The Hawaii Warriors represent the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a rich legacy in NCAA athletics. Known for excellence in Hawaii Warriors football and Hawaii Warriors basketball, the program has produced memorable seasons, celebrated athletes, and passionate fan support. This history page highlights their achievements and the enduring spirit of the Warriors across all sports.
College Sports Established
1909
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
College Name
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1909 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2012 - Present / Mountain West Conference
1979 – 2012 / Western Athletic Conference
1909 – 1979 / Independent
Nickname
Warriors - As sports fans, we often take the origins of our favorite team's nickname for granted. For example, many may not know the Hawaii Warriors' name has a fascinating history. The University of Hawaii at Manoa adopted its nickname in 2000 after a student vote to replace its former moniker: "Rainbows."
Hawaii Warriors Origin
The new name was inspired by Hawaiian culture and history. In ancient times, warriors were revered as symbols of strength and courage in battle; they represented honor and loyalty to their kingdom or tribe. This same spirit is embodied today with UH athletes who strive for excellence on and off the field while proudly representing their school with every game they play.
In addition to being an homage to Hawaiian culture, this new mascot also speaks volumes about what kind of team UH strives to be each season: resilient fighters who never give up until victory is achieved! With such a powerful symbolism behind them, it’s no wonder why so many fans are proud supporters of the Warriors!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1973
- 1984
- 1997
- 2007
-
Hawaii men’s basketball team makes its first appearance in the NCAA
In 1973: The Hawaii men’s basketball team makes its first appearance in the NCAA tournament, losing to Weber State in the first round. -
Hawaii football team wins its first Western Athletic Conference championship
In 1984: The Hawaii football team wins its first Western Athletic Conference championship, earning a trip to the Holiday Bowl. -
June Jones is hired as head coach of the Hawaii football team
In 1997: June Jones is hired as head coach of the Hawaii football team, beginning a successful tenure that includes several bowl appearances and the development of the “run-and-shoot” offense. -
Hawaii football team has a historic season
In 2007: The Hawaii football team has a historic season, going undefeated in the regular season and earning a trip to the Sugar Bowl, where they lose to Georgia.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Hawaii Warriors History
The Hawaii Warriors have a rich and storied history in NCAA athletics, representing the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa since 1909. Known for their passionate fan base and spirited competition, the Hawaii Warriors have long-standing rivalries, including with the Long Beach State 49rs. Over the decades, the program has excelled across multiple sports, with standout moments in Hawaii Warriors football, Warriors basketball, and baseball that continue to inspire new generations.
The Hawaii Warriors football program is the school’s most recognizable athletic team. Since moving to Division I-A (now FBS) competition in 1974, the Warriors have captured multiple conference championships and consistently delivered thrilling performances. Between 2000 and 2010, the Hawaii Warriors football team appeared in four bowl games, highlighted by their 2008 Sugar Bowl appearance against Georgia. Although the Warriors fell short in that matchup, their dynamic “Speed D” defense ranked in the nation’s top ten three times from 2004 to 2007, earning national respect for its fast, aggressive style.
The Hawaii Warriors basketball team has also built a strong reputation under head coach Eran Ganot, who took charge before the 2015 season. Since then, the program has posted an impressive record, including two postseason tournament appearances—a CBI championship game and an NIT berth. Their standout campaign came in 2018–19, when the Hawaii Warriors basketball squad finished 24–10 overall and 14–4 in Big West Conference play, earning a regular season title and an NCAA Tournament bid against eventual national champions Virginia.
Baseball also holds an enduring place in the history of the Hawaii Warriors. The team has made five College World Series appearances since the 1960s, most recently in 2009 under longtime head coach Mike Trapasso, who set the school’s all-time wins record. While the Warriors have faced challenges returning to the postseason in recent years, the program’s tradition and talent pipeline continue to position it as a perennial contender in collegiate baseball.
Warriors Achievements
In addition to these achievements, the Hawaii Warriors football team produced standout players such as Colt Brennan, who led the nation in passing yards and touchdowns during his career. The Warriors’ high-powered offense set multiple NCAA records, bringing national attention to the program. Similarly, the Hawaii Warriors basketball program has developed numerous all-conference players and continues to attract elite talent from across the Pacific and mainland United States.
Today, the Hawaii Warriors remain a proud symbol of perseverance and excellence in NCAA athletics. Whether it’s the fast-paced action of Hawaii Warriors football, the skill and energy of Hawaii Warriors basketball, or the tradition of their baseball program, fans can always expect competitive play and championship spirit from the Warriors. For supporters across Hawai‘i and beyond, the Hawaii Warriors embody the heart of island pride and the enduring strength of collegiate sports.
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