Teenage rugby player from Hilo participates in matches in New Zealand

In the sunny islands of Hawaii, a 16-year-old named Kolomona Kahanu has been making waves beyond the shores of Aloha. This remarkable youngster has recently been selected by the U.S. Rugby Federation for a full-ride scholarship to play rugby in New Zealand, marking a significant milestone as the first student ever from Hawaii to receive such an opportunity.

Born and raised in Hilo, Kolomona's journey began closer to home, playing rugby in various U.S. locations, including Ohio, San Diego, and Utah. But it was in New Zealand where he truly found his stride. Living in the South Island city of Nelson for five months, Kolomona had daily rugby practice, played two games per week, and took seated rugby classes focusing on strategy at Nelson College.

Kolomona's mother, Tanei Kahanu, started a rugby club in Hilo four years ago called Poly United. The club has been instrumental in nurturing young talent, sending eight to ten kids to college to play rugby. Kolomona himself has been invited to return to New Zealand to play rugby again in March.

A versatile athlete, Kolomona plays multiple positions in both rugby and football, and is a member of the Hilo High football team. Outside of sports, he enjoys traditional water sports like paddling and body-boarding, but finds football as significant as rugby.

Growing up, Kolomona practiced hula and Tahitian dance, and he performed the haka at the beginning of every rugby game in New Zealand. He was placed at the front of the crew for each performance, a position of honour and respect.

Kolomona is fluent in o'lelo Hawaii and expressed interest in playing for either Japan or France in the Olympics. He also has a keen interest in learning French, as it would help him become fluent in Tahitian. Kolomona found Maori language classes challenging but is still eager to gain more language skills.

Looking ahead, Kolomona hopes to join the Crusaders or Moana Pasifika in New Zealand. His ambition doesn't stop there; he also dreams of studying in France and becoming fluent in French.

Despite his success, Kolomona's younger sister remains a private figure in the public eye, not documented in available sources. Regardless, the impact of this young athlete's journey extends far beyond the rugby field, inspiring many young athletes to dream big and reach for the stars.