Overview

Presented in Partnership with the Hawaii State Department of Education Career & Technical Education Department.

A Legacy of Excellence, Focused on the Future

The Pele Awards has proudly served as Hawaiʻi’s premier creative competition for over 40 years.

The High School Pele Awards was established in 2018 specifically to recognize and reward Creative Excellence in the art of Advertising and Design among all Hawaiʻi high school students.

The 2026 High School Pele Awards honors the Best in Design and Advertising for creative work done from January 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026.

This program is presented in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education Career & Technical Education Department, and encourages participation from public, private, charter, and home schools across the entire state of Hawai’i.

Your Chance to Win

Your entry will be reviewed and scored by a distinguished jury of Hawaiʻi’s own creative professionals—local leaders in design, video production, photography, and advertising—who recognize and value the quality of work produced right here in the islands.

Last year, we proudly received nearly 700 entries from high schools statewide. With a generous 34% of all entries being honored with either a Pele Gold, Silver, or Bronze Award, the opportunities for recognition are high. 

BEST OF SHOW SCHOLARSHIP: The 2026 High School Best of Show Winner will be awarded a prestigious $10,000 Scholarship from Pele Gold Sponsor, Chaminade University of Honolulu, awarded as $2,500 per year for four consecutive years.

The Final Online Entry deadline submission date is: Sunday, March 1, 2026, 11:59pm HST.