The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in just a few short weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make our way over to the Hawaiian islands to check out the 11-time state champion Kahuku Red Raiders. Kahuku is coming off first season since 2020 in which it did not win the HHSAA Division-I Open state championship. Now hungry to make a return to the top this fall, can the Red Raiders clinch the program’s 12th crown?
Player Spotlight: QB Matai Fuiava
Fuiava had an interesting 2024 season in which he played part of it on the United States’ mainland for St. John Bosco (Calif.) before transferring in mid-October to play for Kahuku. Now that the senior is with the Red Raiders from the jump, the quarterback has had entire off-season to mesh with the team as Fuiava looks to lead the way offensively as Kahuku chases a 12th state championship. With plenty of weapons surrounding the passer, Fuiava should be in line for a strong fall campaign.
Others to watch: LB Talanoa Ili, TE Kekua Aumua, CB Madden Soliai, LB Malaki Soliai-Tui, EDGE Nui Meyers, ATH Christian Tupuola
Season Prediction: 8-2
The Red Raiders are coming off a five loss season in which they got back to the state championship, but came up short in a 17-10 loss to St. Louis. Kahuku kicks off the season with a home date against the Crusaders, a chance to right the wrong of last year’s HHSAA Division-I Open title game. We see the Red Raiders kicking the off the season with a win, with their only two losses coming to national powers Bishop Gorman (Nev.) and Mater Dei (Calif.). Kahuku we see returning to the state championship game and this time winning it all and claiming the program’s 12 title.
Game-By-Game Predictions
Aug. 10 – St. Louis (Hawaii) Crusaders – W
In a rematch of the Division-I Open state championship, the Red Raiders come away with the important win to set the tone.
Aug. 17 – Kamehameha (Hawaii) Warriors – W
The Red Raiders make it look easy as they roll to a 36-6 victory.
Aug. 23 – at Konawaena (Hawaii) Wildcats – W
Kahuku picks up an important victory ahead of a showdown against nationally-ranked Bishop Gorman.
Aug. 31 – Bishop Gorman (Nev.) Gaels – L
Welcoming one of the country’s top programs, Kahuku takes its first loss of the season in a 36-14 decision.
Sep. 5 – at Mater Dei (Calif.) Monarchs – L
Traveling to the mainland, the Red Raiders lose a second straight game to the nationally-ranked Monarchs.
Sept. 14 – Kapolei (Hawaii) Hurricanes – W
The Red Raiders bounce back from back-to-back losses with a resounding victory over the Hurricanes.
Sept. 20 – James Campbell (Hawaii) Sabers – W
Kahuku is beginning to find their groove as they notch a second straight win.
Sept. 27 – at Leilehua (Hawaii) Mighty Mules – W
Three victories in a row as the Red Raiders cruise by the Mighty Mules, 44-6.
Oct. 4 – Farrington (Hawaii) Governors – W
Kahuku looks good as they head into the regular season finale with an impressive victory over the Farrington.
Oct. 10 – at Mililani (Hawaii) Trojans – W
The Red Raiders end the season with a tough victory over a talented Trojans’ bunch.
