We are excited to announce the opening of our 2026 Waiwaolani scholarship! This scholarship was created to support local high school students who demonstrate an understanding of the importance of protecting Hawaii’s native plants.

Application Window:

Opens: January 5, 2026
Closes: March 6, 2026

Application Components:

1. Photograph

• Applicants must submit an original photograph of a native Hawaiian plant(please be sure to include the native plant in most of your image, leaving out any distracting background.
  Entries featuring non-native plants including Polynesian introduced species(plumeria, ulu, kalo, etc.) will be disqualified.
• Photos will be evaluated based on aesthetic quality and creativity.
• Using a DSLR camera in manual mode is encouraged.
  

2.Essay

• Write a paragraph explaining the importance of protecting and taking care of our Native Hawaiian plants and species (100-200 words).
• Must be authentic. No use of AI such as Chat GPT to write will be accepted.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be high-school students residing in Hawai’i.
• The top 2 recipients receiving a $1000 award must be seniors.
• Past awardees cannot apply again.
  

Awards:

• The top 2 recipients will each be awarded a $1000 check & the 3rd and 4th recipients will each receive a $500 check.(Scholarship checks will be mailed directly to recipients)

How to Apply:

Please submit your application through the google form linked below:
https://forms.gle/ztdhjbu5JLbsfHH18

We encourage all eligible students with a passion for Hawaii’s native plants to participate. Best of luck to all candidates, we are looking forward to see your work!

Contact Info:

(808)877-0280
aloha@waiwaolani.com
33 Lono ave. suite 380 Kahului, HI 96732