PUNAHOU’s Moriwaki joining Rainbow Wahine volleyball in 2025

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 13, 2024

WAIKIKI — The Hawai’i women’s volleyball team is stocking up with another standout local girl for the future.

Punahou libero Kahea Moriwaki inked her commitment with pen and paper to play for the Rainbow Wahine Wednesday morning at the annual Hawai’i State National Letter of Intent Signing Day.

One of three student athletes who had given a verbal commit to Hawai’i from the class of 2025, the signing day event was the culmination of countless hours of hard work and sacrifices by Moriwaiki and her family.

Punahou’s Kahea Moriwaki poses with her family, friends and supporters after signing her national letter of intent to stay home to play with Hawai’i women’s volleyball.

“I’m very excited and excited that I made it official today,” said Moriwaki, who posted her initial commitment on social media in May.

“I want to thank my parents who have made so many sacrifices to get me to where I am and I also want to thank my Kuikahi club coaches for also helping me commit to UH.”

Moriwaki cited the team’s vibe and fanbase for why she chose to play for the home team.

“What really drew me to UH was the culture and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to play in the Stan (Sheriff Center) in front of all the fans.”

Defense, which includes serve receive and passing, has always been a key tenant on Hawai’i coach Robyn Ah Mow’s squads.

In her final match of her high school career, Moriwaki racked up 26 digs with two assists and an ace.

She said she is excited to learn from coach Ah Mow, as well as assistant coaches Kaleo Baxter and Nick Castello, a former Libero for the Hawai’i men’s volleyball team.

“I’m super excited to be mentored by (coach Robyn) and all the other very experienced assistant coaches. I think they have a lot to teach me on defense and anything in the back row.”

Moriwaki, who is 5-foot-3, will also have an opportunity to play with former Punahou setter Jackie Matias on the Rainbow Warriors.

“I’m super excited to play with all the local girls on the team,” said Moriwaki, who will major in business.

The other two players from the class of 2025 that will be joining the Rainbow Warriors with Moriwaki are Kahuku outside hitter Chalei Reid and Agoura High (Calif.) middle blocker Makena Biondi.