Aulani Scholarship leads hospitality student to Aulani Resort
Pau Hana Room cast member Nawahine is quite the trailblazer. Upon receiving an Aulani Scholarship in 2024 to help fund her bachelorʻs degree in Travel Industry Management from the University of Hawaʻi at Mānoa, she became the first recipient to turn the opportunity into a career at Aulani Resort.
Administered through the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Aulani Scholarship was created in 2021 as part of Aulani’s 10th anniversary celebrations to help continue investment into the community and support Oʻahu’s future workforce. The scholarship is available to students attending a two- or four-year college or university in Hawaiʻi who are pursuing a degree in Travel Industry Management or Hawaiian Studies.
Intrigued by the tourism industry at an early age for its potential as a stable source of good jobs on the west side, Nawahine received an Aulani 10th Anniversary Scholarship during her senior year at UH-Mānoa. “I was so grateful to receive the scholarship,” Nawahine said. “It covered the majority of my tuition during my last year, which was huge for me. It allowed me to fulfill my dream of getting my degree without having to worry as much about a financial burden.”
Nawahine saw the Aulani Scholarship as a sign that Aulani Resort was where she belonged. A lifelong Disney fan, she started working as an Aulani Entertainment intern just two months before receiving the scholarship in May 2024. In August of 2024 she became a full-time Aulani Cast Member in the Pau Hana Room.
“I truly love what I do here,” Nawahine said. “Working in the tourism industry, especially Aulani, is a wonderful way to educate guests and cast members about Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiian culture.”
Her leaders have also taken note of her enthusiasm and talent and are continuing her growth at the Pau Hana Room with lead training. “We are extremely excited to add Nawahine’s travel industry knowledge to our leadership team,” said Shawny Morey, Family & Adult Program Guest Service Manager.
Now that she has her degree, Nawahine eagerly looks forward to what the future holds. She wants to continue to educate others about the hospitality industry and doesn’t hesitate to share the great benefits and working environment at Aulani Resort. “I think the hospitality industry is an important driver for job creation for residents of the west side,” Nawahine said. “These are great jobs, especially at Aulani.”
Applications for the Aulani Scholarship are accepted through the Hawaii Community Foundation Common Scholarship Application beginning December 8, 2025. The deadline to apply is February 26, 2026. To learn more about the criteria and application process, visit the Hawaii Community Foundation website at www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/students.
