Top Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander scholarships

Key takeaways about Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander scholarships

• Pacific Islander scholarships help Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students pay for college and don't need to be repaid.

• You don’t need perfect grades—many scholarships focus on heritage, leadership, or community involvement.

• You can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time to increase your chances.

• Completing the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can unlock even more scholarship and financial aid options.

• Tools like Scholly Scholarships and Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships can help you find and apply for scholarships fast.

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance applications, deadlines, and everything else life throws at you. That’s where Pacific Islander scholarships come in. These awards are designed to support Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students by helping cover tuition, books, housing, and other education costs—without needing to be paid back.

This guide will walk you through what Pacific Islander scholarships are, why they matter, how to qualify, and where to find the top opportunities available today.

What are Pacific Islander scholarships?

Pacific Islander scholarships are financial awards created specifically to support students who identify as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Many are offered by cultural organizations, nonprofits, schools, and private sponsors that want to increase access to higher education for underrepresented communities.

These scholarships can be used for a wide range of education paths, including community college, four-year universities, trade schools, and graduate programs. Some focus on academic achievement, while others prioritize cultural involvement, leadership, or financial need.

Still looking at schools? Scout College Search can help you search and filter by type, cost, majors, location, and more.

Why scholarships matter for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students

For many Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander families, the cost of college can be a major barrier. Scholarships help close that gap and ease financial pressure.

Beyond the money, these scholarships often recognize cultural identity, community service, and resilience—things that don’t always show up on a transcript. Applying isn’t just about funding school; it’s also about being seen and supported.

How to qualify for Pacific Islander scholarships

Each scholarship has its own requirements, but many Pacific Islander scholarships look for a combination of the following:

• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander heritage

• Enrollment (or plans to enroll) in an accredited college or school

• Minimum GPA (often flexible)

• Demonstrated financial need (requires Free Application for Federal Student Aid or "FAFSA®)

• Community involvement or leadership experience

• Personal essay or short-answer responses

Pro tip: If you don’t meet every single requirement, apply anyway. Plenty of students decide not to apply even when they actually had a real shot.