The HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program recognizes high school seniors and their schools for outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, community service, healthy lifestyles, and sportsmanship. Students who excel in community volunteer work, alongside academics and athletics, are also honored through this program. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, computers, room and board, and other higher education expenses. Scholarship recipients participating in collegiate sports must adhere to National Collegiate Athletic Association rules and regulations. Learn more below.
About the HMSA Kaimana Awards and Scholarship Program
Since 2005, the HMSA Kaimana Awards and Scholarship Program has benefited Hawaii students and schools. All Hawaii high school students are eligible to apply. Applications are now open for graduating seniors. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the program has awarded 171 school honors and 341 student scholarships. By 2025, HMSA will have invested $1.62 million in grants and scholarships. Twenty students will each receive a $5,000 scholarship for their success in community service, athletics, and academics.
Key Highlights of the HMSA Kaimana Awards and Scholarship Program
| Name of the Program | HMSA Kaimana Awards and Scholarship Program |
| Funded by | Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) |
| Objective | To provide financial assistance and scholarships to students |
| Beneficiaries | High school students in Hawaii |
| Official Website | https://hmsa.com/awards-and-scholarships/hmsa-kaimana-awards-and-scholarship-program/ |
Objective of the HMSA Kaimana Awards and Scholarship Program
The HMSA Kaimana Awards and Scholarship Program aims to provide opportunities and financial support to Hawaii high school students. $5,000 scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating excellence in academics, athletics, and community service. A committee of local business and community leaders selects recipients. Students from all schools affiliated with the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, Interscholastic League of Honolulu, Kauai Interscholastic Federation, Maui Interscholastic League, and Oahu Interscholastic Association are eligible. This scholarship assists students in achieving their educational goals and pursuing higher education.
Eligibility Criteria
- Graduation from a Hawaii high school in 2025 with a minimum 2.75 GPA, verified by an official or unofficial transcript.
- Participation in a Hawaii High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sport during one or more high school years.
- Involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.
- Submission of an essay and personal statement.
- Two letters of recommendation from coaches, mentors, or school officials.
Financial Assistance
- Twenty $5,000 scholarships awarded to students demonstrating excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
Important Dates
- The scholarship application deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Number of Scholarships
- In honor of the program’s 20th anniversary, HMSA will award 20 $5,000 scholarships (previously 15).
Required Documents
- Transcripts
- Proof of residency
- Proof of birth
- Personal statement and essay
- Two letters of recommendation from school faculty, mentors, or coaches.
2025 HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program : Selection Process
Application Process
- Scholarship recipients are selected by a panel of local community and business leaders.
- Recipients will be notified via email in April 2025. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, computers, and room and board.
- Visit the HMSA Website
- Create an account.
- Complete the application.
- Use the online application system to request official or unofficial transcripts and letters of recommendation, allowing ample time before the deadline.
- Upload supporting materials, including your essay and personal statement.
- Note the following when submitting documents:
- Ensure all supporting files (emails, images, etc.) are under 10MB; larger files will be rejected.
- Redact any Social Security numbers or other sensitive personal information.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
2025 HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program : Helpline Number
- For general inquiries, claims, and benefits:
808-948-6079
1-800-776-4672 (toll-free)
TTY 711
FAQs
What is the HMSA Kaimana Awards and Scholarship Program?
The HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program recognizes high school seniors and their schools for their achievements in academics, athletics, community service, healthy lifestyles, and sportsmanship.
Who is eligible for this program?
Graduating seniors from Hawaii high schools in 2025 with a minimum 2.75 GPA (verified by an official or unofficial transcript) are eligible.
What are the benefits of this program?
The program offers twenty $5,000 scholarships to students who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
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