Mark your calendars for Friday, January 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM Hawaii Time, when Kunuiākea Stadium on the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus in Honolulu hosts the Polynesian Bowl, the nation's premier high school all-star football game celebrating Polynesian athletes and culture. This isn't just another all-star game. The Polynesian Bowl uniquely honors the outsized influence of Polynesian players on American football while giving mainland visitors a compelling reason to experience Oahu in January, when humpback whales fill the waters and trade winds keep temperatures perfect. Whether you're a football fan traveling from the mainland, a local family, or a recruit's supporter, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Polynesian Bowl.
Confirmed Date, Time, and Venue Details
When and Where
Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Kickoff: 4:00 PM Hawaii Time (6:00 PM Pacific / 9:00 PM Eastern)
Venue: Kunuiākea Stadium, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus, 210 Konia Circle, Honolulu, HI 96817
Broadcast: Live on NFL Network
The Friday evening kickoff creates ideal conditions for both attending fans and mainland television viewers, with post-game activities extending into Honolulu's vibrant nightlife.
The Stadium: Kunuiākea at Kamehameha Schools
Kunuiākea Stadium, meaning "backbone of the gods," sits on the historic Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus overlooking Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The intimate 5,000-seat venue (smaller than typical college stadiums) creates an electric atmosphere where fans sit close to the action, perfect for observing elite high school talent executing plays at the highest level.
The stadium location on Kamehameha Schools' campus adds cultural authenticity to the event. Founded in 1887 to educate Native Hawaiian children, Kamehameha Schools embodies the Hawaiian values of education, heritage preservation, and community that underpin the Polynesian Bowl's mission.
What Is the Polynesian Bowl?
History and Mission
The Polynesian Bowl showcases the nation's top high school football players with Polynesian heritage (Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, and other Pacific Islander ancestries) alongside elite non-Polynesian athletes in a nationally televised all-star game. Organized by Shriners Sports and broadcast on NFL Network, the game has become a must-watch event for college recruiters, NFL scouts, and football fans seeking to identify tomorrow's college and professional stars.
The event celebrates Polynesian culture's profound impact on American football. Despite representing less than 1% of the U.S. population, Polynesian players account for over 200 athletes in the NFL and thousands more competing at the college level. The Polynesian Bowl honors this legacy while providing exposure for the next generation of talent.
Team Format: Makai vs. Mauka
Players divide into two teams reflecting Hawaiian geography and culture:
Team Makai (Ocean): Wears blue jerseys representing the ocean and coastal lowlands
Team Mauka (Mountain): Wears white jerseys representing the mountains and uplands
The 2025 game saw Team Makai defeat Team Mauka 28-21 in a competitive contest that showcased future college stars.
The 2026 Roster: Elite Talent from Across America
Player Selection Process
The 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster features approximately 80-100 of the nation's top high school senior football players selected through:
- Heritage: Players with documented Polynesian ancestry
- Performance: Elite statistics and film evaluation
- Rankings: Top-rated recruits from major recruiting services like 247Sports
- Regional representation: Players from traditional Polynesian strongholds (Hawaii, California, Utah, Texas, Washington) plus emerging areas
- Position balance: Complete offensive and defensive rosters to field competitive teams
Notable 2026 Roster Highlights
The confirmed 2026 roster includes players from powerhouse programs and Polynesian community strongholds:
Hawaii Representatives:
- Kahuku High School (Oahu): Multiple linemen and linebackers
- Punahou School (Honolulu): Offensive tackle
- Nanakuli High School (Oahu): Tight end
Mainland Polynesian Hubs:
- California: Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, Long Beach Poly
- Utah: Lone Peak, Corner Canyon programs
- Texas: DeSoto, Duncanville pipeline
- Washington: O'Dea Seattle tradition
Recruiting Power: Many 2026 Polynesian Bowl participants hold scholarship offers from Alabama, USC, Ohio State, Oregon, BYU, and other elite college programs, with several ranked among the nation's top 100 high school players.
Tickets, Pricing, and How to Attend
Ticket Information
General admission tickets for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl are available through multiple platforms including Vivid Seats, TickPick, and Event Tickets Center. As of late 2025, specific 2026 pricing hasn't been finalized, but based on previous years:
Expected Pricing:
- General Admission: $25-50 per ticket
- VIP or Premium Seating: $75-150 per ticket
- Group rates: Available for teams, families, and organizations
General Admission Format: Most seats are general admission, allowing fans to choose their own seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving 60-90 minutes before kickoff ensures optimal seating selection.
Where to Buy Tickets
- Official Site: polynesianbowl.com
- Secondary Markets: Vivid Seats, TickPick, StubHub, Event Tickets Center
- Day of Game: Box office sales typically available if not sold out
Pro Tip: Tickets purchased early through official channels often include discounts and avoid secondary market service fees.
Game Week Experience and Activities
Practice Week and Community Events
The week leading up to the Polynesian Bowl features:
- Tuesday-Wednesday: Team practices at local high school facilities (often open to public viewing)
- Thursday: Position drills, team meetings, cultural activities
- Friday Morning: Final walkthrough and team breakfast
- Pre-Game: Tailgating, food trucks, and Polynesian cultural performances outside Kunuiākea Stadium
Halftime and Cultural Elements
The Polynesian Bowl halftime show typically features:
- Traditional Hawaiian hula performances
- Polynesian drumming and dance troupes
- Recognition of outstanding Polynesian athletes
- Military tributes (Shriners Sports connection)
These cultural elements distinguish the Polynesian Bowl from generic all-star games, creating an authentic Hawaiian experience that honors the islands' heritage.
