Robert Kekaula was a sports media legend in the state of Hawaii. The flamboyant broadcaster was also well known to college football fans, who routinely ended their Saturday nights watching the Rainbow Warriors. Kekaula died Saturday morning at the age of 56.
Kekaula spent his entire career in his native Hawaii. He first joined Rainbow Warrior football broadcasts in 1992, serving as the analyst on radio and television. He moved to the play-by-play role in 2011.
His career also included work in local television. At the time of his death, Kekaula was the managing editor of KITV 4.
Colleagues in Hawaii and around the country expressed their condolences and grief on social media.
Multiple college football coaches with ties to Hawaii also paid their respects.
The University of Hawaii’s athletic department also issued a statement.
In addition to his work in the media, Robert Kekaula was also an accomplished recording artist. He released three solo albums of traditional Hawaiian music. He also owned a recording company and served as an executive producer on multiple other award winning projects.
Robert Kekaula is survived by his two children, Tiera and Shayde.
