Scholarships for Native Hawaiians

The scholarships listed below are for persons of Native Hawaiian descent, but live in the continental United States. If you are looking for scholarships that are specifically available to residents of the State of Hawai’i, check out Hawai’i Community Foundation for a list of over 200 scholarships: hawaiicommunityfoundation.org

Author’s Note: this post was updated in May 2026 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

1. APIA Scholarship Program
2. AANAPISI Scholarship Program
3. Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation Scholarships for Public Applicants
4. Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP)
5. Pacific Islander Festival Association (PIFA)
6. The Hawai’i Daughters Guild of California
7. The Ilimanator Scholarship
8. OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship (new)
9. Against the Grain Scholarships (new)
10. FAPAC Distinguished Public Service Scholarship (new)
11. Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Mainland Scholarships (new)
12. Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club Scholarship (new)

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Quick Reference: 12 Scholarships, listed by application deadline

Scholarship	Award Amount	Next Deadline	Status
PIFA Scholarship	Varies	May 31, 2026	OPEN NOW
Against the Grain (Arts)	$1,000–$1,500	May 31, 2026	OPEN NOW
Prince Kuhio HCC	Varies	Opens ~June 2026	Reopens soon
Hawai’i Daughters Guild of CA	Varies	Check website	Verify
AHCC Mainland Clubs	Varies by club	Varies by club	Check club
Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation	Multiple funds	~Nov 30, 2026	Opens fall
APIA Scholars	$2,500–$20,000	~Jan 15, 2027	Opens fall
AANAPISI	$2,500–$5,000	~Jan 15, 2027	Opens fall
OCA Gold Mountain	$2,000	~March 2027	Opens winter
FAPAC Public Service	$5,000	~Early 2027	Watch site
NHHSP (Health)	Full tuition + stipend	~March 2027	Opens spring
Ilimanator	Unknown	Unknown	May be dormant

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1. APIA Scholarship Program

2026–2027 Applications are CLOSED
Next cycle opens approximately November 15, 2026. Deadline approximately January 15, 2027.

The APIA Scholarship is open to AANHPI undergraduate students attending any U.S. accredited university or college. Scholarship amounts range from $2,500 one-year awards to $20,000 multi-year awards. APIA Scholars has a special focus on supporting students who live at or below the poverty line, are in the first generation of their family to attend college, and are representative of the APIA community’s diversity.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Be able to describe your ethnicity, heritage, or ancestry in relation to the countries, territories, or lands in Asia or the Pacific Islands
2. Be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible
3. Be enrolling or continuing as a degree-seeking undergraduate student (full-time or part-time) at a U.S. accredited college or university
4. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted), or equivalent, or have earned a GED
5. File FAFSA for the relevant academic year
6. Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree are not eligible

For more details, please visit: apiascholars.org

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2. AANAPISI Scholarship Program

2026–2027 Applications are CLOSED
Next cycle opens approximately November 15, 2026. Deadline approximately January 15, 2027.

The AANAPISI Scholarship provides scholarships ranging from one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $5,000 awards, with a special focus on low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented APIA students. Unlike the general APIA Scholarship, this award requires enrollment at one of APIA Scholars’ designated partner institutions — several California schools are eligible.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Same heritage and citizenship requirements as the APIA Scholarship (above)
2. Must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate at an AANAPISI Partner Institution
3. Must file FAFSA for the relevant academic year
4. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree are not eligible

For more details, please visit: apiascholars.org/scholarship/aanapisi-scholarship

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3. Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation Scholarships for Public Applicants

2026–2027 Application deadline: approximately November 30, 2026

The Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to develop new and diverse sources of income to support the ever-increasing educational needs and goals of people of Hawaiian ancestry. The Foundation administers over 200 scholarships created by private donors, supporting college-level areas of study as well as trade and vocational courses.

Note: The Foundation has moved to a new website. Please use pauahi.org, the old ksbe.edu link is outdated.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Be a classified, degree-seeking student
2. Be attending an accredited two- or four-year institution in Hawai’i or the continental U.S.
3. Be attending school as a full-time student unless specifically noted in the Scholarship Listing
4. Preference given to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law

Browse all 200+ scholarship funds: pauahi.org/scholarships-listing
Apply at: pauahi.org/postsecondary-scholarships

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4. Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP)

2026–2027 Applications are CLOSED
Next cycle opens approximately March 2027. Deadline approximately March 15, 2027.

