Office of Hawaiian Affairs offers scholarships for Kūlana ʻĀina Culinary program

Office of Hawaiian Affairs is offering full-tuition scholarships for Native Hawaiian culinary professionals to participate in the upcoming Kūlana ʻĀina Culinary program at Kapiʻolani Community College in Honolulu.

“Food has always been central to how Native Hawaiians care for one another and sustain our communities,” said Office of Hawaiian Affairs Interim Chief Administrator Summer Sylva in an announcement about the program. “Kūlana ʻĀina reconnects ancestral knowledge with modern opportunity — strengthening workforce skills, economic stability and our relationship to ʻāina.”

Kūlana ʻĀina — offered through Culinary Institute of the Pacific and Culinary Institute of America — takes a holistic approach to strengthening Native Hawaiian economic stability by integrating three focus areas:

• Culinary workforce development.
• Mahiʻai and food systems education.
• Business development with market access.

Together, these efforts provide Native Hawaiian farmers, food producers and culinary professionals with training and pathways to participate meaningfully in Hawaiʻi’s food economy.

The program supports food systems rooted in kalo, ʻulu, loko iʻa and other traditional resources.

Cultural practice and economic opportunity are intentionally linked, drawing on Native Hawaiian land and water stewardship to support modern food hubs and markets.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs scholarships will cover the $1,500 registration fee for Culinary Essentials for Industry Professionals – Cohort 15, a 5-day intensive program offering hands-on training, leadership development, industry-recognized credentials and job placement support — helping participants advance into higher-wage food service and hospitality careers.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, Hawaiʻi residents and verified of Native Hawaiian ancestry.

Registration is open through Jan. 26; space is limited.

The program runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 2-6 at Kapiʻolani Community College.

“[Office of Hawaiian Affairs] is honored to invest in programs that feed people, uplift families and expand the capacity of our lāhui for generations to come,” Sylva said.

Visit the Culinary Institute of the Pacific website for additional information and details as well as with any questions.