Scholarships

Applications for the Fall 2026–Spring 2027 cycle are now closed.

Did you know?
Since 1998, Palama Settlement has provided scholarships to support local students in achieving their educational goals. Thanks to the generosity of private foundations and individual donors, our program has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships—helping over 500 youth pursue higher education.

Palama Settlement has selected 51 scholarship recipients for the 2026–2027 academic year, with more than $169,000 in scholarship funding committed—the highest annual scholarship award total in the organization's history.

How to Submit Your Scholarship Application

Applications for scholarships for the upcoming academic year must be submitted by March 31 annually.
In Person
Drop it off at the Administration Office at Palama Settlement.
By Mail
Palama Settlement
810 N. Vineyard Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96817

Annual Scholarship Timeline

January

Application Open

March 31

Application Deadline

April - May

Applicant Interviews

End of May

Scholarship Recipients Notified

June 18

Scholarship Awards Ceremony

July - August

Fall Tuition Disbursement

January (Following Year)

Spring Tuition Disbursement

Available Scholarships

Explore our scholarships, with over $1M awarded since 1998 to deserving students.
Selection and determination of this award is based on a student’s financial need and high scholastic achievement. The scholarship application is open to full and part-time students who have either applied to or are currently attending a degree-granting program or study or are registered in an associate or baccalaureate program of study at a public or private college in the State of Hawai’i or the continental U.S. Preference is given to students from the Kalihi-Pālama area.

Qualification Criteria
All applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
• Resident of the state of Hawaiʻi.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Enrolled part-time or full-time in a public or private undergraduate or graduate program in an accredited public or private college in the State of Hawaiʻi or the continental U.S.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Must have affiliation with Kalihi-Pālama neighborhood (96817/96819).
Selection and determination of this award is based on a student’s financial need and high scholastic achievement. The scholarship application is open to full and part-time students who have either applied to or are currently attending a degree-granting program or study or are registered in an associate or baccalaureate program of study at a public or private college in the State of Hawai’i or the continental U.S. Preference is given to students from the Kalihi-Pālama area.

Qualification Criteria
All applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
• Resident of the state of Hawaiʻi.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Enrolled part-time or full-time in a public or private undergraduate or graduate program in an accredited public or private college in the State of Hawaiʻi or the continental U.S.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Must have affiliation with Kalihi-Pālama neighborhood (96817/96819).
This scholarship is funded by the David C. Ai Charitable Trust in honor of C.K. Ai and David Ai, who held a steadfast belief that education is a critical investment in the future and should be accessible to everyone. The scholarship is open to students who are currently enrolled, either full- or part-time, or applying for admission to an accredited undergraduate or graduate program, technical school, or trade school at a public or private institution in Hawai‘i or on the U.S. mainland. Recipients are selected based on demonstrated financial need and outstanding academic achievement.

Qualification Criteria
All applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
• Resident of the state of Hawaiʻi.
• Demonstrate financial need
• Show characteristics of leadership, passion for learning, perseverance, problem-solving, and community focus
• Applicants must be currently enrolled (full-time or part-time) or in the process of applying to an accredited undergraduate, graduate, technical, or trade school program at a public or private college or university, either in Hawai‘i or on the U.S. mainland.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required. A passing grade is required for trade schools or other institutions without GPA grading.
•Recipients are required to complete eight hours of community service at Palama Settlement for every $1,000 awarded.
Selection and determination of this award is based on a student’s financial need and high scholastic achievement. The scholarship application is open to full and part-time students who have either applied to or are currently attending a degree-granting program or study or are registered in an associate or baccalaureate program of study at a public or private college in the State of Hawai’i or the continental U.S. Preference is given to students from the Kalihi-Pālama area.

Qualification Criteria
All applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
• Resident of the state of Hawaiʻi.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Enrolled part-time or full-time in a public or private undergraduate or graduate program in an accredited public or private college in the State of Hawaiʻi or the continental U.S.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Must have affiliation with Kalihi-Pālama neighborhood (96817/96819).
Selection and determination of this award is based on a student’s financial need and high scholastic achievement. The scholarship application is open to full and part-time students who have either applied to or are currently attending a degree-granting program or study or are registered in an associate or baccalaureate program of study at a public or private college in the State of Hawai’i or the continental U.S. Preference is given to students from the Kalihi-Pālama area.

Qualification Criteria
All applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
• Resident of the state of Hawaiʻi.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Enrolled part-time or full-time in a public or private undergraduate or graduate program in an accredited public or private college in the State of Hawaiʻi or the continental U.S.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Must have affiliation with Kalihi-Pālama neighborhood (96817/96819).
Selection and determination of this award is based on a student’s financial need and high scholastic achievement. The scholarship application is open to students enrolled full- or part-time, or applying for admission to an accredited undergraduate or graduate program, technical school, or trade school at a public or private college or university in Hawai‘i or on the U.S. mainland. Funding for the scholarship is acquired through private donations. Preference is given to students from the Kalihi-Pālama area.

