This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Hawaii, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.
We currently have 118 scholarships in our database tagged for Hawaii. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.
Across our Top 18 Hawaii Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $32,500. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.
Hawai‘i students should start with the Hawai‘i Promise Program, which covers unmet financial need for eligible students attending community colleges within the UH system. This last-dollar scholarship can make two-year degrees nearly tuition-free. Students transferring to UH Mānoa, Hilo, or West O‘ahu may qualify for system-wide merit awards as well as Native Hawaiian-specific scholarships. Additional funding is often available for students pursuing sustainability, tourism, education, and healthcare careers. Hawai‘i students should file the FAFSA early, explore UH community college pathways first, and stack local foundation scholarships with Hawai‘i Promise to minimize total costs.
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The Hawaii Self Storage Scholarship supports Hawaii high school seniors pursuing higher education. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and community service, helping them achieve their educational and career goals. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be a resident
Award: $1,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
Kamehameha Schools Post-High Scholarships provide financial support to Native Hawaiian students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. These scholarships are designed to help students achieve academic and career success while honoring Hawaiian culture and values. Eligibility Requirements: Ancestry: Must be of
Award: Varies Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~68 min)
The Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) Scholarship supports Hawaii students pursuing higher education. The scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to community service. Eligibility Requirements: Membership: Applicant or their parent/guardian
Award: $3,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Scholarship supports Hawaii students who embody the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku through academic achievement, athletic excellence, and commitment to serving the community. This scholarship is aimed at students pursuing higher education while engaging in water
Award: $1,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Alu Like Hana Lima Scholarship provides financial assistance to Native Hawaiian students who are pursuing non-degree vocational education and training programs. This scholarship aims to support students in gaining the skills and certifications needed for employment and career advancement.
Award: $1,500 Deadline: June Est. Time: Med (~43 min)
The Pacific Islands Institute Scholarship is awarded to Hawaii students pursuing post-secondary education with a focus on promoting understanding and sustainability within the Pacific Islands. The scholarship encourages students to support Hawaii's unique cultural and environmental heritage. Eligibility Requirements: Residency:
Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association (HLTA) Scholarship supports Hawaii students pursuing higher education in fields related to hospitality, tourism, or culinary arts. This scholarship encourages local students to excel in industries critical to Hawaii's economy. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must
Award: $1,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Friends of Hawaii Charities Scholarship supports Hawaii students pursuing higher education who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The program aims to empower local students to achieve their educational and career goals. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be a
Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation Scholarship recognizes academic achievement, dedication to excellence, and commitment to helping others. The scholarship is awarded to Hawaii high school seniors planning to pursue higher education at an accredited institution. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must
Award: $10,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) Scholarship provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors in Hawaii who are pursuing higher education. The scholarship recognizes academic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be a resident of
Award: $5,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Harriet Bouslog Labor Scholarship was established to provide college opportunities for children and grandchildren of ILWU Local 142 members. The scholarship aims to foster understanding and appreciation of the labor movement's contributions to Hawai‘i's community. Eligibility Requirements: Relation: Must
Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation administers over 200 scholarships for students of Hawaiian ancestry and others in Hawai‘i pursuing higher education. These scholarships cater to a wide range of academic fields and financial needs, offering significant support for eligible students. Eligibility
Award: Varies Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~78 min)This comprehensive collection of Hawaii scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Hawaii scholarship opportunities.
Hawaii does not offer fully free college tuition for all residents, but the state does provide strong financial aid programs designed to make higher education more affordable. The most notable is the Hawaii Promise Scholarship, a last-dollar award for eligible students attending any University of Hawaii Community College campus.
This means the scholarship covers any remaining tuition costs after federal grants, state grants, and other scholarships are applied. For many students with financial need, this results in tuition being fully covered.
Key features of the Hawaii Promise Scholarship include:
While not a universal free tuition program, Hawaii Promise has helped thousands of Hawaii residents access community college at little to no cost.
International students studying in Hawaii can access a number of scholarship opportunities offered by universities, foundations, and global academic programs. These awards help reduce the cost of studying in one of the world’s most internationally connected regions.
Major scholarships for international students include:
Tip: International students should also explore scholarships from home-country governments, cultural exchange programs, and organizations that sponsor global academic mobility.
Undergraduates pursuing degrees in Hawaii can benefit from a variety of statewide, institutional, and private scholarship programs.
Notable undergraduate scholarship programs include:
These programs ensure that Hawaii undergraduates—both residents and non-residents—have access to a range of funding options for four-year and two-year degrees.
Hawaii high school seniors can access numerous scholarship programs that reward academic achievement, community service, athletics, artistic talent, and cultural involvement.
Popular Hawaii scholarships for seniors include:
Many local businesses, county foundations, and community organizations in Hawaii also offer smaller scholarships that can be combined for significant funding.
Yes. Hawaii has several scholarship and financial aid programs that help students afford private K–12 education, particularly those with Native Hawaiian ancestry.
Major private school scholarship options include:
Eligibility often depends on financial need, academic performance, cultural involvement, and in some cases, Hawaiian ancestry.
The Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) operates one of the largest and most comprehensive scholarship systems in the state. With over 280 scholarship funds, HCF connects Hawaii students with financial support tailored to their goals, backgrounds, and academic strengths.
HCF scholarships typically consider:
Students complete one general application that matches them with multiple scholarship opportunities, making the process streamlined and accessible.
Native Hawaiian students have access to multiple scholarships supporting cultural preservation, community leadership, and educational advancement from K–12 through graduate school.
Key Native Hawaiian scholarship programs include:
Eligibility is generally based on verified Native Hawaiian ancestry, academic performance, and commitment to serving Native Hawaiian communities.
The Hawaii Opportunity Grant is a need-based financial aid program available to eligible students within the University of Hawaii System, including community colleges and four-year campuses.
Program highlights:
This grant is designed to make college accessible to low-income Hawaii residents and can be combined with other state and federal aid programs.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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