Scholarships for Native Hawaiian Students

Search criteria

Clear filter

Showing 1–25 of 60 results

Open
$5,000
1 Award Winner

ACS Scholars Program

The American Chemical Society offers the ACS Scholars Program of $5,000 to full-time undergraduate minority students in need pursuing a degree in the chemical sciences.

Eligible Grades
College Freshman – College Junior
Application Open Date
January 1, 2024
Application Deadline
April 30, 2024
Open
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Open
$5,000
1 Award Winner

L’Oréal Professionnel Empowering Diversity Scholarship

Students majoring in cosmetology at an accredited institute are eligible for the $5,000 scholarship from L’Oréal Professionnel.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate
Application Open Date
March 1, 2024
Application Deadline
May 31, 2024
Open
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Open
$5,000
2 Award Winners

Sage Michaela Lucas “Timing is Everything” Scholarship

Students that identify as black indigenous or persons of color and are pursuing a career in aesthetics, skincare formulation, and/or cosmetic chemistry are eligible for a $5,000 award.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Graduate
Application Open Date
March 1, 2024
Application Deadline
May 31, 2024
Open
$5,000
2 Award Winners
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner

Diversity in Hospitality Scholarship

The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality, Diversity in Hospitality Scholars Program offers a $5,000- scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
October 1, 2022
Application Deadline
February 7, 2023
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$20,000–$60,000
400 Award Winners

Kamehameha Schools Pauahi Foundation Scholarship

The Kamehameha Schools Pauahi Foundation Scholarship is awarded to deserving undergraduate students of Hawaii to advance their education in education, Hawaiian studies, or the Hawaiian language.

Eligible Grades
College Freshman – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
November 1, 2022
Application Deadline
February 17, 2023
Closed
$20,000–$60,000
400 Award Winners
Closed
$3,750
1 Award Winner

LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships

The $3,750- scholarship is awarded to 40 graduate students who identify as minorities to pursue their studies in PR, marketing, and advertising. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.20.

Eligible Grades
Graduate – Doctorate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
February 28, 2023
Closed
$3,750
1 Award Winner
Closed
$4,000–$20,000
5 Award Winners

CIEF Bachelor & Masters Scholarships in Architecture

The Construction Industry Education Foundation offers the CIEF Scholarship in Architecture of $4,000 to five Californian students of minority enrolled in architecture undergraduate and/or graduate degree programs.

Eligible Grades
All
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
March 1, 2023
Closed
$4,000–$20,000
5 Award Winners
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner

Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship

The MTI Scholarship offers up to $5,000 to minority students in higher education institutions in Illinois who are studying to become teachers. Eligible students must have a 2.50 GPA.

Eligible Grades
All
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
March 1, 2023
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner

Advocates for African Americans Carolinas Scholarship

The scholarship awards $2,000 to a graduating high school student to pursue undergraduate study in engineering, computer science, accounting, finance, or business administration at universities in North or South Carolina.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
December 3, 2022
Application Deadline
March 4, 2023
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program offers $5,000 to high school graduates and undergraduate students pursuing higher education in transportation, Spanish language or literature, engineering, mathematics, and science.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – High School Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
March 14, 2023
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$20,000–$60,000

Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program

Every year, the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program offers scholarships to Native Hawaiian medical students in the State of Hawaii.

Eligible Grades
High School Graduate – Graduate
Application Open Date
October 1, 2023
Application Deadline
March 15, 2023
Closed
$20,000–$60,000
Closed
$15,000
1 Award Winner

Mission North The Future Is… Fellowship

The Future Is… Fellowship awards $15,000 to one female BIPOC(Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) student pursuing studies in communications with an interest in tech or science.

Eligible Grades
College Junior – College Senior
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
March 18, 2023
Closed
$15,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner

Ashton Washington Women of Color Annual Scholarship

To preserve the heritage of a WOC and help her excel, the $1,000 Ashton Washington Women of Color Annual Scholarship was founded by an HBCU graduate and her grandmother.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
February 1, 2023
Application Deadline
March 31, 2023
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$10,000
14 Award Winners

USPAACC – Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarship

USPAACC offers Asian and Pacific Islander high school students this scholarship to assist them in continuing their education and to recognize those who demonstrate initiative and creativity in community-building ideas.

