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Scholarships
Hawaii scholarships: Free money for Hawaii students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for Hawaii
Featured
Apply now
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
Royal Business Bank Scholarship Program
Due: 4/20/26
|No essay
$1,000
The Royal Business Bank is committed to supporting economically-challenged youth residing in its business service territories to fulfill their dreams of obtaining a higher education. Scholarships are available for high school seniors planning to attend college as a full-time, degree-seeking student in the Fall of 2026. Students must plan to attend a U.S.-accredited four-year college/university or a community college. If selected, they must provide a college acceptance letter for verification. Students must have a household income at or below the low-income level for the county of residence. If selected, they must provide 2024 or 2025 tax return for verification. The scholarship is open to all majors and there is no ethnicity requirement. Employees of Royal Business Bank and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Asian Pacific Community Fund for more information.
Captain David Lyman Scholarship
Due: 6/22/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,500
The Captain David Lyman Scholarship for Hawaii Residents is open to students pursuing their first bachelor's degree in Cal Maritime. Applicants must pursue a degree in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering Technology, or Mechanical Engineering (USCG License Track). They must submit an online admission application to Cal Maritime beginning November 30th of the year preceding the year you enter. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Hawaii Chapter ASLA/David T. Woolsey Scholarship
Due: 2/1/27
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$3,000
The Hawaii Chapter ASLA/David T. Woolsey Scholarship provides funds for educational or professional development purposes exclusively. The award is open to currently-enrolled third-, fourth-, or fifth-year undergraduate students or master's students studying landscape architecture at Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) accredited programs in the United States. To be eligible, the applicant's university must be within the Hawaii Chapter ASLA boundary or the applicant's permanent residence must be in Hawaii. At this time, the only accredited program in Hawaii is the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Master of Landscape Architecture program. Applicants must submit proof of Hawaii residency, which may be a copy of their Hawaii driver license or identification card, most recent federal tax return, or other proof of residency. This is only necessary for applicants who do not attend a university within the Hawaii Chapter ASLA boundary. Applicants must also submit three work samples in one PDF document. Each should include explanatory text describing the project. If it was a group project, applicants must state this and describe their role. Applicants must submit a bio for the LAF Website. They must describe their background, current educational pursuits, future plans, and any other personal interests or activities. Applicants must also submit a resume or CV in PDF format. It should include the applicant's education, professional experience, extra-curricular activities, and honors and awards. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Landscape Architecture Foundation for more information.
Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation Scholarships
Due: 2/24/27
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
$20,000
The Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation's scholarships are awarded to encourage students in the State of Hawaii who intend to have a career in Business to pursue higher education at any accredited four--year college or university. Students who are currently seniors in high school as well as students who are already enrolled in college may apply. This scholarship covers undergraduate degree programs only. In order to be eligible to apply for an award, students must have graduated (or be graduating...
Bal Dasa Scholarship Fund
Due: 2/26/27
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Bal Dasa Scholarship Fund was created by Balarama Dasa in 1999 with the intention and desire to provide scholarships to Waipahu High School graduates attending an accredited post-high school institution, demonstrating financial need and academic potential. The Hawai'i Community Foundation will give preference to recipients who were awarded in the immediate prior year if such recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements and is in good academic standing. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Hawai'i Community Foundation for more information.
Aiea General Hospital Association Scholarship
Due: 2/26/27
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
Aiea General Hospital closed its doors in 1983. With the hospital's remaining assets, its Board of Directors established a trust in 1985 as an expression of gratitude to area residents for their many years of support. The donor requires the applicants to be a resident of one of these Leeward O'ahu zip code areas: 96701, 96706, 96707, 96782, 96792 or 96797. They also require applicants to be a student who intends to major in a health-related field in an accredited college or university. Preference will be given to recipients who were awarded in the immediate prior year if such recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements and is in good academic standing. Students who choose a major in which there are current shortages are also preferred. Preference will be given to students likely to return to work in Hawai'i. Students with a GPA between 2.5 - 3.75 are also preferred. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Hawai'i Community Foundation for more information.
Hale Kauai Scholarship in Memory of Wayne Ellis
Due: 2/26/27
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Hale Kauai Scholarship in Memory of Wayne Ellis is established by Hale Kauai in memory of Wayne Ellis. Preference is for recipients who were awarded in the immediate prior year if such recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements and is in good academic standing. Applicants must be a resident of the island of Kauai. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Hawai'i Community Foundation for more information.
