Funds raised through the support of teams, alumni and fans will benefit children and families recovering from Hurricane Lowell
TOURNAMENT FACTS
Dates: October 19–21, 2026
Venue: Ocean Course at Hōkūala
Location: Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i
Yardage (Par): 5,929 (72)
Format: 54 holes; 18 holes each day; 5-count-4
Tee Times: 9:30 a.m. HST, shotgun start on Monday and Tuesday; 9:00 a.m. HST shotgun start on Wednesday
Live Scoring: SCOREBOARD
Host: The University of Hawai‘i
Defending Team Champion: Baylor (851; -14)
Defending Individual Champion: Yurang Li, Baylor (204; -12)
Donation Link: 2026 Rainbow Wahine Invitational supports children affected by Hurricane Lowell
TEEING OFF
The 30th Rainbow Wahine Invitational – the University of Hawai‘i’s storied women’s golf tournament – will be contested for the second straight year on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala on Kaua‘i after formerly being played for a quarter century on O‘ahu. From Oct. 19–21, 13 teams from 11 states and one from Japan will tee it up on Hawai‘i’s “Garden Isle.”
Following Hurricane Lowell, this year’s Rainbow Wahine Invitational carries special significance for Kaua‘i. Welcoming teams from across the United States and Japan provides an opportunity to demonstrate the island’s resilience and readiness to host NCAA Division I competition, while simultaneously supporting hurricane relief efforts and the island’s economic recovery.
The tournament will support a collaborative message to visitors around the world: “Kauaʻi is Open with Aloha.”
KAUA‘I STRONG
In partnership with 501(c)(3) organization HerbieGives, a fundraising campaign has been launched to address immediate hurricane recovery needs, while continuing a long-term mission of supporting local families and community initiatives. Tournament supporters, participating universities, alumni, visitors and those unable to attend are invited to support in one of three ways:
- Visit: Experience and support Kauaʻi’s economy while respecting recovering communities.
- Share: Spread the word that Kauaʻi is Open with Aloha.
- Give: Support families and communities affected by Hurricane Lowell with this fundraiser.
TEAMS (14)
App State, BYU, Eastern Michigan, Grand Canyon, Hawai‘i, Kansas State, Long Beach State, Nevada, Osaka Gakuin (Japan), Prairie View A&M, Sacramento State, San Diego State, Tulane and Washington State.
Osaka Gakuin (Japan) is the only non-U.S. university in this year’s field.
Three-time tournament champion, Sacramento State (2013, ’16, ’19), will be led by freshman Emilia Schneider, who finished second overall in last month’s Kalispel Invitational in Washington.
2015 tournament champion BYU will travel to Kaua‘i following two consecutive top-five finishes to open the 2026-27 season. The Cougars enter the event anchored by senior standout María José “MJ” Barragán.
Tulane will be guided by the American Conference’s September Women’s Player of the Month, Francesca Pompa. The Green Wave junior earned the honor after finishing first individually in last month’s Tulane Classic.
Pompa’s teammate, sophomore Sophia Macias, also finished tied for first individually last week in the Ron Moore Intercollegiate in Colorado.
Purdue Fort Wayne transfer and Hawai‘i senior, Olivia Jang, will look to guide the Rainbow Wahine after being UH’s top finisher in the season-opening Ben Connell Ram Classic in Colorado. She tied for 19th place overall with a one-over-par 217 in the 54-hole event.
VENUE
The Ocean Course at Hōkūala, home to the longest continuous stretch of oceanfront holes in the state, is part of a picturesque 450-acre resort property surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Kalapaki Bay and Hā‘upu Mountain Range.
Following extensive hurricane recovery efforts, the Ocean Course at Hōkūala has reopened with pristine greens and championship-level playing conditions, thanks to the extraordinary dedication of the club’s maintenance and operations teams led by Rey Tacsiat. Hosting the Rainbow Wahine Invitational marks an important milestone in the course’s recovery and reaffirms its commitment to welcoming visitors to Kauaʻi.
EVENT HISTORY
Originally created as the Princeville Rainbow Wahine Fall Classic, and later known as the Rainbow Wahine Invitational as the event moved islands and golf courses, UH’s annual fall event has hosted impressive teams and individuals during its 29-year history. UCLA leads all programs with five team titles, followed by Sacramento State (3), Baylor (3), Colorado State (2), Florida International (2) and San Francisco (2). Baylor is the defending champion.
QUOTES
“This year is especially meaningful as we host the 30th edition of this special event,” said Hawai‘i Women’s Golf Head Coach and three-time Big West Coach of the Year, Julie Brooks. “This tournament provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase Kaua‘i, celebrate the tradition of Rainbow Wahine golf and share the special spirit of Aloha with the collegiate athletic community.”
“The Rainbow Wahine Invitational represents something bigger than golf. We have an incredible opportunity to bring people together physically and virtually to support our island’s recovery, while showing the world that Kauaʻi is Open with Aloha,” reflected Tom Freestone, PGA, General Manager, Ocean Course at Hōkūala.
“If I were inviting a friend to visit Kauaʻi, I’d encourage them to experience our island through the people who know it best – my friends across Kauaʻi who take great pride in sharing what makes this place so special. Let them welcome you at our beautiful resorts, introduce you to our award-winning golf courses, guide you on unforgettable adventures with trusted activity companies and invite you to shop, dine and support the businesses they’ve poured their hearts into.
“Most importantly, visit with aloha. Friends and neighbors are still recovering, rebuilding their homes and lives back together. They need our understanding, respect and space to heal. I would ask guests to honor the guidance and requests of these communities while enjoying the many wonderful experiences that Kauaʻi is ready to share.”
E ALA E: SUNDAY
On Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6:00 a.m. prior to the 9:00 a.m. tournament practice round, players, coaches and spectators are welcome to join at the club for a traditional Hawaiian E Ala E ceremony. Taking place on the 13th green, participants will clear their minds and body, letting go of the old and setting a clear intention for the day. Interested parties can meet on the 13th hole tee box at 6:00 a.m. Parking is available in the paved lot adjacent to the tee box.
ATTENDANCE: SUNDAY – WEDNESDAY
Practice round and tournament round attendance is free for all walking spectators to watch the future stars of women’s professional golf. Parking is available on-site. The Ocean Course at Hōkūala is a five-minute drive from Lihue Airport (LIH).
About Ocean Course at Hōkūala
Home to the longest continuous stretch of oceanfront holes in the state of Hawai‘i, the Ocean Course was named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Golf Courses” by MSN Travel. The 18-hole golf course is part of Timbers Kaua‘i Ocean Club & Residences, a private residential club which opened in 2018 on the island’s southeast coast. Timbers Kaua‘i sits on a 450-acre natural amphitheater and offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, Kalapaki Bay and Hā‘upu Mountain Range. Website | Facebook | Instagram
About Troon
The Ocean Course at Hōkūala is managed by Indigo Sports, a Troon company. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company, providing services at locations in 45-plus states and 40-plus countries. In addition to private, daily fee, resort and municipal golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues.
MEDIA CONTACT
Pate Clarson
pclarson@golfhokuala.com
The post Kaua‘i’s Ocean Course at Hōkūala to Host Historic 30th Rainbow Wahine Invitational Next Week appeared first on The Golf Wire.