Eligible Grades
High School Freshman – High School Senior
Application Open Date
November 1, 2022
Application Deadline
March 31, 2023
Closed
$10,000
14 Award Winners
Closed
$1,000–$2,000
1 Award Winner

Hawaii Promise Scholarship

The University of Hawaii Community College offers the Hawaii Promise Scholarship of up to $2,000 to deserving undergraduate Native Hawaiian students to further their education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Eligible Grades
College Freshman – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
May 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Closed
$1,000–$2,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner

Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club Scholarship

The Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club offers the Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club Scholarship to Native Hawaiian undergraduates and graduate students majoring in journalism, education, communications, or Hawaiian studies.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
December 1, 2022
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$2,500
3 Award Winners

Edna Yelland Minority Scholarship

The California Library Association offers $2,500 to three California minority graduate students pursuing a graduate degree program in library and information science at one of the ALA-accredited universities.

Eligible Grades
All
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 12, 2023
Closed
$2,500
3 Award Winners
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner

Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship

Brown and Caldwell offer the Minority Scholarship to undergraduate students from minorities enrolled in engineering or environmental sciences-related programs at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S.

Eligible Grades
College Junior – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 15, 2023
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$1,500
2 Award Winners

EMPOWER Scholarships

The Courage Kenny Foundation offers the Empower Scholarship of $1,500 to three ethnic minority students to pursue a career in the medical or rehabilitation field in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin.

Eligible Grades
All
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 15, 2023
Closed
$1,500
2 Award Winners
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner

Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program

The Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program awards one $5,000 scholarship to full-time undergraduate and/or part-time graduate students enrolled in courses creditable to teachers. Licensed teachers are not eligible.

Eligible Grades
College Junior – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 15, 2023
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$5,000
25 Award Winners

Milliman Opportunity Scholarship

Milliman Inc. offers the Milliman Opportunity Scholarship of $5,000 to undergraduate students of an ethnic minority to study actuarial science, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, finance, economics, or programming.

Eligible Grades
High School Graduate – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
March 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 29, 2023
Closed
$5,000
25 Award Winners
Closed
$1,000–$2,000
1 Award Winner

Palama Settlement Educational Scholarship

Palama Settlement offers its Educational Scholarship to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in Hawaii to continue their education in their fields of choice.

Eligible Grades
Graduate
Application Open Date
February 2, 2023
Application Deadline
April 29, 2023
Closed
$1,000–$2,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner

APA Judith McManus Price Scholarship

The American Planning Association (APA) provides the APA Judith McManus Price Scholarship of $1,000 to female and minority students to pursue careers as practicing planners in the public sector.

Eligible Grades
All
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 30, 2023
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$4,000
14 Award Winners

APSA Minority Fellowship Program

The American Political Science Association offers the APSA Diversity Fellowship Program of $5,000 to 14 graduate students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to pursue their doctorate degrees in political science.

Eligible Grades
Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 30, 2023
Closed
$4,000
14 Award Winners
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner

Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu Scholarship Program

The Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu Scholarship Program offers scholarship awards to undergraduate Native Hawaiian students to complete their education.

Eligible Grades
College Freshman – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 30, 2023
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner

Scholarships for Native Hawaiians

For many minority groups, lack of funding is the biggest obstacle to obtaining a degree or pursuing postsecondary education. This is no different for Native Hawaiian students. Cornell Law School defines Native Hawaiian as “any individual any of whose ancestors were natives of the area which consists of the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778.” The University of Hawaiʻi includes in their definition anyone who has a Hawaiian ancestor. Native Hawaiians make up quite a small percentage of the U.S. population – in fact, the U.S. Census Bureau often counts them along with Pacific Islanders. According to the 2020 census, approximately 690,000 people identified as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) alone — almost 900,000 identify as NHPI in combination with another race. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs recorded the NH population to be around 607,010 in 2019. People who identify as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander alone make up 0.3% of the U.S. population.

