Hawaii Prep World

A.J. Epenesa shared a laugh with Ma'a Tanuvasa after winning defensive player of the game honors at the inaugural Polynesian Bowl. Photo by Jamm Aquino/Star-Advertiser. — A.J. Epenesa shared a laugh with Ma’a Tanuvasa after winning defensive player of the game honors at the inaugural Polynesian Bowl. Photo by Jamm Aquino/Star-Advertiser.

The Polynesian Bowl is an annual high school football all-star game held at Aloha Stadium every January featuring the top high school seniors in the country. The majority of the approximately 100 kids selected are of Polynesian ancestry.

The first game was held on January 21, 2017, with Team Stanley, captained by Ronnie Stanley, defeating Team Mariota, captained by Marcus Mariota, after Punahou’s Jeff Chan kicked a 20-yard field goal with 39 seconds remaining for a 9-7 win.

Team Makai defeated Team Mauka 31-14 in the 2018 game with Lompac (Calif.) running back Toa Taua rushing for two second-half touchdowns to lead Makai.

Team Makai went back-to-back in 2019 with a 27-7 win over Team Mauka, led by Orem (Utah) receiver Puka Nacua, who had six catches for 93 yards and a TD.

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