Not satisfied with their first-ever state title in 2024, Kamehameha Schools Maui’s football team pulled off a hana hou — beating Waimea 48-24 in the Division II championship game on Nov. 28. Tied 6-6 at the end of the first quarter, Nā Koa’s running game took charge, with Zedekiah Campbell and Xander Pagan accounting for four rushing touchdowns. 

Nā Koa enjoyed a groundswell of fan support throughout their championship run. Their semi-final win over KS-Hawaiʻi was in front of a home crowd at Kanaʻiaupuni Stadium. The championship game at Mililani Highʻs John Kauinana Stadium was technically a neutral site, however head coach Ulima Afoa said the huge presence of Warriors fans made a huge difference. 

“We were just happy there were so many supporters and alumni who showed up. We could feel their presence by the way they cheered. The kids felt supported and felt like they were playing a home game.” 

The victory over the Menehune was also a bit of redemption, as it was Waimea who edged KS Maui in the 2023 state title game.  

“To win, that's the ultimate prize. The main thing is we stayed focused. We got off to a slow start, but they stayed in it and broke the game open in the second half. It's a thrill to win one and an even bigger thrill to win two,” said coach Afoa. 

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The 2025 football season was incredibly successful for all three KS campuses. Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Kapālama earned their first-ever spot in the Division I-Open Bracket championship game. They lost in an overtime heartbreaker to Campbell on Dec. 5. 

KS Hawaiʻi won the Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II title this year. They also notched their first state tournament playoff win since 2014 with a drubbing of PAC-5 in the opening round.    

Hoʻomaikaʻi to all our our haumāna ʻālapa!

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