HONOLULU — The 2026 University of Hawai'i women's volleyball team will make its public debut in two exhibition matches against in-state competition as the Rainbow Wahine prepare for the program's first season under the leadership of new head coach Joshua Walker.
 
The Rainbow Wahine will travel to the Big Island to face Hawai'i Hilo on Aug. 15 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. The exhibition is set for 2 p.m. The 'Bows then return to O'ahu to take on Chaminade on Aug. 17 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. Admission for the exhibition with the Silverswords will be free of charge.
 
UH last faced UH Hilo on Sept. 14, 1990 and the 'Bows last traveled to Hilo in 1984 for a two-match series with the Vulcans. The UH and Chaminade women's volleyball programs have met just once with the Rainbow Wahine earning a sweep on Sept. 14, 1989.
 
The Rainbow Wahine open their 29-match regular-season schedule with the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic set for Aug. 28-30 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. UH takes on Georgia Southern in the season opener then face Baylor and San Diego in the tournament. Season tickets are now on sale and may be purchased at www.etickethawaii.com or at the Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center box office (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).