The Hawai‘i Bowl is a unique and festive college football postseason game played annually in the beautiful state of Hawai‘i. Established in 2002, the bowl game is a celebration of football, culture, and the aloha spirit, offering a rare opportunity for teams and fans to enjoy the sport in one of the most picturesque locations in the world.
The Hawai‘i Bowl was initially held at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, a venue that hosted countless iconic sports events. However, due to structural concerns, the game has since moved to the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, also located in Honolulu.
The Hawaii Bowl is traditionally played on or around Christmas Eve, adding to its distinctive charm as a holiday event. The bowl game is as much a celebration of the holiday season as it is of football. Fans and teams enjoy the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant Hawaiian culture, making the Hawai‘i Bowl an unforgettable experience. Traditional hula performances, leis for players, and Hawaiian music add to the festive atmosphere.
The Hawai‘i Bowl was created to provide an additional postseason opportunity for college football teams, with a particular emphasis on showcasing the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors whenever they are eligible. Hosted in Honolulu, the bowl game became an instant favorite for its unique location and celebratory atmosphere.
The Hawai‘i Bowl typically features teams from the Mountain West Conference (MWC) and the American Athletic Conference (AAC), though teams from other conferences have also participated when necessary. The inaugural game in 2002 featured Tulane defeating Hawai‘i in a thrilling 36–28 contest. Over the years, the game has maintained its reputation for high-scoring matchups and exciting finishes. If the University of Hawai‘i achieves bowl eligibility (six or more wins in the regular season), they are given priority as the home team, ensuring strong local support and enthusiasm.
- Buy Hawaii Bowl Tickets
- Map of Honolulu, Hawaii
- Honolulu Visitors Bureau
- Seating Chart @ Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex
- Official Hawaii Bowl Web site
Past Hawaii Bowl teams & scores
- 2024 Hawaii Bowl – South Florida 41 – San Jose State 39 – 5 OT – December 24
- 2023 Hawaii Bowl – Coastal Carolina 24 – San Jose State 14 – December 23
- 2022 Hawaii Bowl – Middle Tennessee 25 – San Diego State 23 – December 24
- 2021 Hawaii Bowl – Canceled
- 2020 Hawaii Bowl – Canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
- 2019 Hawaii Bowl – Hawaii 38 – BYU 34 – December 24
- 2018 Hawaii Bowl – Louisiana Tech 31 – Hawaii 14 – December 22
- 2017 Hawaii Bowl – Fresno State 33 – Houston 27 – December 24
- 2016 Hawaii Bowl – Hawaii 52 – Middle Tennessee 35 – December 24
- 2015 Hawaii Bowl – San Diego State 42 – Cincinnati 7 – December 24
- 2014 Hawaii Bowl – Rice 30 – Fresno State 6 – December 24
- 2013 Hawaii Bowl – Oregon State 38 – Boise State 23 – December 24
- 2012 Hawaii Bowl – SMU 43 – Fresno State 10 – December 24
- 2011 Hawaii Bowl – Southern Miss 24 – Nevada 17 – December 24
- 2010 Hawaii Bowl – Tulsa 62 – Hawaii 35 – December 24
- 2009 Hawaii Bowl -SMU 45 – Nevada 10
- 2008 Hawaii Bowl – Notre Dame 49 – Hawaii 21 – December 24
- 2007 Hawaii Bowl East Carolina 41 – Boise State 38 – December 23
- 2006 Hawaii Bowl Hawaii 41 – Arizona State 24 – December 24
- 2005 Hawaii Bowl Nevada 49 – UCF 48 (OT) – December 24
- 2004 Hawaii Bowl Hawaii 59 – UAB 40 – December 24
- 2003 Hawaii Bowl Hawaii 54 – Houston 48 (3OT) – December 25
- 2002 Hawaii Bowl Tulane 36 – Hawaii 28 – December 25