Larry Price, an influential figure in each setting he graced his presence with in the Islands, died peacefully on Friday. He was 91.
Price was a defensive tackle on the University of Hawai‘i football team from 1961 to 1964. He then went on to coach UH as an assistant coach from 1967 to 1973 before taking over as head coach from 1974 to 1976.
Following his coaching career, Price left an indelible mark on local media in Hawai‘i. Along with Michael W. Perry, he co-hosted Perry & Price on KSSK for 33 years. The show was one of the state's most prominent and popular shows during its run from 1983 to 2016. All the while, Price regularly wrote a column for MidWeek and also served as a color commentator on local high school football broadcasts.
Price is also remembered for the value he placed on education. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, as well as a Master of Business Administration from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Southern California, and even completed additional work as a post-doctorate student at Stanford University.
Price paid his education forward, teaching MBA courses at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Through various initiatives and endeavors, he encouraged and guided countless local youths in the pursuit of higher education.
Price's family provided a statement to select media on Friday announcing his death:
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Larry D. Price of Honolulu, Hawai‘i, on March 27, 2026. He passed peacefully.
Price was known as an athlete, professor, news columnist for Mid-Week, sportscaster for OC16, and beloved radio personality as part of the Perry & Price morning show on KSSK-FM as part of the morning duo, Perry & Price; many knew him simply as Coach.
We appreciate the prayers and sympathies conveyed. The family requests privacy during this time.
Mahalo,
The Price Ohana"
The tributes for Price poured in following his family's announcement, including from the University of Hawai‘i football team's official X account.
KSSK's programming on Monday largely consisted of sharing memories of Price and celebrating his life and legacy.
The walls at KSSK were lined with Larry Price tributes on Monday. (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
The walls at KSSK were lined with Larry Price tributes on Monday. (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
The walls at KSSK were lined with Larry Price tributes on Monday. (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
The walls at KSSK were lined with Larry Price tributes on Monday. (Aloha State Daily Staff)
“Many people knew Larry Price the legend, we knew Larry who was a friend to so many. He spent his life in service to others," Scott Hogle, iHeartMedia market president, Honolulu, said in a statement. "Larry’s legacy will live on for generations through the people he touched."
Added Hogle: “For 33 years, six days a week, six hours a day, it was an honor to be beside the most intelligent, hilarious, fearless, outspoken, thoughtful, generous, motivational man I ever met. God created Larry Price and broke the mold. See you in heaven someday Coach, can’t wait to hear you laugh again."
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
