Christian Shimabuku
Although I didn't move to Hawaiʻi until after high school, I have been connected to the Islands and followed Hawaiʻi sports my entire life. My father was born and raised on Oʻahu, and my family would come to Hawaiʻi for Christmas to visit his family members on an annual basis. Deep down, I always knew it's where I wanted to spend my life. The last 11 and a half years have only reaffirmed that.
I got my start in journalism covering sports for Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi, the student newspaper at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. I was also a sports clerk/sports reporter at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for a total of about four years. After graduation, I interned at the Sporting News in Charlotte, N.C. in the summer of 2018 before returning to the Star-Advertiser. In November 2019, I joined KHON2 News in Honolulu as a digital sports reporter for five years.
The sports scene in Hawaiʻi as a whole is robust and at times, complex. I truly believe Hawaiʻi is home to some of the world's greatest people and athletes. Being able to tell their stories for the last decade has been an honor and a blessing. I can't wait to do the same for Aloha State Daily. Getting in on the ground floor for a new venture is something I always found intriguing and with ASD, it's something I'll be able to do for the first time. Additionally, ASD's commitment to journalism comes at a time where I believe it is more important than ever in our world to support local and quality journalism.
Latest from Christian Shimabuku
Hawai‘i Athletics makes final appearance at legislative hearing before 2026-2027 decision
UH is asking for a total of $16 million in NIL funds and capital improvements.
Christian ShimabukuApril 08, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: UH beach volleyball set for senior weekend
The Rainbow Wahine will host one final homestand this weekend before embarking for the Big West tournament at the end of the month.
Christian ShimabukuApril 07, 2026
No. 6 Hawai‘i water polo earns Big West regular season title in dominant senior night victory
UH routed Cal State Fullerton 20-2 in its home finale on Friday, delivering a special moment for its seven seniors at the end of the match.
Christian ShimabukuApril 04, 2026
Hawai‘i surfing community comes together for Kona low storm relief
Multiple raffles, in addition to a Saturday giveaway, aim to help those affected by March's devastating Kona low storms.
Christian ShimabukuApril 03, 2026
No. 2 Hawai‘i men's volleyball on pace to host NCAA Tournament match
If the Rainbow Warriors maintain their winning ways, an NCAA Tournament match could be played at the Stan Sheriff Center in May, thanks to an expanded field in 2026.
Christian ShimabukuApril 02, 2026
Hawai‘i football and broadcast icon Larry Price remembered for impact on and off the field
Price passed away peacefully on Friday. He was 91.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 31, 2026
Hawai‘i women's basketball head coach Laura Beeman announces retirement
Beeman, who took over for the Rainbow Wahine in 2012, went 244-180 in 14 seasons with UH.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 31, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: No. 6 Hawai‘i water polo closes out home slate
The Rainbow Wahine will close out their home slate on Friday evening against Cal State Fullerton.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 30, 2026
Multiple venues on O‘ahu to host flood relief drives
In an ongoing effort to help those affected by flooding by the Kona Low storm, a variety of relief drives have been scheduled throughout the Islands.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 28, 2026
NFL standout Nick Herbig hosts hometown camp
Through HerbieGives, a nonprofit organization founded by Herbig in 2023, multiple charitable events have been held on his home island over the years.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 27, 2026
Hawai‘i softball coach Panita Thanatharn reflects on series win over her alma mater
Thanathan guided UH to a series win at Long Beach State over the weekend, the same school where she was a player and assistant coach for a total of over 20 years.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 26, 2026
Hawaiʻi football enters crucial second phase of offseason
The Rainbow Warriors deliberately began spring practices early in order to have more time focus on their strength and conditioning program, which begins this week.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 25, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: UH baseball returns home after extended road trip
The Rainbow Warriors notched a series win at preseason Big West favorite UC Santa Barbara over the weekend.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 23, 2026
Hawai‘i men's volleyball emerges as Big West favorite after series sweep at Long Beach State
The Rainbow Warriors, who hadn't beaten The Beach on the road since 2015, earned a pair of road victories on Friday and Saturday.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 22, 2026
Aloha Stadium marches towards 2029 completion
The Aloha Stadium authority and its developer have shared a bevy of key updates in recent weeks.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 21, 2026
