When Martin Luther King Jr. weekend arrives on January 17-19, 2026, Oahu transforms into the epicenter of youth volleyball excellence as the 8th Annual TransPacific Volleyball Championships brings together over 360 teams from Hawaii, the continental United States, Canada, China, Mexico, American Samoa, and Thailand. Centered at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu with satellite venues across the island, this three-day tournament isn't just about volleyball. It's an international celebration of athleticism, cultural exchange, and island hospitality that showcases top-tier competition while immersing mainland and international visitors in authentic Hawaiian experiences. Whether you're traveling with a competing team, supporting athletes, or simply seeking one of Oahu's most energetic January events, the TransPacific Volleyball Championships delivers competition, culture, and unforgettable island memories.
Confirmed Dates and Tournament Schedule
Main Event Dates
Tournament Days: Friday, January 16 through Monday, January 19, 2026 (MLK Weekend)
Competition Schedule:
- Friday, January 16: Opening Day activities and preliminary matches
- Saturday, January 17: Full tournament day with morning and afternoon waves
- Sunday, January 18: Continuation rounds and bracket play
- Monday, January 19: Championship matches and finals
The four-day format on a long holiday weekend makes it ideal for mainland teams and families to justify the travel investment, combining volleyball with a mini Oahu vacation.
Daily Competition Waves
To accommodate 360+ teams across multiple age divisions, the tournament operates in waves:
Morning Wave: 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Afternoon Wave: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Monday Schedule: Typically focuses on championship matches at Hawaii Convention Center and Blaisdell Arena
Schedules are typically posted one week before the tournament, allowing teams and families to plan sightseeing and activities around match times.
Venues: Where the Action Happens
Primary Venues
Hawaii Convention Center (Main Hub)
1801 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Tournament headquarters and primary competition site
- Multiple courts set up in exhibition halls
- Live streaming available (Convention Center matches only)
- Steps from Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach
Blaisdell Arena
777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Historic multi-purpose arena hosting championship matches
- Elevated seating for spectator viewing
- Downtown Honolulu location
Satellite Locations Across Oahu
To accommodate 360+ teams, additional matches occur at:
- Radford High School, Salt Lake (Central Oahu)
- Pearl City High School, Pearl City (Central Oahu)
- King Intermediate School, Kaneohe (Windward Oahu)
- Beyond Ball Sports Complex, Kailua (Windward Oahu)
- Palama Settlement Gym, Downtown Honolulu
- Chaminade University, Honolulu
This island-wide footprint allows teams and families to explore different Oahu neighborhoods beyond tourist-heavy Waikiki.
Competition Structure and Teams
AAU Super Regional Status
The TransPacific Volleyball Championships operates as an AAU Super Regional tournament, offering significant benefits:
Championship Rewards:
- Winning teams receive FREE entry to AAU National Championships in Orlando, FL
- Alternative options: West Coast Championships in Las Vegas or Volleyball Festival in Phoenix
- Divisions with 16+ girls teams or 12+ boys teams qualify for free entries
- Smaller divisions receive discounted entry fees
Age Divisions and Team Capacity
Girls Divisions: 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U (72 teams per division capacity)
Boys Divisions: 14U, 16U, 18U (32-72 teams per division)
Entry Fee: $800 per team (registration through transpacificvolleyball.com)
International and Mainland Representation
The "TransPacific" name reflects the tournament's global reach. Expected participants include:
Pacific Region:
- Hawaii clubs (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai)
- American Samoa
- Teams from Pacific islands
Mainland USA:
- California powerhouse clubs
- West Coast teams (Washington, Oregon, Nevada)
- Mainland clubs seeking January competition
International:
- Canada (BC, Alberta volleyball clubs)
- China (youth development programs)
- Mexico (border state teams)
- Thailand (Southeast Asian representation)
This diversity creates a unique cultural exchange environment where young athletes experience international competition without leaving U.S. soil.
