USA Scholarships
Class of 1958 Na Mea Waiwai Scholarship 2027
The Kamehameha Schools Class of 1958 "Nā Mea Waiwai a Pauahi" Scholarship honors Princess Pauahi's legacy through one need-based award for full-time learners on a four-year degree path or in a licensed vocational or technical program of two years or less. You must document financial disadvantage, show you can succeed in school, and describe your intent to help the Hawaiian community. Pauahi gives special consideration to students who are not Kamehameha Schools graduates and may prefer applicants of Hawaiian ancestry as permitted by law. The fund welcomes U.S. residents in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the continental United States. Select this scholarship in the 2027-2028 postsecondary application opening October 1, 2026 and closing December 1, 2026.
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1958 "Nā Mea Waiwai a Pauahi" Scholarship?
The Class of 1958 wanted a fund name that points back to Princess Pauahi's treasures, and Pauahi Foundation still administers that vision as a single need-based award each cycle. You can be on a bachelor's track, earning an associate degree, or training in a licensed vocational program, as long as you attend full time and your paperwork shows real financial pressure.
Reviewers read for more than numbers. They want evidence that you can finish what you start and that your skills will flow back to the Hawaiian community, whether through teaching, health care, trades, or cultural work. If you never attended Kamehameha Schools, say so in context; the listing explicitly favors that profile while keeping the door open to KS alumni who qualify.
Geography stretches from Hilo to Houston. Mainland residents and Hawaiʻi residents share one portal, with preference for Hawaiian ancestry where the law allows. Mark October 1 through December 1, 2026 for the 2027-28 window, pair this fund with the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1960 Scholarship 2027 only if you meet both rule sets, and confirm uploads on Pauahi postsecondary scholarships.
Eligibility
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✓Financially disadvantaged backgroundPauahi lists this as a need-based fund. You must come from a financially disadvantaged background and support your file with the hardship essay and tax documents the portal requests.
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✓Full-time postsecondary enrollmentEnroll full time in either a four-year post-high program at an accredited institution or a licensed and certified vocational or technical program of two years or less that Kamehameha Schools recognizes.
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✓Academic potential and community intentDemonstrate ability to succeed in school and a clear intent to help the Hawaiian community. Use your essays and activity list to connect your major or trade skills to that goal.
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✓Community service or activitiesParticipation in community service or meaningful extracurricular activities should appear in your Pauahi profile, especially when work supports Native Hawaiian communities or culture.
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✓Non-Kamehameha graduate preferenceStudents who did not graduate from Kamehameha Schools receive special consideration. KS alumni remain eligible when they meet need and enrollment rules.
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✓US residency in Hawaiʻi or continental USThe listing is open to applicants in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent. Answer residency questions on the live application accurately.
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✓Preference for Hawaiian ancestryFoundation policy gives preference to students of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. The fund remains open to all eligible residents who meet need criteria.
Benefits
- Number of awards 1 recipient per cycle
- Award amount Varies with endowed fund income
- Eligible programs Four-year college or 2-year-or-less voc-tech
- Need-based selection Hardship essay and financial docs required
- Combined Pauahi applications Apply to multiple Pauahi funds in one cycle
- Full tuition guarantee Not covered
- Graduate study Not covered (undergrad and voc-tech focus)
Document checklist
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✓Pauahi Foundation online applicationRegister on the Pauahi postsecondary portal when the 2027-28 cycle opens and select the Class of 1958 \"Nā Mea Waiwai a Pauahi\" Scholarship in your fund list.
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✓Financial hardship essayRespond to the prompt asking you to describe financial circumstances or hardships you have faced, including how challenges affected your academic and personal life and how you managed them.
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✓Student & Parent Form and tax documentsUpload the Student & Parent Form, all applicable W-2s, and federal income tax returns for the tax year Pauahi specifies in the live checklist for 2027-28.
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✓Two letters of recommendationSecure two recommenders who can speak to your character, academic readiness, and commitment to serving the Hawaiian community. Follow Pauahi submission rules for the cycle.
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✓Most recent transcriptProvide transcripts from your current college, community college, or vocational program showing full-time enrollment on an eligible path.
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✓Resume or activity listDocument community service, cultural work, and extracurricular leadership through the Pauahi activities section or an uploaded résumé if required.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1958 Na Mea Waiwai a Pauahi Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation need-based fund endowed by the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1958. One award supports a full-time student in a four-year college program or a licensed vocational or technical program of two years or less who documents financial need and intent to serve the Hawaiian community.
Is the Class of 1958 Na Mea Waiwai Scholarship only for Kamehameha graduates?
No. Non-Kamehameha graduates receive special consideration, but Kamehameha alumni may still apply when they meet need, enrollment, and essay requirements.
What financial documents does the Class of 1958 scholarship require?
Expect the Student & Parent Form, applicable W-2s, federal income tax returns, and the hardship essay described in the Pauahi guidebook. Exact tax years follow the live portal instructions for 2027-28.
When is the Class of 1958 Na Mea Waiwai Scholarship deadline for 2027?
Pauahi opens the 2027-2028 postsecondary application on October 1, 2026 and closes it on December 1, 2026. Submit every required upload through the portal before that cutoff.
Can vocational or trade school students apply for the Class of 1958 scholarship?
Yes, if you enroll full time in a licensed and certified vocational or technical program of two years or less that Kamehameha Schools recognizes, alongside four-year college paths listed in the fund criteria.
How much is the Class of 1958 Na Mea Waiwai Scholarship worth?
Pauahi lists one award without a fixed public dollar cap. Disbursement follows endowed fund income and your documented need after selection.
Do I need Hawaiian ancestry to win the Class of 1958 scholarship?
Ancestry is a preference under Pauahi policy, not a strict requirement. Eligible applicants without Hawaiian ancestry may still receive the award when they meet need and program rules.
Can I apply for other Pauahi scholarships with the Class of 1958 application?
Yes. Pauahi allows multiple fund selections in one postsecondary cycle. Choose every scholarship you meet and upload documents that satisfy the strictest criteria among them.
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