Transfer Kela Moore joins brother Kona on UH football team

The Hawaii football team is counting on the Moore brothers to help fill the void at deep safety.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:31am

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UNLV transfer Kela Moore has joined his brother Kona on the University of Hawaii football team this semester. The Moore brothers are expected to play key roles in the Rainbow Warriors' secondary, with Kona viewed as a potential starter and Kela expected to make an immediate impact.

Why it matters

The departure of starting safeties Peter Manuma and Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen has left a void in the Hawaii defense, and the coaching staff is counting on the Moore brothers to help fill that gap. Having the two brothers playing together in the same position group is a unique situation that the safeties coach believes can be beneficial for their development.

The details

Kela Moore, who graduated early from Campbell High School, joined UNLV in 2024 but decided to enter the transfer portal after last season. His brother Kona, who has dealt with injuries during his time at Hawaii, then asked the coaching staff if Kela could join the team. The brothers, who grew up playing youth football together, are now living together in Kapolei and are excited to be reunited on the field.

  • Kela Moore joined UNLV in January 2024 after graduating early from high school.
  • Kela Moore entered the transfer portal after the 2025 season.
  • Kona Moore suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the 7th game of the 2025 season.
  • Kona Moore missed the 2023 season due to an ACL injury.
  • Kona Moore was injured in a helmet-first collision during a spring practice in 2023.

The players

Kela Moore

A transfer from UNLV who has joined the University of Hawaii football team this semester and is expected to make an immediate impact in the secondary.

Kona Moore

Kela's brother, who has played for the University of Hawaii and is viewed as a potential starter at deep safety.

Peter Manuma

A starting safety for Hawaii who completed his NCAA eligibility at the end of the 2025 season.

Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen

A starting safety for Hawaii who completed his NCAA eligibility at the end of the 2025 season.

Nick Locher

The safeties coach for the University of Hawaii football team.

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What they’re saying

“It's good and unique. I've never coached two brothers in the same (position) room.”

— Nick Locher, Safeties Coach

“What makes the guys in the roof really good is their ability to feel and anticipate what the quarterback is doing. And their ability to transition in the open field because of how fluid their hips are, how quick their feet are, how fast they can cover space.”

— Nick Locher, Safeties Coach

“It's a feeling you can't describe. I haven't played with him in 10 years. We went to different high schools. But we have a great connection on the field you can't explain.”

— Kona Moore

“It's just like we're kids again playing youth football.”

— Kela Moore

What’s next

The coaching staff will continue to evaluate the Moore brothers and determine their roles on the team as the spring practice session progresses.

The takeaway

The reunion of the Moore brothers on the Hawaii football team provides a unique opportunity for the coaching staff to leverage their strong connection and chemistry as they look to fill the void left by the departures of the team's starting safeties.