Empowering Dreams: Meet WBS Scholarship Recipient Koa Chang
By Kyani Bateman
At Waikīkī Beach Services, the legacy of the Waikīkī’s beachboys and beachgirls extends far beyond the shoreline. It lives through values like stewardship, community, cultural pride, and the commitment to uplift future generations. The Waikīkī Beach Services Scholarship Program was created to support students in Hawaiʻi who embody these values while pursuing their educational and professional goals.
Each year, the program recognizes students whose passion, resilience, and leadership reflect the spirit of Hawaiʻi. One of these inspiring recipients is Koa Chang, a junior studying Computer Science at Stanford University and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools (Class of 2023).
Rooted in Family, Culture, and Community
Koa grew up in Hawaiʻi in a close-knit family with an older sister, a younger sister, and a younger brother. Family and culture have always been central influences in his life, shaping both his identity and his goals.
From a young age, he was taught the importance of values like kuleana (responsibility), respect, and giving back. These lessons were reinforced both at home and in school, teaching him that education is not only about personal success but about using knowledge to uplift others.
For Koa, Hawaiian culture and language have been guiding forces throughout his journey. Learning about Hawaiian history and practicing ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi helped him better understand who he is and the responsibility he carries to preserve and share culture with future generations.
He believes cultural preservation is not something that simply exists in history; it must be actively lived and passed forward.
Overcoming Challenges Through Determination
Like many students growing up in Hawaiʻi, Koa faced obstacles along the way. One of the biggest challenges in his early academic life was limited access to technology and financial resources.
While he was accepted into Kamehameha Schools in the fourth grade, access to consistent technology at home was not always guaranteed. In a world where digital tools were becoming increasingly important in education, this created additional hurdles.
But rather than holding him back, these challenges strengthened his resilience and problem-solving mindset. They also fueled his determination to pursue higher education and create opportunities for others facing similar barriers.
Koa also emphasizes the importance of authenticity when pursuing educational opportunities.
Rather than trying to impress applications with a “perfect” story, he learned to be honest about his experiences and challenges. Sharing his real journey, he says, made the difference.
Blending Technology and Hawaiian Language
One project Koa is particularly proud of is Kumu Bot, a platform designed to support Hawaiian language learning through technology.
The project includes several tools aimed at making ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi more accessible and engaging, including a Hawaiian Wordle-style game, a Hawaiian image generator, and other interactive language-learning resources.
Through projects like this, Koa is demonstrating how technology can support cultural revitalization rather than replace it. By blending computer science with Hawaiian language preservation, he hopes to create new ways for younger generations to connect with their culture.
Staying Connected to Community
Even while studying on the continent, Koa remains deeply connected to the Native Hawaiian community. Programs like Nalu Kai, a summer program focused on computer science for Native Hawaiian students, have helped him maintain strong connections with peers who share similar goals and experiences.
These spaces foster mentorship, collaboration, and long-term support networks that extend far beyond the classroom.
Koa believes inspiration comes not just from words, but from consistent action, showing up, sharing knowledge, and supporting others whenever possible.
Looking Toward the Future
After graduating from Stanford, Koa plans to remain in the Bay Area in the short term to gain professional experience and access to resources in the technology industry.
But his long-term goal is clear: bring that knowledge, opportunity, and network back to Hawaiʻi.
He believes Hawaiʻi has tremendous potential beyond tourism, with opportunities to grow industries in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. By building pathways in these areas, he hopes future Native Hawaiian students will see more possibilities to pursue careers while remaining connected to home.
Words of Advice for Future Students
When reflecting on his journey, Koa encourages students to take risks and embrace the learning process. He reminds students not to fear failure, explaining that every mistake is an opportunity to grow. Trying new things, staying curious, and continuing to push forward, even when things are difficult, can open doors that may have once seemed impossible.
A Message to the Generations Before Him
When asked what he would say to his ancestors, Koa’s response was simple but powerful. He would thank them for the sacrifices they made to preserve Hawaiian culture, language, and identity. Their perseverance ensured that future generations would still have the opportunity to learn, share, and live those traditions today.
Apply for the Waikīkī Beach Services Scholarship
The Waikīkī Beach Services Scholarship Program honors the legacy of Waikīkī’s beachboys and beachgirls by supporting Hawaiʻi students who are passionate about culture, community, ocean stewardship, and the future of our islands.
Scholarships are awarded across four categories: Marine Stewardship, Native Hawaiian Cultural Preservation, Community Activism, and Hawaiʻi Tradesmanship, with $1,500 awarded in each category.
If you or someone you know is a Hawaiʻi high school senior or college student working to make a difference in their community, we encourage you to apply.
Applications are open now through March 31, 2026.
Learn more and apply here:
https://www.waikikibeachservices.com/wbs-scholarship-program-2026/
Together, we continue the legacy of care, leadership, and aloha that defines Waikīkī.