In the world of Hawaii high school basketball, some legacies are so monumental that stepping into the role feels like climbing a mountain in cleats. That's the challenge Branden Kawazoe has willingly accepted as the new head coach of the 'Iolani Raiders girls basketball program.
Taking over for legendary coach Dean Young and his staff—who built a dynasty of excellence—is no small task. But Kawazoe, 42, is embracing the pressure the 'Iolani way: with humility, gratitude, and a deep respect for tradition. The longtime boys basketball assistant and former Kaiser boys head coach was officially confirmed in the role two weeks ago, though the news just broke publicly on Thursday.
"I'm so grateful for Ryan," Kawazoe said, referring to boys head coach Ryan Hirata. "He just valued everybody's input across the board on the staff. It's 'One Team.' He made the assistant coaching position feel so valuable. I knew head coaching was something I wanted to do again, but I wasn't in a rush. The boys team has a lot coming back, but the opportunity with the girls team came up and it felt right."
Kawazoe's journey to this moment is rooted in island basketball. A Waiakea and Pacific University product, he began his coaching career as an assistant at Pacific before returning to Hawaii in 2009. Since then, he has been immersed in the 'Iolani program, surrounded by Raiders lifers who have shaped his philosophy. His older daughter is a seventh grader at 'Iolani, and his fifth-grade daughter will enroll this fall—making this more than just a job; it's a family commitment.
The transition comes during a period of unusual upheaval for the Raiders. The sudden departure of Young and his staff, combined with the unexpected retirement of longtime athletic director Wendell Look, has left the program searching for stability. But Kawazoe sees it as an opportunity to honor what came before while forging a new path.
"It's about honoring the legacy of Coach Dean and Coach Cy (Ohta)," Kawazoe said. "Being a part of the 'Iolani program for 10-plus years, the values and the culture—that's who I've become. I'm thankful to Eddie (Maruyama), Wendell (Look), Mo (Maurice Maggiolino) and the athletic administration for providing me this opportunity."
Perhaps the biggest sigh of relief for Raiders fans came with Kawazoe's update on star guard Justice Kekauoha. The three-time All-State standout had been the subject of rampant speculation about a potential transfer to a California powerhouse for her senior year. Kawazoe's message? She's staying put.
"Everybody's intention is to be back, including Justice," he said. "Our coaching staff, we're grateful that everyone's coming back with an open mind because it's such a huge change, going from a standard of excellence to the unknown. That's going to be our job as a staff to gain their trust, lead them where they're at and collectively set goals."
With two-time defending state champion Kamehameha losing major pieces—including two-time Player of the Year Nihoa Dunn—the path to the 2026-27 title suddenly looks wide open. And Kawazoe's style could be just what the Raiders need. At Kaiser, his teams played an uptempo brand of basketball, aggressive on both ends of the floor, with sharp execution of clock management when the game slowed down.
It's a new era for 'Iolani girls basketball. And if Kawazoe has his way, it will be one built on the same foundation that made the program great—just with a fresh, fast-paced twist.