At Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water, we believe what flows from Hawai'i's volcanic landscape carries something rare: a purity, a resilience, and a spirit that cannot be replicated anywhere else on Earth. That same spirit lives in the people of this 'āina. It lives in the musicians, the storytellers, and the creators who grow up on these islands and carry its voice into the world. We're proud to celebrate our partner the CheePono Foundation and its founder, Waiākea Ambassador Yesod Williams of the band Pepper, as they launch a new Hawaii music scholarship program that puts that spirit into action.
Introducing the CheePono Foundation Scholarship Program
The CheePono Foundation Scholarship Program is a new initiative supporting emerging Big Island musicians and music industry professionals. Created in partnership with Musicians Institute and supported by the Hawaiian Hurricane Group, the program is designed to remove financial barriers for the next generation of artists, producers, audio engineers, songwriters, and music business professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. Because creativity should never be a privilege.
The Foundation will award two scholarships of $5,000 each in the inaugural year, which will go towards providing world-class music education
Why Music Education in Hawai‘i Matters
“To be able to amplify the gift of music is the biggest gift in itself, could not think of a better way to do that than by helping to sharpen the musical skills of the robust upcoming Big Island talent.” Yesod Williams, Pepper and the CheePono Foundation
Applications are open to students pursuing studies in performance, audio engineering, music production, songwriting, and music business at Musicians Institute, known globally for its hands-on, career-focused curriculum. Scholarship recipients will gain access to industry-experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, setting them on a clear path toward a sustainable career in music.
The program welcomes applicants from all musical backgrounds and genres, with applications opening this year.
Yesod Williams: A Big Island Voice Giving Back
Yesod Williams, drummer and co-founder of the Big Island band Pepper, has long embodied what it means to be rooted in Hawai'i while reaching beyond its shores. As a Waiākea Ambassador, he represents something we hold close: the idea that where you come from shapes who you become, and that giving back to that place, investing in its next generation, is one of the most impactful things a person can do. The CheePono Foundation is that investment made real.
Waiākea is stoked to be a partner of Yesod and the CheePono Foundation as they build a future where every young artist on the Big Island has the chance to be heard.
