2026 Waikīkī Beach Services Scholarship Program
By Brianna Johnson
At Waikīkī Beach Services, giving back to the community has always been part of who we are. From sharing the joy of the ocean to honoring Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural traditions, our roots run deep — and so does our commitment to supporting local students. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our 2026 Waikīkī Beach Services Scholarship Program — now in its second year of supporting local students.
This annual scholarship program is inspired by the values of Waikīkī’s beachboys and beachgirls: care for the ocean, respect for Native Hawaiian culture, pride in Hawaiʻi’s local trades industries, and a strong sense of community. Through these scholarships, we aim to uplift students who carry these same passions forward as they pursue their educational and professional goals.
Four Scholarships. One Shared Purpose.
For 2026, Waikīkī Beach Services will award four $1,500 scholarships, each recognizing students who are making a positive impact in different ways:
- Marine Stewardship Scholarship – For students dedicated to sustainability, environmental protection, and caring for our ocean.
- Native Hawaiian Cultural Scholarship – Supporting students who are committed to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
- Community Activism Scholarship – Recognizing students who actively give back and uplift their local communities.
- Hawaiʻi Tradesman Scholarship – Supporting those pursuing careers in skilled trades that are essential to Hawaiʻi’s local industries.
Each category reflects a piece of our legacy and our belief that Hawaiʻi’s future is strongest when we invest in people who care deeply about this place and its people.
More Than a Scholarship
“Our scholarship program is a way to give back to the community that has supported Waikīkī Beach Services for decades,” says Traci Bush, President of Waikīkī Beach Services. “We are honored to support local students in pursuing higher education and contributing to the future of Hawaiʻi.”
Applicants are evaluated not only on academic achievement, but also on character, community involvement, and their dedication to making a positive impact. We’re proud to support students who embody aloha, leadership, and stewardship — both in and out of the classroom.
Apply for 2026
Applications for the 2026 Scholarship Program are now open, with a submission deadline of March 31, 2026. Eligible students are encouraged to apply and share their stories, passions, and goals.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit our scholarship page and take the next step toward your future.
Mahalo nui loa to the students, families, and community members who continue to inspire us. We can’t wait to see how the next generation will shape Hawaiʻi’s future 🌺
Whether you’re dreaming of catching your first wave or reconnecting with Hawaiʻi’s ocean traditions, Waikīkī Beach Services invites you to experience the heart of Waikīkī from the shoreline out. From surf lessons and outrigger canoe rides to stand-up paddleboarding on iconic Waikīkī Beach, our expert beachboys and watermen have been sharing aloha since 1955. Join us on the sand, in the surf, and in the stories that make this place so special—come surf with us, paddle with us, and be part of Waikīkī’s living ocean legacy– waikikibeachservices.com