Hawaii talent headlines Team Mauka in 2025 Polynesian Bowl

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The 2025 Polynesian Bowl is being touted as the deepest roster in its eight-year history with 11 5-star players participating.

Some are traveling from across the nation, but others are from right here in the islands.

Team Mauka has some of the top talent from around the country, but boasts the most local athletes between the two squads, including the state’s all-time leading passer.

Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele put to rest a rollercoaster of a recruiting cycle by decommitting from Oregon and ultimately signing with Cal earlier this month.

Before heading to Berkeley, he’s making sure to soak up his final week of high school ball.

”I think it’s a fun opportunity not just for me, but just for everyone and, you know, just blessed that my family will be able to watch my last high school game back at home,” Sagapolutele told Hawaii News Now.

Team Mauka features a total of 16 local players. All are honored to be a part of what’s grown into a star-studded showcase, as past bowl game alums include LA Rams receiver Puka Nacua, Detroit Lions all-pro tackle Penei Sewell, and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.

”Just being able to watch the game as a young kid at Aloha Stadium, seeing guys like Puka Nacua come through, Travis Hunter, and then just to be in the shoes right now, I’m just grateful,” Saint Louis' Titan Lacaden said. “God has just took me a long way in my life and, you know, just grateful for where I’m at right now.”

”Being able to come back home and play my one last high school game before I go off into college,” Kahuku’s Mana Carvalho said. “It’s just a really grateful experience that you know I’m able to play in.”

The experience comes with high-level coaching as the Mauka squad is led by veteran NFL head coach Jim Caldwell.

The players are eager for an opportunity to soak up the pro knowledge and represent the islands in the nationally televised event.

”This is a lot of pride, because this is probably our only all-star game that we’re kind of playing in, so just being able to showcase what we have here in Hawaii,” Carvalho said.

The eighth annual Polynesian Bowl is set for Friday at 4 p.m. Hawaii time at Kamehameha Kapalama.

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