Hawai‘i Tourism Authority now accepting applications for travel industry scholarship

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is offering a scholarship to Hawai‘i high school seniors interested in getting a higher education in tourism management.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Ho‘oilina Scholarship is a 4-year scholarship that provides $12,000 a year toward a bachelor’s of science degree in travel industry management from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Shidler College of Business.

Scholarships will be awarded to five incoming University of Hawai‘i freshmen majoring in travel industry management. Money will cover a portion of the cost of tuition throughout 4 years.

“We are investing in kama‘āina talent who will help strengthen Hawai‘i’s visitor industry workforce by keeping it infused with Hawai‘i’s values,” said Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Caroline Anderson in an announcement about the scholarship. “We’re proud to be part of their support system so they can build successful careers here at home.”

Deadline to apply is March 1. The five recipients will be named in April.

Scholarship requirements include:

• Being enrolled as a full-time student at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in its travel industry management program.
• Maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
• Completing four Hawaiian culture courses.
• Completing at least one upper-level destination management and stewardship course.
• Committing to 200 hours of community service throughout the 4-year period.
• Participating in a 200-hour internship to gain visitor industry experience.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority — since its creation in 2019 — invested more than $1 million in tuition assistance for the next generation of travel industry professionals and to perpetuate Hawaiian culture within the visitor industry.

Visit the Shidler College of Business website for additional information.