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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
6 days left!
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
American Water Scholarship
Due: 3/25/26
$10,000
American Water is proud to provide equitable educational opportunities for students across our national footprint through the American Water Scholarship. This scholarship is part of American Water's continued commitment to being an inclusive, diverse, and equitable company and supports our future leaders of tomorrow. The American Water Scholarship is awarding scholarships to students in the states where American Water operates. The scholarship is designed to support the educational aspirations of students who represent lived experiences and backgrounds that are underrepresented in the utility industry and who value the advancement of inclusion and diversity in all aspects of society. Applicants must self-identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community; or self-identity as having a disability; or self-identify as being an active member of the military services, a military spouse, or having a parent or guardian who is an active member; or self-identify as female; or self-identify as Black, African or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates, or current college undergraduates, residing and/or attending college in one of the eligible states. Applicants must be pursuing a certificate or degree in a non-medical STEM or business-related field, at an accredited four-year college or university. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a sincere commitment to inclusion and diversity in their lives, community, or education in a non-medical STEM major or a business major. The scholarship may be renewable up to three additional years or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first. One online recommendation form must be submitted on the student's behalf no later than March 28, 2025. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
ASM Global Stars Scholarship Program
Due: 3/25/26
$2,500
As the world's leading venue management company and producer of live event experiences, ASM Global is offering the ASM Global Stars Scholarship Program, which reflects the commitment to providing diverse and under-resourced communities with educational and career development opportunities through scholarship awards and prospective internships. Applicants must self-identify as one or more of the following: Female (any race/ethnicity), Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Applicants must also be high school seniors or graduates, or current undergraduate students residing in the United States. They must be pursuing a degree in either Business/International Business (Marketing, Information Systems, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources); Hospitality, Entertainment, Sports Management; Communications, Public Relations, Digital Media; Information Technology; or Graphic Design. Applicants must also reside within 25 miles in one of the eligible cities. Two will be granted to students who reside or attend a school in Kent County, Michigan; and two awards will be granted to students who reside within 25 miles of New Orleans, LA. If qualified applications are received, preference will be given to applicants who are first-generation college students. Employees of ASM Global, ASM Global Acts Foundation, or their affiliates, and children of those employees, are not eligible. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Royal Business Bank Scholarship Program
Due: 4/21/26
|No essay
$1,000
Royal Business Bank is committed to supporting youth residing in its business service territories to fulfill their dreams of obtaining a higher education. The Royal Business Bank Scholarship will be awarded to high school seniors planning to attend a US-accredited institution in the Fall of 2025. If selected, students must submit a college acceptance letter for verification. Applicants must have a household income at or below the County Low Income Level. If selected, students must provide their tax return for verification. This 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. A recommendation from a community service advisor is required. 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.
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.