Kainoa Wade to reclassify and join UH volleyball team in 2025

Kainoa Wade, the star player for Kamehameha, has been rumored to be planning to reclassify in order to graduate early and join the Hawaii men’s volleyball team ahead of schedule. After a four-set loss to Punahou, Wade confirmed his intention to graduate in December and enroll at UH Manoa in January to play for his father, Charlie Wade, in the 2025 season.
With 34 kills in the recent game against Punahou, Wade’s impressive performance has caught the attention of many, including coach Rick Tune who referred to him as “Superman.” Following in the footsteps of UH freshman setter Tread Rosenthal, Wade aims to wrap up his high school duties early in order to start college in January.
Wade’s commitment to UH last June solidified his plans to play for the Warriors, and now he is focused on leading Kamehameha to their first HHSAA boys volleyball title since 2011. Despite a rocky start in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, Wade remains confident in his team’s abilities and is determined to compete in the final match with a 50-50 chance of winning.
As the state sports reporter for Spectrum News Hawaii, Brian McInnis covers Wade’s journey as he prepares to graduate early and make his mark on the Hawaii men’s volleyball team. He can be contacted at brian.mcinnis@charter.com for more information on Hawaii’s sports scene.