Applications for the 2027–2028 school year will open October 1, 2026, and close December 1, 2026.

Updated scholarship information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, will be available soon. Please check back as we get closer to October 1.

For scholarship application inquiries, please call (808) 534-8080.

The Pauahi Foundation offers preschool scholarships that uplift ‘ohana across generations. These scholarships ensure keiki have access to high-quality, culturally grounded preschools while nurturing ‘ohana strength and educational success across generations.

Kahapua‘ohai

Kahapua‘ohai provides tuition assistance to ‘ohana with keiki ages 3 to 5 who face financial barriers to accessing quality early learning programs during these critical developmental years.

Eligibility

Haumāna applying must be:

• A state of Hawai‘i resident (Hawai‘i residency is defined as having lived continuously in the state of Hawai‘i for at least 12 months of date of application)
• Born in 2021, 2022, or 2023
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a participating preschool in the 2026-2027 school year.

How to apply

• Complete the online FACTS application
  • For parents living in the same household: Submit one application
  • For parents in separate households with shared custody: Each parent must submit their own application
• Upload required financial documents
  • Entire 2024 federal tax return, including all schedules
• If applicable, provide custody documents
  • If the child’s biological parents are not currently married, you will be required to submit all necessary legal documents (divorce decrees, custody agreements, legal guardianship, etc.) to confirm legal custody
  • Custodial documentation and questions regarding custody should be submitted to Ho‘oulu Verification Services
• Await decision - Scholarship letters will be emailed starting May 2026

Other information

Preschools interested in becoming a participating school can email scholarships@pauahi.org for details.

‘Ohana seeking information about renewing their existing scholarships will be contacted directly by the Pauahi Foundation.

Pauahi Foundation’s policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.