The Islander Scholars program is an annual recognition and academy for public high school juniors who demonstrate the things that make Hawai‘i special.
The Islander Institute works with people who love Hawai‘i and embody what it means to be an islander—people who love the land like a family member; sacrifice for children and for the good of all; value and respect every person’s role; embrace responsibility to resolve problems; are strong in times of scarcity and smart in times of plenty; give freely and generously; believe there is more to life than consumption and status; act with courage and toughness; and practice humility, forgiveness, and kindness.
We trust in the wisdom of island people and we want to enhance their power to meet community needs, influence powerful institutions, and share in the decisions that will determine Hawai‘i’s future.
Island values include caring for our land, building strong communities, honoring our traditions, and living a life of responsibility and aloha.
The Islander Scholars program honors public high school juniors who exemplify the values that make Hawaiʻi unique. The program connects a select group of students to each other, forming a cohort of young leaders who will help Hawai‘i thrive in the future.