The Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League opened up minicamp on Maui on Tuesday, engaging in multiple community event and activations across the Valley Isle.
After arriving on Maui on Monday, the Rams took the field at War Memorial Stadium on Tuesday in Wailuku. Star players such as quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Puka Nacua were present and greeted by fans.
"It feels like home," said Nacua, who has been on O‘ahu a handful of times as a player and special guest at the Polynesian Bowl. "As soon as we got off the plane, the first person, he gave me a big hug and he said, 'Oh, thank you so much for everything you do for the Polynesian community.' That's how I expected it to be: To have a warm welcome and a hug. I thought he was going to have a spam musubi, but it's alright."
Activities included a free flag football clinic for Maui youth, as well as a team practice.
On Tuesday, it was also announced that the Rams, in collaboration with Hollman Lockers, plan to refurbish and renovate the locker rooms at Lahainaluna High School.
The Rams will practice again on Wednesday in a session that is free. However, tickets are required for attendance.
The Rams' week in Maui, also known as "Mauicamp," runs through Thursday, June 19. The Rams have supported the island of Maui ever since the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, printing Rams-themes "Malama Maui" T-shirts in which funds raised went toward wildfire relief.
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