Hawai‘i basketball eliminated by Arkansas in NCAA Tournament
The Rainbow Warriors could not recover from a slow start on Thursday and were promptly knocked out of their first Big Dance in a decade.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 20, 2026
Hawai‘i men's volleyball opens up Big West play at archnemesis Long Beach State
The Beach is ranked No. 2 in the country, while the Rainbow Warriors are ranked third in the AVCA national collegiate men's volleyball poll.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 19, 2026
Hawai‘i men's basketball shifts focus to loaded Arkansas squad at NCAA Tournament
The Rainbow Warriors will take on one of the country's best teams during their NCAA Tournament opener on Thursday.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 17, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: The 'Bows are ready to dance
The Rainbow Warriors are playing in their first Big Dance in 10 years, taking on SEC champion Arkansas in the first full day of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 16, 2026
Hawai‘i men's basketball punches ticket to NCAA Tournament for first time since 2016
In their final Big West game, the Rainbow Warriors defeated UC Irvine in the conference tournament on Saturday night in Henderson, Nev.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 16, 2026
Former Hawai‘i men's volleyball assistant coach Milan Zarkovic returns to Islands with UCLA
After 12 seasons on UH's staff, Zarkovic is in his first season as UCLA's associate head coach.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 13, 2026
Hawai‘i Pacific basketball standout Joshua West inspires with max effort
West has been the star player for the Sharks, who will play in just their third NCAA Tournament as a program on Friday. The Chicago native has led by example both on and off the court.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 13, 2026
Hawai‘i women's basketball primed for deep run in final Big West tournament
The Rainbow Wahine, set to depart for the Mountain West, are looking for one last Big West trophy this week.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 12, 2026
Tua Tagovailoa released by Miami Dolphins, set to sign with Atlanta Falcons
Tagovailoa had been with the Dolphins since getting selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 11, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: Tournament time for basketball
Multiple teams across multiple levels will play to keep their postseason hopes alive this week.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 09, 2026
Wai‘anae's Max Holloway relinquishes BMF belt at UFC 326
In a rematch with Charles Oliveira over a decade in the making, Holloway lost via unanimous decision to the Brazilian grappler.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 08, 2026
Hawai‘i men's basketball stunned on senior night against Long Beach State
The Rainbow Warriors will be the 2 seed during next week's Big West tournament in Henderson, Nev.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 08, 2026
Wai‘anae's Max Holloway continues to chase greatness ahead of next UFC bout
Holloway will headline UFC 326 on Saturday in Las Vegas, putting his BMF belt on the line against Brazil's Charles Oliveira.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 07, 2026
Competition for key spots in Hawai‘i's special teams unit will carry into the fall
The Rainbow Warriors will have the tall task of replacing both their historic kicker and prolific punter in 2026.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 06, 2026
Hawai‘i men's basketball standout Isaac "Big Fish" Johnson rediscovers his love for the game in Islands
Johnson, a senior transfer and one of the team's star players, has been one of the biggest keys in the program's turnaround in the 2025-2026 season.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 05, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: After BYU series sweep, Hawaiʻi men's volleyball to take on Pepperdine
A bevy of sporting events will take place across the state in the coming week.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 02, 2026
Hawai‘i baseball takes series from Ball State, heading into Big West play with winning momentum
The Rainbow Warriors outscored the Cardinals 24-2, lifted by a bevy of strong performances at the plate and on the mound.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 02, 2026
Hawai‘i women's basketball routs Cal State Fullerton on senior night
The Rainbow Wahine have won 12 of their last 13 games heading into the final week of the regular season.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 01, 2026
Hawai‘i men's volleyball gives fans a show with sweep over BYU
The Rainbow Warriors had no trouble closing out the Cougars on Friday night, taking the series finale in straight sets.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 28, 2026
Aloha Stadium Authority holds first meeting at new location
Thursday morning's meeting also served as the first for Walter Thoemmes as the new Stadium Authority chair.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 27, 2026
Hawai‘i men's volleyball reignites BYU rivalry on short notice
