Scholarship Resources

Hulili Ke Kukui provides assistance to students who need help applying for scholarships. We regularly hold workshops at the Hawaiian Center and we can also schedule one-on-one appointments with students to walk you through the scholarship application process. You can also download our Native Hawaiian Scholarship Guide (see below). The guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to look for scholarships, how to write a personal statement, how to request a birth certificate and register for Kamehameha Schools’ Hoʻoulu Database, and resources on scholarships.

• Scholarship Handbook
• Scholarship Application Checklist
• Student Loan Tracker Handout

If you are unable to attend a workshop or meet with us one-on-one, you can view our video tutorial, which goes through the downloadable handbook step-by-step.

Hulili Ke Kukui sponsors a Scholarship & Resource Fair each year. We bring in scholarship programs and community organizations to share information about their services.  Please check our calendar of events for upcoming scholarship workshops and the Scholarship & Resource Fair.

Best Practices

Start Early!!!

• Begin your scholarship research as soon as possible. You can sign up for a free account with search engines like Fastweb to make the research process easier. 
• Another great resource is the College is Within Reach. They offer free webinars on how to apply for scholarships and FAFSA.
• Waiting too long could result in missed deadlines.
• Some applications are available as early as November.
• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, opens up on October 1st and students are encouraged to complete their application by March 1 in order to be considered for the maximum amount of scholarships. Visit FAFSA Help for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for FAFSA.

Stack up the small scholarships

• Studies show that families often overlook scholarships that are less than $500.
• Adding up multiple small awards may prove to be a benefit in your scholarship quest.

Never Assume

• Even if you do not have straight A’s or are not great in athletics, do not think that there is nothing available to you.
• There may be scholarships available based on hobbies, interests, background, financial need, etc.

Check Your Financial Aid Office 

• The largest amounts of financial aid come from federal, state, institutional grants and tuition discounts.
• They can help you find additional information on available scholarships, grants and loans.

Don’t Get Scammed

• Scholarship scams will charge you a fee to do a scholarship search which you can do yourself for free.
• DO NOT PAY any fee for any scholarship searches.

Be Organized

• Make a list of all documents required for each scholarship you are applying for and track all sent dates.
• Requirements vary but may include community service hours or submitting your transcripts. *Some scholarships allow you to re-apply if you fulfill all requirements.
• Keep a record of all post-award requirements and be one step closer to securing another award.

Be Smart

• Keep copies of everything you submit.
• Be sure to submit a copy unless you are asked to submit the original document.

Be On Time

• Be aware of varying due dates.
• December is the time to begin applying and many scholarships are due March 1st thru May.

Get Involved!

• It is never too late to look good on your applications.
• Volunteering and participating in extracurricular activities (i.e. Poʻi Nā Nalu) may give you the edge over other applicants.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Follow directions, write legibly, proofread and check for spelling mistakes.
• Make sure to answer the specific questions given—don’t ramble.
• Look at examples of successful personal statements and essays for inspiration (i.e. Fourteen Scholarship Essay Examples That Won Thousands or Winning Essays).

Requesting Transcripts

Most scholarships require that you submit a transcript. If you have taken classes at Honolulu Community College, you should visit Honolulu Community College Admissions and Records to request a transcript. 

Please keep in mind that if there is a financial obligation hold on your account your request will not be processed. Please resolve these and any holds prior to making a transcript request.

Transcripts are processed within 7 working days of the date of receipt, for a fee of $5.00 per copy. (Honolulu CC Transcript requests are no longer required within the University of Hawaiʻi System. See your Home Institution for further information.) Rush requests are processed within 24 hours for a fee of $15.00 per copy. Processing time DOES NOT include mail delivery. Official transcripts of credits earned at other institutions are not available for distribution by Honolulu CC. Please make checks payable to: University of Hawaiʻi . Do not send cash. The College is not responsible for undeliverable transcripts or transcripts not claimed within 30 days. 

