Hawaii Rise Foundation Kaiāulu Scholarship Ceremony

The Hawaiʻi Rise Scholarship Ceremony is designed as a culturally grounded gathering that honors both academic achievement and community kuleana.

The day will begin with pre-ceremony cultural workshops from 12:00–3:00 PM, including lei making and a mural painting activity. These hands-on activities will be facilitated by local cultural practitioners and are open to scholarship recipients, their families, and community attendees for free. These workshops create a shared space of ʻike (knowledge exchange), foster connection across generations, and ground the ceremony in Hawaiian practice rather than a transactional award event.

At 3:00 PM, the formal ceremony will begin with each awardee and scholarship donor bringing a piece of foliage from their communities to make one big lei, representing connection and intention. The program will include introductions, the awarding of scholarships, and the thanking of donors and partners who made this possible, for news/media outlets.

The Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation will award $50,000 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, vocational training, and career pathways that contribute to Hawaiʻi Island’s long-term resilience and leadership capacity.

The ceremony will conclude with a shared community meal, and end with simple live music and dessert, congratulating all winners.