The NHHSP is a federally funded, scholar-centered scholarship program for Native Hawaiian students in health professions programs who are committed to serving their Native Hawaiian community as primary health care professionals. The program has awarded over 350 scholarships since its establishment in 1991.

Scholarships provide full tuition, a monthly stipend, and other related educational costs. Recipients must perform one year of service in a medically underserved area within the State of Hawai’i for each year of funding received (minimum two years, maximum four).

Eligible health professions include: Clinical Psychology, Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Dietetics/Nutrition, Nursing (all levels), Physician (M.D. or D.O.), Physician Assistant, and Social Work.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Native Hawaiian ancestry, verified by birth certificate
2. Full-time enrollment in an accredited health professions program in any U.S. state or territory
3. Willingness to relocate within the State of Hawai’i post-graduation to fulfill service obligation

Apply at: mom.smapply.org
Program info: bhw.hrsa.gov

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5. Pacific Islander Festival Association (PIFA) Scholarship

2026 Applications are OPEN – Deadline: May 31, 2026

The primary purposes and objectives of the Pacific Islander Festival Association are to promote charitable and educational projects, provide educational and cultural resources, and actively participate in the promotion and perpetuation of the cultures of the Indigenous People of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. PIFA hosts the largest Pacific Islander festival in the continental United States, held annually at Ski Beach, Mission Bay in San Diego (2026 dates: September 26–27).

Applicants will be scored using a 5-point rubric:

1. College Academics
2. Community Service
3. Participation in Promoting Pacific Islander Culture
4. Potential Goals to Contribute to the Pacific Islander Community
5. Letters of Recommendation

Apply now at: pifasandiego.com/scholarships

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6. The Hawai’i Daughters Guild of California

2026 Deadline: Contact organization directly to confirm

The Hawai’i Daughters Guild of California has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships since 1970. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Consideration is given to scholastic achievements, extra-curricular activities, community service, financial need, background, and career goals — all addressed in a required autobiographical essay. A personal interview is also part of the selection process.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Female of Polynesian ancestry
2. California resident
3. Minimum 3.0 GPA
4. Must meet one of the following: enrolling full-time immediately following high school graduation; continuing full-time undergraduate student; or full-time graduate student immediately following a bachelor’s degree program

For more information, please visit: hawaiidaughtersguild.webs.com/scholarships.htm

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7. The Ilimanator Scholarship

2026 Applications — Status unknown. Website has not been updated since 2023. Contact the organization directly to confirm before applying.

Initiated by Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, Bellator MMA World Flyweight Champion, the Ilimanator Scholarship provides Native American and Native Hawaiian adolescent female youth (ages 14–21) with an opportunity to access world-class indigenous education enrichment programs through the Na Wahine Toa Foundation.

Eligibility requirements (as last known):

1. Ages 14–21 (priority); other ages may apply
2. Represents First Nations or indigenous peoples
3. International applicants eligible
4. Two letters of recommendation required
5. Creative submission required (video, essay, song, dance, poem, or artwork)

Check for updates at: ilimanator.com/scholarship
Or email: nawahinetoafoundation@gmail.com

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8. OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship (New)

2026–2027 Applications are CLOSED
Next cycle opens approximately February 2027. Deadline approximately March 13, 2027.

Since 1999, the OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship has supported first-generation Asian American and Pacific Islander students in their pursuit of higher education. The scholarship is available to both graduating high school seniors and rising college seniors (the college senior track was added in 2020). The name calls back to the vision of America as a “mountain of golden opportunities” for immigrants and their families.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
2. First-generation college student (parents did not complete a college or university degree)
3. Currently a graduating high school senior entering college in fall, OR a rising college senior entering your final year
4. DACA/undocumented students with a SSN or ITIN are eligible
5. No minimum GPA required, though GPA is considered
6. Award: $2,000

Apply (high school seniors): ocanational.org/gold-mountain-scholarship-high-school
Apply (rising college seniors): ocanational.org/gold-mountain-scholarship-for-rising-college-seniors

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9. Against the Grain Scholarships (New)

2026 Applications are OPEN — Deadline: May 31, 2026

Against the Grain Productions supports leadership, unity, and artistry in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. They offer three annual scholarship awards for AANHPI students, all sharing the May 31 deadline. At least 25% Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry is required for all three awards.

