Kahuku, HI
67 years in the making. The Kahuku Red Raiders have officially added their name to a piece of Hawai'i high school football history after completing a clean sweep over their ILH opponents this season. The last public school to accomplish the feat was the 1959 Farrington Governors, making Saturday night's 16-10 victory over Punahou another historic chapter for a Kahuku program that continues to make noise early in the 2026 season. With the win, the Red Raiders remain undefeated at 3-0.
The matchup between the Kahuku red raiders and Punahou buff-n-blue brought together two of Hawai'i most recognizable football programs, with plenty of history already sitting between the two sides. Kahuku would come out with success early and establish control, but Punahou was not going to let the game slip away. The Buff-n-blue came out of halftime with a different kind of energy and began chipping away at the Red Raiders advantage.
As the second half continued, Punahou kept the pressure on and made sure Kahuku would have to earn every bit of this one. The Buff-n-blue found the end zone and continued to battle, turning what had been a Kahuku controlled game into a tight finish. With both sides fighting for every possession, the Red Raiders needed to stay composed with the finish line getting closer.
Kahuku would ultimately make the plays needed to hold off the comeback. A special teams mistake would allow the Red Raiders to regain control, and Kahuku took advantage of it before closing out the 16-10 victory. It wasn't the easiest win of the season, but it was another one that showed the Red Raiders can find a way when the game gets tight.
The victory completed Kahuku's sweep of the ILH teams on its 2026 schedule, adding Punahou to wins over St. Louis and Kamehameha-Kapalama. The Red Raiders have now opened the season 3-0 while continuing to build momentum against some of the biggest programs in the state.
For Punahou, the loss drops the Buff-n-blue to 1-1-1 on the season. Despite coming up short, Punahou continued to battle and kept the game within reach until the final whistle. The Buff-n-blue will now look to regroup and get back on track as the season continues.
For Kahuku, Saturday night was about more than just another win. Sixty-seven years later, another public school has completed the ILH sweep, and this time it's the Red Raiders putting their name in the history books. With California competition waiting ahead, Kahuku now turns its attention toward the next chapter of what has already become a memorable 2026 campaign.
Final Score: Kahuku 16 - Punahou 10
for more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
pictures taken by: Pakela Wheeler - @pakela._
Blazyn-Brave Nunuha rushes in for the touchdown
video by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
Kilohana Ahuna Picks off Lucky Suguturaga
video by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
Aaron Johnson punches in Punahous lone touchdown
video by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
Emmit Jay HArrison gives kahuku the lead on the night
video by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
