Kauaʻi 17-year-old named 2025 Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i Youth of the Year finalist

Kauaiʻi’s Nainoa Hirokane was honored during the weekend as one of three 2025 Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi Youth of the Year finalists.

The 17-year-old represents the Boys & Girls Club Līhu‘e Clubhouse.

Being named a Youth of the Year finalist honors a Boys & Girls Club member for their exceptional leadership, academic success and commitment to community.

“These finalists represent the heart of our mission and it’s a joy to witness their growth and the leaders they are becoming,” said Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i President and Chief Executive Officer Paddy Kauhane. “Youth of the Year is not just a competition — it’s a movement that empowers teens to recognize their full potential and take steps to pursue their aspirations.”

Hirokane along with 15-year-old Mathew Cargo representing the Wai‘anae, O‘ahu, Clubhouse and 17-year-old Ladayna Aranas representing the Nānākuli, O‘ahu, Clubhouse received their Youth of the Year finalist honors March 1 during the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi annual Youth of the Year Luncheon at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, on O‘ahu.

The finalists were selected from 12 nominees from clubhouses on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi based on their leadership, service, academic excellence and commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.

Finalists must demonstrate life and workforce readiness and be able to articulate the impact their club or Boys & Girls Club of America-affiliated Youth Center had on their personal growth.

“I have journeyed through shadows to discover my light, and now I stand unwavering, proud, certain and fully content with who I am,” said Hirokane during the Saturday luncheon.

Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders quarterback and founder of the Motiv8 Foundation, joined the Boy & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi for a special address to the Youth of the Year finalists and their families this year, .

Mariota and his family remained ardent supporters of the Boys & Girls Club while operating the Motiv8 Foundation, providing opportunities for youth through mentorship, scholarships and hands-on experiences to inspire and empower future leaders.

The finalists have shown resilience and dedication beyond their achievements by actively engaging in their communities, advocating for youth issues while inspiring meaningful change through motivating their peers.

“Youth of the Year is a powerful program that highlights the importance of investing in our youth by providing them with the tools and technology needed to build a strong foundation for their future endeavors,” said Mariota. “These finalists exemplify how perseverance and access to resources can shape a young person’s leadership skills, and I am honored to celebrate their achievements.”

Aranas was awarded the 2025 Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi Youth of the Year title.

Visit the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai’i website or call 808-949-4203 for additional information about the organization or donate to help it continue offering its critical programs and services for youth of the islands.