Top Scholarships for Native Hawaiian Students to Apply For

Dreaming of pursuing higher education in paradise? Hawaii’s unique blend of academic opportunities, vibrant culture, and natural beauty make it an inspiring place to learn and grow. However, the cost of education can be a challenge for many, especially with the additional expenses tied to Hawaii’s high cost of living. Thankfully, scholarships for Hawaiian students are available, designed specifically for students pursuing their studies in Hawaii or for Hawaiian students attending school elsewhere.

In Hawaii, educational funding often goes beyond standard financial assistance to honor and support Hawaiian culture and heritage. Many scholarships emphasize a commitment to preserving native traditions, environmental stewardship, or service to the Hawaiian community.

Our team at Scholarship Institute has carefully researched and found the top scholarships for Native Hawaiian students, including opportunities for all grade levels. Whether you’re planning to attend a private institution in Hawaii or elsewhere, these financial aid opportunities can make your educational journey considerably less taxing. From support for local graduates to funding for those studying in specialized fields, these scholarships cater to a wide range of academic goals and financial needs.

Browse top scholarship opportunities and find the support you need to pursue your educational goals.

Types of Scholarships for Hawaiians

Hawaiian students can leverage several kinds of higher education scholarship programs. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types. 

Merit-Based Scholarships

Some scholarships measure students’ performance, whether their GPA, extracurricular achievements, or academic achievement. Merit-based scholarships usually have minimum requirements, so Hawaiian students should check each application page to ensure they qualify. Similarly, students will likely need to show proof, such as a high school transcript or recommendation letters. 

Athletic Scholarships

Hawaiian student-athletes sometimes qualify for athletic scholarships, whether in recognition of their athleticism or to encourage their participation in college sports. These can range from general athletic scholarships to sport-specific opportunities. 

Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded based on the financial needs of Hawaiian students. They often require students or families (depending on the student’s age) to submit records to demonstrate financial need for support. For more information, the FAFSA application is one of the most common need-based programs for getting federal assistance. You can also contact your school to determine if they have a Native Hawaiian tuition waiver.

Student-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships target students who qualify based on race, gender, religion, family, or other defining traits. Scholarships for Hawaiian students are one example of student-specific scholarships, but they may qualify for others depending on their background and future goals.

College-Specific Scholarships

Colleges, universities, and trade schools may offer scholarships to students planning to attend their institution. They may consider their previous academic and extracurricular history to decide who qualifies, while other programs provide scholarships if students meet specific benchmarks. For more information, contact your school’s financial aid office to discover the available opportunities.

Career-Specific Scholarships

Hawaiian students pursuing a specific career path, such as medicine, STEM, or education, can find scholarships for their respective fields. While opportunities vary depending on the career path, Hawaiian students can often find programs to help them work toward their desired area. 

How to Find Scholarships for Native Hawaiian Students

A good place to start is the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which supports the Native Hawaiian community through scholarships and grants. These awards often consider academic performance, financial need, and involvement in the community.

You should also check in with the financial aid office at your current or future school. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for Native Hawaiian students, often recognizing contributions in areas like community service, leadership, or Hawaiian cultural work. Some schools even provide funding for students involved in campus activities, student support services, or academic department work.

Moreover, scholarship websites like Bold.org also offer valuable scholarship opportunities for Hawaiian students. High school seniors or students already enrolled in a degree program or trade school can find opportunities to make education more affordable.

How to Apply for Hawaiian Student Scholarships

Applying for scholarships specifically designed for Hawaiian residents generally involves some common steps:

1. Research: Identify scholarships that you qualify for based on criteria such as residency, academic achievements, or specific fields of study.
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays as needed. Ensure all documents are up-to-date and accurately represent your qualifications.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the scholarship application thoroughly and truthfully. Pay attention to any specific instructions about format and content.
4. Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure that you submit your application and documents prior to the deadline. Late applications are typically disqualified, irrespective of the quality.
5. Follow Up: After submitting, it can be useful to follow up with the scholarship organization to confirm receipt of your application and express continued interest.

