The , in partnership with and sponsor , has launched the 8th annual #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship competition—offering one full year of �鶹��ý resident tuition (fall 2026 through spring 2027), made possible by UH Federal Credit Union.

“At the University of �鶹��ý Federal Credit Union, we believe education is a powerful pathway to financial well-being and long-term success,” said President and CEO Travis Bow. “Our roots and focus are tied to the University of �鶹��ý, and we are dedicated to uplifting its students, employees, and their families with outstanding financial solutions and value. By supporting the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship year after year since its inception, we demonstrate our commitment to making higher education more accessible for local families while strengthening our community for generations to come.”

The competition is open to �鶹��ý residents who have been accepted and confirmed enrollment for the fall 2026 semester at UH ����ԴDz� as a first time freshman or transfer student. To enter, eligible students must submit a short video, no longer than 60 seconds on the at Hawaii News Now, explaining why UH ����ԴDz� is the right place for them or how a year of free tuition would impact their future. Only one entry per person per day is allowed.

“UH ����ԴDz� is a premier institution in academics, athletics, student support and research, so our undergraduate students will experience excellence,” said UH ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos. “The #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship is a great way to support their dreams while encouraging them to pursue a world-class education right here at home.”

The enter-to-win contest opened on April 6, 2026, and runs through Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to spotlight the dreams and determination of �鶹��ý’s students.

Read more about previous winners:

• 2025 winner: #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship winner surprised by news crew
• 2024 winner: Kauaʻi HS senior surprised with free tuition in #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� contest
• 2023 winner: Amid tears, cheers, HS senior’s video vision wins UH ����ԴDz� tuition
• Meet more #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

The contest reflects a broader mission to keep �鶹��ý’s students learning and thriving close to home. With nearly 100 undergraduate majors and a global reputation for academic excellence, the university remains a top choice for students looking to build a future rooted in the islands.

In Kauaʻi High School senior Via Javinar’s video entry for the 2024 #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship contest, she expressed her love for the �鶹��ý community and her determination to show that there are no limitations to the place that you live. While her dreams can be achieved anywhere, she believes the perfect place to further her education is at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�.

Javinar’s #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship contest win was unveiled live on television during her graduation rehearsal. UH ����ԴDz� Associate Director of Admissions Shauna Pimentel-Motooka and (HNN) Anchor Dillon Ancheta surprised her with the news that she would be receiving a free year of tuition for UH ����ԴDz�, funded by (UHFCU).

“This is very surreal. I’m just really, really excited and happy,” said Javinar. “�鶹��ý is my home. Leaving this place, I knew it would be hard for me, and that’s why I decided on (attending) ����ԴDz�.”

Javinar received a large check, lei and gifts as her mother, Hilda, brothers Vincent and Vernon, and grandmother surrounded her during the announcement. Her classmates, teachers and administrators filled the Kauaʻi High School gym with cheers as they celebrated her scholarship win.

At UH ����ԴDz�, Javinar plans to pursue .

Meet previous #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

“It is so exciting for us to provide a scholarship that will support Via at the start of her college journey,” said UHFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We proudly invest in students and their education as they become the future leaders and innovators of our community. We wish Via nothing but the best on her academic journey!”

“We were very impressed with Via’s ability to convey such a powerful message in a 60-second video,” said Pimentel-Motooka. “I was honored to present Via with her scholarship yesterday. The surprise, happiness and gratitude that Via and her family expressed were very touching. She exhibits both academic and creative strengths and we are very excited for the bright future that she has ahead of her at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�.”

UHFCU has sponsored the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� contest for six years, surprising recipients with HNN since 2018. Read more about previous winners.

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa in partnership with �鶹��ý News Now (HNN) kicked off the 6th annual scholarship contest #TakeMetoMānoa on March 4, for all �鶹��ý high school seniors and transfer students. The winner receives one year of UH Mānoa tuition paid for by contest sponsor UH Federal Credit Union.

Students submit a 60–second video of why UH Mānoa is the right place for them and how the free tuition will impact their life. .

“The word has been getting around. We’ve become one of the ‘it’ schools,” UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno said on the Sunrise morning show on HNN. “The programs resonate with students. They’re important. There are jobs here in �鶹��ý for them, so we want the local kids to seriously consider coming. Right here at home you have one of the top universities in the world.”

