Rainbow Warriors (men) & Rainbow Wahine (women)

Before 1923, UH teams were nicknamed the “Deans.” Then in the final game of the 1923 season, UH head coach Otto Klum’s squad upset Oregon State, 7-0, at Mo‘ili‘li Field. During the game, a rainbow appeared over the field. Reporters started calling UH teams the Rainbows, and the tradition began that Hawai‘i would not lose a game if a rainbow appeared.

The Warrior holds an honored place in Hawaiian history for it was the warrior who united the Hawaiian Islands under Kamehameha the Great. The Hawaiians expected the warrior to display great strength, skill and a fighting spirit.

The famous and iconic Hawai‘i 5-0 theme song is played at all sporting events.

The Warrior Ha‘a - a traditional Māori dance, the Warrior football team performs their version of the ha‘a 20 minutes before every game.

Held every fall semester, Homecoming comprises week-long festivities that include a Homecoming Fair, Wahine (Women’s) volleyball game, the Homecoming football game, class reunions and special performances, exhibits, and lectures across campus.

Held every April at Andrews Amphitheater, students celebrate the nearing of semester’s end at the annual Aloha Bash. The event features live performances by some of Hawai‘i’s favorite bands and artists, enhancing students social life experiences on campus.

One of the most unique experiences of living in Hawai‘i and being a student at UH Mānoa is the cultural tradition of lei giving at graduation and on senior night at all of our athletic events. As a celebratory and congratulatory gesture, the tradition of lei giving goes back centuries and is firmly rooted in Hawaiian culture. A lei is a garland of flowers that is worn around the neck and it is customary on special occasions to “lei” the person or individuals who are being honored. Graduation and senior night is a fun and very colorful experience unlike any other!

On Saturday, April 4, 2020, the campus opens for the “Mānoa Experience - University Preview Day.” The free outdoor event is open to all interested students, families, and community members. Come check out over 200 departments and programs, take tours, enjoy performances, watch demonstrations, and meet with current faculty, staff, and students.