Hokuli'a Foundation Scholarship Fund
Due: 2/26/27
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Board of the Hokuli'a Foundation worked with the Hawai'i Community Foundation to accomplish one of their main objectives of providing scholarships for the Kona community. The donor requires applicants to be a resident of North or South Kona. Preference will be given to applicants who plan to study in the fields of Healthcare, Education, or Social Work; and applicants who demonstrate an emphasis in advancing Native Hawaiian culture. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Hawai'i Community Foundation for more information.
Jhung Family Foundation Scholarship
Due: 2/26/27
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Jhung Family Foundation Scholarship was started by Grafton Jhung in 1992 to honor Caroline Rhym Ing, the mother of Bryson, Grafton and Finis Jhung who graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1950, 1953, and 1955 respectively. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist needy and deserving graduates of Roosevelt High School in their pursuit of a college education. The scholarship is awarded for one year and is renewable for up to three additional years. The donor requires applicants to be a current high school senior from Roosevelt High School, but must have attended Roosevelt High school for four years. Applicants must attend a 4-year college or university in the continental US. They must also demonstrate involvement in extra-curricular activities. Preference is for recipients who were awarded in the immediate prior year if such recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements and is in good academic standing. Preference will also be given to students born in Hawaii. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Hawai'i Community Foundation for more information.
Key things to know about Hawaii scholarships
- Hawaii scholarships are free money for school. They're financial awards to help pay for tuition, fees, books, and other education costs, and you don't have to repay them.
- They are not only for first-time freshmen. There are scholarships for Hawaii students in high school, community college, four-year programs, and adult learners returning to school.
- You may be able to combine multiple awards. In many cases, scholarships from schools and private organizations can be stacked to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- Eligibility goes beyond grades. Some top Hawaii scholarships reward academics, but many also consider need, leadership, service, identity, major, and community ties.
- Consistent applying can pay off. Submitting a few applications each month can add up to meaningful savings over time.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming. That's why maximizing free money you don't have to pay back—like scholarships and grants—should be part of your funding plan. If you live in Hawaii, you have access to scholarships created specifically with Hawaii students in mind.
The time you spend applying for Hawaii scholarships can make a big difference. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. Whether you are in high school, already in college, or heading back to the classroom after time away, scholarships can help you reduce what you pay out of pocket or borrow.
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What are Hawaii scholarships?
Hawaii scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, graduate school, or approved career training programs. These awards can come from the state, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, foundations, community groups, and employers.
Unlike student loans, scholarship funds do not need to be repaid. While some scholarships look at grades or test scores, many Hawaii scholarships focus on a wider set of criteria, such as:
- Community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
- Your intended major or career pathway
- Hawaii residency or ties to a specific island or community
- Identity-based eligibility (including Native Hawaiian-focused opportunities)
- Financial need (often based on FAFSA® data)
- Talent-based awards (arts, athletics, or technical skills)
What scholarships are available for Hawaii students?
Most students have better results when they apply to several types of scholarships at once. In addition to statewide programs, many scholarships for Hawaii students come through community foundations and local organizations, plus institutional awards offered directly by colleges.
If you want to broaden your search beyond local options, tools like Scholly Scholarships can help you find scholarships that match your background, interests, and goals.
Hawai’i Promise Scholarships (UH Community Colleges)
The Hawai’i Promise Scholarship is designed to help eligible students cover unmet direct education costs at University of Hawai‘i (UH) community colleges. It is often discussed as a “last-dollar” style program, meaning it may help close the gap after other aid is applied.
Because eligibility can depend on enrollment, cost of attendance, and other aid, it’s important to review the current criteria and renewals each year if you plan to continue at a UH community college.
Hawai’i Community Foundation Scholarships
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) offers a large set of donor-funded scholarship opportunities through a common application process. Awards may be based on factors like academic achievement, financial need, field of study, community involvement, and ties to Hawaii.
Deadlines can vary by scholarship cycle, so plan ahead and submit materials early, especially if recommendations or transcripts are required.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Scholarship Resources
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs provides scholarship resource information that can help students identify opportunities connected to Native Hawaiian education and community priorities. Depending on the program, eligibility may involve residency, educational plans, or community connection.
Because programs and application windows can change, check requirements carefully and watch for annual updates.
Local and community scholarships
Local scholarships can be less competitive because they often focus on specific islands, schools, or communities. In Hawaii, many of these opportunities are offered through local foundations, cultural organizations, employers, and service groups.