“The University of �鶹��ý Federal Credit Union recognizes UH and higher education’s vital role in our community,” said UHFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We were founded in 1955 by a team of UH staff and professors who recognized the importance of not-for-profit banking and ‘people helping people’ philosophy, so we’re always excited to be part of helping to lift the future of our �鶹��ý.”

Read about the previous winners:

• Amid tears, cheers, HS senior’s video vision wins UH ����ԴDz� tuition, May 18, 2023
• Wailuku student weaves storytelling, culture to win free tuition, May 24, 2022
• Maui student Hezekiah Kapuaala creates way to free tuition in #TakeMeToManoa contest, May 24, 2021
• ʻAiea student Kylie Charice Alarcon scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020
• Kaiser student Megan Kaneshiro wins UH Mānoa tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

Prospective students are encouraged to and to confirm their enrollment by May 1, if they have already received an acceptance letter.

�鶹��ýMānoa offers a choice of 98 majors, 88 graduate majors, 52 doctoral degrees and five first professional degrees. The campus is a globally recognized center of learning and research, is consistently ranked among the top 2% of universities in the world, and aims to create a stronger, sustainable future and make a difference at home and worldwide.

(UHFCU) held a grand opening celebration for their new branch in Kapolei Commons on June 21. The new location is a full–service branch that offers access to UHFCU’s full suite of financial products and services, including checking, savings and loans.

“We’re thrilled about opening our fourth branch! Our other branches generally surround the campus, so we’re excited to be able to serve the Kapolei area as well as students, faculty, staff and their families,” said UHFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “In addition to the branch, we recently launched cutting-edge online and mobile banking services and we’re proud to support a budding artist and UH Mānoa student-athlete, Rachel Radona, who painted our one-of-a-kind mural. There’s a lot of value and expertise packed in that branch.”

The new branch features a modern, open design complete with the latest in technology, including an interactive mural for visitors to explore as they enter, creating a collaborative, comfortable environment instead of a more traditional, formal setting. UHFCU is also offering special–rate certificates, as well as exclusive loan discounts, contests and giveaways—including a Hilton Hawaiian staycation prize.

Since 2019, UHFCU has sponsored the annual contest for new students, providing free tuition for a year to the winner.

“We are committed to serving the UH System and local community, and we have developed a reputation as a trusted financial partner over the past 68 years,” Bow added.

Incoming University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa freshman Carly Miyamoto will graduate from Pearl City High School on May 20, at the �鶹��ý Convention Center as the president of the National Honor Society. At her graduation rehearsal, she and her parents were surprised to learn Miyamoto earned a free year of tuition thanks to her entry in the #TakeMeToMānoa contest funded by (FCU) and hosted by (HNN).

HNN Sunrise host Billy V broke the news to Miyamoto in front of her classmates at the Michael Nakasone Auditorium. They watched on a huge screen as her one-minute winning video of why she is going to UH Mānoa played.

Her classmates, teachers and administrators cheered as Billy V announced the award and representatives from UHFCU and UH Mānoa provided her with a giant check, lei and gifts.

Miyamoto’s parents also surprised her as they were called up on stage to celebrate with her. Mother and daughter cried tears of joy while others congratulated the family.

“As soon as I saw the video I knew immediately and I started tearing up already,” Miyamoto said. “It was just unbelievable.”

She said she was able to weave clips from other videos she had filmed in the past few years with additional footage she recorded at Mānoa and elsewhere. When she was done she had created a video tapestry of her life leading up to her choosing UH.

Miyamoto is admitted for the marketing track at the UH Mānoa . Her passion for filmmaking also has her looking at other possible areas to grow as well.

Meet more #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

“With the scholarship, I’m so happy because I get to give back to my parents for all that they have given me throughout my life and I’m extremely grateful,” Miyamoto said.

UHFCU has sponsored the tuition giveaway for five years. They have partnered with HNN to surprise students since 2018.

“We are thrilled to extend a scholarship to Carly, a highly deserving student embarking on their college journey,” remarked UHFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “These opportunities fill us with immense pride and excitement each year as they allow us to invest in talented individuals and contribute toward our community’s future growth and prosperity. Education is the key that unlocks doors to limitless possibilities, and by supporting this student’s academic aspirations, we are fostering a brighter tomorrow. We wish Carly nothing but the best on the journey ahead!”

The 2023 #TakeMeToManoa scholarship contest has opened for all �鶹��ý high school seniors and transfer students. The winner receives a year of free tuition at one of the best universities in the world, the .