The three awards:

• Artistic Scholarship ($1,000) — For students pursuing visual/performing arts, journalism, or mass communications. Minimum 3.0 GPA. Portfolio and essay required.
• Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship ($1,500) — Open to all majors. Minimum 3.5 GPA. Demonstrated visionary leadership required.
• Lily Pabilona Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship — For students pursuing entrepreneurship or business. Check website for current award amount.

Eligibility requirements (all three awards):

1. At least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity
2. U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident
3. High school senior or full-time college student at an accredited U.S. institution
4. Pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree
5. Leadership through community service or extracurricular activities

Apply now at: againstthegrainproductions.com

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10. FAPAC Distinguished Public Service Scholarship (New)

2026 Award has been given — watch fapac.org for the 2027 cycle opening (typically early in the year)

The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) Distinguished Public Service Scholarship recognizes AANHPI college students who exhibit academic excellence, demonstrate an interest in public service and becoming future federal employees, and show a continuous effort to foster diversity and inclusion in AANHPI communities. The $5,000 award is presented annually during FAPAC’s National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) in May.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander heritage; U.S. citizen
2. Enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university as a degree-seeking student
3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
4. Demonstrated commitment to public service, including service to the AAPI community
5. Not open to previous scholarship winners or children of FAPAC Officers
6. Award: $5,000

For more information, please visit: fapac.org/scholarshipfund

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11. Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs — Mainland Council Scholarships (New)

Deadlines vary by local club — check with your nearest club, many open in spring and summer

The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AHCC) is a confederation of individual Hawaiian Civic Clubs located across Hawai’i and the continental United States. The Na Lei Makalapua (Mainland Council) includes clubs throughout California and other states. Many clubs offer college scholarships to both members and non-members of Native Hawaiian descent — and because they are locally run, they are often less competitive than national programs.

This is one of the most underutilized scholarship resources for mainland Hawaiians. California clubs include those in Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, and the Central Valley. Southern California readers can browse Heleloa’s Hawaiian Civic Clubs in California directory to find a club near you.

How to find your local club’s scholarship:

1. Visit aohcc.org and navigate to the Mainland Council
2. Contact your nearest club directly — many scholarships are not widely advertised online
3. Membership is not required to apply at most clubs, though it often gives priority

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12. Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club (PKHCC) Scholarship (New)

2025–2026 cycle is CLOSED — check pkhcc.org in June 2026 for the new application

The Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club is dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian values, culture, and education. Preference is given to Hawaiian students who have engaged in community service or volunteer work, and to those pursuing degrees in Hawaiian language, studies, culture, journalism, or education. Mainland students attending accredited institutions are eligible.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Native Hawaiian descent (descendant of the aboriginal inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778)
2. High school seniors and undergraduates: minimum 2.5 GPA; graduate students: minimum 3.3 GPA
3. Essay on a topic that changes annually (required)
4. Priority given to PKHCC members in good standing and their family members, but open to the broader community

For more information and to apply when the new cycle opens: pkhcc.org

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General Information

Scholarships for college and university students can come from a range of sources – federal, state, colleges and universities, professional organizations, and private endowments. To receive that free money, follow these steps:

1. Fill out your FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Most scholarships on this list require a current FAFSA on file.
2. Register with the Kamehameha Schools Ho’oulu Hawaiian Data Center (HHDC) to verify your Hawaiian ancestry. Many programs require this documentation.
3. Search through the scholarships listed above. Review each program’s specific requirements carefully to ensure you qualify, then apply to as many as you’re eligible for. They are not mutually exclusive.
4. Connect with your local Hawaiian Civic Club. Browse Heleloa’s Hawaiian Civic Clubs in California directory to find a club near you, many offer locally-run scholarships that are less competitive than national programs.

Know of a scholarship we’re missing? Email heather@heleloa.com and we’ll add it to the list. This page is updated regularly, bookmark it and check back each fall when new cycles open.

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