There are three ways in which you can request for a transcript:

1. Complete the Transcript Request Form (PDF) online, sign and mail it to the Records Office with your check payment.
2. Visit the Records Office in-person in Building 6, 1st Floor.
3. Online Ordering. For an additional $2.50 processing fee, order your transcript online through National Student Clearinghouse. Payment is only by debit/credit card (must have a valid email address).

List of Scholarships

There are numerous resources available to help you pay for school:

General Scholarships

UH Common Scholarship
Use your UH log-in to find and apply for scholarships. You will be tasked with a personal statement, community service & other optional essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, free application for Federal Student Aid, and campus specific questions and requirements. 

UH Foundation Scholarships
This is a search engine to find scholarship opportunities for UH.

Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
HCF invests charitable funds in communities across the State primarily through nonprofit organizations. They have awarded millions of scholarship dollars to worthy college students. Scholarships are available for students who are Hawaiʻi residents, demonstrate financial need, attending a two or four-year not for profit institution within the U.S. as either an undergraduate or graduate full-time student, and maintaining a minimum 2.7 GPA. 

AAUW Honolulu Academic Scholarship
AAUW Honolulu Undergraduate Scholarship requires applicants to be a woman living in Hawaii and to demonstrate financial need. Option 1: be a full-time student accepted or enrolled to begin your sophomore year (24 credits at UH or 30 at other institutions), junior, or senior by the beginning of Fall 2022 semester in a college, community college, or university in the State of Hawaii or on-line program from a regionally accredited public or private not for profit educational institution, and have aGPA of 2.75 or higher. Option 2: Be over 21 years of age and have had your educational plans interrupted or delayed by family work obligations or challenging personal circumstances, be accepted or enrolled as a full or part-time undergraduate in a college, community college, or university in the State of Hawaii or on-line program from a regionally accredited public or private not for profit educational institution, have a completed a minimum of 12 credits, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher for the most recent 2 semesters, have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Windward AAUW Scholarship
Annually awards grants to Windward women who are pursuing educations at Hawaii colleges and universities. Preference is given to returning AAUW awardees who are encouraged to reapply each year of their undergraduate college life. Applicants must be legal Hawaii residents of Windward Oahu (Kahuku through Waimanalo), enrolled in or accepted for admission at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution in the State of hawaii and have not previously earned a baccalaureate degree, enrolled in a classified degree program. Selection will be based on academic potential and demonstrated financial need as determined by the Local Grants Committee of the Windward Branch. Preference will be given to previous grant recipients in good academic standing.

Charles R. Kendall HGEA Scholarship
Awards are available to members and their dependents who are attending or plan to attend a university or college on a full-time basis. Member must be in good standing for at least one year. The following criteria and maximum points for each criterion will be used in making final selections for scholarships. Total maximum points is 100. Applicants will be ranked and recommended for scholarships by the numerical composite score.You must complete the application process online and submit related forms and transcripts to the HGEA office, complete the financial statement, official high school/college transcripts should be mailed directly to HGEA and be received/postmarked before deadline, compose a personal letter, include a list of HGEA activities, three recommendations, an a headshot photo.

HGEA Union Strong Scholarship
Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who graduated from a high school in the state of Hawaii and plan to pursue post-high school study on a full-time basis at a university, college, community college, vocational or trade school. The following criteria will be used to determine the scholarship awards: an essay of not more than 1,000 words as to the importance of labor unions in Hawaii (the essay may be written from a persona point of view or from a historical perspective), a cover letter with relevant information (name, address, phone number, email address and what type of school you plan to attend or are attending), and include the full name of a parent or guardian who is an HGEA included bargaining unit member in good standing. 

Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarship
The Executive Women International Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) scholarship program has been providing financial support to adults in a variety of transitional situations since 1995 (The Honolulu Chapter began offering the program in 1996.) ASIST is a non-discriminatory, educational scholarship program based on financial need for non-traditional students. The goal of the ASIST scholarship program is to enable each recipient to improve their self-esteem and to have a positive impact on their personal life, employment, family, and community.

