​MHLA AWARDS $37,400 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO 30 MAUI STUDENTS

- Visitor Industry Gives Back to Future Industry Leaders of Maui –

WAILUKU, MAUI – (May 30, 2025) The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) awarded a total of $37,400 to thirty outstanding individuals through three scholarship programs: the UH Maui College Hospitality and Culinary Program, the Academy of Hospitality (AOHT) Program and the MHLA Member Program. First-time recipients graduating from Lahainaluna, Maui High, Kamehameha Schools Maui as well as, continuing post-secondary students of culinary and hospitality programs received $26,900 in scholarships, while another $10,500 in scholarhips were awarded to alumni recipients continuing studies at multiple post high school institutions.

Six recipients from the UH Maui College Hospitality and Culinary Programs each received a $1,800 scholarship, during the Aipono Awards at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua on April 26th. You Joo Bonnes, Caitlyn Corpuz, and Stephanie Leano of the Culinary Programs, and Hoai Thuong Ha, Justin Lampanoi, and Naneaikauhaʻahaʻa Poaha-Kaai of the Hospitality Programs were recognized on stage for their exceptional performance and commitment to achievement.

This year’s beneficiaries of the AOHT Scholarship Program are also continuing students of UH Maui College and each received a $1,000 scholarship. These two selected students, Cayasha Cabacungan and Ngoc Sifford, have shown academic excellence as they pursue a career path within the Hawaii Visitor Industry.

In addition, twenty-two recipients of Maui Hotel & Lodging Association’s Member Scholarship Progam were presented scholarships from $750 to $5000 at their school’s graduating award ceremonies throughout the month of May. These scholarships awarded MHLA members’ families based on a matrix of application answers, personal statements, resumes, letters of recommendation, academics and extra-curricular activities. Lahainaluna students, Sarah Cariaga and Sophia Topinio each recieved a $1300 scholarship, as did, Leonard Almiron, Michelle Castillo, Brianna Domingo and Kaysa Ong from Maui High. From Kamehameha Schools Maui, Kaiulani Kamau was awarded a $5000 scholarship. From Oregon State University, Manoa Ralar was awarded a $1300 scholarship. Alumni recipients of the MHLA Member Scholarship awarded $750 each for contining their post-secondary school education 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 these scholarships was generated by donations from Kaanapali Ocean Resort Foundation and MHLA’s annual “Excellence in Education” Golf Tournament. The 2025 Excellence in Education Golf Tournament will be held this year on Friday, August 15, 2025 with proceeds benefitting the next generation of Maui hospitality leaders.

Photo 1: Maui High Scholarship Recipients with MHLA Executive Director, John Pele, GM of the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Josh Hargrove and GM of the Maui Bay Villas, Hilton Grand Vacations, William Bethel; Photo Credit: MHLA

Photo 2: UH Maui Recipients, MHLA Staff, Photo Credit: Maui Photo Hub

Photo 3: Lahainaluna Recipients with MHLA Executive Director, John Pele; Photo Credit: Rick Nava