Homecoming 2026

Rachel Radona is a local artist and a recent UH Mānoa Graduate. She earned her Degree in Art and American Studies. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, Rachel found art as a way to contribute to the Lāhui (community) and perpetuate culture. She credits her growth and learning through art not only to her ʻohana (family), but to Hawaiʻi and its people.

Artist Statement
"In this piece, I tried to capture the vibrant energy and positivity that I have experienced, and hope others experience in my time in UH Mānoa Athletics! To me, it represents the spirit, pride, and ʻOhana that make the University of Hawaiʻi such a special place. Each element carries its own meaning, from the ti leaf representing positivity and the connection between UH and its supporters, to the hibiscus representing Hawaiʻi, pride, and community, which we all share in each game we go to! The lei symbolizes aloha and the celebration of coming together, while the UH shaka represents the connection between athletes and families (fans). The rainbow reflects the identity of the Rainbow Warriors and the feeling of becoming one team, while the football, wave, and surfboard captures that energy, traditions that make Hawaiʻi unique, and moments of UH athletics that I will cherish forever.

The vibrant colors throughout the piece are intentional, representing the energy, excitement, and spirit I felt at every game! Just as the crowd comes alive through cheers, shakas, the waving of ti leaves, crowd waves and rainbows, the bright colors bring that same sense of movement and enthusiasm! Altogether, these symbols create a celebration of UH, Hawaiʻi, and the ʻOhana that continues to support and uplift this amazing community. Cheerleading at the University of Hawaiʻi taught me so much, but one of the biggest things it taught me is that the arenas being in Hawaiʻi doesnʻt make it a “Hawaiʻi” game if that makes sense. It is the people! The combination of the ti leaves waving, the loud RAIN and BOWS, the leis made with aloha, the colors worn with pride. These are things that make our games so special, and our community so special. These are what makes our times as Athletes in Hawaiʻi an amazing experience. ( I could probably go on forever telling so many stories about cheering here!)"