Honolulu boasts a dynamic sports culture, with numerous high schools and colleges offering a wide array of athletic programs that cater to diverse interests and talents. This guide provides an overview of some prominent institutions and their sports offerings.
High School Athletics
Punahou School
Established in 1841, Punahou School is renowned for its comprehensive athletics program. With over 150 teams across 23 sports, students have ample opportunities to participate at various levels. The school emphasizes the development of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Punahou is a member of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA).
Moanalua High School
Founded in 1972, Moanalua High School offers a robust athletics program under the nickname “Na Menehune.” The school provides a variety of sports, including air riflery, baseball, basketball, bowling, canoe paddling, cross country, football, golf, judo, soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. Moanalua is part of the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) and the HHSAA.
Damien Memorial School
Damien Memorial School, a member of the ILH and HHSAA, offers over 40 teams competing in 14 different sports at intermediate, junior varsity, and varsity levels. Sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, judo, paddling, soccer, softball, track, volleyball, and wrestling. Approximately 62% of students in grades 7–12 participate annually in athletics.
Pac-Five Athletics
Pac-Five is a consortium of independent schools that collaborate to field teams for competitive sports in the ILH. Established in 1974, Pac-Five offers a range of sports, including air rifle, baseball, canoe paddling, cross country, football, judo, soccer, swimming, track & field, and wrestling.
College Athletics
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) offers a diverse NCAA Division I athletics program with approximately 450 students on 20 varsity teams. The university competes in the Mountain West Conference and the Big West Conference, providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel in various sports.
In October 2024, UH Mānoa announced its transition to full membership in the Mountain West Conference, effective from the 2026–27 academic year. This move encompasses 15 conference-sponsored sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, football, baseball, soccer, and volleyball.
For sports not sponsored by the Mountain West, such as men’s volleyball, men’s swimming & diving, women’s beach volleyball, and women’s water polo, UH Mānoa has maintained its membership in the Big West Conference to ensure continued competitive opportunities for these programs.
Honolulu’s commitment to athletics at both the high school and collegiate levels underscores the city’s dedication to fostering talent, promoting healthy lifestyles, and building community through sports. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a parent, or a sports enthusiast, the opportunities to engage with and support local sports are abundant.