Ka Poli O Kaiona Scholarship 2027 - Class of 1968

Deadline December 1, 2026 (2027-2028 Pauahi postsecondary cycle) 71 days left · Hosted by Pauahi Foundation (Kamehameha Schools Class of 1968) · Published

The Kamehameha Schools Class of 1968 "Ka Poli O Kaiona" Scholarship funds two full-time scholars each cycle who carry at least a 2.80 cumulative GPA while pursuing associate, bachelor''s, or graduate degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. Pauahi asks for a legacy essay on how the award would support and extend the work of Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop, plus two letters of recommendation from a school, employer, or community organization. BigFuture lists the fund as need-based, so plan to document financial circumstances when the portal requests them. Applicants in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent may apply, with preference for Hawaiian ancestry as permitted by law. Add this scholarship when the 2027-2028 postsecondary application opens October 1, 2026 and closes December 1, 2026.

Ka Poli O Kaiona fund
2 awards
Undergrad + grad
2.80 GPA min
Pauahi portal close
Dec 1, 2026
US residents
Hawaiʻi + mainland

What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1968 "Ka Poli O Kaiona" Scholarship?

Ka Poli O Kaiona asks you to name, in your own words, how your next degree honors Princess Pauahi. The Class of 1968 endowed two scholarships administered by Pauahi Foundation for students who already hold at least a 2.80 GPA and can point to service beyond the classroom. Graduate students sit beside undergraduates in the official listing, so a master's candidate at Mānoa is as welcome as a community college sophomore working toward an associate degree.

The essay is the heart of the file. Reviewers want to see that you understand Pauahi's educational mission, not just that you need tuition help. BigFuture treats the fund as need-based, which means you should be ready to talk honestly about financial pressure even though the guidebook emphasizes the legacy prompt and two recommendation letters rather than a long tax packet.

Mainland and Hawaiʻi residents share one portal. Block out October 1 through December 1, 2026 for the 2027-28 cycle, read how this fund differs from the Ka Lei O Kaiona Scholarship 2027, and confirm uploads on Pauahi postsecondary scholarships.

Who can apply

Eligibility

Your progress 0 / 7
  • Minimum 2.80 cumulative GPA
    Maintain at least a 2.80 cumulative GPA on the scale Pauahi specifies. Upload transcripts that show your current standing.
  • Full-time associate, bachelor's, or graduate study
    Enroll full time in an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree program at an accredited U.S. post-high institution open to Pauahi postsecondary applicants.
  • Legacy of Pauahi essay
    Write the required essay on how this scholarship would support and extend the legacy of Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Connect your education plans to that mission.
  • Two recommendation letters
    Submit two letters of recommendation from a school contact, employer, or community organization who can speak to your character and readiness.
  • Financial need
    BigFuture classifies this fund as need-based. Be prepared to describe financial circumstances and upload any hardship materials Pauahi requests in the 2027-28 checklist.
  • Community service or activities
    Participate in community service or extracurricular activities and reflect that work in your résumé and recommender choices.
  • Preference for Hawaiian ancestry
    Pauahi Foundation policy gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
What you get

Benefits

  • Number of scholarships 2 recipients per cycle
  • Award amount Varies with endowed fund income
  • Study levels Undergraduate and graduate
  • Legacy-focused selection Essay on Princess Pauahi's mission
  • Combined Pauahi applications Multiple funds in one submission
  • Full tuition guarantee Not covered
What to prepare

Document checklist

Documents gathered 0 / 6
  • Pauahi Foundation online application
    Register on the Pauahi postsecondary portal when the 2027-28 cycle opens and select the Class of 1968 \"Ka Poli O Kaiona\" Scholarship.
  • Legacy essay
    Upload your essay explaining how receiving this award would support and extend Princess Pauahi's educational legacy.
  • Most recent transcript
    Provide official or unofficial transcripts proving full-time enrollment and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.80.
  • Two letters of recommendation
    Secure one letter from a school-based contact and one from an employer or community organization, following Pauahi submission rules.
  • Resume or activity list
    Summarize service hours, leadership roles, and extracurricular work tied to your legacy essay themes.
  • Financial need materials
    If the live checklist requires hardship documentation, upload the Student & Parent Form, W-2s, and federal tax returns Pauahi specifies for need-based funds.
Step by step

How to apply

Draft your essay around concrete ways your degree path honors Princess Pauahi's commitment to education for Native Hawaiian learners and the broader lāhui.
Check that your transcript shows at least a 2.80 cumulative GPA and full-time status before you request recommenders.
Ask one school contact and one employer or community leader early so both letters arrive before December 1, 2026.
Because BigFuture lists this fund as need-based, prepare hardship narratives and tax forms in case the portal requires them for 2027-28.
Sign in at pauahi.org/postsecondary-scholarships and add the Class of 1968 Ka Poli O Kaiona Scholarship plus any companion funds you qualify for.
Upload essays, transcripts, and both recommendation letters, then submit before Pauahi's December 1, 2026 cutoff.
Watch [email protected] in spring 2027 for results and complete acceptance steps for disbursement.
When

Deadline and timeline

Application deadline
December 1, 2026 (2027-2028 Pauahi postsecondary cycle)
71 days left
Oct 1, 2026
2027-2028 Pauahi postsecondary application opens.
Oct - Nov 2026
Applicants finalize legacy essays and recommender requests for Ka Poli O Kaiona.
Dec 1, 2026
Unified Pauahi postsecondary deadline for 2027-28.
Winter 2026-27
Committee review across selected Pauahi funds.
Spring 2027
Award notifications to selected scholars.
2027-2028
Recipients apply scholarship proceeds toward full-time study.
Questions

FAQ

What is the Ka Poli O Kaiona Scholarship from the Class of 1968?

It is a Pauahi Foundation postsecondary fund endowed by the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1968. Ka Poli O Kaiona translates roughly to the bosom or embrace of Kaiona, and the scholarship supports two students who tie their education to Princess Pauahi's legacy.

What GPA is required for the Ka Poli O Kaiona scholarship?

Pauahi's guidebook sets a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80. Transcripts must show you meet that threshold at the time you apply.

Is the Class of 1968 Ka Poli O Kaiona scholarship need-based?

BigFuture classifies this fund as need-based, encouraging students who can demonstrate financial need to apply. Follow the live portal checklist for any hardship essay or tax documents required in the 2027-28 cycle.

What essay does Ka Poli O Kaiona require?

You must explain how receiving this award would support and extend the legacy of Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Use specific examples from your studies, service, or career plans.

How many recommendation letters does Ka Poli O Kaiona need?

Pauahi requires two letters of recommendation from a school contact, employer, or community organization. Choose writers who can address both character and your connection to Pauahi's mission.

Can graduate students apply for Ka Poli O Kaiona?

Yes. Pauahi's listing includes undergraduate and graduate study levels for this fund, unlike some class awards that stop at the bachelor's level.

When is the Ka Poli O Kaiona scholarship deadline for 2027?

Plan on an October 1, 2026 opening and a December 1, 2026 close for the 2027-2028 Pauahi postsecondary cycle. Confirm timestamps on the live portal before you submit.

How is Ka Poli O Kaiona different from Ka Lei O Kaiona?

Both are Class of 1960s Pauahi funds with Hawaiian-language names, but the 1967 Ka Lei O Kaiona award targets undergraduates in certificate through bachelor's paths without a published GPA minimum, while the 1968 Ka Poli O Kaiona award requires a 2.80 GPA, a legacy essay, and two specific recommendation letters.

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