State golf tournament: Riders assert dominance in competition

Smashed it at States, Almost Conquered the Mountain

The Kealakehe High School boys golf team stunned the Hawaii high school golf scene last year when they nearly took home the state championship. Here's a rundown of their incredible season.

In the 2025 David Ishii/HHSAA Boys Golf State Tournament, Kealakehe gave the champion Punahou a run for their money. After two grueling rounds at Mauna Lani North Course, the Waveriders held the second-place trophy with a cumulative score of +43 (619). Punahou nabbed the top spot with a score of +40 (616).

That second-place finish capped off a heck of a year for the Kealakehe boys golf team. Winning the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) title weeks earlier, their 2025 season undoubtedly marked the program's most fruitful year to date.

When asked about their secret to success, head coach Justin Lee mentioned camaraderie and grit as key factors. "The boys really came together this year, challenging and supporting each other on and off the course. I think that's what made us BIIF champions, and that's what's ultimately going to make us state champions," Lee told West Hawaii Today at the awards ceremony.

The team's dramatic improvement was no surprise to fans of the sport. They went from falling short of placing as a team at the 2024 states and not having a single golfer place in the top 30, to having three golfers finish in the top 20 in 2025. Junior Noah Okazaki placed 10th (151), junior Malakai Akeo finished 12th (152), and junior Ulukoa Kailiwai earned 15th place (153).

Despite a disappointing fourth-place finish after the first round, the team rallied back with superb performances on the second day, boosting their spirits for the future. Kailiwai even managed a par in the final round, the best score of the day, demonstrating the team's growth from having struggled the previous day.

Akeo's drastic improvement, from struggling as a beginner just three years ago to finishing in the top 20, was another factor in their team victory. Lee credits the team's structure and discipline for Akeo's sudden rise to success. "He took our plan seriously and never backed down from hard work. That's what led to his incredible progress," Lee said.

Kealakehe is already aiming high for the 2026 season. "This finish has lit a fire under us. We're now one of the top contenders, and we're going to work even harder to secure the state championship," Okazaki told reporters. With their top-three golfers being just juniors, the sky's the limit for this talented team.

In a move that's expected to further strengthen beachside golf, past mentorship from experienced coaches like Brady Higgs has helped sculpt Kealakehe's program and inspire the younger generation to push their skills to the limit. Lee attributes the growth of the Kona golf community to these mentorship opportunities, positioning Kealakehe as a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

Keep an eye on this exciting team as they continue to rising through the golf ranks. Next stop: state championship!

In the following year, Kealakehe High School boys golf team aims to capitalize on their success and secure the state championship.
The 2026 season promises to be another eventful one for the golf community, especially with the promising performances of Kealakehe's star players like Noah Okazaki, Malakai Akeo, and Ulukoa Kailiwai.
The team's smart approach to the game and their collective strength have already made them a top contender in the interscholastic golf tourneys.
The Kealakehe boys golf team's growth and improvement over the years have been remarkable, from nearly missing the team placement at states to having three golfers finish in the top 20 in 2025.
Past mentorship from coaches like Brady Higgs have played a crucial role in sculpting Kealakehe's golf program and inspiring the younger generation to hone their skills, promising a strong presence for the team in future sports events.