Awarding excellence and scholarship in astronomy.

The Hōkūala (Rising Star) Scholarship

The Hōkūala (Rising Star) Scholarship awards $10,000 to one or more top-performing Maunakea Scholars seniors who are going on to study astronomy in college each year. For students attending the University of Hawaiʻi, the Hōkūala Scholarship also includes an invaluable commitment of mentorship by a leader in Maunakea astronomy throughout the recipient’s undergraduate education.

To date, five students have received the Hōkūala Scholarship. Past recipients:

• Kelani Steele, Honokaʻa High School 2018

• Jean Claude Dumaslan, Waipahu High School 2019; 2023 graduate of UH Mānoa in Astronomy

• Nathan Weir, Kealakehe High School 2020; Emory University

• Shanen Rose Arellano, Kealakehe High School 2020; Mount Holyoke College

• Ciana-Lei Bence, Kamehameha School Keaʻau Campus 2023; Yale University