Hopu Ka Lewa History

Past Hopu Ka Lewa Winners
YearChampionsBoat Race Winners Penultimate WinnersBeer Bracket Winners Spirit TeamSpirit Players
2007Hana HouSwingers & Dumpers    Swing of Fire 
2006bHana HouSwing of Fire BTP (California)  PiratesAri and Chris
2006aThree Hour TourThree Hour Tour    Swing of FireGeorgia Hart
2005Hana HouThree Hour Tour JaboutiSwingers & Dumpers   
2004Hana HouThree Hour Tour Forcing ZenSpirit Team Shock-N-AwesomeBrian G. and Joe Paradis
2003Diego En FuegoSwingers & Dumpers Lei My ChaminadeMaui Mana Swingers & DumpersHeather Mitchell and Mondo Chun
2002Hana HouSwingers & Dumpers ZenDiscSpirit Team Chaminadetoo many to write on trophy
2001Sugar SmacksSwingers & Dumpers Oregon Fighting Sheep  Oregon Fighting SheepMike Elhoff and Don Najita
2000Sugar SmacksSwingers & Dumpers    ZenDiscMondo Chun

Past Hopu Ka Lewa Details
YearHat-Draw LocationTournament Director Tournament Committee
2007Hawi, Big IslandLarua Gilda Kevin Kelly, Ari Patz, Katelyn Allers, Jason Sickmiller, Megan Grimshaw
2006b Aaron Rosa Kevin Kelly, Laura Gilda, Eric DeRuyeter, Jason Sickmiller, Kevin McGraw
2006aWaimea Kaua'iKevin Kelly Laura Gilda, Aaron Rosa, Eric DeRuyeter, Frances Ajo, Jason Sickmiller
2005Kaunakakai (One-ali'i Park), Moloka'iLaura Gilda Rebecca Eldredge, Sara Simmons, Heather Mitchell, Kevin Kelly, Frank Dabrosky, Jason Sickmiller
2004Hana, MauiDave Strang Laura Gilda, Rebecca Eldredge, Sara Simmons, Heather Mitchell, Kevin Kelly, Nate Adams
2003 Ignacio Lobos Rebecca Eldredge, Chris Johnson, Leilani Durand, Sara Simmons, Karen Brimacombe, Carolyn Garvey, Bartlett Durand, Laura Gilda
2002 Ignacio Lobos Rebecca Eldredge, Chris Johnson, Leilani Durand, Jim Teo, Karen Brimacombe, Ramzi Mirshak
2001Hanalei, Kaua'iIgnacio Lobos Scott Todd, Rebecca Eldredge, Chris Johnson, Leilani Durand, Jim Teo, Laura Gilda, Jacqui Ford
2000Hilo, Big IslandCorey Tyrrell Michael Constantinides, Helga Mispelblom Beyer, Ignacio Lobos, Julie Najita, Rick Needham, Scott Todd

History of Hopu Ka Lewa - By Ignacio Lobos

Late in 1999, somewhere far from the concrete jungle of Waikiki, a bunch of Honolulu Ultimate players high on too many cups of Kona Gold coffee decided it would be a great idea to have a relaxed, spirited coed tournament on the island of Oahu.

Surely, we thought, palm trees, plenty of sunshine and the brilliant blue waters of Hawaii would be enough to attract hundreds, if not thousands of teams to our little corner of the world. Already, Oahu was known for its successful Kaimana Klassik, a competitive tournament held by the Hawaii Ultimate League Association (HULA) for the last 14 years. The Klassik was turning teams away. And, so we thought, we would be saddled by the same problem.

Our first lesson in humility came on February 2000, when only one team had entered a bid. Eyebrows were raised, noses twitched in discomfort, and some grumbling was heard in the room as we pondered whether Hopu would turn from a dream into disappointment. Yet, this little group of disc players wasn't about to give up.

We pushed on, perhaps crazily, some might say. By April, nine teams had signed on, with 130 players joining our party. For our small Ultimate community in Oahu, it was quite a feat. We had teams from California, Minnesota and Virginia. Yet, without local players, the tournament would never have happened. So, our first thanks go to them, and to those who came from very far to join us for the love of the game.

In 2003, after four successful tournaments, Hopu took another big step. The HULA community voted to take Hopu under its wing and make it an official HULA tournament. We believe this move will ensure the continued success of the tourney.

Much mahalo and aloha should go to the first organizing Hopu Committee, which got this thing started. Corey Tyrrell was the tournament¹s first director, and the main thrust behind the idea of a coed tourney on Oahu. Joining him and keeping things running smoothly were Julie Najita, Michael Constantinides, Rick Needham, Helga Mispelblom Beyer, Ignacio Lobos and Scott Todd.