Team Information
Ground | Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex |
City | Honolulu, Hawaii |
Conference | Mountain West, |
Nickname | Rainbow Warriors |
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Bio
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team represents the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and competes in NCAA Division I FBS college football. They were part of the Western Athletic Conference until July 2012, before the team transitioned to the Mountain West Conference. From 2000 to 2013, they were briefly renamed the Warriors before changing their name back to the Rainbow Warriors in 2013.
Notably, they became the third team from a non-automatic qualifier conference to play in a BCS bowl game, facing Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2008. This team currently plays within the Mountain West Conference.
Name of the team | Hawaii Rainbow Warriors |
First Season | 1909 |
Athletic Director | Craig Angelos |
Head Coach | Timmy Chang |
Stadium | Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex |
Field Surface | Synthetic Turf |
Location | Honolulu, Hawaii |
Division | Mountain West |
Conference | Mountain West |
Conference Titles | 4 |
Fight Song | University of Hawaii Fight Song Co-Ed |
Mascot | Vili the Warrior (1999-2011) |
Rivals | Fresno State (rivalry), Air Force (rivalry), Wyoming (rivalry), San Jose State (rivalry), UNLV (rivalry) |
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Introduction
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team, played its first season in 1909. They played as an independent team from 1909 to 1978 before joining the Western Athletic Conference in 1979. In 2012, they became part of the Mountain West Conference. The team plays its home games at the Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex. Over the years, the Rainbow Warriors have won four conference titles and one division title.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football History
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football history spans over a century, from their victorious debut against McKinley High School in 1909 to their transition to the University of Hawaiʻi in 1920. Under Otto Klum's leadership from 1921 to 1939, the team grew, achieving back-to-back undefeated seasons and earning the nickname "Wonder Teams."
Despite interruptions due to World War II, Hawaii football resumed in 1946 under Eugene Gill's guidance. During the tenure of Tom Kaulukukui as the head coach Rainbow Warriors got their first All-American player and significant upsets, while subsequent coaches like Hank Vasconcellos and Dave Holmes continued to shape the team's legacy.
Notable milestones include Larry Price leading the team into NCAA Division I status in the mid-1970s, Dick Tomey's tenure in the Western Athletic Conference, and Bob Wagner's leadership during the program's first major bowl victory in 1992. Throughout its history, Hawaii football has experienced victories, setbacks, and transformative moments that have defined its enduring legacy in college sports.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Coach
Timmy Chang was appointed as the head coach of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team in January 2022. He succeeded a line of 22 head coaches since the program's beginning in 1909.
Chang was a quarterback for Hawaii, and he holds several significant passing records in college football, including the NCAA record for most career passing yards. Before coaching, Chang also played for several professional football teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles. As head coach, Chang signed a four-year deal with his alma mater, Hawaii, continuing the legacy of leadership in the program's history.
Here is a table summarizing the tenure of all the head coaches of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team:
Coach | Years |
Timmy Chang | 2022–present |
Todd Graham | 2020–2021 |
Nick Rolovich | 2016–2019 |
Chris Naeole † | 2015 |
Norm Chow | 2012–2015 |
Greg McMackin | 2008–2011 |
June Jones | 1999–2007 |
Fred von Appen | 1996–1998 |
Bob Wagner | 1987–1995 |
Dick Tomey | 1977–1986 |
Larry Price | 1974–1976 |
Dave Holmes | 1968–1973 |
Don King | 1967 |
Phil Sarboe | 1966 |
Clark Shaughnessy | 1965 |
Jim Asato | 1962–1964 |
No team | 1961 |
Hank Vasconcellos | 1952–1960 |
Archie Kodros | 1951 |
Tom Kaulukukui | 1946–1950 |
No team | 1942–1945 |
Eugene Gill | 1940–1941 |
Otto Klum | 1921–1939 |
Raymond Elliot | 1920 |
David L. Crawford | 1917–1919 |
William Britton | 1916 |
John Peden | 1915 |
No team | 1912–1914 |
Austin Jones | 1909–1911 |
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Stadium: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex
The Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, located at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Honolulu, is a three-story building adjacent to an all-purpose track and Clarence T.C. Ching Field.
Established in 2015, this facility houses locker rooms and a meeting space for various university sports teams, including beach volleyball, cross country, women's soccer, and track and field. Additionally, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team uses the complex for practice, and it has served as its temporary stadium since 2021. With a seating capacity that has expanded from 9,346 to 15,194 in 2021 and further increasing to 16,909 in 2024, it accommodates both athletes and spectators.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Rivals
Some of the notable rivalries of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football are:
Fresno State - Battle for the Golden Screwdriver
The rivalry between Hawaii and Fresno State has intensified, especially after BYU left the WAC in 1999. Both teams, as the oldest members of the WAC, often compete for the conference championship. This rivalry has seen accusations of poor sportsmanship from both sides and is known for the rowdiness of their home fans. Even though there have been some big wins or losses before, fans from both teams still get really excited about the rivalry.
Air Force - Battle for the Kuter Trophy
One of Hawaii's oldest rivalries, this matchup is symbolized by the Kuter Trophy, named after General Laurence S. Kuter, who served in Hawaii. The trophy signifies sportsmanship and the bond between the Air Force and Hawaii. Air Force currently holds the trophy following their win in 2019.
Wyoming - Battle for the Paniolo Trophy
This rivalry between Hawaii and Wyoming started in 1978 when Hawaii joined the WAC. This rivalry was revived in 2013 when Hawaii became a football affiliate member of the MW. The teams compete for the Paniolo Trophy, donated by the Wyoming Paniolo Society. The trophy features a bronze cowboy, symbolizing the Hawaiian word "paniolo," meaning "cowboy." Wyoming leads the series, but Hawaii currently holds the trophy after their recent victory in Laramie.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Record and stats
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have won 4 conference titles in the WAC conference in the years 1992, 1999, 2007 and 2010
They also won the 2019 Division championship in the Mountain West Conference with a 10-5 overall record.