Special Events: Beyond the Court
Ho'omākaukau Opening Ceremony Luau
Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Ala Moana Center, Makai Deck (Mall Level 2, Diamond Head Wing facing ocean)
Price: TBD (early bird tickets available)
The opening ceremony luau provides an exclusive celebration for athletes, coaches, families, and guests featuring:
- Traditional Hawaiian feast with kalua pig, lomi salmon, poi, and island favorites
- Polynesian entertainment including hula and fire knife dancing
- Cultural education about Hawaiian values and volleyball's place in island life
- Team bonding and networking opportunities
- Limited spots—advance tickets required
ProspectsHI College Showcase
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Who Should Attend: High school volleyball players (typically 16U and 18U) seeking college exposure
The college showcase connects elite tournament participants with college coaches and recruiters scouting talent. Limited spots make early registration essential for serious prospects.
'Āina Day Cultural Activities
The tournament incorporates 'Āina Day experiences designed to:
- Educate mainland and international visitors about Hawaiian culture
- Promote responsible tourism and environmental stewardship
- Connect volleyball families with local businesses and cultural practitioners
- Deepen appreciation for the host community beyond competition
Travel Planning for Families and Teams
Getting to Oahu
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu serves all major mainland cities with direct flights. January typically offers:
- Moderate post-holiday airfares
- Pleasant weather (70-80°F, minimal rain)
- Peak whale watching season
- Lower hotel demand than December
Booking Timeline: Teams should book flights and hotels 3-4 months in advance (October-November 2025) for best rates during MLK weekend.
Where to Stay
Waikiki (Most Popular):
- Walking distance to Hawaii Convention Center (main venue)
- Beach access between matches
- Restaurants, shopping, nightlife
- Family-friendly hotel options
Ala Moana Area:
- Adjacent to Convention Center
- Ala Moana Center shopping
- Less touristy than Waikiki
- Often lower rates than beachfront
Airport Area Hotels:
- Budget-friendly options
- Quick access to central Oahu satellite venues
- Rental car recommended
- Limited beach/dining walkability
North Shore:
- Relaxed surf town atmosphere
- World-class beaches
- 45-60 minutes to Honolulu venues
- Best for teams playing at satellite locations with free days
Tournament Accommodations Partner
The tournament works with official hotel partners offering group rates and team blocks. Check transpacificvolleyball.com for discount codes and preferred properties.
What to Do Between Matches
Quick Activities (2-3 Hours)
Diamond Head Crater Hike: Early morning summit before matches
Waikiki Beach: Swimming, surfing lessons, stand-up paddleboarding
Ala Moana Beach Park: Local beach popular with families
Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri
Half-Day Adventures
North Shore: Drive to Haleiwa town, watch winter surf, sample shrimp trucks
Kailua/Lanikai: Windward beaches with turquoise water and offshore islands
Hanauma Bay: World-class snorkeling (reservations required)
Polynesian Cultural Center: Immersive Pacific Island village experience
Evening Activities
Luaus: Paradise Cove, Polynesian Cultural Center, Aulani Disney Resort
Sunset at Magic Island: Ala Moana Beach Park peninsula
Waikiki Entertainment: Street performers, beachfront dining
Duke's Canoe Club: Live music and beachfront atmosphere
The tournament schedule's morning and afternoon waves allow strategic planning of island activities around match times.
Spectator Information
Tickets and Admission
General admission spectator tickets are available through transpacificvolleyball.com. Pricing for 2026 hasn't been announced, but expect:
- Single-day passes: $10-15
- Weekend passes: $25-40
- Children under certain age: Free or reduced
- Live streaming passes: Available for Hawaii Convention Center matches only
What Makes It Worth Watching
Even if you don't have a competing athlete, the TransPacific Volleyball Championships offers:
- Elite Competition: Top regional and national youth talent
- International Flair: Teams from multiple countries bringing diverse playing styles
- Energy: 360+ teams create constant action across multiple courts
- Cultural Element: Hawaiian hospitality and aloha spirit throughout venues
- College Recruiting: Watch future collegiate stars being scouted
