Honolulu, HI
The 2026 9th annual Polynesian Bowl was held at T.C. Ching Stadium. this years showcased a bunch of top talented football players from the islands and across the country. Team Mauka was led by nfl hall of fame, Mike Singletary and Team Makai was led by nfl Super Bowl champion head coach of the Philadelphia eagles, Doug Pederson. the two coaches and their staff have been preparing their squad for game day. both teams have been learning about the Polynesian culture all week long and getting to play in the sunny weather that Hawai'i is known for.
there would be a bunch of 5 star athletes on this years Polynesian bowl roster. some of those players included; Chris Henry Jr, Landen William-callis, Eric McFarland iii, jett Washington, jamier brown, Lamar brown, dj Jacobs, and Davon Benjamin. the local products are no stranger to the game of football. some of those players included; Malakai lee, Tainoa lave, Talanoa ili, taimane Purcell, Malaki soliai-tui, Nainoa lopes, kekua aumua, and Kamoi huihui-white.
the atmosphere all week long was great for both teams as they prepared for game night. with many seniors and juniors combined in this bowl game, it would be set for a great game as many of these players would be playing their last high school game before heading off to their respective colleges.
Team Mauka would get on the board first after QB, Sione Kaho, would find 5 Star WR and Ohio State commit, Chris Henry Jr, for its first points of the evening. Team Mauka would add another Touchdown by 5 Star wr, Eric McFarland III, with a rushing touchdown of his own.
Team Makai would soon add themselves on the board with a field goal and would ultimately be the only points that they scored that night. a interception was made in the second half of the game which could've cut the deficit from 11 to 3, but was called back due to going out of bounds.
it was a defensive night for both teams as the final score was made during the first half of the game. despite the score, both teams and coaches have gained a lot of knowledge of both the Polynesian culture and the game of football. players can now carry the many lessons and bonds to the next level of their game.
team mauka beats team makai in this years annual Polynesian bowl.
Final Score: Team Mauka 14 - Team Makai 3
Final Score: Team Mauka 14 - Team Makai 3
For more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
pictures Taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
Polynesian Bowl haka
video by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
