Kapaʻa Claims Revenge, Shuts Out Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 3-0 for Division II State Title

WAIPAHU – Four days later than planned and one year removed from heartbreak, Kapaʻa made sure this ending was different.

Behind a dominant defensive effort and three second-half connections from its senior core, Kapaʻa defeated Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 3-0 Wednesday afternoon at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium to capture the 2026 Hele/HHSAA Division II Boys Soccer State Championship. The Warriors finished the season unbeaten at 13-0-2 and secured the program’s fourth state title (2009, 2013, 2019, 2026).

It was a rematch of last year’s title game — a 1-0 loss that lingered all offseason.

“It means a lot,” said senior Omar Perez, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. “Coming back here is our revenge for last year because that was devastating. Now that we won this, it’s just beautiful and for my senior year.”

Setting the Tone Early

Originally scheduled for Saturday, the championship was pushed back four days due to weather. When kickoff finally arrived, Kapaʻa wasted little time asserting control.

Perez opened the scoring in the 19th minute, finishing with his left foot to give the Warriors a 1-0 advantage. From there, Kapaʻa leaned on its structure and discipline against a Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi squad that entered with 61 goals on the season, led by senior Micah Chung’s state-best 20.

“We knew we were up against the top goal scorer in the state, so the thought was if we could keep him out of the goal, there’s a good chance they’ll end up with a zero on the score sheet,” said Kapaʻa head coach Kevin Cram. “So we worked hard on defensive support, working together, and scrimmaging ourselves gave us the best opportunity to learn that standard.”

The plan worked. Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi managed just two shots on goal despite 16 total attempts, repeatedly turned away by a connected back line and goalkeeper Kiaʻāina Velasco.

Pulling Away After Halftime

Three minutes into the second half, Hunter Kerry doubled the lead.

Off a feed from Keoni Dasalia, Kerry struck cleanly to put Kapaʻa ahead 2-0.

“I think it just came to me and soon as it came off my foot I knew it was in,” Kerry said.

For Kerry, the moment was about more than just the goal.

“I’ve grown up with these boys, been with them, played club soccer with them. I love them to death,” he said.

Kapaʻa was outshot by Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 14-16 overall but held a decisive 7-2 edge in shots on goal, capitalizing on its chances while limiting clean looks at the other end.

Perez helped seal it in the 65th minute, assisting Bear Miller for the final goal of the afternoon.

“Miller, that’s my boy. We’ve played together since we were five years old,” Perez said. “It just happens. I heard him yell for the ball and I didn’t even look back, just played it right to him.”

The chemistry was evident — a group that grew up together delivering on the biggest stage.

A Fitting Farewell

The victory served as a storybook sendoff for Cram, who has led Kapaʻa since 2005. The championship marked his fourth state title at the helm before he departs in April for an 18-month mission trip to Peru.

“I was hoping I would go out as a winner, and it feels good,” Cram said.

For Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi (11-2-2), the loss halted its bid for a fourth state championship in five years and fifth overall. But on this afternoon, Kapaʻa’s discipline, defensive execution, and senior leadership proved too much.

Four days late — and one year in the making — the Warriors left Waipio with redemption, hardware, and a championship that meant just a little more.

By the Numbers (from official stats sheet)

• Final Score: Kapaʻa 3, Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi 0

• Shots: Kapaʻa 14, KSH 16

• Shots on Goal: Kapaʻa 7, KSH 2

• Goals: Perez (19’), Kerry (43’), Miller (65’)

• Assists: Dasalia (Kerry), Perez (Miller)

• Saves: Velasco 2; Shayde Dela Cruz 4

Hele/HHSAA Boys Soccer State Championships All-Tournament Team
(As selected by the HHSAA and media)