Scholarships

MANAʻO O KE KAI

Manaʻo O Ke Kai Scholarship Program provides financial awards to Native Hawaiians who are actively pursuing post-secondary or continuing education. Those seeking programs of study in ocean-related vocations or careers are preferred, but we also support Native Hawaiians who are trying to further their education and skill-set. Programs of study must be at an accredited; post-secondary education institution, or certificate program (ex: a marine training school). Scholarship awards can be used for expenses directly related to institution or school expenditures, including: tuition, fees, room and board, books, and materials.

Manaʻo O Ke Kai Scholarship deadline is:

Monday, April 28, 2025 at 3:00pm

** please contact us if the deadline has passed for any last minute opportunities **

Manaʻo O Ke Kai is a Native Hawaiian scholarship program administered by Manaʻo Nui Inc., a Native Hawaiian Organization. The goals of this scholarship program are:

To support Native Hawaiians who are actively seeking entry into and completion of post-secondary education and training programs; and
To increase the participation of Native Hawaiians extending their education after high school (with a preferred emphasis in ocean-related vocations and careers).

Manaʻo O Ke Kai provides financial award scholarships to qualified Native Hawaiians enrolled as a student in:

Degree-seeking programs at accredited post-high school education institutions; and
Certificate-seeking programs, preferably at ocean-related training schools.

These scholarships are not only limited to youth. The scholarship program is also available to Native Hawaiian adults who are seeking to upgrade their skills, preferably, in an ocean-related vocation. Examples include but are not limit to; obtaining a Master or Mate's license, qualifying as an Able Bodied Seaman, or lifeguard course of study.

Ocean related vocations and careers include (but are not limited to):

Maritime vocations and careers
Merchant Marine vocations and careers
Careers that design, build, or maintain ships
Oceanography
Marine or Environmental Sciences
Aquaculture
Marine Engineering

The scholarships are for an academic year or program term and are to be used for the standard primary cost of education (limited to tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room/board).

If you meet our scholarship’s criteria, please review our Application Instructions before starting the application process.

SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS

Manaʻo Nui awards merit-based scholarships for students of Native Hawaiian ancestry pursuing an education in the maritime industry and other ocean-related careers. We welcome all Hawaiian applicants who are, or will be, in a post-secondary institution or training program toward a marine career. More than just providing financial aid, our goal is for Hawaiʻi's youth to achieve long-term sustainability and success. Find out more about our scholarship recipients below.