More on Hawaii HS FB since I lived there 4 years. Most here probably (and understandably) don't give a flip, but those who've lived in Hawaii would understand:
Early on, I got invited to a HS football game by a friend and thought to myself 'this will be good for a few laughs.' Boy was I surprised! The linemen were monsters--big, fast, strong, and mean. Stands were packed with highly energetic fans. I went back to some more games and to some state championship games in Aloha Stadium. More packed than the Texas HS state championship even.
A few impressions about the HS FB teams in Hawaii, some slightly flippant (so don't get your panties twisted):
Kahuku: enormous mostly Samoan Mormon dudes. Can beat anyone in the trenches. Usually one of the best teams in the state.
Waianae: enormous Hawaiian dudes. Can beat anyone except for Kahuku in the trenches. Poor side of the island. Don't mouth off to any fans, or give anyone the "stink eye", unless you're a real good fist fighter. If some rough Hawaiian dude from Waianae gets in your face and says: "You like beef, brah?", he's not inquiring as to you whether you like a good steak or BBQ brisket.
St. Louis: well-coached, sophisticated pro passing team. A private Catholic school that recruits the best athletes in the State. Wins lots of championships (unfairly...). Was usually the best team in the state when I lived there.
Punahou: rich kids, including the "old wealth" elite. Decent at football. Obama's alma mater.
Kamahameha: Hawaiian students, many from neighbor islands--special school created by trust to educate Hawaiians. Incredibly well funded. Not bad on the field, but not that great. Some top athletes get recruited away by St. Louis or even Punahou.
Iolani: Private school dominated by well-to do-Japanese / "AJA" kids. Not so great at football (can kick some a$$ at baseball and tennis though ...)
McKinley: Downtownish urban school. Was pretty sorry at football. Real old school and with loyal old-timer fan base though.
Farrington: Scrappy poor and working class Filipinos. Fans generally good-natured and very nice to opposing fans or neutrals. They play hard, but they're not big enough in the trenches to be very good in that state.
Aiea: See Farrington above, but more middle-class and working class.
Millilani: See Aiea and Farrington above, but more middle-class and upper middle class.
Nanakuli: See Waianae above. For some reason, not so good at FB though.
Kailua: Another "rich kids" school. Well-to-do part of Windward Side. Lots of Caucasians. Some military and retirees. Pretty good at FB. Alma mater of NFL HOF Russ Francis.
All in all, it ain't Texas, but still one of the better HS football states (per capita) out there.
Last edited: May 31, 2019