IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER, HPU ALUMNUS ESTABLISHES LANDMARK BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP

HPU alumnus Keli‘i Kiakona has cemented his legacy at the University by establishing the largest baseball scholarship in school history. The “Jack Kiakona Scholarship,” created in memory of his father, stands as a testament to Keli‘i’s commitment to supporting local students and athletes at HPU. It has already been awarded to four student-athletes and counting.

Keli‘i’s dedication to his family mirrors his dedication to education and sports. He lives in Kailua with his wife, Lisa, to whom he has been married for 24 years, and their younger son, Alaka‘i, a senior in high school. Their older son, Kaena, is currently attending UCLA.

Growing up in Kailua, Keli‘i attended Kalaheo High School, where his passion and skill for baseball were evident early on. At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), he walked on to the NCAA Division I baseball team while balancing his academic responsibilities and job duties. While at UNLV he discovered a keen interest in personal finance and investments, and although he gained valuable knowledge and experience at UNLV, he decided to return to Hawai‘i after several years. Back home, he worked in construction while maintaining his ambition to complete his college degree.

One afternoon, during a round of golf, a friend suggested that he try out for HPU’s baseball team. Kiakona embraced the idea and successfully earned a spot on the team, receiving a scholarship and playing for the Sharks for one year.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment in his life, Kiakona shared, “It was a great opportunity for me to play on the HPU team. I am so appreciative of that. If it were not for HPU and their baseball program, I would not be where I am today.”

Kiakona graduated from HPU with a bachelor of business administration (BSBA) in finance. Despite the challenging job market in Hawai‘i during the late-90s, his determination never wavered. He applied for several positions, including management trainee roles at Bank of Hawai‘i and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, but faced setbacks. Ultimately, he worked alongside his father in swimming pool construction, gaining invaluable life lessons.

“At first, I thought I would work in the office,” Kiakona said with a chuckle. “I have my degree from HPU! I can work on job estimates; I know finance, business. But instead, my dad gave me the shovel and told me to unload the trucks and dig a hole. It was hard work, but I appreciated it, and I understood what he did all those years providing for our family.”

In 1998, Kiakona answered an advertisement for a brokerage house position and secured a job with Prudential Securities. Despite the high attrition rate for financial advisors, Kiakona’s tremendous hard work and persistence paid off. He built a successful career over the past 25 years, driven by his commitment to clients and a relentless work ethic.

“You have to keep plugging away, working hard, and eventually you build a strong network of clients. You build trust and you do the right things for people, and it all works out,” he emphasized.

Kiakona attributes much of his success to the education and experiences he gained at HPU. “The small classes were something that I really needed, and I really appreciated the attention from the professors. They were professionals in the community and worked in the fields they taught. They shared practical knowledge with us, were easily approachable, and always happy to talk to the students.”

Kiakona also highlighted the benefits of HPU’s diverse student population and the practical, hands-on learning environment. “HPU provides an excellent education, and their urban, downtown location is safe. There are lots of things to do. It’s the ideal location to find a job, explore internships and other opportunities.”

Keli‘i’s father, Jack, played a significant role in his life, both on and off the baseball field. Many family members and friends of the Kiakona family contributed to the scholarship, which has grown to tens of thousands of dollars.

“My dad would have loved this scholarship. He was such a great father, a wonderful man. He was always so giving and helpful to me, to my children, to the many baseball players, and little league teams who could use the support,” Keli‘i reflected. “We all loved him.” 

HPU Head Baseball Coach Dane Fujinaka praised the scholarship's impact, stating, “The Jack Kiakona Scholarship has been monumental in being able to provide our players with opportunity within our baseball program and HPU community. I had the pleasure of meeting Keli‘i Kiakona three years ago. I got to hear his story and his vision for the scholarship. He believes in giving back and creating opportunities and that is exactly what he and his father have been able to do. From just a baseball standpoint, having scholarships are extremely vital in being able to get good players and win ball games. Keli‘i and the Jack Kiakona Scholarship have been a huge reason for our climbing successes on the field. On top of helping these guys with college tuition, it helps opens doors for them from a career standpoint, so to say I appreciate Keli‘i and the scholarship is a huge understatement."

Keli‘i Kiakona’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of giving back, and the lasting impact of a supportive educational environment. His journey from a dedicated student-athlete to a highly successful financial advisor, to his current position of Senior Vice President of Investments, and generous benefactor serves as an inspiration to everyone who knows him.

“HPU gave me the second chance to get my life together,” he said. “If we can help students today, and get them on the right track, hopefully one day they too will give back when they are older. This scholarship goes directly to the students, and that means a great deal to me.”