Scholarships: Past Recipients
The Ukulele Festival Hawaii College Scholarship Program is funded by Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a non-profit organization founded in 2004. Ukulele Festival Hawaii builds public awareness and interest in the ukulele as an instrument of virtuoso quality promoting Hawaii’s arts and culture through education, scholarships, and the annual free ukulele festivals.
For instructions on how to apply, see our Scholarship Information page.
2023 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Kylie M. Rose - $2,000
School: James B Castle High School
Parents: Joni Kamiya & Matthew Rose
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Katelynn Soriano - $2,000
School: University Laboratory School
Parents: Donna & Pete Soriano
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
2022 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Sara Kang - $2,000
School: Kalani High School
Parents: Junsang Kang/Yeonhee Park
College: University of Pennsylvania
Donovan Alos - $2,000
School: Mililani High School
Parents: Colin and Donnelle Alos
College: Grand Canyon University (AZ)
Rory Maddison Abad - $1,000
Sponsored by Blake and Sandra Yoshida in Memory of Walter & Dolly Takeuchi
School: Kapolei High School
Parents: Rocky and Glory Abad
College: Chaminade University of Honolulu
2021 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Matthew Marlon Gante - $2,000
School: James Campbell High School
Parents: Marlon and Luzviminda Gante
College: Pacific Lutheran University (Washington)
Kailee Higa - $2,000
School: Aiea High School
Parents: Nakoa and Julie Higa
College: Saint Martin University
Cole Reagan Wilson Ige - $1,000
Sponsored by Blake and Sandra Yoshida in Memory of Walter & Dolly Takeuchi
School: Aiea High School
Parents: Reagan and Melissa Ige
College: Digipen Institute of Technology
Emma O. Hirota - $1,000
Sponsored by Senator Michelle N. Kidani
School: Mililani High School
Parents: Clark and Jill Hirota
College: University of Hawaii Manoa
2020 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Geraldine Averion - $2,000
School: Kapeolei High School
Parents: Gerado & Judelyn Averion
College: Baylor University (Waco, TX)
Victoria Nhieu - $2,000
School: President William McKinley High
Parents: Felix Nhieu & Chu Le Truong
College: California Lutheran University
Riana Tarape-Lanet - $1,000
Sponsored by Senator Michelle N. Kidani
Parents: MarinaLee Tarape
College: Honolulu Community College
The Senator Michelle N. Kidani scholarship is awarded to an ukulele student with compassion, commitment, and pride in their work making their community a better place in which to live.
Justin Bundalian - $1,000
Sponsored by Senator Michelle N. Kidani
School: Mililani High School
Parents: Jerome Bundalian & Taryn Bundalian
College: Hawaii Tokai International College
The Senator Michelle N. Kidani scholarship is awarded to an ukulele student with compassion, commitment, and pride in their work making their community a better place in which to live.
Haley Tateyama - $1,000
Sponsored by Edward Carlstead
School: University Laboratory School
Parents: Rodney & Mika Tateyama
College: Sophia University (Japan)
In memory of Gail Kaya Carlstead, this college scholarship recognizes the outstanding voluntary services and positive impact of young people who inspire and nurture the well-being of children and adults through encouragement, listening, and believing in others.
Malia Ariyoshi - $1,000
Sponsored by Joan and Colins Kawai
School: Punahou School
Parents: Mark & Donna Ariyoshi
College: University of California Berkeley
In memory of Gail Kaya Carlstead, this college scholarship recognizes the outstanding voluntary services and positive impact of young people who inspire and nurture the well-being of children and adults through encouragement, listening, and believing in others.
Tate Lau - $1,000
Sponsored by Dennis & Helen Yurong College Scholarship
Parents: Mele Place
College: Windward Community College
Hi'ilani Alina-Kamark - $1,000
Sponsored by Blake & Sandra Yoshida in memory of Walter & Dolly Takeuchi
Parents: Robert Kamark and Lehua Alina
College: Chaminade University of Honolulu
Makayla Morinaga - $1,000
Sponsored by David C. Blake
School: Pearl City High School
Parents: Michael and Janice Morinaga
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
2019 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Katebel Jose - $2,000
School: King Kekaulike High School (Maui)
Parent: Maribel Jose
College: University of Oregon
Kira Gatiuan - $2,000
School: Pearl City High School
Parents: Kevin & Cherylynn Gatiuan
College: Brigham Young University in Provo
Tate Lau - $1,000
Sponsored by Dennis & Helen Yurong College Scholarship
School: James B. Castle High School
Parent: Mele Place
College: Windward Community College
Tate Lau - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
School: James B. Castle High School
Parent: Mele Place
College: Windward Community College
Riana Tarape-Lanet - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
School: Mililani High School
Parent: MarinaLee Tarape
College: Honolulu Community College
Nicolle Feldner - $1,000
Sponsored by Senator Michelle N. Kidani
School: Hanalani Schools
Parent: Wendy Feldner
College: Corban University
Seri Nakamura - $1,000
Sponsored by Lili Anama Park Memorial Fund
School: ‘Iolani school
Parents: Patrick and Lori Nakamura
College: Washington State University
Matthew Paulino - $1,000
Sponsored In Memory of Shingo and Lillian Kaya
School: Roosevelt High School
Parents: Mark Paulino & Pauliana Wong
College: Kapiolani Community College
2018 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Samantha Makanahele Emmsley - $2,000
School: King Kekaulike High School (Maui)
Parent: Ann Emmsley
College: Oregon State University
Quaid Seu - $1,000
Sponsored by Senator Michelle N. Kidani
School: Mililani High School
Parents: Derek & Kathleen Seu
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Kaycie Matsukado - $1,000
