‘Bows take part in annual Koloa Plantation Days parade on Kauai

As part of their efforts to say “mahalo” to their fans, members of various University of Hawai’i Athletics programs took part in the annual Koloa Plantation Days parade on Kauai Saturday.

The parade is part of a 10-day festival that celebrates the many ethnic groups that came to Hawai’i to work on sugar plantations, and the Hawaiians who welcomed them. 

“We’re super excited to be here,” said men’s volleyball middle blocker Kurt Nusterer. “Koloa Plantation Days is always been something I’ve heard a little about, but I’ve gotten to see first hand so it’s been really exciting to get out here and meet some of the fans from a different island.”

In addition to participating in the parade, student athletes also took part in a few meet-and-greet opportunities and signed autographs during the annual park celebration following the parade.

“It’s super cool,” said women’s volleyball standout Caylen Alexander. “This is my first time coming to Kauai. It’s been a super cool opportunity and it’s super beautiful here as well.”

It was also athletics director Craig Angelos’ first time on the garden isle.

“They have been just great hosts for us,” said Angelos. “We want to do it as much as we can, really trying to get out to all the islands to try and bring our teams, our coaches. Today we were able to do that.”

Women’s basketball guard Kelsie Imai, who is an alumna of Waiakea on Hawai’i Island, shared how important it is to show that even though Hawai’i athletics is based on Oahu, the athletic department represents all the islands in the state.

“I think it’s super cool to have this opportunity to show that Hawai’i athletic plays not only for Oahu, but all of the state,” said Imai. “We’re just super grateful that the community of Kauai is super supportive and willing to come out and support.”

Men’s basketball coach Eran Ganot was one of the members from the university that did have experience being on Kauai. The men’s basketball team will also be hosting their third basketball clinic on the island in two weeks in the newly built gym at Kauai High on Aug. 10.

“I bring my family to every island and we started coming to Kauai a lot, and we started to share that experience with our guys doing our free clinic, which is now in year three,” said Ganot. “This is the first time we get to enjoy that clinic in the new gym so we’re excited about that.”