The Rainbow Warriors will play at the Stan Sheriff Center for the first time in over a month, welcoming back a historic rival to the Islands.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 24, 2026
Hawai‘i cornerback Caleb "C-Bo" Brown is back like he never left
Brown played for the Rainbow Warriors from 2023 to 2024 before transferring to Virginia Tech in 2025. In 2026, he's back where his heart belongs.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 23, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: UH women's basketball closes out home slate
The Rainbow Wahine have won 10 of their last 11 games heading into their final pair of home games.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 23, 2026
Hawai‘i men's basketball triumphs over UC Santa Barbara on AC Carter night
The Rainbow Warriors prevailed over the Gauchos in overtime in front of a season-high crowd.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 22, 2026
Hawai‘i baseball wins on Les Murakami Hall of Fame night
The Rainbow Warriors honored their legendary coach before improving to 5-1 for the 2026 season on Friday night.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 21, 2026
Danny Alvarez set to make debut as Hawai‘i beach volleyball head coach
The No. 16 Rainbow Wahine will play six teams at the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic this week, all of whom are in the top 10.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 19, 2026
AC Carter returns to Hawai‘i ahead of jersey retirement
UH will honor Carter and retire his No. 23 jersey during Saturday night's game against UC Santa Barbara.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 18, 2026
Officials gather for new Aloha Stadium milestones
A blessing was held for the Aloha Stadium Authority's temporary office, where multiple new pieces of information were also revealed.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 18, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: UH men's basketball looking to stay atop Big West
The Rainbow Warriors will host Cal Poly on Thursday and UC Santa Barbara on Saturday in a pivotal pair of conference matchups.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 17, 2026
Guided by Mānoa Magic, Hawai‘i baseball wins season-opening series over Gonzaga
The Rainbow Warriors took three out of four from the Bulldogs, beginning and ending the series with heart-stopping finishes.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 17, 2026
UH testifies for increased NIL support
On Wednesday, over a dozen combined UH athletes and coaches spoke in favor of House Bill 2384, aimed at increasing NIL funds for the school's athletics department.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 13, 2026
Hawai‘i ace pitcher Isaiah Magdaleno readies for his moment
Magdaleno will get the start on opening day for the Rainbow Warriors on Friday night against Gonzaga.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 13, 2026
Hawai‘i men's volleyball continues to take on the best amidst scheduling pivot
The Rainbow Warriors will travel to No. 18 Stanford before taking on a longtime rival at the end of the month thanks to a new scheduling change.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 11, 2026
Sean Yamaguchi isn't done living out his baseball dreams
Yamaguchi, the former Honolulu Little League star, is on the verge of starting his professional career, where he hopes to live out a goal of making the Major Leagues.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 10, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: The BaseBows are back
The Rainbow Warriors will begin their 2026 season on Friday against Gonzaga.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 09, 2026
Panita Thanatharn has winning weekend in Hawai‘i softball debut
The Rainbow Wahine went 4-1, winning their first four contests.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 09, 2026
Hawai‘i alum Jahlani Tavai joins exclusive club ahead of Super Bowl debut
Tavai is the first player with direct ties to the Aloha State to compete in the Super Bowl since 2023.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 07, 2026
Mid-Pacific's Isiah Kiner-Falefa to sign with Boston Red Sox
Kiner-Falefa will play with his fifth MLB team in 2026.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 06, 2026
Hawai‘i softball set to officially begin Panita Thanatharn era
The Rainbow Wahine will play for a new head coach for the first time since 1992 on Thursday evening.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 05, 2026
Hawai‘i football begins spring practices, staying with strategy to take the field early
The Rainbow Warriors were again one of the first teams in the country to begin spring practices despite playing in a bowl game in December.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 04, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: UH softball set to begin 2026 season
The Rainbow Wahine will officially begin the Panita Thanatharn era on Thursday.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 02, 2026
Beeman's Big Bash obliges lively crowd from start to finish
The Rainbow Wahine improved to 3-0 in Beeman's Big Bash contests while winning their sixth straight game in the current season.
