Hawaii Bowl 2025: Cal Meets Hawaii in a High-Stakes Island Showdown

The California Golden Bears will face the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the 2025 Hawaii Bowl. The game kicks off Wednesday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. It will be played at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu.

This matchup is laden with personal history. Cal’s interim head coach, Nick Rolovich, is a former Hawaii quarterback and head coach. He will lead the Bears against his alma mater and former teammate, Hawaii coach Timmy Chang.

Interim Coach Leads Cal in Emotional Return

Nick Rolovich’s return to Hawaii is the week’s central storyline. He was Hawaii’s head coach from 2016 to 2019. As a player, he threw 34 touchdown passes for the Rainbow Warriors in 2001.

Now he guides a Cal team fresh off an upset over then-No. 21 SMU. That victory secured the Bears’ first winning season since 2019. Rolovich is 2-1 in Hawaii Bowls from his previous tenure as Hawaii’s coach.

His counterpart, Timmy Chang, is a Hawaii legend. Chang set the NCAA career passing yards record during his playing days. He and Rolovich were teammates and competitors for the starting quarterback job two decades ago.

Key Matchups and Season-Defining Stakes

Both teams have potent offenses but struggle to run the ball. Cal ranks last nationally in rushing offense. Hawaii is not much better, sitting at 125th in the same category.

This puts the focus squarely on the quarterbacks. Cal freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, a Hawaii native, was brilliant in relief against SMU. Hawaii’s Micah Alejado leads the Mountain West in passing yards per game.

A win would give Cal eight victories, its most since 2019. Hawaii seeks its ninth win, a rare feat for the program in the last 15 years. According to ESPN’s coverage, the game is considered a near toss-up, with Cal favored by just 1.5 points.

The 2025 Hawaii Bowl is more than a postseason game. It is a homecoming filled with legacy, rivalry, and redemption. The result will define the closing chapter for two programs on the rise.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Why is the coaching storyline so important for this Hawaii Bowl?

Cal’s interim coach, Nick Rolovich, is a former Hawaii quarterback and head coach. He is facing his alma mater and his former teammate, Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang. This deep personal history adds a unique emotional layer to the competitive matchup.

Who are the key players to watch in this game?

For Cal, watch freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and WR Jacob De Jesus, who is one catch from the school’s season record. For Hawaii, QB Micah Alejado and All-America kicker Kensai Matsuzawa, nicknamed “The Tokyo Toe,” are crucial.

What is the significance of Cal having a winning season?

Cal’s victory over SMU guaranteed its first winning record since 2019. Finishing with eight wins would match its best season total since 2008, marking a significant turnaround for the program.

How has Hawaii performed at home this season?

Hawaii has been strong at home, posting a 6-1 record at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex this season. Their only home loss was by two points to Fresno State.

What is the betting line for the Hawaii Bowl?

As of Tuesday, California was a slight 1.5-point favorite over Hawaii according to major sportsbooks. The over/under for total points scored is set at 52.5.