Honolulu Little League World Champs Celebrate on Maui

Honolulu Little League World Series Champions visited the Maui Sunday Market at Kahului Shopping Center on Sunday, Oct. 21. Courtesy photo.

The Honolulu Little League World Series Champions visited the Maui Sunday Market at Kahului Shopping Center on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, meeting with hundreds of Maui fans of all ages in a celebration of the aloha spirit.

Head Coach Gerald Oda addressed the crowd, sharing the team’s journey throughout the season, with an emphasis on the team’s values of humility and respect.

The championship team of 14 boys, undefeated in the 2018 season, took photos and interacted with the crowd.

Second base player/pitcher Sean Yamaguchi autographs a baseball from Rex Hong of Kahului who plays on the Ekolu Bostillos team. Courtesy photo.

“It’s such a great honor to represent everyone from the state of Hawai‘i,” said Coach Oda. “It’s not too often that 14 kids from O‘ahu can travel to the mainland and represent our great state and get to come to Maui and to really thank everyone for their support.

Any time we travel, these kids learn it’s a big responsibility to represent everyone back home and the values we have, and to especially share the aloha spirit with the rest of the world.”

Kyren Fukudagets his cap signed by outfielder and big hitter Chandler Murray. Courtesy photo.

“We’re grateful to the Little Leaguers for joining us today in Maui to meet their fans, including many young aspiring ballplayers,” said Dwight Burns, event spokesperson. “Their championship spirit goes far beyond their success on the field—it’s evident in their dedication, commitment and the aloha they shared with us today.”

Left fielder Caleb Okada signs autographs for enthusiastic fans from Maui. Courtesy photo.

In addition to the meet-­and-­greet, attendees enjoyed food, games and prizes.

The event culminated in the weekly Maui Sunday Market, a community gathering, showcasing local vendors, entertainment and food trucks.