For the past two decades (and running), the HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program has championed Hawaii’s high schools and high-achieving graduating seniors looking to continue their academic careers beyond high school. As the Kaimana program celebrates its 20th anniversary, we catch up with Waipahu High School graduate and Harvard College sophomore Maverick Yasuda.
An honor and financial relief
Yasuda earned a Kaimana Scholarship in 2023. "Winning the scholarship meant that I could actually continue my education at a university because college is really expensive," he says. "Kaimana took a huge weight off of my shoulders and gave me the confidence to focus on my academics a little more instead of just focusing only on the financial side of things."
Yasuda taking a selfie with other 2023 Kaimana Scholarship winners.
Already on an honors-level track, Yasuda has immersed himself in Harvard’s rigorous government studies program with an eye on shaping his community through impactful policy. "We have a very strong department at Harvard that focuses on tangible things that are going on in the real world," he explains.
Strong support circle
The Yasuda ohana couldn’t be prouder of Maverick. "He takes tremendous pride in whatever he chooses to do," his mother, Monica Yasuda, shares. "I'm very excited to see what unfolds because he has so much potential to create change."
His father, Kris Yasuda, shares this belief. "No matter what he does, he's trying to help people," he says. "We tried to teach him that from a young age, and he's continuing to do that in everything he does."
Yasuda with his family.
History of excellence
Since its inception in 2005, the HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program has invested in the future of Hawaii, awarding students and schools a combined $1.62 million. For families like the Yasudas, the impact is significant. "Any kind of help that the kids get, like with a Kaimana Scholarship, just gives them an extra boost that they can use to help them get to their goals," Kris Yasuda emphasizes. “It's truly fortunate for all the kids who got it."
A bright future
And for Maverick Yasuda, earning a Kaimana Scholarship means more than just financial assistance; it’s an investment in his potential and a belief in his future. "I'm just thankful to HMSA and everyone behind the scenes of the Kaimana program," he says, "because it truly does make a very meaningful, lifelong impact."
Learn more
To be eligible for a Kaimana Scholarship, students must be on track to graduate from a Hawaii high school in 2025 with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, which is verified by a school transcript (either official or unofficial) submitted by a faculty member.
Beyond academics, applicants should have participated in at least one sport sanctioned by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) during their high school years. Demonstrating a commitment to their community is also key, so participation in community service projects in addition to school activities is essential.
Finally, each student needs to write a personal statement and an essay about community and well-being. To provide further insight into their character and abilities, two letters of recommendation from school faculty, mentors, or coaches must also be submitted.
To learn more about past recipients and the HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program, visit their website.
Are you an aspiring 2025 Kaimana scholar? Scholarship applications are due Friday, Feb. 21, at 4 p.m. School points for the Kaimana Awards are due Friday, April 25. Learn more at hmsa.com/kaimana.
Meet Maverick
The Harvard College sophomore is majoring in government studies to make a difference in his community through public policy. Watch the video below to learn how the HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program has helped in his journey.
Read about past Kaimana winners
Take a look back at two decades of excellence! We check in with some previous scholarship recipients to see where they are now.
hmsa awards outstanding high schools and students
Meet the 15 students who received awards at the 2017 HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program luncheon.
kaimana 2024: a celebration of achievement
Relive the excitement, pride, and gratitude of last year’s HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program luncheon at Oahu Country Club.
