Ho'oilina Scholarship Recipients Announced for 2025 Cohort

Strategic Insights -

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA) has selected seven outstanding public high school graduates to receive the Ho'oilina Scholarship, a program designed to strengthen Hawai'i's visitor industry workforce. The scholarship, in partnership with the University of Hawai'i at Manoa's Shidler College of Business, will provide each recipient with approximately $12,000 annually for four years to study travel industry management. Caroline Anderson, HTA interim president and CEO, emphasizes that the program aims to support local talent who will shape a sustainable, innovative, and community-rooted visitor industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025 Ho'oilina Scholarship recipients are Erin Jorden Carlos, Ho Yau Chan, Samantha Citrawireja, Brandy Nguyen, Olivia Smith, Jorden Yamamura, and Mason Yamane.
  • Each recipient will receive approximately $12,000 annually for four years, totaling $48,000, to pursue a bachelor's degree in Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa's Shidler College of Business.
  • The scholarship program was created in 2019 through a partnership between HTA, the Hawai'i State Legislature, UH Manoa, and the Hawai'i Lodging and Tourism Association.
  • Awardees were selected based on academic excellence, leadership, community service, and a demonstrated commitment to pursuing careers in Hawai'i's visitor industry.
  • Students have prior experience in hospitality internships, student government, cultural engagement, and volunteer service, showcasing their skills for success in college and future careers.
  • HTA partners with the UH Manoa School of Travel Industry Management to administer the scholarships, providing mentoring, networking, and hands-on learning experiences with industry leaders.

Statistics:

  • 7 students received the Ho'oilina Scholarship for the 2025 cohort.
  • $48,000 will be awarded to each recipient over four years to support their education and future careers in travel industry management.
  • The scholarship program was created in 2019 through a partnership between HTA, the Hawai'i State Legislature, UH Manoa, and the Hawai'i Lodging and Tourism Association.
  • The recipients have amassed a total of [insert number] years of prior experience in hospitality internships, student government, cultural engagement, and volunteer service.

Sources:

  • "The Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA) has announced the 2025 cohort of Ho'oilina Scholarship recipients"

- Source: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) news release

  • The Ho'oilina Scholarship was created in 2019 through a partnership between HTA, the Hawai'i State Legislature, UH Manoa, and the Hawai'i Lodging and Tourism Association.

- Source: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) news release