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.

Kala Ellis

2021 Scholarship Recipient

Kama‘aina tothe island of O‘ahu.
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in 2021.
Entered California Maritime Academy in 2021.
Graduation from California Maritime Academy projected for 2026.

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.

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.