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 01, 2026
Hawai‘i women's basketball enters Beeman's Big Bash with serious momentum
The Rainbow Wahine have won five straight games heading into Saturday night's festivities.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 31, 2026
New Aloha Stadium 'a manapua away' from key agreements
In its first off-site meeting, the Aloha Stadium Authority shared continued optimism toward a March 2029 completion date.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 29, 2026
Dane Fujinaka closes in on 100th win as Hawai‘i Pacific baseball head coach
The Sharks open their 2026 season, Fujinaka's fifth at the helm, against Cal State Los Angeles on Friday.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 29, 2026
UH-Mānoa students can win free in-state tuition during basketball challenge
In each of the 11 remaining UH home basketball games, one full-time student will have 25 seconds to knock thousands of dollars off the cost of their schooling.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 27, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: Beeman's Big Bash returns
UH looks to stay unbeaten in its annual promotional night for its women's head basketball coach.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 27, 2026
Hawai‘i baseball program legend Kolten Wong returns to play in alumni game
Wong, who confirmed his retirement during a Rainbow Warrior baseball game last May, competed in the program's annual alumni game on Saturday.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 27, 2026
Q&A: Hawai‘i head football coach Timmy Chang reflects on 2025 breakthrough and looks ahead to 2026
Following the program's best season of the decade, Chang and the Rainbow Warriors are hungry for more. In an interview with ASD, Chang reflects on recent success and what's next ahead of a highly anticipated 2026 campaign.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 24, 2026
Restocked roster leads to optimistic outlook for 2026 Hawai‘i football team
Following the closure of the NCAA transfer portal, the Rainbow Warriors were able to retain a handful of impact returnees.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 23, 2026
Hawai‘i looks to keep top spot in Big West standings in upcoming homestand
The Rainbow Warriors will host Cal State Bakersfield on Thursday and Cal State Northridge on Saturday night.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 22, 2026
Hawai‘i baseball takes the field for annual alumni game
Admission to Saturday's game is free.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 21, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: Back to basketball
After playing four home matches in two days last week, the UH men's volleyball team will not have a home contest until March.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 19, 2026
Chris Gotterup wins 2026 Sony Open in midst of tournament's unclear future
Gotterup's victory could be the last time the PGA Tour comes to the Islands, though the champion certainly hopes that's not the case.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 19, 2026
No. 3 Hawai‘i men's volleyball goes unbeaten in compressed week
The Rainbow Warriors defeated Rockhurst and Roberts Wesleyan in Wednesday and Friday doubleheaders at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 17, 2026
Team Mauka wins 2026 Polynesian Bowl
UH's Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex hosted the all-star game for the first time on Friday afternoon.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 17, 2026
Hawai‘i softball encourages fan participation in new fundraiser
The Rainbow Wahine are trying something new under first-year head coach Panita Thanatharn.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 16, 2026
Sony Open set to tee off with PGA Tour's uncertain future in Hawai‘i
After the 2026 Sentry was called off on Maui, speculation on the PGA Tour coming back to the Islands is rampant in the golf community.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 15, 2026
Former NFL head coaches bask in Polynesian Bowl experience
Mike Singletary and Doug Pederson will man the sidelines during Friday's Polynesian Bowl, which boasts the game's deepest roster yet.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 14, 2026
Erickson's buzzer-beater vaults UH men's basketball into Big West contention
After earning their signature win of the season thus far, the Rainbow Warriors head back to California with a confidence boost.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 14, 2026
No. 3 Hawai‘i men's volleyball set for pair of rare weekday doubleheaders
The Rainbow Warriors will have two home matches each on Wednesday and Friday.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 14, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: Mānoa madness
Two of UH's main sporting facilities will be in simultaneous use on Friday.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 12, 2026
Hawai‘i men's basketball prepares for Big West battle against UC Irvine
The winner of Saturday's matchup will be atop the Big West Conference standings in the early going.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 08, 2026
Keoni DeRenne keeps his heart in Hawai‘i during various pro baseball stops
DeRenne, the new hitting coach for the Durham Bulls, was recently at Les Murakami Stadium assisting at a UH keiki camp.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 08, 2026
Polynesian Bowl comes to UH for the first time
One of the country's top high school football all-star games will be played at UH's Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on Jan. 16.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 06, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: Pivotal early home matchup ahead for UH men's basketball
First place is up for grabs in the Big West Conference standings when UC Irvine visits the Rainbow Warriors on Saturday.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 05, 2026
No. 2 Hawai‘i men's volleyball shows no rust in sweeping NJIT
The Rainbow Warriors swept the Highlanders in short order on Friday and Sunday, exiting the weekend 2-0 to start their 2026 campaign.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 05, 2026
NCAA transfer portal opens for football
The 15-day window for players to enter the portal opened on Friday and closes on Jan. 16.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 02, 2026
No. 2 Hawai‘i men's volleyball hits the ground running ahead of 2026 opener
The Rainbow Warriors began preseason practices on Sunday and will already take the floor for the first time on Friday against NJIT.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 01, 2026