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The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) has announced providing $37,400 in scholarships to 30 students pursuing careers in hospitality and culinary arts, supporting the next generation of Maui’s visitor industry leaders.
The scholarships were distributed through three scholarship programs: the UH Maui College Hospitality and Culinary Program, the Academy of Hospitality (AOHT) Program and the MHLA Member Program.
Awardees include first-time recipients graduating from Maui high schools, as well as students continuing their post-secondary studies in hospitality and culinary programs. A total of $26,900 was awarded to these students, while an additional $10,500 was awarded to alumni continuing their education in various post-secondary programs.
Six students from UH Maui College each received $1,800 scholarships during the ʻAipono Awards held April 26 at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Honorees included Culinary students You Joo Bonnes, Caitlyn Corpuz and Stephanie Leano, along with Hospitality students Hoai Thuong Ha, Justin Lampanoi and Naneaikauhaʻahaʻa Poaha-Kaʻai.
Two students—Cayasha Cabacungan and Ngoc Sifford—were awarded $1,000 each through the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Program (AOHT) Scholarship Program. Both are continuing their studies at UH Maui College with the goal of working in the Hawaiʻi visitor industry.
Twenty-two students received scholarships through MHLA’s Member Scholarship Program. These scholarships awarded MHLA members’ families based on a matrix of application answers, personal statements, resumes, letters of recommendation, academics and extra-curricular activities. The scholarships ranged from $750 to $5,000 and were presented during school ceremonies throughout May.
Among these awardees, Lahainaluna students Sarah Cariaga and Sophia Topinio each recieved a $1,300 scholarship, as did Leonard Almiron, Michelle Castillo, Brianna Domingo and Kaysa Ong from Maui High. From Kamehameha Schools Maui, Kaiulani Kamau was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Oregon State University student Manoa Ralar was awarded a $1,300 scholarship.
Fourteen alumni recipients of the MHLA Member Scholarship were awarded $750 each for continuing their post-secondary school education. They include: Tiana Agres, Jescyl Anton, Mekayla Bandy, Julianna Cruz, Sawyer Dunning-Zeches, Alen Elaydo, Kielyn Guzman, Staysia Haleakala, Kailani Ibanez, Kaitlyn Kitagawa, Jasmine Lagazo, Haylee Lundberg, Kyra Ong and Jacelyn Yun.
Funding for the scholarships came from the Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Foundation and proceeds from MHLA’s annual Excellence in Education Golf Tournament. The 2025 tournament will be held Friday, Aug. 15, with proceeds supporting future scholarship recipients.