Travel Planning: Getting to Oahu for the Game
Flying to Honolulu
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) serves Oahu with direct flights from major mainland cities and inter-island connections. January typically offers:
- Moderate airfares (post-holiday, pre-February peak)
- Consistent weather (70-80°F, minimal rain)
- Whale watching season in full swing
- Lower hotel occupancy than Christmas/New Year's
Book flights and hotels 2-3 months in advance for best rates and availability.
Where to Stay
Waikiki (Closest to Stadium):
- 10-15 minute drive to Kamehameha Schools
- Beach access, dining, nightlife
- Budget to luxury accommodation options
- Easy Uber/Lyft access to stadium
Downtown Honolulu:
- 5-10 minutes to Kunuiākea Stadium
- Business district hotels often have January deals
- Walking distance to Chinatown and cultural attractions
- Limited beach access
Ala Moana/Makiki Area:
- Midpoint between Waikiki and stadium
- Ala Moana Center shopping
- Local neighborhood feel
- Moderate pricing
North Shore:
- 45-60 minutes to stadium (allow traffic time)
- World-class surfing beaches
- Relaxed, less touristy atmosphere
- Requires rental car
Getting to the Stadium
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Most convenient option from Waikiki or downtown hotels ($15-25 each way)
Rental Car: Available but parking near campus is limited on game day. Consider dropping off passengers then parking in nearby neighborhoods.
Public Transit (TheBus): Routes serve the Kapālama area, but frequency may not align with game end times.
Organized Tours: Some hotels and tour operators offer Polynesian Bowl transportation packages.
What to Do Beyond the Game
Friday Pre-Game Activities
Morning: Pearl Harbor historic sites (USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri)
Afternoon: Iolani Palace, Honolulu Museum of Art, or Diamond Head hike
Early Evening: Head to stadium area for pre-game atmosphere
Saturday/Sunday Extension
Whale Watching: January is peak humpback whale season
Snorkeling: Hanauma Bay, Shark's Cove (North Shore)
Cultural Sites: Polynesian Cultural Center (North Shore), Bishop Museum
Beach Time: Waikiki, Lanikai, Kailua beaches
Hiking: Manoa Falls, Makapu'u Lighthouse, Lanikai Pillbox
The Polynesian Bowl weekend creates the perfect framework for a 4-5 day Oahu vacation combining football, culture, and island activities.
Why the Polynesian Bowl Matters
Pipeline to College and NFL Success
The Polynesian Bowl serves as a proven showcase for elite talent. Past participants include current NFL stars and college All-Americans who credit the game with raising their profiles and providing mainland exposure.
Cultural Celebration
Beyond football, the event honors Polynesian values of family (ohana), respect (aloha), and community (kapu). It brings together Polynesian families from Hawaii, California, Utah, and beyond to celebrate shared heritage on Hawaiian soil.
Economic Impact on Oahu
The game draws thousands of visitors to Oahu in January (a slower tourism month), supporting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses while showcasing the island's capacity to host high-profile sporting events.
Youth Inspiration
For young Polynesian athletes watching from the stands or on TV, the Polynesian Bowl demonstrates that excellence in football and pride in heritage go hand in hand, inspiring the next generation to pursue both athletic and cultural goals.
Call to Action: Experience Football and Culture in Paradise
The Polynesian Bowl 2026 isn't just a football game. It's a cultural celebration, a talent showcase, and an unforgettable Oahu experience all rolled into one Friday evening at Kunuiākea Stadium. Secure your tickets now through polynesianbowl.com, book your Waikiki hotel with January availability, and plan to arrive early enough to explore Pearl Harbor, hike Diamond Head, or watch whales breach off the South Shore.
Whether you're following a specific recruit, celebrating Polynesian heritage, or simply seeking an exciting reason to visit Oahu in winter, the Polynesian Bowl delivers on every level. When kickoff arrives at 4:00 PM on January 16, you'll sit in an intimate island stadium watching tomorrow's college and NFL stars compete under the Hawaiian sun, surrounded by the aloha spirit that makes this event truly special.
The islands are calling. The best high school football players in America are coming. Will you be there?
Verified Information at a Glance
Event Category: High school all-star football game celebrating Polynesian athletes and culture
Official Name: Polynesian Bowl 2026
Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Kickoff Time: 4:00 PM Hawaii Time / 6:00 PM Pacific Time / 9:00 PM Eastern Time
Venue: Kunuiākea Stadium, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus, 210 Konia Circle, Honolulu, HI 96817
Stadium Capacity: Approximately 5,000 seats (intimate atmosphere)
Teams: Team Makai (Ocean, blue jerseys) vs. Team Mauka (Mountain, white jerseys)
Broadcast: Live on NFL Network
Roster: 80-100 elite high school senior football players with Polynesian heritage plus select non-Polynesian athletes
Ticket Format: General admission seating
Ticket Availability: polynesianbowl.com, Vivid Seats, TickPick, Event Tickets Center
Organizer: Shriners Sports (nonprofit)
Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, approximately 15-20 minutes from stadium
Cultural Elements: Polynesian halftime performances, Hawaiian music, cultural demonstrations
2025 Result: Team Makai defeated Team Mauka 28-21
National Combine: March 20-22, 2026 in Las Vegas (invitation-only player evaluation event, $395 high school / $295 middle school)
All dates, times, venue information, and roster details confirmed through official Polynesian Bowl sources and ticketing platforms.
