HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program
The HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program is a unique
initiative that promotes physical activity at Hawaii high
schools, rewards the achievements of student athletes, and
helps underwrite training and certification for coaches.
Athletics, academics, sportsmanship and community service
are key program elements. HMSA sponsors this program in
partnership with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA).
The program includes three components:
- HMSA Kaimana Awards for schools.
- HMSA Kaimana Scholarships for student athletes.
- Assistance underwriting coaches’ education.
Each year, the winning students and schools are honored
at a special luncheon that includes local celebrity guest speakers.
“Kaimana” is the Hawaiian word for diamond, a symbol which
aptly represents this multifaceted program. The Kaimana Award
is a large engraved crystal trophy with diamond-like features.
HMSA Kaimana Awards for High Schools
The HMSA Kaimana Awards recognize Hawaii high schools whose
student athletes excel both on and off the field. All high
schools participating with Hawaii’s five interscholastic
leagues are eligible for an HMSA Kaimana Award.
Schools earn points for their students’ athletic achievements,
academic performance, sportsmanship and service to the community.
HMSA Kaimana Scholarships
High school students entering their senior year are eligible to
apply for HMSA Kaimana Scholarships. Each scholarship is worth
$2,000, with an additional $1,000 awarded to scholarship
recipients with exemplary performance.
Scholarship selection is based on students’ individual athletic
and academic achievement, sportsmanship, and community involvement,
with special focus given to students in lower-profile sports.
Applicants must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at
least 2.75, participate on one or more league-recognized high
school sports teams, and graduate at the end of the senior year.
Coaches' Education
Current education, certification and accreditation is a must
for Hawaii’s high school coaches. The HMSA Kaimana Awards &
Scholarship Program uses a portion of the sponsorship funds
to underwrite the costs of coaches' continuing education,
certification and accreditation in health- and safety-related
subjects like CPR and first aid.