Ultimate Frisbee in Hawaii: History, Leagues, Tournaments & More

Introduction to Ultimate Frisbee in Hawaii

Ultimate frisbee has become an increasingly popular sport in Hawaii over the last few decades. With Hawaii's year-round warm weather and abundance of scenic beaches, it's the perfect place to play this fast-paced, exciting sport. Here are five key things to know about the ultimate frisbee scene in Hawaii.

History of Ultimate in Hawaii

Ultimate frisbee first arrived in Hawaii in the 1970s, brought over by surfers and other mainland transplants. In 1975, the Hawaii Frisbee Association was founded, which began organizing tournaments and leagues. Over the next decade, the sport continued to grow as more clubs were formed at high schools and universities across the islands.

By the late 1980s, Hawaii had a well-established competitive ultimate scene, with over 500 active players. In 1988, Hawaii sent teams to the UPA College Nationals for the first time. In 1989, the state association joined the UPA (now called USA Ultimate) as an official member organization.

Leagues and Tournaments

Today there are numerous leagues and tournaments for competitive ultimate players in Hawaii. The main league is the Hawaii Ultimate League (HUL), which has both spring and fall seasons. HUL has several divisions including open, women's, mixed, masters, and high school leagues across multiple islands.

There are also many annual tournaments held across the state, such as the Kaimana Klassik (Oahu), Maui Jam (Maui), Garden Isle Open (Kauai), and the Kohala Invitational (Big Island). College teams from University of Hawaii and other schools compete in sectional and regional tournaments every spring.

Beach Ultimate in Hawaii

One unique aspect of ultimate in Hawaii is the popularity of beach ultimate. Playing barefoot in the sand adds a fun twist to the game requiring different strategies. There are several beach leagues and hat tournaments held throughout the year taking advantage of Hawaii's amazing shorelines.

The most well-known beach event is the Pagoda Beach Hat held every Labor Day weekend on Oahu's North Shore. Started in the 1980s, it's considered one of the largest beach ultimate tournaments in the world today, regularly attracting over 100 teams.

Youth and High School Ultimate

Over the past decade, youth ultimate has exploded in Hawaii with more high school teams than ever. The Hawaii State High School Championship is held every May, and has grown to over 30 teams competing on Oahu. There are also youth summer camps and clinics held to introduce the sport to newer players.

Hawaii high school teams have also found success nationally. Teams like Kaimuki High School and Punahou School have won multiple High School National titles and regularly produce top college players.

Hawaii on the National Stage

Teams from Hawaii have made their mark in college and club division national tournaments multiple times. In 2006, the University of Hawaii men's team Blank won the D-1 college championship. Honolulu club teams like Riptide and Spinster have finished in the top 10 at the USA Ultimate Club Championships.

Hawaii also hosts the prestigious Pro Flight Finale national tournament every January. This event brings in elite club teams from across North America to compete on Oahu and is a big showcase for the sport in the state.

Conclusion

In the 50+ years since ultimate first arrived, Hawaii has become a hotbed for the sport. With passionate players, competitive teams, gorgeous settings, and coordinating organizations, ultimate frisbee will continue thriving as a popular pastime across the Hawaiian islands for many years to come.

FAQs

When did ultimate frisbee first come to Hawaii?

Ultimate frisbee first arrived in Hawaii in the 1970s, brought over by surfers and mainland transplants. The Hawaii Frisbee Association was founded in 1975 to help organize the growing sport across the islands.

Where are the main competitive ultimate leagues in Hawaii?

The Hawaii Ultimate League (HUL) is the main league and has spring and fall seasons with divisions across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Big Island. There are also many annual tournaments held on the different islands.

What is unique about beach ultimate in Hawaii?

Beach ultimate in Hawaii is played barefoot in the sand, which requires different strategies than field ultimate. Popular beach tournaments are held year-round taking advantage of Hawaii's scenic shorelines.

How has youth ultimate grown in Hawaii?

Over the last decade, youth ultimate has exploded in Hawaii with more high school teams than ever before. Top teams like Kaimuki HS and Punahou HS have won National titles and produce many top college players.

What major tournaments are held in Hawaii?

Big tournaments include the Pro Flight Finale national championship on Oahu every January along with the Pagoda Beach Hat beach tournament on the North Shore. There is also the Hawaii State High School Championship held every May.