Hawaii Open Playoff Preview: Two Rematches, Two Different Championships

The state tournament has three OIA berths and one ILH berth, so winning the OIA title is not the only way into the state field. The HHSAA Open semifinals are November 13 at Mililani High School; the state final is November 21 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Named state pairings have not yet been posted.

Kamehameha has clinched the ILH Open title. Its 34–14 win over Saint Louis, reported October 21, included 180 passing yards and four touchdowns without an interception from Loea Keopuhiwa. The OIA champion will still have another tournament to win before it can call itself state champion.

Kapolei must solve Campbell first

Kapolei’s win over Mililani showed a useful combination. Mikey Kapahu ran 19 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns, while Hayden Hose added eight solo tackles, an interception and a pass breakup. Those figures come from the game reported October 11, not season totals.

Campbell’s 17–14 September win over Kapolei supplies the counterargument. The Sabers held the Hurricanes to 105 total yards, including 65 rushing yards, intercepted three passes and scored on a kickoff return and an interception return. Kapolei missed a potential tying field goal late.

That is a specific problem for the Hurricanes, not just an upset to explain away. They need more sustained offense and fewer opportunities for Campbell to score without a long drive. The Sabers’ state-title run last season adds context, but their current head-to-head win is the more immediate warning.

Mililani has a blueprint, Kahuku has a response

Mililani won their September 19 meeting 28–6. Hunter Fujikawa completed 12 of 18 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns; Toa Sam added 111 rushing yards and two scores on 20 carries. Ashton Grace caught three passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

The Trojans outgained Kahuku 388–246 and held it scoreless after halftime. Kahuku has since beaten Campbell 24–21, with Blazyn-Brave Nunuha producing 147 total yards and three touchdowns in the game reported October 13. The Red Raiders have a better recent argument than the first Mililani score alone suggests.

If the top seeds advance, finishing possessions becomes central to the rematch. Fujikawa threw for 236 yards against Kapolei without a passing touchdown. Mililani moved the ball; Kapolei kept that production from becoming enough points.

Our OIA Open championship call

Matchup: Kapolei vs. Mililani.

Champion: Kapolei. The 25–7 head-to-head win combined Kapahu’s rushing with a defense that prevented Mililani from turning passing yards into touchdowns.

Possible surprise team: Campbell. The defending state champion already beat Kapolei, forced three interceptions and held it to 105 yards. No contender has a more direct challenge to our league-title pick.

Predictions made on October 30, 2026.

Alex | T25PS