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OHA: Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Photo: Keiki navigating a canoe

Educational Pathways

APPLY NOW for ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA June 21-26, 2026 

Step into your leadership journey at ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA, happening June 21-26, 2026 at the Hawaii State Capitol. Rooted in a legacy of leadership since 1988, this dynamic program empowers Hawaiian youth to strengthen their voices through cultural learning, civic engagement, and hands-on legislative experiences. Participants will build skills in public speaking, bill drafting, and leadership while visiting significant historic sites and forming lasting connections—all while envisioning how to shape Hawaiʻi’s future. 

Who can apply? High school students enrolled in Hawaiʻi or on the continental U.S. (priority given to grade 11) who are part of OHA’s Hawaiian Registry Program. OHA covers interisland airfare, lodging, meals, and program transportation.  

Don’t wait—Applications are due Monday, February 23, 2026 and Letters of Recommendation must be received from recommenders by Friday, March 6, 2026

Visit www.oha.org/ahaopio to learn more and view the application checklist. 

Questions? Please email the program team at ahaopio@oha.org 

Job Opportunities (HFCS & Nā Kula Kaiapuni)

Take a look at our new resource to view Job Opportunities at a Hawaiian-Focused Charter School (HFCS) or Kula Kaiapuni (Hawaiian Language Immersion School) near you! 

Job Opportunities: Hawaiian Focused Charter Schools & Nā Kula Kaiapuni
 

Scholarships Still Accepting Applications

The scholarship information provided on our site is for informational purposes only. Criteria and requirements may vary, including factors such as residency, preferential consideration, and membership. We encourage you to contact each organization directly for specific details and explore other scholarship opportunities. Verify the reputation of scholarship providers, and report any case of scholarship fraud by contacting the  Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-382-4357 For corrections on this site, email education@oha.org

Educational Opportunities


Hoapili Teacher Pathways Program – Tuition-Free Courses  

Summer Session 1: May 27 – July 3, 2025 Application Deadline: May 16th 
Fall 2025 Application Deadline:   August 15th 

Teacher Pathway Program at UH Maui College 

  • Tuition-free courses in general education, Hawaiian Language, and College of Education prerequisites. 
  • Free online substitute teacher certification course and academic advising
  • Sheltered coursework over Summer 2025 for teacher certification programs (open to program participants only). 

Please visit the Tuition-Free Coursework website to view a full list of Program Requirements, Registration, and Deadlines. 


Training & Education Opportunities with The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Community Services 

Level Up with WorkHawai’i! Access free support to advance your life and career. WorkHawai’i offers career development, housing assistance, training and education, and veteran services. Get help with internships, job training, rental support and more. Open enrollment available now! Complete the Program Interest Form. For more info you can contact the Enrollment Team: (808) 768-5703 email: EnrollWorkHawaii@honolulu.gov
 
Level Up WorkHawaiʻi: No Cost Services to help you level up your life
 

FREE Online Course for Hawai’i Teachers! Enrollment Deadline: Oct 5th, 2025 

Hawai”i Pacific University, in partnership with the Hawai’i Council on Economic Education, offers a free online course for all Hawai’i educators – public, private, PreK-12, adult education, and part-time. Earn 3 graduate-level reclassification credits while gaining practical tools to teach economic concepts tied to real local issues like inflation and housing. No prior economics experience needed. View online flier with clickable links. Check out the FAQs. Other Course questions? Email: gdericks@hpu.edu
 
Course Dates: October 20 – December 14, 2025 (Tuesdays, 5:15p – 8:10PM via Zoom or recorded) 
Enroll Online Today –  enrollment questions? email registrar@hpu.edu 
 
 

Ka Lama Education Academy – INPEACE 

INPEACE has been servicing the Waiʻanae Coast for 30 years and since 2024, they have expanded to Kapolei, Ewa, East Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi (entire island), and Molokaʻi (entire island). The Ka Lama Education Academy (KLEA) supports community members in pursuit to become high-quality teachers in their home communities through college support, mentorship, and professional training. For more info please visit their website.

Brief Overview of services & support through Ka Lama Education Academy: 
 
Hua Kaiāulu – College Attainment Kumu Kaiāulu – Educator Development 

INPEACE provides support for those interested and/or earning certificates/degrees in teaching and education.

  1. Educational Coaching
  2. Financial Assistance (internal & external) for tuition and/or textbooks.
  3. Workshops

INPEACE provides support to in-service teachers, who are seeking professional development training and career advancement. 

  1. Career Coaching
  2. Financial Assistance (internal & external) for PD, PDE3, NBCT, etc…
  3. Professional Development workshops that provide culturally relevant and STEM focused curriculum. 
 
