Tribune-Herald Athlete of the Week: Hilo High wrestler Kahookaulana

Hanalei Kahookaulana • wrestling

If it wasn’t offfical before, it is now: Hilo High’s Kahookaulana is a state championship contender.

Competing at the Hawaii Officials Tournament at Leilehua High on Oahu, the unseeded junior claimed the 160-pound division Saturday. After recording four pins, he beat Kaiser’s Thomas McCreadie, the second seed, 8-4 in the final.

5 questions

Favorite food: Pork and peas

Favorite movie: Hobbs & Shaw

Favorite thing about wrestling: I love the feeling of being on that mat competing and putting in my blood, sweat and tears with my teammates and coaches, who have become my second family

Favorite athletes: Wrestlers Bo Nickal and Michael Macchiavello

Favorite place on the Big Island: Home with family or at the gym and on the mats