Hawaiʻi USA Federal Credit Union Scholarship
20 Scholarships of $2,000 each, 12 awards for graduating high school seniors planning to attend any two or four year accredited institution of higher learning and 8 awards for undergraduate or graduate students currently attending an accredited institution of higher learning. You must be a primary Hawaii USA member for at least 12 consecutive months prior to applying, HawaiiUSA accounts are in good standing (responsible money management), be enrolled as a full-time student during the upcoming academic school year, prior recipients of the HawaiiUSA Scholarship may reapply and will be evaluated with current applicants.

Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Scholarships
The Duke Award is a one-time award of up to $15,000 created to recognize an outstanding Hawaii high school senior who exemplifies the character and personality traits of Duke Kahanamoku. Application requirements: online application, personal statement, transcript of grades, three letters of personal reference, athletic resume (last four years), color photographs of applicant (1 headshot and 1 sports action shot), FAFSA SAR, and a nomination by school official (Athletic Director, Coach, Teacher, Counselor, or school official) is required.

Palama Settlement Scholarship
Open to students attending a private school in Honolulu, grades 9 through 12; students attending a trade school, community college, 4-year university or graduate school who currently live in the Kalihi-Palama area or who have participated in a Palama Settlement program. Scholarships are awarded based on need, academic performance, and community service.

Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union Scholarship
The scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors or college students looking to further their education at any two- or four-year accredited college or university in the United States. Applicant must either be a member or a legal dependent of a member whose HIFICU account is in good standing* for at least 3 consecutive months prior to the application deadline, be a US Citizen or a permanent resident, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Visit the website to download an application. 

Gates Millennium Scholarship Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian Pacific Islander American**, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest. Continuing Gates Millennium Scholars may request funding for a graduate degree program in one of the following discipline areas: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science.

The Voyager Scholarship (Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service)
The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO, to help shape such leaders. This scholarship gives college students financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them. The scholarship is open to applicants who are enrolled full-time and transferring from a two-year to a four-year college, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, have demonstrated a commitment to public service, plan to pursue a career in public service, and are a US citizen or permanent resident. 

Aloha Will Save the World Scholarship
Scholarships awarded based on application and essay response. Applicants must be from Hawaiʻi and/or going to school in Hawaiʻi and enrolled in college. 

Masami Oishi Scholarship
The Masami Oishi Scholarship is a cash grant distributed annually to full-time students enrolled in an accredited college, university or trade school in either graduate or undergraduate programs. In addition, you must be a primary member in good standing for at least one year before the scholarship ceremony, complete the application and provide the required documentation by the posted due date. Applications are available in January.

For more information, we also recommend checking out the Purdue Global Guide to College Scholarships for Minority Students. This resource shares more than 45 scholarships for future and current students to supplement the cost of their education and professional development endeavors. The resource outlines information on where to find the scholarships and grants, as well as organizes opportunities dedicated to specific demographics, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinx students, and several others. The featured scholarships are current and provided by trusted organizations. We consistently update the page to ensure students can apply to the most accurate opportunities available. 

Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation Scholarships
Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation is a small nonprofit organization based out of Hilo, Hawaii. Their mission is to create opportunities for vulnerable, or moderate and low-income families, children, and elderly by providing educational services, programs, and support. Every year, they award scholarships sponsored by members of the community to Hawaiʻi seniors and college students.

Scholarships for Native Hawaiians

Honolulu Community College Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver 
The Hawaiian Tuition Waiver supports Native Hawaiian students accepted into a degree seeking program at Honolulu Community College, who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half time (6 or more credits). You must have completed your FAFSA by May 1st, have a min GPA of 2.0 and have an EFC of $3,000 or less. Amount of Award: Up to cost of full-time (15 credits) resident tuition for the fall and spring semesters. For more information contact Kahale Saito, Native Hawaiian Counselor, at (808) 845-9112 or fsaito@hawaii.edu.

