Basketball/Girls

After a day in the classroom, Ka Makani sharpshooters assemble in Castle Gymnasium for work on the basketball court. No matter the starting point for players, our coaches at HPA provide a structured, challenging, and motivating environment to aid players in performing at their highest level on the hardwood.

Girls basketball is one of the more popular sports on the Big Island, with teams based out of the BIIF having found much success at the state tournament.

After nearly two decades under Craig “Gig” Kimura, a new era of HPA basketball started when Lacey Hester took over the program during the 2018-19 season. In her first year, Hester helped guide Ka Makani to the BIIF title—the first since 2007.

“I’m still on a little bit of a high with how well the girls did,” said Hester following the championship.

The first-year head coach was also named the coach of the year following the championship campaign, but led by example, spreading out the credit. “I could not have done it without the support system around me including my assistant coaches, our athletic director and my players. Everyone had my back and I just look forward to what we can do in the future.”