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.

"Kaimana" is the Hawaiian word for diamond, the symbol selected to represent this multifaceted program. The Kaimana Award is a large engraved crystal trophy with diamond-shaped 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 in Hawaii's five interscholastic leagues are eligible for an HMSA Kaimana Award.

Schools compete within their own league and division to earn points in:

• Athletics
• Academics
• Sportsmanship
• Community service

For the 2008-09 school year, awards will be presented to schools in the following leagues:

• Big Island Interscholastic Federation
• Interscholastic League of Honolulu
• Kauai Interscholastic Federation
• Maui Interscholastic League
• Oahu Interscholastic Association

2008 Kaimana Awards winners »

HMSA Kaimana Scholarships

The HMSA Kaimana Scholarships reward student athletes who are role models for other students. The scholarships can be applied to the cost of tuition, room and board, and books for their post-high school education.

Scholarships are based on athletic and academic achievement, sportsmanship, and community involvement. Special focus is given to students participating in lower-profile sports.

To be eligible for an HMSA Kaimana Scholarship for 2008-09, students must:

• Graduate from a Hawaii high school in 2009.
• Hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
• Participate on at least one sports team recognized by their league during their high school career.
• Write a brief essay on their high school experience and post-high school plans.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from school faculty.

Twenty-one general education scholarships will be awarded for the 2008-09 school year. Each scholarship is worth $2,000, with an additional $1,000 award for three general scholarship recipients who demonstrate exceptional qualities.

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 cost of fees and materials for coaches' continuing education, certification and accreditation in health- and safety-related subjects like CPR and first aid.