Tips for Winning a Hawaiian Student Scholarship

Hawaiian students have unique experiences worth sharing in scholarship applications. Here are some helpful considerations for when it’s time to apply. 

Tip 1: Start Your Scholarship Hunt Early

Procrastination rarely favors students, and scholarships are no exception. By starting your scholarship search in advance, you get more time to find applicable opportunities and get your applications in before everyone else. 

Tip 2: Make Your Application Unique

Since every scholarship has unique criteria, you should tailor each application to fit these requirements. When appropriate, leverage your experiences and achievements as a Hawaiian student that resonate with the scholarship’s intentions. 

Tip 3: Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Students can apply for as many scholarships as they want, so don’t limit yourself to just one opportunity. Apply for all the scholarships you qualify to increase your chances of securing financial aid. 

Tip 5: Craft a Compelling Essay or Personal Statement

If your scholarships ask for an essay, take it as an opportunity to tell your story. Pay attention to the prompts, but also weave in your first-hand perspectives and experiences to sound unique and compelling. 

Tip 6: Learn About the Scholarship Donors

Bold.org has several donors on its platform, each with different goals and values behind their scholarships. Take time to understand these motives and what the donors seek, and in turn, show why you make the best candidate in your applications. 

Native Hawaiian Students Loan Debt vs. The National Average

Native Hawaiian students have loan debts above or below average, depending on the age group, despite receiving federal student aid. However, considering that most college students and college graduates are under the age of 34, the level of student loan debt for the age group that matters remains below the national average.

However, applying to a scholarship program or for financial aid can benefit any student, including a native Hawaiian student.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Scholarships for Students

1. Can I Reapply for a Scholarship If I Didn’t Win the First Time? 

Generally, you can reapply for a scholarship if you still meet the eligibility criteria whenever the application opens again. For instance, some scholarships may only target students with a specific graduation year, so be sure to check the application details to see if you can reapply. 

2. Are Hawaiian Student Scholarships Available for Graduate Students? 

Yes, scholarships are available for Hawaiian graduate students, whether prospective or currently enrolled in graduate school. You can find dozens of graduate student scholarships on Bold.org, contact your school, or check if your state has scholarship programs available. 

3. What Is Considered a Rigorous High School Curriculum, and Is It Important for Scholarship Eligibility?

A rigorous high school curriculum typically includes advanced courses in core subjects like mathematics, science, English, and social studies, along with honors, AP, or IB classes where available. Many scholarship programs prioritize applicants who have challenged themselves academically. This commitment demonstrates a student’s ability to handle college-level work, which can be a key factor in the selection process.

If you’re a high school student looking to attend college in the future, check out these scholarships for high school seniors.

4. Can Scholarships Be Used to Attend Honolulu Community College?

Yes, many scholarships for Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students can be applied toward tuition and fees at Honolulu Community College. This institution is popular among local students due to its range of programs and strong support for community engagement and career development.

5. Are there scholarships specifically for high school students planning to pursue higher education?

Absolutely! Many scholarships target high school students, helping ease the financial burden of college expenses. Some may even cover costs beyond tuition, such as books or housing, allowing students to focus more on their academic and personal growth during college.

6. What Types of Student Support Services Are Available to Scholarship Recipients?

Colleges and universities often offer various student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, financial aid counseling, and mental health resources. For recipients of certain scholarships, these services may be enhanced to ensure that students succeed academically and personally during their college experience.

7. Are There Scholarships Specifically for Pacific Islander Students?

Yes, there are numerous Pacific Islander scholarships aimed at supporting students with Pacific Island heritage, including Native Hawaiian students. These scholarships often have a mission to preserve and honor cultural heritage, as well as to increase access to higher education for Pacific Islander communities.

Looking for tips and insights on securing scholarships? Check out our blog for the latest advice, resources, and updates on funding your education.