SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Manaʻo Nui awards merit-based scholarships for students of Native Hawaiian ancestry pursuing an education in the maritime industry and 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.

Gyle McGurn

2014 Scholarship Recipient

Kamaʻaina to the island of Maui.
Graduate of Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus in 2014.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2014.
Graduated California Maritime Academy in 2018.

Duke Quitevis

2016 Scholarship Recipient

Kamaʻaina to the island of O‘ahu.
Graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in 2014.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2016.
Graduated from California Maritime Academy in 2020.

Hiʻilei Robinson

2017 Scholarship Recipient

Kamaʻaina to the island of Maui.
Graduate of Seabury Hall in 2017.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2017.
Graduated from California Maritime Academy in 2021.

Christopher "Kalani" Asano

2019 Scholarship Recipient

Kamaʻaina to the islands of Kauaʻi and O‘ahu.
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in 2016.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2019.
Graduated from California Maritime Academy Dec. 2022.

Sarai Shepard

2021 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of O‘ahu.
Graduated from Halau Kū Māna Public Charter School in 2021.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2021.
Graduation from California Maritime Academy projected for 2025.

Abigail "Malu" Wright

2022 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of O‘ahu.
Graduated from Hakipuʻu Learning Academy in 2019.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2022.
Graduation from California Maritime Academy projected for 2026.

Dylan Pires

2023 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of Hawai‘i.
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i Campus in 2023.
Entered George Fox University in 2023.
Graduation from George Fox University projected for 2027.

Jason Cheers

2024 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of O‘ahu.
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in 2024.
Entered University of Washington in 2024.
Graduation from University of Washington projected for 2028.

Christian Togiai

2024 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of O‘ahu.
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in 2024.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2024.
Graduation from California Maritime Academy projected for 2028.

Dylan Landford

2025 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of O‘ahu.
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in 2025.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2025.
Graduation from California Maritime Academy projected for 2029.

Brady Newton

2025 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of O‘ahu.
Graduated from Henry J.Kaiser High School in 2025.
Entered Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2025.
Graduation from California Maritime Academy projected for 2029.

Makana Fake

2025 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of O‘ahu.
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in 2024.
Entered University of California San Diego in 2024.
Graduation from University of California San Diego projected for 2028.

Keani-Lynn Pahia

2025 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of Maui.
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus in 2023.
Entered University of Hawaii, Maui Campus in 2025.
Graduation from University of Hawaii, Maui Campus projected for 2027.

Sarah "Kamalei" Sataraka

2025 Scholarship Recipient

Ashton "Kala" Ellis

2021 & 2025 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina to the island of O‘ahu.
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in 2021.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2021, and Brigham Young University Provo in 2024.
Graduation from Brigham Young University Provo projected for 2027.

He pūkoʻa kani ʻāina. (932)

A coral reef grows into an island.
A person beginning in a small way gains steadily until he becomes firmly established.