The social media contest hosted by runs from March 13 to April 9. To enter, upload a 60-second video explaining why UH ����ԴDz� is the right university for you and the impact a year of free tuition, courtesy of the , will have on your life. .

The 2022 #TakeMeToManoa winner, Kamehameha Schools Maui graduate Nanea Ah You, focused her video entry on how the scholarship would help further her dreams as a kānaka �鶹��ý storyteller and filmmaker.

Read more about Ah You.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity this partnership with UH Federal Credit Union and Hawaii News Now presents for the next generation of Rainbow Warriors,” said UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “We look forward to supporting our new students and can’t wait to provide them with a world-class education that will open doors to meaningful, impactful careers.”

Read more about previous scholarship recipients:

• Maui student Hezekiah Kapuaala creates way to free tuition in #TakeMeToManoa contest, May 24, 2021
• ʻAiea student Kylie Charice Alarcon scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020
• Kaiser student Megan Kaneshiro wins �鶹��ý����ԴDz� tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

Prospective students are encouraged to apply for fall 2023 and to confirm their enrollment by May 1, if they have already received an acceptance letter.

UH ����ԴDz� offers a choice of 98 majors, 88 graduate majors, 52 doctoral degrees and five first professional degrees. The campus is a globally recognized center of learning and research, is consistently ranked among the top 2% of universities in the world, and aims to create a stronger, sustainable future and make a worldwide difference.

Kamehameha Schools Maui senior and salutatorian Nanea Ah You is shooting for the stars, and the place she wants to do it at is the .

On the premise of being interviewed by reporter Chelsea Davis about her award-winning video in the ʻŌlelo Community Media Youth Xchange Student Video Competition, Ah You excitedly shared how she hopes to use storytelling to cultivate her culture. The interview took a different turn when Ah You was told that she was named the winner of the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest hosted by .

UH ����ԴDz� admissions counselor Jose Magno, Kamehameha Schools teachers and staff presented the visibly stunned student and her parents with a giant check for a year of free tuition at UH ����ԴDz�, courtesy of the (UHFCU).

“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Thank you!” said Ah You with tears in her eyes.

“Each spring for the past four years, the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest has allowed our campus to connect with the local community in a very thoughtful, engaging, and authentic way,” said UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “Nanea is an incredible visual storyteller, with an enormous amount of talent. Beyond a voice for herself, she is a voice for her community. We are honored and privileged to have Naneaʻs academic journey continue here at ����ԴDz�.”

“Since 1955, we’ve been committed to helping members and our community thrive. To honor that promise, we’re excited to partner with the University of �鶹��ý to offer scholarship programs like the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest that support students and the future well-being of our communities,” said UHFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We recognize the financial challenge and sacrifices a family and student must make to complete a degree, and we are proud to play a part in helping them reach their academic goals.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2022 �鶹��ý freshmen and transfer students, asked entrants to upload a short video explaining why UH ����ԴDz� is the right college for them, and the impact a year of free tuition will have on their life.

touched upon how winning this contest will enable her to go farther in pursuing her dreams as a filmmaker and use her talent to shine the spotlight upon her lāhui.

“When I see my future at ����ԴDz�, I see myself thriving at what I love to do while also remaining close with the ʻāina and its kānaka,” said Ah You. “I know that this school will help me do my part as a kānaka �鶹��ý by sharing the stories that take place amongst my home.”

Ah You cannot wait to start her UHM-azing journey at UH ����ԴDz�.

This work is an example of UH ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

#TakeMeToManoa, a multi-media recruitment campaign, is again encouraging �鶹��ý high school seniors, their families and all prospective local students to consider attending UH Mānoa. A globally recognized center of learning and research, UH Mānoa is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world, and aims to create a stronger, sustainable future and make a difference locally and globally.

Launched in 2019, the campaign has provided scholarships to three local incoming freshmen.

#TakeMeToManoa scholarship contest

will run an exclusive #TakeMeToManoa social media contest from March 1–31. The contest is open to local, incoming fall 2022 freshmen and transfer students.

To enter, upload a video, no longer than 60 seconds, explaining why UH Mānoa is the right university for you and the impact a year of free tuition, courtesy of the , will have on your life.

For more details, .

“We are so proud of this partnership, and we are excited to welcome the next class of UH Mānoa Rainbow Warriors,” said UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno. “A UH Mānoa degree opens doors to fulfilling careers, and we look forward to supporting our new students as they take their first steps on this journey of discovery and learning.”

