Hawaii Scholarships

Incoming first-year and transfer students from WUE-eligible Western states who are admitted to the University of New Mexico are automatically considered for the Western Undergraduate Exchange Plus program. Eligible students need a 3.0 GPA or 20 ACT (1030 SAT). WUE Plus reduces non-resident tuition to the New Mexico resident rate, with a value of up to $23,149 per year. The award is renewable for up to four years with 15 credits and a 2.5 GPA each fall and spring semester. No separate scholarship application is required, but applying by your admission deadline improves consideration.

Automatic WUE nursing award for incoming nonresident first-year students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents from a participating WUE state or territory, hold an unweighted GPA of 3.90 to 4.00, and are Pre-Nursing or Nursing majors. The scholarship covers 150% of resident tuition, saving about $16,339 per year for up to four years with full-time enrollment and a 3.00 renewal GPA. Construction Management, Radiological Science, alternative fee, and fully online majors are ineligible. Admission files must be complete by December 15 for fall.

The Guaranteed Scholarship and Admission Program (GSAP), also marketed as the Holomua Commitment, guarantees Hawaiʻi high school seniors at least a fifteen thousand dollar annual tuition scholarship plus admission to Hawaii Pacific University when they meet program qualifications. Applicants must submit a complete fall admission application by January 15, anticipate graduating from an accredited Hawaiʻi high school with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA through junior year, complete required core courses, and have no disciplinary violations. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight fall and spring semesters while enrolled full time at HPU's main campus.

The Provost Achievement Scholarship recognizes high-achieving Hawaiʻi resident freshmen entering UH Mānoa directly after high school who demonstrate academic strength and community impact. The award provides $10,000 per year for four years toward educational expenses. Historically about 80 scholarships are offered annually. Students apply for admission by January 5 and submit supplemental New Warrior materials including a community-impact essay and activities list by January 15. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment at UH Mānoa to renew each year.

The Kama'aina Summer Grant helps local Hawaiʻi residents take undergraduate summer courses at Hawaii Pacific University as special-status non-degree seeking students. Applicants or their parents must be Hawaiʻi residents with proof of a valid Hawaiʻi state ID or driver's license. Award amounts for summer 2026 are one thousand five hundred dollars for six to eight credits, two thousand four hundred dollars for nine to eleven credits, and three thousand six hundred dollars for twelve or more credits. To apply, email financialaid@hpu.edu with Kama'aina Summer Grant in the subject line, attaching proof of Hawaiʻi residency, student name, and HPU student ID number.

The Holomua Commitment FAFSA Grant is a guaranteed three thousand dollar grant for eligible Hawaiʻi high school graduates who file the FAFSA by January 15 as part of HPU's Holomua Commitment and Guaranteed Scholarship and Admission Program. It supplements the program's minimum fifteen thousand dollar tuition scholarship and any additional merit or need-based aid for which a student qualifies. Applicants must be graduating from a Hawaiʻi high school with at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA, submit a complete HPU admission application by January 15, and complete the FAFSA using HPU's federal school code 007279 by the same date to receive priority financial aid awarding.

Female NSPS student members enrolled in two- or four-year surveying or related degree programs who are legal residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming may apply for the $2,000 Cady McDonnell Memorial Scholarship, awarded in odd-numbered years only. One award is available. Submit an application, proof of residency, transcripts, three recommendations, and a personal letter through the NSPS Foundation scholarship application.

High school seniors in Royal Business Bank service territories (specific counties in California, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Nevada) with at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA who plan to attend college full time in the fall may apply. Five scholarships of $1,000 each are offered through the Asian Pacific Community Fund. Submit the common APCF application, recommender form, and transcript by April 20. Selected recipients must provide a college acceptance letter and income verification.

The Hawaii Asphalt Paving Industry offers two $1,000 university scholarships and two $500 community-college scholarships to full-time Hawaii residents pursuing trade, community-college, or four-year study connected to civil engineering, construction, infrastructure, or an interest in construction careers.

Hawaii residents pursuing degrees at colleges and universities or career and technical education at community colleges may apply through the HCF Common Scholarship Application. One statewide portal matches students to numerous competitive donor funds. Award amounts vary by matched fund across HCF's statewide scholarship portfolio. The 2026-27 common application opened December 8, 2025 and closed February 26, 2026 at 4 PM HST. Manage applications through the HCF Scholarship Manager portal. Hawaii Community Foundation administers the state's largest private scholarship program with a non-discrimination policy covering all applicants.