Hilo High Vik Queens Aim to Build on Flag Football Success

The team looks to take the next step after a strong 2025 season.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Hilo High Vik Queens flag football team had a dominant 8-1 season in the BIIF's east side division last year, but fell short in the semifinals of the BIIF championship tournament. They made it to the state tournament, where they lost in the first round, but gained valuable experience. This year's team features several returnees, though most players are still learning the game and need more reps. Former head coach Casey-Leigh Sabate-Haunio stepped down to focus on developing the Hilo Queens club team, and Kimo Akaka Jr. has taken over as the new head coach.

Why it matters

The Vik Queens' success last season has raised expectations, and the team is looking to build on that momentum and make a deeper run in the postseason this year. The transition to a new head coach also presents an opportunity for the program to take the next step in its development.

The details

The Vik Queens are led by junior Carly Akaka, an All-BIIF wide receiver last year who will now play middle linebacker on defense in addition to her offensive duties. Last year's starting quarterback, Kai'ulani Kahanu, is also back, though she may miss some games due to volleyball commitments. Sophomore Nalei Ka'apana-Suzoi will step in at QB when Kahanu is unavailable. In their first game of the season, the Vik Queens fell to Kealakehe 28-7, but the defense showed promise and the team is focused on learning from the experience.

  • The Vik Queens finished the 2025 season with an 8-1 record.
  • They lost in the semifinals of the 2025 BIIF championship tournament.
  • The team made the 2025 state tournament, where they lost in the first round.
  • The 2026 season is now underway, with the Vik Queens' first game resulting in a 28-7 loss to Kealakehe.

The players

Casey-Leigh Sabate-Haunio

The former head coach of the Hilo High Vik Queens, who stepped down to focus on developing the Hilo Queens club team.

Kimo Akaka Jr.

The new head coach of the Hilo High Vik Queens, who is excited for the opportunity to coach his daughter, Carly Akaka.

Carly Akaka

A junior who was an All-BIIF wide receiver in 2025 and will now play middle linebacker on defense in addition to her offensive duties.

Kai'ulani Kahanu

The returning starting quarterback, who is also pursuing college volleyball opportunities and may miss some games.

Nalei Ka'apana-Suzoi

The sophomore who will step in at quarterback when Kahanu is unavailable, and also plays cornerback.

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What they’re saying

“It's all about the fundamentals, back to basics, nothing fancy, just buckle down on the key skills.”

— Kimo Akaka Jr., Head Coach (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“Scoring touchdowns against the other team.”

— Carly Akaka, Junior (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“Hard work, learning from the games they play and getting better every week.”

— Nalei Ka'apana-Suzoi, Sophomore (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

What’s next

The Vik Queens will look to bounce back from their opening-game loss and continue developing their skills and team chemistry as they aim to return to the state tournament with an improved outcome.

The takeaway

The Vik Queens' strong 2025 season has raised expectations, and the team is focused on taking the next step in their development under new head coach Kimo Akaka Jr. While they have some key returnees, the team is still learning the game and will need to focus on fundamentals and gaining more experience to achieve their goals this season.