Navigating Opportunities: A Guide to Office of Hawaiian Affairs Scholarships and Resources
For Native Hawaiian students aspiring to pursue higher education, various scholarship and resource programs exist to provide financial assistance and support. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of scholarships, grants, and support services available through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and other related organizations, assisting students in navigating their educational journeys.
Understanding the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Grants Program
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Grants Program is designed to support Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit organizations whose projects, programs, and initiatives align with OHA’s Strategic Foundations, Directions & Outcomes, ultimately serving the Lāhui (Hawaiian people).
Key Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities
Several scholarship opportunities are specifically tailored for Native Hawaiian students, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process.
Ke Aliʻi Pauahi Foundation Scholarships
To qualify for Ke Aliʻi Pauahi Foundation scholarships, applicants must register with the Hoʻoulu Hawaiian Data Center. It's important to note that the registration process can take up to 10 weeks, so prospective applicants should plan accordingly.
Hawaiian Tuition Waiver at Honolulu Community College
The Hawaiian Tuition Waiver supports Native Hawaiian students accepted into a degree-seeking program at Honolulu Community College. Eligibility requires demonstrating financial need and enrollment at least half-time (6 or more credits).
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CNHA's Colette Piʻipiʻi Machado Scholarship
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) has launched the Colette Piʻipiʻi Machado Scholarship to support students from Molokaʻi who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. This scholarship honors the legacy of the late Colette Piʻipiʻi Machado, a Molokaʻi native and former chair and longtime trustee for the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). Machado was a respected community leader instrumental in protecting Molokaʻi from destructive development and in the Aloha ʻĀina movement. The Letter of Interest (LOI) is open until February 27.
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Scholarships
The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation administers several scholarships, including the Ida M. Scholarship for residents of Kaua‘i or Ni‘ihau Island. Preference is given to Hawaiian students with community service or volunteer experience, and those pursuing degrees in Hawaiian language, studies and culture, Journalism or Education. Application available at www.pkhcc.org.
Additional Financial Aid Resources
Native Hawaiian students in the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) system who demonstrate financial need should apply for financial aid through their campus financial aid offices. Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans, often awarded in combination. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step for both currently enrolled and newly admitted college students seeking financial aid.
Essential Support Services for Native Hawaiian Students
College campuses across Hawaiʻi offer a range of support services designed to help Native Hawaiian students succeed academically, personally, and professionally.
Native Hawaiian Student Services Program
This program provides tutoring, free computer and printing access, academic counseling, internship programs, wellness counseling, technology workshops, and community huaka‘i (field trips). These services are available to all Native Hawaiians, regardless of their major.
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Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center
The Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center offers academic advising, tutoring, peer mentoring, assistance with financial aid (especially scholarships giving preference to Hawaiians), and career planning and preparation, including placement with mentors and internships both on and off campus.
Kaiao Student Success Center
The Kaiao Student Success Center provides students with guidance and support to achieve their educational goals through cultural enrichment activities, including field trips, hands-on cultural experiences, and networking with other Hawaiian students. Kaiao also offers tutoring and counseling services, as well as a computer lab.
Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center
Committed to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture and values, the Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center offers academic advising, career development, four-year transfer assistance, and tutoring.
Po‘i Nā Nalu
Po‘i Nā Nalu provides Native Hawaiian students in career and technical education programs with support services to successfully navigate through higher education and beyond.
Kapoʻoloku Program for Native Hawaiian Student Success
The Kapoʻoloku Program for Native Hawaiian Student Success at Kapi’olani Community College (KCC) ensures that programs and services are equitable for students of Hawaiian ancestry. The program reinforces the importance of education by promoting personal growth and development within the social, community, and cultural contexts of Hawai’i’s history. Services are provided at the Manele lab and include peer tutoring, academic advising, computer access, and assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications.
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Kūlia ma Kapiʻolani
Kūlia ma Kapiʻolani, a Native Hawaiian Career & Technical Education project, assists Native Hawaiian students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) in graduating and seeking employment in their chosen fields.
Lunalilo Scholars Program
The Lunalilo Scholars program identifies individual needs and provides support, tools, and resources for Native Hawaiian students to build a foundation for success in their first year of college.
Paepae ‘Ōhua Native Hawaiian Student Services Program
The Paepae ‘Ōhua Native Hawaiian Student Services Program promotes a holistic Hawaiian cultural foundation experience, empowering all learners to maximize their potential by supporting personal development, cultural identity, and academic success.
Additional Resources and Programs
ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA
ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA is a leadership program for Hawaiian youth to strengthen their voices through cultural learning, civic engagement, and hands-on legislative experiences. Priority is given to 11th-grade students who are part of OHA’s Hawaiian Registry Program. The next event is scheduled for June 21-26, 2026, at the Hawaii State Capitol.
WorkHawai’i
WorkHawai’i offers free support to advance life and career goals, including career development, housing assistance, training and education, and veteran services. Assistance is available for internships, job training, and rental support.
Ka Lama Education Academy (KLEA)
INPEACE’s Ka Lama Education Academy (KLEA) supports community members in becoming high-quality teachers in their home communities through college support, mentorship, and professional training. INPEACE has expanded its services to various locations, including the Waiʻanae Coast, Kapolei, Ewa, East Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, and Molokaʻi.
Aloha ʻĀina Leader Award (AALA)
The Aloha ʻĀina Leader Award (AALA), established by Kanaeokana, recognizes graduating seniors from Hawaiian-focused charter schools, DOE kula kaiapuni, and Kamehameha Schools who embody aloha ʻāina and community-centered values. Awardees are selected by their school’s principals, teachers, and staff.
Preserving and Promoting ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Several resources are available for those interested in learning ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, including online databases, recorded interviews, videos, lessons, and plays. Ka Papa Kuhikuhi Poʻe Unuhi serves as a directory for skilled ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi translators, a collaborative project between the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and Kanaeokana.
Important Considerations for Scholarship Applications
It is crucial to remember that scholarship information provided online is for informational purposes only. Criteria and requirements may vary, including factors such as residency, preferential consideration, and membership. Contacting each organization directly for specific details and exploring other scholarship opportunities is highly recommended.
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