Sponsored by Lili Anama Park Memorial Fund
School: Punahou School
Parents: Tracie & Leslie Matsukado
College: The New School - Parsons School of Design (New York)
Cassidy Kitano - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
Parents: Shayne and Amy Kitano
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Major: Communicology
Nick Acosta - $1,000
Sponsored by Terrie Whittaker
Parents: Jesper & Kim Acosta
College: Honolulu Community College
2017 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Alexandria Yawata - $2,000
School: Kaiser High School
Parents: Christopher & Shirley Yawata
College: Occidental College
Kaila Chock-Nihi - $1,000
Sponsored by Senator Michelle N. Kidani
School: Kamehameha Schools, Kapalama
Parents: Perry Nihi & Renee Chock
College: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Isaac Sugiura - $1,000
Sponsored by Lili Anama Park Memorial Fund
School: Castle High School
Parents: Donna & Clyde Sugiura
College: Windward Community College
Carl Tanabe - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
Parents: Todd & Tammy Tanabe
College: Kapiolani Community College
Major: Elementary Education
Nick Acosta - $1,000
Sponsored by Bob & Janie Paulger
Parents: Jesper & Kim Acosta
College: Honolulu Community College
2016 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Alyssa Kuwamoto - $2,000
School: La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls
Parents: Edwin & Laureen Kuwamoto
College: Linfield College - Oregon
Brayden Ching - $1,000
Sponsored by Lili Anama Park Memorial Fund
School: Hoala School
Parents: Keola & Rhiannon Ching
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Tyra Danielle L. Talusan - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
School: Aiea High School
Parents: Joel & Romela Talusan
College: Leeward Community College
Cassidy Kitano - $1,000
Sponsored by Senator Michelle N. Kidani
Parents: Shayne & Amy Kitano
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Major: Communicology
2015 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Asayena Viengmany - $2,000
School: McKinley High School
Parent: Bounleuth Viengmany
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Tamlyn Tamura - $1,000
Sponsored by Lili Anama Park Memorial Fund
School: Punahou School
Parents: Curt & Cheryl Tamura
College: Seattle University
Tory Watanabe - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
Parents: Kyle & Debbie Watanabe
College: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa - College of Education
Major: Secondary Education
2014 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Kieran Long - $1,000
School: Pahoa High and Intermediate School
Parent: Mark Long
College: University of Hawaii at Hilo
Nicholas Acosta - $1,000
Sponsored by Lili Anama Park Memorial Fund
School: Damien Memorial School
Parents: Jesper & Kimberly Acosta
College: Heald College Honolulu
Wendy Yoshioka - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
School Graduated: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, Bachelors of Social Work
Family: Husband Keith, children David & Lia
College: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, Masters Program
2013 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Kylie Harada - $2,000
School: James B. Castle High School
Parents: David & Sandi Harada
College: Chaminade University
Jason Lum - $1,000
Sponsored by Lili Anama Park Memorial Fund
School: Iolani School
Parents: Brian & Beverly Lum
College: University of Washington
Cory Mau - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
School: Kamehameha School
Parents: Albert & Kendra Mau
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
2012 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Trevor Yamagata - $1,000
School: Konawaena High School
Parents: Oren & Ira Yamagata
College: Pacific University, Oregon
Kellan Kadooka - $1,000
Sponsored by Yamada Scott Family Fund in Honor of Roy & Kathy Sakuma
School: Konawaena High School
Parents: Neal & Lorraine Kadooka
College: University of Oregon
Blaise Jonah Aquino - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
School: Moanalua High School
Parents: Shane & Dorothy Aquino
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Emily Fernandes - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
Parents: Erin & Gilbert Fernandes
College: University of Hawaii at Hilo
Major: B.S. in Geology
2011 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
William K.K. Salavea III - $1,000
School: Hilo High School
Parent: Rochelle Kaula
College: University of San Francisco
Joel McBrayer - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
School: Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Parents: James & Lisa McBrayer
College: Biola University
Sara Neidenberg - $1,000
Sponsored by Yamada Scott Family Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation
Parents: Marc and Carol Neidenberg
College: University of Washington
Lee Teraoka - $1,000
Sponsored by Eleanor Higa Performing Arts Foundation
Parents: Bruce & Charlotte Teraoka
College: Leeward Community College
2010 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Micah Ganiron - $1,000
School: University Laboratory School
Parents: Tony & Carol Ganiron
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Gage I. Lucas - $1,000
Sponsored by Yamada Scott Family Fund in honor of Pops and Mom Okami
School: Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Parent: Bernard F. Lucas, Jr.
College: University of Hawaii at Manoa
2009 Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Recipients
Colton R. Manley - $1,000
School: Molokai High School
Parents: Randy & Louise Manley
College: Azusa Pacific University (CA)
Alany-Grace Eder - $750
School: Waiakea High School
Parents: Nicomedes & Ludivina Eder
College: University of Hawaii at Hilo
Lance Delos Reyes - $500
School: Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Parent: Gracie M. Grace
College: Oregon State University