5 Best Hawaii Scholarships

Explore the best colleges and universities in Hawaii. Discover tuition rates, prerequisites, and financial aid options.

Updated October 12, 2022 · 2 Min Read

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Discover Scholarships for Hawaii

Scholarships for Hawaii help students say hello to free funding for colleges in the "Aloha State." Floating in the Pacific Island as a volcanic archipelago, Hawaii is America's 40th most populous state with 1.43 million inhabitants. Young adults are attracted by Hawaii's tropical climate, 750 miles of pristine coastline, and beautiful natural landscapes like Haleakala National Park. Since receiving statehood in 1959, Hawaii has also grown a diverse higher education landscape with 16 colleges. There are at least six public schools in Hawaii that offer online degree programs, the largest of which is University of Hawaii at Manoa, offering 25 — the most in the state. Hawaii Community College is the second-largest public provider at 22 online degrees. Scholars could island-hop to Hawaii Pacific University, Brigham Young University, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Leeward Community College, and more. In fact, the U.S. News honored UH-Manoa as the 89th best public university nationwide. Dive into post-secondary education with less financial fear with these 5 Hawaiian scholarships.

Studying near Waikiki Beach and Waimea Canyon offers an unparalleled opportunity, but Hawaii's cost of living is high. On average, Hawaii colleges charge in-state tuition at $4,509 and out-of-state tuition at $13,294. Some universities, especially private, nonprofit ones, charge above the mean too. For example, Chaminade University currently has an annual cost of attendance of $38,037! Financial aid is essential to lower out-of-pocket costs and avoid graduating with debilitating debt later. Apply for some of these 15 scholarships for Hawaii along with the Hawaii State Incentive Grant or Opportunity Grant.

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1. The Gromet Foundation Scholarships

Started in 1990, the Gromet Foundation offers one of Hawaii’s largest scholarships worth $20,000 over four years of undergraduate education. It’s intended for financially disadvantaged students who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree on the mainland. Applications are only accessed from Hawaii high school counselors who must sign the packet before October 28th. Attaching a transcript, SAT/ACT score, tax return, and essay response is also required.

Eligibility

  • Be U.S. citizens or resident aliens in the State of Hawaii
  • Have annual family income less than 150% of the federal poverty level
  • Maintain full-time enrollment at an accredited four-year college

Scholarship Website

2. Alma White – Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) funds over $4 million in annual scholarships, including the Alma White – Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship. The Delta Chapter presents at least $1,000 to junior, senior, or graduate students of Hawaiian ancestry who have chosen teaching as their vocational calling. Applications are accepted from November 15th until January 31st with two letters of recommendation.

Eligibility

  • Matriculate full-time at accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions
  • Pursue a bachelor’s or master’s education major for teacher certification
  • Carry a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7
  • Demonstrate need for financial assistance

Scholarship Website

3. OHA Native Hawaiian Scholarships

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) bestows $500,000 annually through its several Native Hawaiian Scholarships. Co-sponsored by GEAR UP Hawaii, the program assists students attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hilo, West Oahu, Honolulu, Kauai, Leeward, Maui, Windward, or Kapi’olani. Beginning each October, the application process includes submitting proof of acceptance and a FAFSA form. Priority is given to non-traditional learners.

Eligibility

  • Have Native Hawaiian ancestry
  • Graduate from a public or private Hawaii high school
  • Pursue a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) degree
  • Display academic merit with an overall GPA above 2.8

Scholarship Website

4. NIADA Region IV Scholarship

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) endows one $3,500 scholarship for each of their four regions. Region IV funding is reserved for Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii natives. There’s an additional $10,000 Manheim National Scholarship to attend Northwood University. Applications must arrive with a 1,200-word original essay before the March 31st deadline.

Eligibility

  • Be high school seniors legally residing in Region IV
  • Demonstrate academic aptitude for collegiate coursework
  • Have unmet financial need for attending two or four-year U.S. colleges
  • Exhibit genuine interest in automotive industry careers

Scholarship Website

5. Maui County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Administered by the Pauahi Foundation, the Maui County Farm Bureau Scholarship gifts $2,500 annually to agricultural majors who attend a non-UH system or continental U.S. institution. Maui island residents could apply online before February 17th by sending three essay responses, official transcripts, SAR reports, and two references. Other profitable Hawaii scholarships include the $2,500 Mahi`ai Scholarship and $7,500 Nanea Scholarship.

Eligibility

  • Be full-time, degree-seeking students with junior or senior status
  • Possess a cumulative collegiate GPA of 2.0 (on 4.0 scale)
  • Exhibit interest in managing livestock, plants, fruits, or vegetables
  • Spend two weeks working with the Maui County Farm Bureau

Scholarship Website

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