneficiaries and Their Achievements

Noah K. – A Hawaii Promise Scholarship enabled him to earn an associate degree at Honolulu Community College before transferring to UH Manoa.
Maya U. – Pell Grants assisted her throughout her bachelor’s degree at UH West Oahu. She is now pursuing a master’s degree.
Tyler N. – FSEOG grants helped him graduate debt-free from Hawaii Pacific University with a degree in Marine Biology. He is now working to protect Hawaii’s coral reefs.

Resources for Scholarship Seekers

Navigating scholarship opportunities takes effort. Here are some places to turn to for guidance:

College Counseling Centers

High school and college counselors guide students through the process from start to finish.

Online Scholarship Search Engines

Databases like Fastweb and Cappex allow targeted scholarship searches.

Community Organizations

Groups like ALU LIKE provide scholarship help for Native Hawaiian students.

Avoiding Scholarship Scams

Unfortunately, some shady organizations advertise false scholarship opportunities. Be on the lookout for common red flags:

Recognizing Red Flags

Requests for upfront fees or giving bank account info
Claims you’re a finalist before applying
Pressure to pay “enrollment” fees
Vague application details
Refusal to provide info like address or credentials

Reporting Scams

If an opportunity seems fraudulent, take action:

Report it to the Federal Trade Commission
Notify your high school or college financial aid office
File a complaint with the state attorney general’s office

Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

Students pursuing certain majors may be eligible for tailored scholarships, such as:

Medicine and Healthcare

Native Hawaiian Healthcare Scholarship Program
Hawaii Medical Service Association Health Scholarships
Hawaii Pacific University Nursing Scholarships

Education

Hawaii State Teachers Association Student Scholarships
American Samoa Hawaii Educators Scholarship
Kamehameha Schools Future Educator Scholarship

Business and Entrepreneurship

Hawaii Pacific University Business Scholarships
Patsy T. Mink Scholarship for Business
Hawaii Business Magazine Outstanding Student Entrepreneur Scholarship

Technology and Innovation

Oceanit Innovation Scholarship
Hawaii TechWorks Scholarship
UH Manoa Shidler College Innovation Scholarship

Scholarships for Different Education Levels

Scholarships target students at all education levels:

High School Scholarships

Horatio Alger Hawaii Scholarship
Hawaii State FCU Unlocking Potential Scholarship
Hawaii Community Foundation Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships

UH System Scholarships
Hawaii Pacific University Achievement Scholarships
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Scholarship

Graduate and Postgraduate Scholarships

Hawaii Community Foundation Graduate Scholarships
Dr. Alison Kay Scholarship for Native Hawaiian Graduate Students
Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP)

Scholarships for Diverse Backgrounds

Scholarships aim to support underrepresented groups, including:

Native Hawaiians

OHA Higher Education Scholarship
Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation Scholarship
Alu Like Scholarships

Immigrant Students

Honolulu JACL Scholarships
Filipino Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
Hawaii Pacific University International Scholarships

LGBTQ+ Community

Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation Scholarships
UH Manoa LGBT+ Scholarships
GSAs of Hawaii Scholarship

Grants for Community Development

Grants are available in areas like:

Initiatives for Underprivileged Communities

Hawaii People’s Fund Grants
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Community Grants
Hawaii Community Foundation Neighbor Islands Grants

Environmental Conservation Projects

County Waste Management Grants
Hawaii Tourism Authority Natural Resources Grants
Hawaii Community Foundation Environmental Preservation Grants

Scholarships and Grants for Non-Traditional Students

Options exist for students with diverse circumstances, including:

Adult Learners

UH System Tuition Waivers for Senior Citizens
Patsy T. Mink Scholarship for Returning Women Students
UH West Oahu Second Chance Scholarships

Returning Veterans

UH System Scholarships for Veterans
VFW Post Grants for Veterans
American Legion Hawaii Education Grants

Single Parents

Dr. Alison Kay Scholarship for Single Parents
Hawaii Single Parents Higher Education Grant
Patsy T. Mink Scholarship for Single Mothers

Impact of Scholarships and Grants on Hawaii

Financial aid programs empower local students and deliver benefits statewide:

Advancing Education Access

Allow students of all backgrounds to pursue degrees and vocational training
Increase representation of underserved groups like Native Hawaiians and immigrants

Supporting Local Talent

Enable students to attend school and work in Hawaii
Develop skilled workforce filling needs in healthcare, tech, sustainability and more
Strengthen local culture by training students in Hawaiian language, arts, agriculture

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about Hawaii financial aid:

How do I find scholarships and grants in Hawaii?

Use online search engines, check with your school’s financial aid office, contact community groups, and check state government websites.

What are the eligibility criteria for need-based scholarships?

Need-based aid considers family income levels, number of dependents, and other indicators of financial hardship.

How can I increase my chances of winning a scholarship?

Apply to multiple scholarships, highlight unique achievements, polish application materials, apply early, and follow up.

When is the best time to apply for grants?

Complete the FAFSA to apply for federal grants as soon as possible each year beginning October 1st for maximum aid eligibility.

Are there scholarships specifically for Hawaiian culture preservation?

Yes, organizations like OHA, Na Pua Noeau, Alu Like, Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and more offer these culture-focused scholarships.

Conclusion

The high costs associated with higher education in Hawaii need not be a barrier for students. Tapping into the array of scholarship and grant programs tailored for Hawaii residents makes achieving academic and career goals affordable and accessible. Students are encouraged to thoroughly research these life-changing funding opportunities. With dedication and effort, financial aid can pave the way to college and vocational success right here in Hawaii.