Spooner Spotlight: Kainoa Wade

Posted on: January 23, 2026

Hailing from Kailua, Kainoa Wade was born into a volleyball family, with the game woven into his life from an early age. Now playing for the University of Hawaiʻi men's volleyball team, he brings his lifelong love of the game to the court every single day.

We recently had a chance to catch up with the sophomore to chat about the season, his experience competing with Team USA U21, and what it means to be part of the University of Hawaiʻi volleyball team.

RS: What does it mean to you to represent Hawaiʻi every time you step on the court?

KW: It is an honor and a privilege to be able to represent the state on the highest level, something I will never take for granted, because I know how much it means to the community and people of Hawaiʻi.

RS: Going into your second season at UH, what are you looking forward to?

KW: To put on a show every opportunity available and bring home the trophy when the time comes.

RS: How would you describe this team in a few words?

KW: Talented, Electric, Complete

RS: How does playing in front of the home crowd at the Stan Sheriff Center change your energy on game day?

KW: Getting fired up to play in the Stan is a feeling unlike any other – just being in front of the community that I was raised by is a surreal experience, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to play in the arena.

RS: What does success look like for you and this team by the end of the year?

KW: Success for myself and the team this season is to play in the National Championship and bring the trophy back home to Hawaiʻi the next morning.

RS: What was it like getting to compete with Team USA U21?

KW: Playing for the national team this summer was an awesome experience, not only for my volleyball career but also for building life skills. Being able to play in three different countries with different groups of guys was a great learning opportunity for me on and off the court.