In 2021, a young Kuana Payanal made his first trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. But he was not there to play; he was there to cheer. Surrounded by his community, he got the chance to sit in the stands at iconic Howard J. Lamade Stadium and watch his two older brothers, Kekoa and Pele, as they lived out the dream of every Little Leaguer® on the biggest stage in youth sports, placing third in that year’s Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile.
The next summer, Kuana returned to Williamsport for the same reason: to watch. This time, his brother Kekoa was not just competing; he was winning it all, helping Honolulu (Hawaii) Little League capture the 2022 Little League Baseball World Series title.
Now, in 2025, the youngest Payanal brother is finally stepping out of the stands and onto the field. Kuana is the third, and final, Payanal to wear the West Region jersey in Williamsport, carrying on a family legacy unlike almost any other in Little League history.
“I will never forget sitting there, watching Kekoa hit that leadoff home run in the championship game against Curaçao,” recalled Kuana. “That was the moment I knew I wanted to be here one day.”
It was more than just a dream realized. For Kuana, it is a chance to honor the game that has been intricately woven into his family’s story for years.
“Little League gives me the chance to follow in my brothers’ footsteps and create my own path in the game,” said Kuana.
Now, the roles are reversed. Kekoa and Pele are the ones in the stands cheering on the youngest of the three, and they could not be more proud.
“I am really proud of everything he has done for the past four years because he has wanted this for so long,” said Kekoa. “For him to watch us on TV and in person, and now to be the one playing, it’s special. It’s his turn now.”
Manager Gerald Oda knows exactly how special the moment is. He has seen the Payanal family’s dedication up close, having coached both Kekoa and Kuana at the LLBWS.
“It’s not a coincidence,” said Oda. “Their parents have given them good goals and big dreams. Getting one son to the World Series is amazing. Getting all three? That is something you hardly ever hear about.”
Of course, the older brothers had a few tips for Kuana as he began his journey in Williamsport.
“I told him to just have fun,” said Kekoa. “Have fun with your friends, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“We have told him to cherish the moment and play hard,” added Pele. “No one is going to remember your batting average. Just enjoy being with people from all over the world.”
While each brother brings his own personality and strength to the game – Pele as a dominant pitcher, Kekoa and Kuana as powerful hitters – Coach Oda says it is their shared qualities that set them apart.
“They all have one thing in common: they love and support each other, and they love their teammates,” said Oda. “That is something that I really appreciate about them. As a coach, you just value having players like that.”
The message from both brothers and the coach is clear — this is Kuana’s moment to write his chapter in the family’s Little League story. Coach Oda, who has been shaping young athletes in Honolulu for years, sees his role as much more than the wins and losses.
“You know, growing up, we didn’t have much, and all I remember about Little League is how I had such awesome coaches that really supported us growing up,” said Coach Oda. “Trust me, I get way more back from these players and parents. It’s that relationship that we create with these kids, to see these kids grow up and become good young men. That’s something that I treasure and value. I keep telling people I may not be the richest man, own the biggest house or the nicest car, but I’ll be the richest man with all these relationships and memories that I have with these kids.”
His favorite Williamsport memories are not necessarily on the field; rather, they are after the final out, when players reunite with their families.
“Those are the moments you never forget,” Coach Oda said. “Parents seeing their sons after a game is so special.”
When the tournament is all over, life will return to normal in Hawaii. Kuana will be back to pulling pranks on his brothers. Kekoa will continue to sing at all hours of the day. Pele will continue to be annoyed by his brothers’ frigid bedroom.
But no matter the outcome in Williamsport, the Payanal brothers will take home the same prize: a lifetime of memories from the most magical place in youth baseball.