- Scholarships connected to your island, county, or high school community
- Awards from local credit unions, unions, or employers
- Community foundation opportunities with donor-specific eligibility
Institutional scholarships from Hawaii colleges
Many Hawaii colleges offer institutional scholarships, and some automatically consider admitted students for certain awards. Students attending institutions such as the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, or Kapiʻolani Community College may qualify for institutional scholarships through their financial aid offices.
If you are comparing schools, ask each campus whether scholarships are automatic with admission, require a separate application, or are tied to a specific department or major. Find a school that aligns with your goals using Scout College Search.
Additional financial aid resources in Hawaii
State and campus-based grants
Alongside Hawaii scholarships, students may also qualify for grant aid through state programs, institutional funding, or need-based aid determined through FAFSA®. Grants can be especially important for students with financial need because they typically do not require repayment.
Need-based financial aid pathways
Even when a program is described broadly as “financial assistance,” it may function more like a grant than a scholarship. Submitting the FAFSA® is often the key step that unlocks eligibility for many of these resources.
Scholly Scholarships
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Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for Hawaii scholarships
Breaking the process into smaller pieces can make applying for scholarships feel more manageable.
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
Looking for a faster way to get started? With Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, you can use a single application to apply to multiple scholarships at once.
What are the eligibility requirements for Hawaii scholarships?
Each program sets its own rules, but many Hawaii scholarships share common eligibility requirements, such as:
- Proof of Hawaii residency (or other in-state eligibility rules)
- Enrollment (or planned enrollment) in an eligible college or training program
- Minimum GPA or satisfactory academic progress standards
- Financial need (often reviewed using FAFSA® data)
- Community involvement, leadership, or service history
- Major- or career-specific requirements for targeted awards
How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
- Apply across multiple scholarship types. Mix larger statewide awards with local and school-based options to improve your odds.
- Tailor your essays to the prompt. Reuse your core story, but align examples with the scholarship’s purpose and community focus.
- Ask for recommendations early. Giving recommenders time usually leads to stronger, more specific letters.
- Look for island- and community-specific awards. Scholarships tied to a specific place or organization may have a smaller applicant pool.
- File the FAFSA® as soon as you can. Many need-based pathways depend on FAFSA® information, even when you are also applying for scholarships.
More scholarship resources
Hawaii students can use these resources to locate scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
Hawaii scholarships can play a major role in making college, grad school, or career training more affordable. By combining statewide programs, school-based aid, local awards, and private scholarships—and by applying consistently—you can reduce what you need to pay out of pocket or borrow.
To keep your search moving, look at monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, the No Essay Scholarship, and the Grad School No Essay Scholarship. These low-effort options can help you start applying even when you are short on time.
FAQs about Hawaii scholarships
What scholarships are available for Hawaii students?
Hawaii students can look at statewide options like the Hawai’i Promise Scholarship (for eligible UH community college students), community-based opportunities through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and scholarship resources connected to organizations like the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. You can also find additional matches through Scholly Scholarships.
What is the Hawai’i Promise Scholarship?
The Hawai’i Promise Scholarship is designed to help eligible students at UH community colleges cover certain unmet direct education costs after other aid is applied. Eligibility can depend on enrollment and other financial aid.
What is the Hawai’i Community Foundation (HCF) Common Scholarship Application?
The HCF common application is a unified scholarship application that can connect students to multiple donor-funded scholarships administered through the foundation, depending on eligibility.
Do Hawaii scholarships require FAFSA®?
Some do. Many need-based scholarships and grant-like programs use FAFSA® information to evaluate financial need, even if the scholarship is not strictly “need-only.”
Do Hawaii colleges offer their own scholarships?
Yes. Many campuses offer institutional scholarships through their financial aid offices, including schools within the University of Hawai‘i system.
Can Hawaii students find scholarships by specific Hawaiian Islands or counties?
Often, yes. Local foundations and community organizations sometimes offer scholarships focused on specific islands, towns, school districts, or community groups.
Are there easy or no-essay scholarships for Hawaii students?
Yes. Some scholarships have shorter applications, and students can also consider options like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships and other no-essay opportunities.
When should Hawaii students start applying for scholarships?
Many students start in the fall for the following academic year, but deadlines vary. It helps to apply year-round and track major seasonal deadlines.
Can adult learners in Hawaii qualify for scholarships?
Yes. Some scholarships are open to returning students or career changers, especially through community foundations, employers, and institutional programs.
Where should Hawaii students look first for local scholarships?
Start with your school counseling office (if applicable), local foundations, community organizations, and your college’s financial aid office. Those sources often list community-based awards with fewer applicants.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.