NĀ ‘ĀLAPA HAWAI’I
ABOUT
Our Approach
Hawaiian Football’s mission is to improve the resiliency and overall well-being of Native Hawaiians for generations through international football.
To achieve this we form National Teams — called Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i — to compete internationally, to showcase Hawaiian players and to represent the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Through our programs we educate on Hawaiian history, culture and language and provide an outlet for the collective expression of our National Character and Identity on the global stage.
Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i
Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i, the name of our National Teams, honors the legendary ‘Ālapa Regiment of Paramount Chief Kalani‘ōp‘u, reknown for their bravery, physical prowess, and superior athleticism.
In today’s context, ‘Ālapa means ‘athletic,’ merging the elements of ‘Ā, meaning ’to blaze’ or ‘ignite,’ and lapa, meaning ‘energetic,’ ‘spirited,’ or ‘mischievous.’ It conjures the image of lightning cutting across the sky, fierce and unbounded, symbolizing the relentless and unstoppable nature of a dominant athlete.
Our Crest
Inspired by the historic Coat of Arms adopted by the Hawaiian Legislature in 1845, the National Team Crest of the Federation symbolizes providence and protection under one monarch.
Prominently within the Crest are the royal standards of ancient chiefs. The Pūlo‘ulo‘u, Puela, and Ālia signify the shelter and refuge of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Hanging vertically lies the Hae Hawai‘i, or Hawaiian Flag. Thes Union Jack honors Hawai‘i’s history as a British Protectorate before Independence was recognized by Great Britain and France in 1843.
The eight stripes represent the eight principal Islands, while the vibrant colors of the ‘ahu ‘ula and mahiole, the traditional feathered cloaks and helmets worm by chiefs, embodying the enduring strength and cultural legacy of our people.
Our Process
In 2020 we established Ke Kikowaena Lauaki — Talent Centers — on the main Hawaiian islands and began scouting top Kanaka footballers for potential inclusion in our national teams. Since then we have maintained regional player pools on each island to support our U16, U18 and recently formed U20 national team pool. Led by our Technical Director, Ian Mork, the process involves coaches’ recommendations and scouting of local competitions in conjunction with annual regional and national Talent Center events.
Eligibility
Player eligibility is based on Hawaiian Nationality not on ethnicity or race. Any player who is the direct descendant of an individual born in the Hawaiian Kingdom before January 17, 1893, is a Hawaiian Subject and thus eligible to represent Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i.
Aboriginal Hawaiian players may submit a government-issued birth certificate that reflects Hawaiian ancestry. If the player's birth certificate does not reflect Hawaiian ancestry, include a birth certificate for a parent, grandparent, etc., as needed until a birth certificate reflects Hawaiian ancestry. Verification documents from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, or the Department of Hawaiian Homelands will be accepted.
Non-Aboriginal Hawaiian players must submit legal documents showing direct lineage to a Hawaiian Subject. E.g. birth, death, marriage, or naturalization certificates, census records, as needed until documents show direct lineage to an ancestor born or naturalized in the Hawaiian Kingdom before January 17, 1893.
2024 SELECTIONS
2023 SELECTIONS
Our Jersey
Find out what’s behind the design of our new National Team Jersey and how you can get one of your own…