Hoala Greevy
Updates: In 2021 the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship expanded its scope from Native Hawaiians pursuing careers in Computer Science to Native Hawaiians pursuing careers in STEM.
In 2024, the scholarship's scope expanded again to include both STEM or Tech in general.
As part of our 2nd Annual Paubox SECURE conference today, we are proud to announce the creation of the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship.
The Kahikina Scholarship was developed to encourage more Native Hawaiians to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
I was awarded a similar scholarship when I was in college and have always appreciated how that helped me on my journey. Although that scholarship program (Native Hawaiian Higher Education Program) has since dissolved, I'm honored to be able to pass on the giving to the next generation of tech leaders. The scholarship program awards the recipient:
- $1,000 per academic year from Paubox, Inc.
- The scholarship is recurring in nature. In other words, recipients receive $1,000 per year until they graduate.
Winners are selected based on:
- Native Hawaiian preference.
- Pursuing a STEM related major.
- Enrolled in an accredited college or university.
At Paubox, we believe it's our job as industry leaders to give back and I'm so happy to be able to do that with the Kahikina Scholarship.
I'm also pleased to announce our inaugural winner - Nick Wong, originally from Nuuanu, Oahu and currently a freshman studying computer science at UC Berkeley. 
"I decided to attend school in The Bay to one day become CEO of a technology company," said Nick. "Working at the intersection of my native culture and cutting-edge technology, I dream of being able to uplift the communities that have uplifted me while solving the world’s largest problems. With this scholarship, Paubox has invested in the next generation of value-centric entrepreneurs, and has allowed me to remain at Cal for the duration of my undergraduate studies."
Origin of the Name
Mothers Day 2007, Kaimana Beach Hotel
The Kahikina Scholarship is named after my tutu, Mabel Kahikina Mansfield (Pohina). She did not have the opportunity to go to university and I was her first grandchild to graduate with a college degree.
As my mom reminded me last week, I was the apple of her eye. In addition, there is considerable mana, or power, behind the name Kahikina. I encourage all Kahikina Scholarship recipients to discover this on their own, as part of their college journey.
Guidance, Feedback, and Support
Uncle Danny Kahikina Akaka, me, and U.S. Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka - 4 September 2012
Mahalo to the following for their guidance, feedback, and support:
- My mom
- Uncle Bobby (Unx)
- Aunty Pam Hirabara
- Uncle Danny and Aunty Anna Akaka
- Kaleihikina Akaka
- Kyle Chock
- Nani Espinda
- Chenoa Farnsworth
- Jackie Funasaki
- Forest Frizzell
- Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California
- Daryl Higashi
- Hilopa'a Family to Family Inc.
- Siana Austin Hunt
- Blaine Kahoonei
- Robert Kay
- Donavan Kealoha
- Lisa Lerud
- Dean Levitt
- Dee Jay Mailer
- Eric Nakagawa
- Ryan Ozawa
- Mike Parisi
- Leolinda Parlin
- Ikaika Sheehan
- Drew Sechrist
- Miki Tomita
- Traven Watase
- Nick Wong
Congratulations, Nick!
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