Hawaii's Rainbows chase glory from volleyball wins to baseball's unfinished dream
The University of Hawaii has seen highs and lows across its sports programmes in recent decades. From historic moments in baseball and football to ongoing rivalries in volleyball, the Rainbows' legacy remains strong. Yet some achievements, like a return to the College World Series, have stayed just out of reach.
The Hawaii baseball team last reached the College World Series in 1980, finishing as runners-up. Their defeat at Rosenblatt Stadium—a venue later demolished in 2013—left coach Les Murakami determined to return. Plans to honour the 1980 team's 40th anniversary at the 2020 CWS were scrapped when the pandemic cancelled the event.
On the gridiron, the Rainbows secured a memorable 2019 Hawaii Bowl win over BYU, with Cole McDonald throwing the game-winning touchdown. That victory took place at Aloha Stadium, which closed indefinitely in December 2020 due to structural concerns.
Meanwhile, the men's volleyball team has recently claimed wins against long-standing rivals BYU and Long Beach State. In basketball, the Aloha Basketball Classic—a 1980s tournament featuring future NBA stars—ended in 1987 after a decade in Honolulu. The men's basketball team also celebrated a standout 2025-26 season, clinching the Big West title on March 14, 2026, and earning an NCAA Tournament berth.
This season, the baseball team boasts one of the nation's top pitching duos in Isaiah Magdaleno and Hekili Robello. Despite their strength, the Rainbows have yet to fulfil Murakami's vow of a CWS return.
The Rainbows continue to make their mark in college sports, from volleyball triumphs to basketball success. But some milestones, like a baseball championship, remain unclaimed. With strong talent on the mound and a history of resilience, the programme's future still holds promise.