As a minority, it’s unsurprising that Native Hawaiian students may struggle to obtain a college education. The Asian and Pacific Islander Americans Scholars 2019 report on Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Higher Education stated that at least 50% of NH students leave college without a college degree and that 53% of adults have not enrolled in postsecondary education. It also indicated that the bachelor’s attainment rate was around 20.5% for Native Hawaiians – this was below the average attainment rate of 29.1%. While the report doesn’t provide a reason for this low enrollment and graduation rate, we could point out that the high cost of attending postsecondary institutions plays a pivotal role. This high cost places higher education out of reach of minorities who often experience economic hardship due to established prejudiced social structures, and a history of colonialism and imperialism.

Scholarships are one way that organizations, universities, and even federal governments are trying to increase the number of Native Hawaiian students. The cost of college is one of the biggest barriers students face when trying to obtain a college degree, so by gaining financial assistance students can rather focus on their education and doing well. Scholaroo has gathered 65 scholarships for college-bound, undergraduate, and graduate Native Hawaiian students to help them fulfill their goal of earning a degree and overcoming the challenges many minorities face.

10 Easy Scholarships for Native Hawaiians 2023

Planning for undergraduate or graduate programs is time-consuming, demanding, and can be stressful. Therefore, Scholaroo made the effort to include some less-demanding scholarships that are sure to make your educational pursuit come true. The following are some of the easiest scholarships to win.

ScholarshipAward Amount
Kamehameha Schools Pauahi Foundation Scholarship$20,00–$60,000
Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors Doctorate$20,00
Kahikina O Ka Lā Scholarship$5,000–$20,000
Diversity in Hospitality Scholarship$5,000
Milliman Opportunity Scholarship$5,000
Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship$5,000
AISES Aristocrat-VGT Scholarship$2,500–$5,000
Minority Teacher Education Scholarship$4,000
Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship$3,000
Illinois CPA Society Freshman Scholarships$2,000

Organizations Supporting Native Hawaiians

Many organizations were established specifically to aid Native Hawaiians. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs along with a large number of non-profit and profit organizations, including the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Native Hawaiian Education Association, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement to name a few, seek to increase the number of Native Hawaiian students attending and graduating from colleges and universities, especially those who demonstrate academic excellence despite financial need by allowing them access to higher education and equal career opportunities in the U.S.

Earn a Scholarship for Being Hawaiian

With your Hawaiian ancestry, you are eligible for a number of scholarship programs that can cut your college expenses to half or better yet have it completely covered, including books, on-campus housing, and/or tuition through the Higher Education Scholarship Programs offered by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Aiming to eliminate the educational gap, eligible Native Hawaiian students can actually go to college for free. The Kamehameha Schools Pauahi Foundation is one organization that offers the Kamehameha Schools Pauahi Foundation Scholarship of up to $60,000 to Native Hawaiian students to advance their education. The University of Hawai’i Maui College (UHMC) also created the Kahikina O Ka Lā Scholarship of up to $20,000 for eligible Native Hawaiian undergraduate students.

Apply for the Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver

If you plan to continue your education at any University of Hawai’i college, you are entitled to apply for the Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver and get a 50% tuition cut or go to college for free. The Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver is a legislative bill HB1335 HD3, with which the University of Hawaii provides its students of Hawaiian ancestry partial to full tuition waivers, subject to admissions requirements and maintenance of satisfactory grade levels.

Scholarships for Low-Income Native Hawaiian Students

If you plan to continue your education at any University of Hawai’i, you are entitled to apply for the Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver and get a 50% tuition cut or go to college for free. The Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver is a legislative bill HB1335 HD3, with which the University of Hawai’i provides its students of Hawaiian ancestry partial to full tuition waivers, subject to admissions requirements and maintenance of satisfactory grade levels.

Scholarships for Native Hawaiian Women 2023

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 7.4% of Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders have obtained a graduate or professional degree in comparison to 14.3% of whites. The Census Bureau estimates that the average Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander median household income was $66,695 in comparison to $71,664 for non-Hispanic white. According to the bureau, in 2019, 14.8% of Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, in comparison to 9% of non-Hispanic whites, were living at the poverty level. The unemployment rate for Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders was 5.9%, as compared to 3.7% for non-Hispanic whites.

