I’ve always believed that some people leave footprints so deep, you can feel them long after they’re gone. Eddie Hamada ’46 was one of those people. I first learned of him not through headlines or awards, but through stories from teammates, students, and colleagues who still carry his lessons in their hearts.
Eddie wasn’t just a coach or a teacher — he was a mentor, a guide, a friend, and a living embodiment of the phrase “One Team.” He passed away in 2010, but the lessons he imparted continue to shape lives at ‘Iolani and far beyond.
Walking into St. Alban’s Chapel for his memorial, I could almost feel the energy he left behind. Nearly 2,000 people had gathered to honor him — former teammates, students, coaches, friends from across the country. Cynthia Hamada, his wife of 30 years, greeted each visitor personally. The line snaked around the chapel, under a tent in a gentle rain, but the mood wasn’t somber. It was full of gratitude, stories, and shared memories.
Eddie’s journey began in 1928, with Ka‘ahumanu Elementary, eventually leading him to ‘Iolani, where he first discovered football under Father Kenneth A. Bray. After graduating in 1946, he returned years later to teach math and typing, eventually becoming head football coach in 1960 and athletic director in 1963. But titles and accolades never defined him. What mattered was the impact he had on people.
I love the story from the 1965 season. After a hard-fought game, the team, whether they had won or lost, boarded the bus in complete silence. No high fives, no shouting, just heads held high. Eddie’s question still echoes in my mind: “Do you want to play to win or do you want everyone to play?” The players chose inclusion, fairness, and respect — even when it was uncomfortable. That’s the essence of Eddie Hamada.
He didn’t just teach football. He taught discipline, teamwork, humility, and respect. He led ILH championship teams, coordinated basketball leagues, advised school committees, and even drove the school bus during summers. Every action was a choice to make a life that mattered, and he chose it every single day.
Listening to the remembrances from his memorial, I realized Eddie’s lessons weren’t just for athletes. They were life lessons: live with integrity, lift others up, and value every single person. His “One Team” philosophy wasn’t just about sports — it was about living well.
As I think back, I see a man who lived fully, gave endlessly, and left behind a legacy that will never fade. Eddie Hamada was more than a coach; he was a mentor, a friend, a teacher of life itself. And for those who knew him, his spirit still whispers in locker rooms, on practice fields, and in the hearts of every student he inspired.
Rest in peace, Coach. Aloha.