Qualification Criteria
All applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
• Resident of the state of Hawaiʻi.
• Demonstrate financial need
• Applicants must be currently enrolled (full-time or part-time) or in the process of applying to an accredited undergraduate, graduate, technical, or trade school program at a public or private college or university, either in Hawai‘i or on the U.S. mainland.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. A passing grade is required for trade schools or other institutions without GPA grading.
• Recipients are required to complete eight hours of community service at Palama Settlement for every $1,000 awarded.
Selection and determination of this award is based on a student’s financial need and high scholastic achievement. The scholarship application is open to full and part-time students who have either applied to or are currently attending a degree-granting program or study or are registered in an associate or baccalaureate program of study at a public or private college in the State of Hawai’i or the continental U.S. Preference is given to students from the Kalihi-Pālama area.

Qualification Criteria
All applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
• Resident of the state of Hawaiʻi.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Enrolled part-time or full-time in a public or private undergraduate or graduate program in an accredited public or private college in the State of Hawaiʻi or the continental U.S.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Must have affiliation with Kalihi-Pālama neighborhood (96817/96819).

Fall 2026 - Spring 2027
Scholarship Recipients

Eunice Anne Aggacid
Logan Agunat
Phoenix Agunat
Emily Aikau
Zach Ryan Apuya
Allan Jay Badua
Faith Bayawa
Urijah Belaras
Mike Christian Buccat
Johnny Chen
Zishan Deng
Jerry Dulluog
Hailey Fleming
Karla Mae Guiang
Joshua Ishigaki
Brielle Jones
Israel "Kahanu" Kamai
Welina Kamai-Tuiteleleapaga
Kyler Kamaka
Peyton Kimata
Je-Anne Gwyneth Kisio
King Le
Jenna Liang
Jing Liu
Michelle Lu
Janel Joy Marcos
Tasha Meyer
Sean Miyasaka
Theo Dominic Morella
Jaelyn Natividad
Cypress Navarro-Acio
Christine Nguyen
Sarai O'Day
Zhania Sabrina Paguirigan
Zhymmore Paguirigan
Clark Jestoni Palting
Shellenah Pascua
Jahren "Cards" Pintor
Christian Raquepo
Jasmine Lianalyn Rocha
Motu O Salaia Salavea
Saylem Salavea
Cody Tabios
Maggie Tan
Clarisa Wegesend
Darin Wong
Nathan Wong
Nelson Wong
Calvin Wynn
Sandra Xiao
Ashley Yu
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Gonzaga University
Oregon State University
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Georgefox University
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Case Western Reserve University
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Boston University
Pacific University
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu Community College
University of Nevada
University of Portland
Hawaii Pacific University
University of Hawaii at West Oahu
Gonzaga University
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at West Oahu
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at West Oahu
University of Hawaii at West Oahu
Creighton University
Honolulu Community College
Creighton University
Lindenwood University
Kapiolani Community College
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Oregon Health&Science University
Chaminade University
Columbia University
Pacific University
Pacific University
Leeward Community College
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Purdue University
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Northeastern University
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FAQs

Who is eligible for the Palama Settlement scholarships?
All applicants must be Hawai‘i residents, demonstrate financial need, and be currently enrolled or applying to an accredited undergraduate, graduate, technical, or trade program.
Do I need to have a connection to Kalihi-Pālama?
Some scholarships give preference to students from the Kalihi-Pālama area or those who’ve participated in Palama Settlement programs.
What are the GPA requirements?
Minimum GPA varies by scholarship, ranging from 2.0 to 3.0. For trade schools without GPA systems, a passing grade is required.
Is community service required?
Yes. All recipients must complete 8 hours of service at Palama Settlement for every $1,000 awarded.
When are recipients be announced?
Recipients are announced by the end of May annually for the upcoming Fall–Spring academic year.

Still have questions?

We're here to help you!

810 North Vineyard Boulevard
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Phone: (808) 845-3945
Fax: (808) 847-2873
Email: info@palamasettlement.org

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© 2025 Palama Settlement. All rights reserved.
Land Acknowledgement
Palama Settlement stands on the Native Hawaiian ancestral lands of Kapālama and Honolulu. We acknowledge that in 1893, Queen Liliʻuokalani yielded the Hawaiian Kingdom under duress to prevent bloodshed. We honor the generations of Kanaka Maoli whose knowledge systems and lifeways continue to steward the ʻāina, wai, and lewa, protecting the lāhui to this day. With a deep sense of kuleana, we integrate Indigenous values and traditions into our programs and services, fostering a community rooted in respect and resilience.