College tuition costs about as much as a small island these days, so here’s some genuinely good news: Hawaii State Federal Credit Union just handed out $92,500 in scholarships to 20 Hawaii students heading to college.
That’s real money—up to $5,000 per student—going straight toward tuition at schools across Hawaii and the mainland.
The timing couldn’t be better. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Hawaii State FCU’s scholarship program, which means three decades of helping students dodge some of that crushing education debt we’re all so familiar with.
“Higher education is an important investment in the future, and we know the cost can be a significant financial commitment for students and their families,” said Ashley Noji, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Hawaii State FCU. Translation? They get it. College is expensive, and these scholarships are meant to actually help.
The credit union didn’t just pick names out of a hat, either. Recipients were chosen based on a mix of financial need, academic performance, and how involved they’ve been in their schools and communities. This year’s winners include both undergraduate and graduate students heading to everything from community colleges to universities in Hawaii and across the mainland.
The 2026 Scholarship Winners
Here’s who’s getting support this year:
- Adriana A., Pomona College
- Christin A., Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Sasha A., Leeward Community College
- Makayla D., University of Hawaii – Manoa
- Pualani D., Honolulu Community College
- Nalehua O Puna D., University of Hawaii – Manoa
- John G., University of Hawaii – Manoa
- Guyslyn I., Loyola Marymount University
- Christina K., University of Hawaii – Manoa
- Layla K., University of Hawaii – Manoa
- Lexine K., University of Hawaii – Manoa
- Zaysha L. C., Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Charis M., Colorado Technical University
- Kailani M. S., Oregon State University
- Kanani N., University of Hawaii – West Oahu
- Christophor O., University of Hawaii – Manoa
- Briana O., University of Hawaii – West Oahu
- Sheena-Marie P., University of Hawaii – Manoa
- Autemumu S., Leeward Community College
- Kekumunui V., Liberty University
Three Decades of Making College More Affordable
Since Hawaii State FCU launched this program back in 1996, they’ve awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to credit union members and their families. That’s a lot of textbooks, tuition payments, and late-night ramen avoided. The program is open to Hawaii State FCU members and their dependents, which means if you’re part of the credit union family, your kids might qualify for future scholarships too.
In a world where student loan debt has basically become a rite of passage, programs like this matter. They’re not solving the entire college affordability crisis, but they’re putting real money in the hands of students who need it—and that’s worth celebrating.