First-ever Island Fest brings international club volleyball to Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Competition began Thursday for Island Fest, Hawaiʻi’s first-ever international club volleyball championship tournament.

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Founder Jason Olive is a former University of Hawaiʻi men’s volleyball player and First Team All-American. He said he wants visiting teams to experience “aloha ball.”

“Over 60% of the teams are from the mainland, and three, four different countries are competing,” he said. “This sport is not just a sport, but actually a cultural tradition in Hawaiʻi.”

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Tournament play continues Saturday and Sunday at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

But true to Olive’s word, Island Fest isn’t relegated to the court. Friday is reserved for “Adventure Day,” where participants are invited to enjoy what Oʻahu has to offer.

Additional events include a “Genki Ball” toss along the Ala Wai Canal, a lūʻau, and a Hall of Fame dinner to celebrate the induction of Hawaiʻi volleyball legends Jon Stanley and Fanny Hopeau.

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