Kohala High School standout Layden Kauka has been named the 2025–26 Gatorade Hawai‘i Boys Basketball Player of the Year, recognizing him as the state’s top student-athlete on and off the court.
The 6-foot-1 senior guard led the Cowboys to a dominant 25-4 season and a Division II HHSAA state championship, averaging 26.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 steals per game. A three-time state champion, Kauka capped his career as the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player while showcasing efficiency across the board, shooting over 51% from the field and 41% from three.
Beyond basketball, Kauka has made an impact in the community through beach cleanups, literacy outreach, and church service, while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Known for his all-around game and humility, he’s set to continue his career at the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo.
Kauka now joins an elite group of past Gatorade honorees, cementing his place among Hawai‘i’s all-time greats.