Built in 1950, Wailuku Lanes on Vineyard Street is home to the only bowling alley on Maui. Kamehameha Maui, King Kekaulike, Maui High, Kihei Charter and Baldwin all share the space for practices and the annual Maui Interscholastic League bowling competition.

For Kamehameha Schools, where bowling began just 13 years ago, the program has grown with a family-first mindset.

Coaches and athletes alike view their team as an ‘ohana, transforming what is often seen as an individual sport into one centered on unity, patience and support.

That commitment to doing things together — for each other — has given every bowler a sense of belonging, no matter their experience level.

Some athletes join the team without ever having bowled before, but the patience of the coaching staff helps ensure every player has the chance to learn, grow and reach their goals. Coach Rodney Carillo of Kamehameha Maui recalled his best memory to date: The boys team winning its first MIL title in 2015 — a day he described as truly special.

Moving down the road to King Kekaulike, their roster includes 15 bowlers — nine boys and six girls.

With only 10 lanes on Maui to be shared among all the schools, practice time is limited, and the team knows how challenging it can be to improve under those circumstances, but instead of dwelling on it, they focus on gratitude.

Having a bowling alley on the island is something they don’t take for granted, and they make it a point to keep the sport fun while preparing as best they can for competition.

Coaches Leona and Anela Brittan emphasized that bowling at King Kekaulike represents equal opportunity. No matter an athlete’s background or physicality, everyone has a chance to take part in the sport and enjoy the experience.

On Maui, that sense of inclusivity extends beyond just one school. With limited practice times at a shared facility, the teams have developed a spirit of mutual respect and support. It’s a welcoming and uniquely special community — one that King Kekaulike’s bowlers are proud to be part of.

When Maui High takes the lanes — much like Kamehameha and King Kekaulike — it highlights the importance of turning challenges into opportunities. Instead of viewing obstacles as roadblocks, these teams focus on shifting their mindset: deciding what matters most, prioritizing it, and working together toward shared goals.

Coach Jacob Davis emphasizes accountability in bowling, noting how one player’s effort can ripple through the team and inspire others toward a common purpose. He also reminds his athletes that bowling is a lifelong sport — one that offers opportunities for athletic and personal growth at every stage. Whether it’s a high school player learning from a college athlete, or a student hearing stories from an elder who has bowled for decades, the lessons extend far beyond the lanes.

For former Maui High bowler Yzabelle Menor, the sport has been transformative. Having never grown up competing in athletics, she gave bowling a chance and found it helped shape her into who she is today.

“The way I compare it to bowling individually with cross country is because you’re really competing against yourself when you are running or when you are up on the lane,” Menor said. “I compare those two things quite heavily since all you have is yourself at the end of the day. It is up to you with all your hard work, what you trained and practiced, and how you are going to apply it when it is time to compete. Going back to limitations, I knew what my limit was when it did come to that point, but I learned to go past it at a safe level. The way I compare limits with bowling is that, just like running, it requires pacing, focus, and knowing when to push yourself.”

Bowling is unique and it might not be as highly populated as some other sports, but the sport still holds the power to teach its athletes lifelong lessons.

On Maui, the sport of bowling faces limited resources. The athletes know this and have voiced how more opportunities would help, especially when traveling to Oahu where bowling is more common and competitors spend more time on the lanes.

It can feel intimidating to step into that environment. What sets Maui’s bowlers apart, however, is how they use these challenges to fuel their passion. The community, the support, and the appreciation for what they do have — from each other, from families, and from keeping Wailuku Lanes alive — create something special.

At the end of the day, that is what makes a difference through sports: working hard not just for yourself, but for your teammates, your school and a cause greater than yourself.

At Kihei Charter High School, the newest MIL bowling team is emphasizing the importance of following standard rules and regulations while making the most of their short weekly practice times. With no decline in team spirit, the athletes continue to show up to practices and competitions motivated and ready to give their best.

Coach Emily Kane said they are working to ensure the team not only understands and respects the game but also has fun playing it.

As the team begins its MIL Bowling journey, Kihei Charter enters the alley eager to learn, support each other and push beyond expectations. Looking toward the future, the coach is optimistic bowling will continue to grow as the team hopes that more of the Maui community will take notice of the sport’s impact and the legacy it can create for individuals of all ages.

“Respect and enthusiasm are the values I encourage my team to embody most, and they are passing with flying colors.” Kane said.

As for the Bears, Baldwin’s bowling team enters the season with high spirits while looking to have fun and improve. While the matches can be highly competitive, the team’s encouragement for one another and the supportive guidance from the coaching staff are what Coach Janeen Souza of the girls team are what defines them.

Although the athletes wish they had more practice time, they are working to make the most of every opportunity and building lasting memories together as they grow as bowlers and as people.

Kamehameha defeats Maui High 3-0

In MIL bowling action, the Kamehameha Maui boys outpaced Maui High 3-0 on Saturday.

Leading Kamehameha Maui, Imiloa Kanoho scored 203, followed by Jacob Poouahi at 187 Noah Knapp at 177. For Maui High, Josiah Santiago scored 153 while Caleb Yamada finished at 131 and Aaron Inda 128.

In girls bowling, Kamehameha Maui won 3-0 against Maui High.

The Warriors were led by Bailey Baybayan (141), followed by Kealaula Macanas (132) and Kalia Kele (127). Maui High’s Capriana Nozaki scored 177.