Ka Hikina O Ka La

Ka Hikina O Ka Lā

Ka Hikina O Ka Lā is a specialized program at the University of Hawai’i Maui College (UHMC) funded by the National Science Foundation in response to the application to erect the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) upon the summit of Haleakala. The sacred and legendary mountaintop provides extensive educational opportunities through collaborations between the Native Hawaiian community, University of Hawaii Maui College, and the National Science Foundation. This approach provides a learning environment that integrates Native Hawaiian cultural knowledge and practices into modern scientific technology and instruction. Ka Hikina O Ka Lā is committed to increasing the participation of Native Hawaiians in higher education and guiding them to leadership roles in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The program aims to continuously build strong relationships among cultural resources, scientists, technicians, educators, STEM employers, and community leaders.

“Encouraging the practice of traditional ideas in modern study”

Ka Hikina O Ka Lā Scholarship Policy

The Ka Hikina O Ka Lā scholarship program is funded from a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). These funds are provided to mitigate the impact on the Native Hawaiian community for the building of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) on Haleakalā.

Scholarship requirements:

  • Scholars will seek degrees in STEM, Hawaiian Studies and Language, or related fields.

  • Scholars are from Maui County.

  • Scholars must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA

  • Scholars must complete all classes with a C or better.

  • Scholars will carry 15 credits

Year to Year requirements

  • Scholars must submit an Education Plan after meeting with an Educational Counselor. Scholars will then follow the Education Plan or submit a new one if the education track changes.

  • Scholars will submit their grades at the end of each semester.

  • Scholars will submit the classes they are registered in for each semester.

  • Scholars will complete 10 hours of Community Service per semester, preferably with a group or organization that assists the Native Hawaiian community.

  • Scholars must attend the yearly Ka Wanaʻao Orientation.

Scholarship duration

  • Associate in Arts degree up to 2 years

  • Bachelor in Arts or Bachelor of Science degree up to 4 years

  • Master of Arts degree up to 2 years

  • Doctorate degree – up to 5 years

Scholarship amount

  • $5,000 for an Associate degree

  • $10,000 for a Bachelor degree

  • $15,000 for a Master degree

  • $20,000 for a Doctorate degree

Exceptions to these policies may be granted by the Principal Investigator.