Niuhelewai Scholars
Honolulu Community College’s Niuhelewai Scholars Project is part of the UHCC system-wide 13th Year Initiative. The scholarship, administered by Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center, offers Native Hawaiian students an opportunity to try college for free. Selected applicants will receive financial assistance for tuition and fees up to 12 credits.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Scholarship Information
Site has links to several scholarships for Native Hawaiians as well as a downloadable pdf booklet full of scholarship resources.

Kamehameha Schools Nā Hoʻokama & ʻImi Naʻauao Scholarships
Applicants must be a Hawaiʻi resident, full-time student, classified, degree seeking student, demonstrate financial need, and meet maximum funding guidelines. A $25 application fee is required along with tax documents. Form more information please contact the KS Applicant Services Center at 808-534-8080 or toll free at 1-800-842-4682 (press 2) or email them at finaid@ksbe.edu.

Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation
Scholarships are open to full-time, classified, degree-seeking students attending a two or four-year accredited institution in Hawaiʻi or the continental U.S. To qualify for Ke Aliʻi Pauahi Foundation scholarships, scholars must be registered with the Hoʻoulu Hawaiian Data Center. The registration process may take up to 10 weeks. Call (808) 534-3966 for more information.

Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu
Applicants must be a resident of Hawai‘i, be a full-time student in an accredited two- or four-year college as a classified undergraduate student or a vocational program full-time student in or out of the State of Hawai‘i, have a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.5 for graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students. If cumulative G.P.A. is less than 2.5 provide a letter of explanation for consideration. Priority is given to currently paid members of Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu (HCCH), including directly related family members. HCCH bylaws/policy gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry.

Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club
Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited two or four-year institution of higher education. High school seniors or college students may apply. Preference is given to Hawaiian students that have done community service or volunteer work, as well as students in pursuit of degrees in Hawaiian language, studies and culture, Journalism or Education.

Mākaha Hawaiian Civic Club
Preference given to Hawaiian students interested in completing a vocational training program. Contact kaluhiokalanik@aol.com for an application.

Pearl Harbor Hawaiian Civic Club
For information visit http://pearlharborhcc.org

‘Ahahui Siwila ‘O Kapolei
For information email kapoleihcc@yahoo.com

Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club
For more information email drelison@gmail.com

Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club
For more information, contact the Scholarship Committee Chair, Cheryl Prince, at prince@hawaii.rr.com

Waikīkī Hawaiian Civic Club
For more information email malianob@gmail.com

UH-OHA Hoʻonaʻauao Higher Education Scholarship Program
If you’re Native Hawaiian and plan to pursue a vocational certificate, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees at any of the University of Hawaiʻi’s 10 campuses, then you should apply for the UH-OHA Hoʻonaʻauao Scholarship Program. The scholarships are funded through a $1.1-million grant provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and administered by the UH Mānoa Native Hawaiian Science and Engineering Mentorship Program (NHSEMP). Applications from current and potential students seeking a degree or enrolled in a vocational program will be accepted via the online UH System Common Scholarship Application from October 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. HST. For more information about the scholarship and application process, visit the UH-OHA Hoʻonaʻauao Scholarship website or email ohastem@hawaii.edu

Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program
Sponsored by the Health Resources & Services Administration to provide scholarships to Native Hawaiians pursuing careers in primary and behavioral health disciplines. Scholars deliver culturally competent primary health care services to Native Hawaiians and disadvantaged people who live in high-need and rural communities in Hawaii.

