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 2025 Kamehameha Schools Kapālama graduate and scholarship recipient, Kealani Kaalouahi is a nursing student at Hawaiʻi Pacific University. Here is a word from Kealani:

“Aloha! My name is Kealani Kaalouahi, and I am extremely thankful to be a recipient of the Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship. This scholarship is a huge blessing that helps lighten the cost of my education for myself and my family. It makes seeking higher education so much more realistic and affordable, allowing me to worry a little less about the financial cost of college and focus more of my energy on my studies and my future career.

I graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama with the Class of 2025, while also earning my Associate Degree through Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU). Thanks to that momentum, I was blessed enough to get accepted into the direct-entry nursing program at HPU. I got a head start on my pre-requisites during my senior year of high school by taking online courses through Windward Community College and wrapped them up last fall at HPU.

This past spring semester was my very first official semester of nursing school. Going into it, I was scared, nervous, and definitely had moments of self-doubt. People always say that nursing school is like learning an entirely new language, and they aren’t wrong! It was challenging and intense, but God kept my spirits high whenever things got tough, giving me the strength to persevere and make it through.

Looking ahead to this upcoming fall semester, I will be stepping into my second semester of nursing school. I am so excited to see what this school year has in store for me as I continue building my skills and preparing to care for our community.

I strongly believe that combining healthcare expertise with a dedication to service is a powerful way to care for our people and preserve the health and balance of life in Hawaiʻi and beyond. In the future, I hope my work in the nursing field allows me to give back to our local community while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Mahalo again to the Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship committee, I am deeply honored to be a recipient of this award!”

Read more: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Kealani Kaalouahi