Conference championships
Season | Conference | Coach | Record | Conference Record |
1992† | WAC | Bob Wagner | 11–2 | 6–2 |
1999† | June Jones | 9–4 | 5–2 | |
2007 | 12–1 | 8–0 | ||
2010† | Greg McMackin | 10–4 | 7–1 |
Division championships
Season | Conference | Division | Coach | Conf. record | Overall record | Opponent | CG result |
2019† | Mountain West | West | Nick Rolovich | 5–3 | 10–5 | Boise State | L 10–31 |
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Roster
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football team boasts a dynamic roster, blending talent from various positions and backgrounds to create a formidable lineup for the upcoming season.
Players on the offense side include:
Name | Position |
Jonah Chong | QB |
Jake Farrell | QB |
Dalen Morris | QB |
John-Keawe Sagapolutele | QB |
Brayden Schager | QB |
Joey Yellen | QB |
Derek Boyd II | RB |
Nasjzae Bryant-Lelei | RB |
David Cordero | RB |
Brock Hedani | RB |
Tylan Hines | RB |
Jordan Johnson | RB |
Landon Sims | RB |
Solo Vaipulu | RB |
Pofele Ashlock | WR |
Carlito Capanang Jr. | WR |
Nick Cenacle | WR |
Nick Delgadillo | WR |
Steven Fiso | WR |
Chuuky Hines | WR |
Steven McBride | WR |
Tamatoa Mokiao-Atimalala | WR |
Koali Nishigaya | WR |
Eddie Osei-Nketia | WR |
Chad Owens Jr. | WR |
Jonah Panoke | WR |
Alex Perry | WR |
Karsyn Pupunu | WR |
Jalen Walthall | WR |
Maclane Watkins | WR |
Matthew Bailiff | TE |
Kalanikau Kamakawiwo'ole | TE |
Kila Kamakawiwo'ole | TE |
Oakie Salave'a | TE |
Devon Tauaefa | TE |
Travion Williams | TE |
Josh Atkins | OL |
Ka'ena Decambra | OL |
Luke Felix-Fualalo | OL |
Kaleb Jackson-Carter | OL |
Ali Jarvis | OL |
Pat Mamaia | OL |
Micah Mariteragi | OL |
James Milovale | OL |
Arasi Mose | OL |
Sergio Muasau | OL |
Fred Pelling | OL |
Zhen Sotelo | OL |
Ethan Spencer | OL |
Maurice Ta'ala | OL |
Eliki Tanuvasa | OL |
Naasir Tatum-Asiata | OL |
Kauka Umiamaka | OL |
On the defensive side, notable players include:
Name | Position |
Dean Briski | DL |
Andrew Choi | DL |
Ezra Evaimalo | DL |
Jojo Falo | DL |
Malachi Finau | DL |
Patrick Hisatake | DL |
Wynden Ho'ohuli | DL |
Jackie Johnson III | DL |
Tariq Jones | DL |
Jonah Kahahawai-Welch | DL |
Micah Kaonohi-Kaihenui | DL |
Lesterlaisene Lagafuaina | DL |
Tevita Loketi | DL |
Aiden McComber | DL |
Etuate Moala | DL |
Tali Moe | DL |
Kuao Peihopa | DL |
Zoram Petelo | DL |
Elijah Robinson | DL |
Anthony Sagapolutele | DL |
Josh Sagapolutele | DL |
Fo'i Sila | DL |
John Tuitupou | DL |
Daniel Williams | DL |
Demarii Blanks | LB |
Kamalu DeBlake | LB |
Nalu Emerson | LB |
Noah Kema | LB |
Jamih Otis | LB |
Jalen Smith | LB |
Tasi Tadio | LB |
Logan Taylor | LB |
Isaiah Tufaga | LB |
D.J. Utu | LB |
Cam Bell | DB |
Caleb Brown | DB |
Noah Cambra | DB |
Virdel Edwards II | DB |
JoJo Forest | DB |
Deliyon Freeman | DB |
Kimo Holo Holt-Mossman | DB |
Devyn King | DB |
Isaiah Malloe | DB |
Peter Manuma | DB |
Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen | DB |
Makana Meyer | DB |
Kona Moore | DB |
Elijah Palmer | DB |
Meki Pei | DB |
Kea Rodrigues | DB |
Brandon Shah | DB |
Justin Sinclair | DB |
Cam Stone | DB |
Matagi Thompson | DB |
CJ Williams | DB |
Jaheim Wilson-Jones | DB |
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Schedule
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football Schedule for the regular season is as follows
Date | Opponent |
Sat, Aug 24 | Delaware State |
Sat, Aug 31 | UCLA |
Sat, Sep 14 | Sam Houston |
Sat, Sep 21 | Northern Iowa |
Sat, Oct 5 | San Diego State |
Sat, Oct 12 | Boise State |
Sat, Oct 19 | Washington State |
Sat, Oct 26 | Nevada |
Sat, Nov 2 | Fresno State |
Sat, Nov 9 | UNLV |
Sat, Nov 16 | Utah State |
Sat, Nov 30 | New Mexico |
FAQ's On Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Football
A. The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team was established in 1909.
A. The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team currently competes in the Mountain West Conference.
A. Timmy Chang is the head coach of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team.
A. The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team plays at the Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex.
A. The primary rivals of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team include Fresno State, Air Force, Wyoming, San Jose State, and UNLV.