To lessen the gap and present a more inclusive society, there are many scholarships out there to ease the financial burden of education on low-income Native Hawaiian households. Scholaroo provides scholarships for financially disadvantaged households, including the Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program of $5,000 offered to high school seniors and undergraduate students pursuing higher education.

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America offers the American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program of $12,000 to Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian heritage to pursue nursing or healthcare. The Chairish Design Your Future Scholarship of $2,500 is awarded to students from underrepresented minority groups across all educational levels enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions to further their education. The Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship of $3,000 is another example of a scholarship promoting diversity in the workforce and is granted to underrepresented minorities wishing to or undertaking archaeology courses. Also, the University of Hawaii Community College offers the Hawaii Promise Scholarship of up to $2,000 to deserving undergraduate Native Hawaiian students to further their education.

State-Based Scholarships for Native Hawaiian Students

The number of Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders residing in the U.S. is roughly 1.4 million as estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau, representing approximately 0.4% of the U.S. population. In 2020, ten states recorded the largest Native Hawaiian population, including Hawaii, California, Washington, Texas, Utah, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, New York, and Arizona. If you are a Native Hawaiian student residing or wish to study in any of these states, check if you are eligible for any of the following scholarships or state-based scholarships on Scholaroo.

The Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club offers the Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club Scholarship of $1,000 to Native Hawaiian undergraduates and graduate students majoring in journalism, education, communications, or Hawaiian studies. LPA, Inc offers LPA Scholarship of $5,000 to Native Hawaiian high school seniors in California and Texas to further their education. Phoenix AISES offers the Phoenix AISES Professional Chapter Scholarship of $1,000 to high school seniors and undergraduate students to further their education in STEM-related majors. Also, the Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) in Florida is a renewable scholarship of up to $4,000 made available to pursue education-related undergraduate or graduate programs.

Aside from these highly popular states among Native Hawaiians, there are also a number of state-based scholarships available for eligible students across Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Missouri to name a few. The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society offers the $5,500- Foundation Education Award Scholarship to underrepresented minority medical students who are Pennsylvania residents and enrolled at a Pennsylvania medical school. The Kansas Board of Regents offers the Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship of $1,850 to ethnic minority high school senior students in Kansas to pursue undergraduate degree programs of their choice. The Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust offers the Minority Natural Resources Scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to undergraduate minority students to pursue natural resources management-related programs in Missouri.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I'm eligible for Native Hawaiian scholarships?

It’s pretty easy to know if you qualify for Native Hawaiian scholarships as the island of Hawaii is much smaller in terms of population when comparing it to other demographics. However, Native Hawaiians may actually also qualify for scholarships for Indigenous or Native American students as Hawaii is an American state. They may also qualify for Pacific Islander scholarships. Be sure to double-check with the scholarship organizers.

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, a Hawaiian Native means “any descendent of the aboriginal peoples inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands that exercised sovereignty and lived in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778.”

How do I know if I'm eligible for Asian American scholarships?

Generally, Native Hawaiian refers to students who have heritage from any of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent are referred to as Asian. They also include those who are descended from any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.

Are there scholarships for undocumented students 2023?

Yes. The Scholaroo database contains programs suitable for all students of all types, especially those of financial need and who are not U.S. citizens or who are permanent residents. Do your research and check out the programs you are eligible for.

Are there scholarships for non-traditional students 2023?

Yes. Scholaroo provides an extensive list of scholarships that cater to all students of all educational levels. Whether you are a returning student, undocumented, or homeschooled, you can find several the programs you are eligible for. You will be asked to include academic information such as test scores, latest GPA, etc.

Do you have to repay your awards following program completion?

No. However, you need to review the terms and conditions of the scholarship you have applied for or won before accepting it. In most cases, repayment or a penalty is charged if the terms are violated.

Does FAFSA cover your academic expenses?

If you apply for financial aid via your school’s financial aid office and get accepted, it is the federal fund FAFSA that covers your tuition and fees. Be sure to provide all accurate financial information about you and your household. A lot of scholarship programs provide financial aid without proof of financial status.