Eligibility Requirements Participation Requirements 
  1. Native Hawaiian preference, but not limited to
  2. Teach and/or live in Waiʻanae, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Molokaʻi, Kauaʻi and East Hawaiʻi Island.
    • Teach and/or live in the areas listed above (for a minimum of 3 years)
  3. Interested in the field of Education or Currently in the field of Education 
  1. Attend mandatory orientation (dates TBD):

    • At the time of enrollment for Fall/Spring/Summer
    • 1x per academic year for all returnees

    Attend at minimum 2 KLEA – hosted workshops per semester:

    • 1 of the 2 workshops will be a Hoʻoulu Waiwai hosted workshop.

    Meet at minimum 2x (fall and spring semester) with your assigned Educational Pathway Coach and/or Educational Development Specialist (via Virtual Meeting or In-Person). 


 

ʻOluʻolu i ke pā a ke Kaiāulu

Aloha ʻĀina Leader Awards 2025 

The Aloha ʻĀina Leader Award (AALA) was established by Kanaeokana, a unique award which honors graduating seniors from Hawaiian-focused charter schools, DOE kula kaiapuni, and Kamehameha Schools’ three campuses. Awardees are selected by their school’s principals, teachers, and staff, recognizing students who embody aloha ʻāina and community-centered values as defined by their school and community. Each year, this award celebrates their commitment to mālama ʻāina and their communities.

Hoʻomaikaʻi to the Aloha ʻĀina Leader Awards Class of 2025! These emerging leaders have embraced the kuleana to nurture and protect our communities through their commitment to aloha ʻāina. Their dedication continues the legacy of cultural values passed down through generations. Click on the picture below to visit Kanaeokana’s website to see quotes from the current and previous Aloha ʻĀina Leader Awardees.

Aloha ʻĀina Leaders Awards Class of 2025!


Ola ka ʻī 2025

It was such a joyful and beautiful experience immersing in community and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi through conversation, song and dance. Our team is proud to have participated in this year’s events, where we shared our bilingual coloring activity book that tells the story of OHA’s journey, alongside a fun trivia game. Let’s continue to work together and support the daily use of our ʻōlelo makuahine. E ola nō ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi!

Download a free version of OHA’s Bilingual Coloring Activity Book: ʻO Wai ʻo OHA?


Lā Heluhelu ma Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Ānuenue

Mahalo nui to all the kumu and haumāna from Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Ānuenue for inviting the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to participate in their Lā Heluhelu on March 12th.  Two members of our Strategy and Implementation team had the pleasure of joining representatives from other organizations as hoa heluhelu, engaging with haumāna in grades papa Mālaaʻo to papa ʻelima (K-5) promoting literacy ma ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. It was truly a special time, reminiscent of the beloved show, Reading Rainbow. Students showcased their creativity when asked to moemoeā (imagine) the different sights and sounds being read about, bringing the stories to life. Our team is deeply grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and share moʻolelo, both familiar and new, in this vibrant learning experience. 

Representatives from OHA & other organizations became Hoa Heluhelu to promote literacy ma ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Resources

Are you interested in learning ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi? Explore a variety of resources to help you on your language journey! Click on the icons below to visit the many different waihona, online databases, collections of recorded interviews, videos, lessons, plays, and more. If there’s a resource you’d like to see added to our site, please reach out to our Education Team.

Papakilo Database Kīpuka Database Native Hawaiian Data Book
Ka Wai Ola Kanaeokana ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi ʻOe? ʻAe! Hiki Nō!
Kaniʻāina Clinton Kanahele portrait ASUH: Associated Students of the University of Hawaii
Your Student Government
ʻŌiwiTV
 

Ulukau

Wehewehe.orgManomanoWehewehe Wikiwiki
 
 
 
 

Need kōkua with ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi translations?

Visit Ka Papa Kuhikuhi Poʻe Unuhi, a go-to directory for skilled ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi translators. Whether you need assistance with creative writing, historical texts, PK-12 educational resources signage, or technical documents, you’ll find professional translators who can assist with your specific needs.

This project is a collaboration between the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement CNHA) and Kanaeokana, co-managed as a service to the lāhui. Government entities can use this directory to quickly identify businesses offering translation services for technical and vital documents, including documents subject to translation under language access laws such as Chapter 321C, Hawaiʻi Revised Statues.


Would you like to feature your educational opportunity, program or event on our webpage? Or do you have an inquiry for our Education team?

E leka ʻuila mai! Send us an email: education@oha.org

Providing Resources

  • Providing Resources

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    Need help with college? Learn more

    Problems with your car? Learn more about OHA's Consumer Micro Loan Program

    Renovating Your Home? Learn more about OHA's Malama Loan Program