Mauli Ola Mālamalama Scholarship
The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program addresses access to health care by developing a Native Hawaiian health care workforce of professionals committed to serve the unique health needs of Hawaiian communities. The program recruits and nurtures professionals in-training for primary health care disciplines and specialties most needed to deliver quality, culturally competent health services to Native Hawaiians throughout the State of Hawai‘i. In addition to requiring admittance to accredited schools and programs, this merit-based program awards generous scholarships to eligible individuals that appear to be dedicated to providing primary health services to Native Hawaiians and their families in Hawai‘i. Recipients are obligated to serve full-time in medically under-served areas in Hawai‘i for two (minimum) to four (maximum) years, depending upon the length of time of scholarship support. Scholars will receive funding for tuition, books, other related educational costs, and a monthly stipend while enrolled “full-time” in an accredited university/college program. A coordinated service plan (licensure, service site) will be designed specifically for each graduate.

ALU LIKE, Inc. Hana Lima Scholarship
Open to students who are Native Hawaiian, Hawaiʻi residents, not currently receiving any Kamehameha Schools financial aid/scholarships, enrolled at least half time in a vocational degree or certification program in one of the approved educational institutions in Hawaiʻi listed on the application, and maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher. For more information contact (808) 535-6734 or kokamau@alulike.org.

Aloha Hawaiʻi ʻŌnipaʻa Scholarship
Aloha Hawaiʻi Onipaʻa is offering partial scholarships to Native Hawaiian students pursuing degrees in environmental, natural resource, earth sciences, agriculture or astronomy and committed to working toward a sustainable future for Hawaiʻi families and communities.

Hoʻokahua Scholarship
This scholarship is to assist students, Union Members, or Apprentices in any Union Program pursuing a degree or career in civil engineering, construction management, construction engineering, and other degrees or careers related to the design and construction of infrastructure improvements. Scholarships in the amounts of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 are available.

Nā Hōkua STEM Scholarship
The purpose of the Nā Hokua STEM Scholarship is to assist full-time or part-time Native Hawaiian undergraduate students pursuing a STEM certificate or degree at a University of Hawaiʻi (UH) System Community College (CC) or Education Center (EC). Students must be of Hawaiian ancestry and pursuing a STEM field of study. Please contact us if you are unsure if your field of study qualifies as a STEM field. Students from all islands are highly encouraged to apply.

Scholarships for Pacific Islanders

South Pacific Islander Organization Scholarships
We are awarding three $5,000 USD scholarships to Pacific Islander scholars living anywhere in the world who show exemplary community leadership, academic excellence, and/or extracurricular excellence. Scholarships are disbursed directly to the winner’s institution of higher education. You must be a current or pending SPIO Network member (free to join) and plan to attend an accredited institution of higher education during the 2022-23 academic year.

Asian Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund & AANAPISI Scholarships
Scholarship awards range from one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $20,000 awards. APIA Scholars provides scholarships to underserved APIA students with a special focus on those who live at or below poverty level (or are otherwise of low socioeconomic status), are the first in their families to attend college, are representative of the APIA community’s diversity (geographically and ethnically, especially those ethnicities that have been underrepresented on college campuses due to limited access and opportunity), and have placed a strong emphasis on community service and leadership as well as solid academic achievement.

Scholarships for Specific Majors

Automotive Technology

Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded to female, North American citizens, with a passion for a career or advancement in the automotive, mobility and its related industries. While AWAF members and family members are encouraged to apply for scholarships, we encourage applicants who are not affiliated with the organization to apply as well. To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants should be already accepted to or enrolled in a n accredited collegiate program, with a 3.0 or higher GPA and a avitizen within North America. We accept applications throughout the year.

PEP Boys Scholarship
The program will award two $10,000 and six $5,000 scholarships to assist with educational expenses for the 2022-2023 school year. The application period will open in February 2023. Individuals must be either accepted into or currently enrolled as a full or part-time student (at the time of application) in an accredited college, university, or trade school within the United States or Puerto Rico, be in pursuit of an automotive technician degree or certification, have a 2.5 minimum high school cumulative GPA or have a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA in an automotive technician program, submit most recent official transcript of all academic work, submit a letter of rec from a non-family member, submit a video or typed essay explaining “why I want to be a top technician” including highlights on how you take ownership of your career, solve problems, learn new skill, and act as a team player (must be within 500-1,000 words double-spaced for the essay or 3 minute video submitted as a YouTube or Vimeo link), and be available to accept the award in-person on a specified date and in a specified location, if needed. Past recipients are welcome to re-apply.

