The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship helps Native Hawaiian students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Tech in general. Its purpose is to offer financial support and create a strong network for these students. The scholarship makes education more affordable and connects students with professionals, giving them valuable opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen STEM or Tech fields. This scholarship is about more than just money; it's about building a community and empowering Native Hawaiian students to succeed in STEM or Tech careers.
See also: The big ideas behind the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship
As a second-year psychology major, scholarship recipient, Hali’a is attending the University of California, Los Angeles, to become a sports psychologist. Here is a word from Hali’a:
“I am from Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, where I live with my parents, three brothers, and two dogs. I am a 2024 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and am currently a second-year psychology major at the University of California, Los Angeles. My career goal is to become a sports psychologist for a college, professional, or Olympic sports team, as well as for the youth of Hawaiʻi, to help improve athletes’ mental health.
My passion for this specific field of study started in high school. In 2022 and 2023, I competed on a national level in spring kayaking, which included training twice a day, every day, for months, and traveling to the continent to race and try out for USA teams. Through this experience, I learned that to perform at a high level, an athlete’s mental health has to be prioritized as much as weightlifting and practice. I aspire to work for a professional, college, or Olympic team to provide therapy and counseling to athletes.
Another passion of mine is my culture. As a Native Hawaiian, I was fortunate to be given admission into Kamehameha Schools and attended for six years. At Kamehameha, I participated in the Hula Hawaiian Ensemble, Papa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Papa Kilo Hōkū, paddling, and was part of the Song Contest Hoʻike cast. Through these activities, I gained an appreciation for my lāhui and feel a kuleana to give back. After working with a professional, college, or Olympic team, I want to return to Hawaiʻi to be a resource for the athletes, especially Native Hawaiian athletes. I want to use my experience to help mentally prepare them to be the best high-performing athletes they can be.
This past year at UCLA, I have enjoyed sports games, exploring LA, and making new friends. I became an intern for Hui ʻO ʻImiloa’s (UCLA’s Hawaiʻi Club) lūʻau directors and was elected as a 2025–2026 lūʻau director. Showcasing my love for my culture, I continue to perpetuate it through Hui ʻO ʻImiloa events and annual lūʻau. I hope to pursue my passion for psychology this upcoming year by becoming involved in clubs associated with my major.
I am incredibly grateful to my family for allowing and supporting me to pursue my education at UCLA. I am also so thankful for the aid that the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship will be providing me in the fall.”
Read more: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Haliʻa Sniffen