Members of Kailua High School’s 2025 Division I state championship football team were recognized Thursday night as players and coaches received championship rings commemorating the program’s first football title in school history.

The ceremony brought together returning players, graduates, coaches, family members and supporters to celebrate the Surfriders’ historic 13-9 victory over Kapa’a in last season’s Division I state championship game.

For returning players, the event served as both a celebration of last year’s achievement and motivation heading into the 2026 season, which begins in just over a month.

Senior wide receiver Tayvin Kahele said receiving the championship ring was a meaningful way to honor the team’s accomplishments and the Kailua community.

“It feels good to finally bring it home and finally get our rings and just celebrate with the community,” Kahele said. “It was great. We made history. It means everything to us. All the hard work and dedication that we put on this field really paid off in the end, and really for the community and the people that graduated from here, just to hold something for them and for the alumni.”

Head coach Joe Hauoli Wong said the ring ceremony was made possible through the generosity of alumni and supporters, allowing every player to receive a ring at no cost.

“It took us a little while to get it taken care of,” Wong said. “There were some alumni and some really good friends of mine that made this happen where the boys didn’t have to pay for their rings. It was a team effort that combined together, and they were able to do this special thing for the boys to honor them.”

Wong also reflected on the significance of the championship, drawing from his own experience as a player.

“When we got our championship ring when I played with the Raiders, they told us it can’t be bought,” Wong said. “It can’t be bought, you can’t trade for it, it has to be earned. For this team, they’ll go down in history as the first ever. We hope there’ll be more, but the legacy they’ve created here will inspire future players to work for that and try to replicate it.”

Quarterback Isaiah Keaunui-Demello, a member of the Class of 2026, said the championship holds special meaning because it came in the community where he grew up.

“It’s been a long wait, but it means a lot,” Keaunui-Demello said. “It’s a blessing to win it. Just to do it for the place that I grew up in — Kailua and Waimanalo — and for this area, it’s just a blessing.”

The Surfriders will open the 2026 season on the road against Moanalua on Aug. 8 as they begin their title defense.