The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Rainbow Warriors men’s volleyball program held its 16th Annual A’o a Koa fundraiser at the Stan Sheriff Center in January, drawing nearly 500 attendees and selling out the event. The gathering marked the start of the team’s 2026 season and featured both silent and live auctions, as well as food from local chefs and restaurants.
Guests had opportunities to meet players and coaches throughout the evening. The event generated a record amount of funding for the volleyball program, according to organizers.
“The support from our community gives our team the foundation to compete at the highest level. Being able to share this evening with our fans, alumni and supporters means a great deal to our players and staff,” said Head Coach Charlie Wade.
This year’s fundraiser sold 49 tables, exceeding last year’s total of 44. ‘Ahahui Koa Ānuenue (AKA), which supports University of Hawai’i at Mānoa athletics fundraising efforts, described it as a strong show of community backing.
During the event, former UH setter Victor Talamoa received the 2026 Pae Mākaukau Alumni Recognition Award. The award honors alumni for leadership and service contributions to their communities. Talamoa played for UH in 1992 and 1993 before earning his master’s degree in 1996. He is now a colonel in the National Guard Bureau with almost four decades of military service. Over the past 15 years, he has contributed to expanding boys’ volleyball programs across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., helping establish sanctioned high school teams in 48 schools in that region.