American Muscle Automotive Scholarship
We are offering 2 currently enrolled students or high school seniors who are pursuing post-secondary education an opportunity to be awarded $2,500 in tuition assistance towards their upcoming semester! This scholarship is ongoing and will be available for both the spring and fall semesters each year. Those students who have exceptional drive and ambition should submit a 700-1,500 word essay telling us who you are and how you plan on using your automotive education to incite positive change and innovation within the custom car industry. All entries must be submitted as a PDF or Microsoft Word document to be eligible for consideration and must also be accompanied by proof of current enrollment in an accredited United States college or university. 

Garage Gurus Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to help support the next generation of technicians — whether they’re in high school looking to get started, or a student returning to school to learn new skills and entering an exciting field: either way, this scholarship helps them open doors! You must be enrolled full-time at a US high school or accepted/currently enrolled (either part or full) at an accredited college, university or trade school within the US, be in pursuit of an automotive technician degree or certification, have a 3.0 GPA, submit most recent transcript of all academic work, submit a completed application, two letters of recommendation from non-family members, a typed story (1,000 word limit) or a video (3 min max) introducing yourself and why you want to be a top technician, and be a legal resident of the United States, in the United States on a student Visa, or a resident alien.

Standard Motor Products Scholarships
Students can enter to be considered by going to the websites listed on this website, completing an online questionnaire, and submitting a recent photo of themselves. Winners will be selected based on the relevance and creativity of their answers and experience. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age, and be currently enrolled full-time in high school, or in an accredited two or four year college, university, or post-high educational program pursuing an education in automotive technology or repair. Rules and information can be found on each scholarship’s page.

Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship
The program has specific scholarships for incoming freshmen and upper-level undergraduate students. All of the scholarships are based on financial needs and with the usual minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. To be eligible you must submit a completed application indicating a sincere interest in an automotive career, provide an official transcript of all academic work, submit two letters of rec supporting your automotive interests, submit a letter of acceptance for an associate, bachelor, or masters program, be accepted at an accredited college, university or trade school within the United States at the time of application, be a US citizen or in the US on a Student Visa, enrolled full-time, and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students attending a technical training school may also apply (trade school should equal a two-year associate program).

Early Childhood Education

PATCH Early Childhood Education Scholarship
PATCH scholarships provide training reimbursement for early childhood specific college courses, PACE workshops (converted to college credits) or assessment fees for obtaining or renewing a CDA credential. Maximum amount awarded is $750 per round (3 rounds per year: August, January, May). Limited funds are distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Priority is given to those currently employed in a licensed Child Care Facility or operating a registered family child care home. Applicants must live in Hawaii. Tuition reimbursements are distributed after the close of each round. Tuition scholarships DO NOT cover books, student fees, technical online fees, etc. Scholarship awards are dependent upon fund availability.

Fire and Environmental Emergency Response

ʻOnipaʻa Scholarship
This scholarship is named the “ʻOnipaʻa Scholarship, by Pua and Jackie,” celebrating ʻOnipaʻa, or being steadfast, established, firm, resolute and determined. As a graduating senior or first-year student from Hawaiʻi, we encourage you to pursue education in medicine and to be mindful of the small island community that you were raised in. As neighbor island residents, we understand our medical resources are limited and it is a priority to educate those who will be progressive and proactive when helping patients with limited resources. The scholarship is open to Hawaiʻi residents, first-year college students enrolled in a higher education institution, pursuing a career in the medical field or as a first-responder.