Campaign winners

• Maui student Hezekiah Kapuaala creates way to free tuition in #TakeMeToManoa contest, May 24, 2021
• ʻAiea student Kylie Charice Alarcon scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020
• Kaiser student Megan Kaneshiro wins UH Mānoa tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

UH Mānoa offers a choice of 99 majors, 87 graduate majors, 52 doctoral degrees and five first professional degrees.

The #TakeMeToManoa campaign includes 30-second ads that will air on social media, digital platforms, local television and statewide radio. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for fall 2022 and to confirm their enrollment by May 1, if they have already received an acceptance letter.

This work is an example of UH ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Hawaii News Now’s Sunrise on the Road visited the campus on November 19, 5–9 a.m. The morning show featured leadership, faculty, staff and students from the campus who covered increasing enrollment, pandemic challenges, campus plants, the Warrior Recreation Center, new and old campus buildings, athletics and much more.

Live interviews on campus included:

• David Lassner, UH president
• Michael Bruno, UH Mānoa provost
• Makena Coffman, UH Mānoa Institute for Sustainability and Resilience director
• Matthew Lynch, UH sustainability coordinator
• Nikki Chun, UH vice provost for enrollment management
• Nōweo Kai, UH Mānoa campus curator
• David Matlin, UH athletics director
• Christian Naeole, a William S. Richardson School of Law student
• Daezon Arruda, student board president
• Stacey Robinol, UH Federal Credit Union vice president of member experience

Jason Leigh, information and computer sciences professor and Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Application director, Seth Siaki and Brandon Shima from UH Office of Project Delivery and Jonathan Osorio, dean of �鶹��ýnuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, were interviewed for the pre-taped segments of the show.

The UH Mānoa Marching Band, Rainbow Warrior dancers and cheerleaders also joined Matlin on the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.

Watch the interviews

The interviews are available online on the Hawaii News Now website.

Navigating his senior year during a pandemic might not have been ideal, but one thing Kamehameha Schools Maui senior Hezekiah Kapuaala knows for sure is that he wants to continue his journey as a creator of videos at the this fall.

Ready to share his thoughts on graduating from high school and transitioning into college in the midst of the pandemic, Kapuaala’s interview took a different turn when reporter Billy V announced that he was named the winner of the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest hosted by Hawaii News Now. Kamehameha Schools teachers and staff presented the shocked and stunned student and his parents with a giant check for a year of free tuition at UH ����ԴDz�, courtesy of the (UHFCU).

“Oh my gosh! This was unexpected, thank you very much,” said a speechless Kapuaala. “I’m really excited for college because it’s basically my step into the beginning of a new life for me.”

Standing by in the Hawaii News Now studio to virtually congratulate Kapuaala was Ryan Yamaguchi, UH ����ԴDz� interim assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management and director of admissions, and UHFCU Vice President-Member Experience Stacey Robinol.

“We are excited for Hezekiah and honored to be a part of his academic journey. He has incredible talent and will go far! This contest not only allowed us to connect with community partners, but it provided a fun, engaging and thoughtful way to connect with our students, offering an UHM-azing opportunity for a local Rainbow Warrior,” said Yamaguchi. “We couldn’t be more proud and thrilled for Hezekiah and his ʻohana!”

“We are proud to be a part of this wonderful program which brings UH ����ԴDz� and us together to support the University of �鶹��ý. Fostering the educational goals of students through the tuition contest serves as an important foundation of the community we serve,” explained UHFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “Hezekiah is a highly talented young man, and we are honored to assist in his pursuit of higher education. The accomplishments and enthusiasm of all of the students who applied for the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest are inspiring and give us reason to feel optimistic about the next generation of local leaders.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2021 �鶹��ý freshmen, asked entrants to upload a short video explaining why UH ����ԴDz� is the right college or how a year of free tuition could help them.

touched upon how winning will help finance his education and prepare him for his future, and how UH ����ԴDz� will enable him to get closer to pursuing and living his passion of being a video creator. He jumped at the chance to enter the contest, seeing it as an opportunity to prove his potential and show UH ����ԴDz� the countless number of hours and hard work he has already put into this craft.

“I feel that this institution against all others will help me on my path to become a great video creator,” said Kapuaala.

Kapuaala intends to pursue a degree in creative media and cannot wait to get to ����ԴDz�.