HILO, Hawai'i – University of Hawai'i at Hilo Athletics announces the 2025 Southwest Airlines Big Island Invitational, bringing top Division-II men's basketball teams to the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium on Nov. 22-23.
This year's field features host Hawai'i Hilo along with NCAA National Championship runner-up Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal Poly Pomona and Colorado Colorado Springs.
"We're thrilled to bring high-level Division-II men's basketball here to the Big Island," sixth-year Vulcans head coach Kaniela Aiona said. "This is a great opportunity to compete against tough, well-coached teams not only for ourselves, but also for our fans to be able to watch right here in Hilo."
Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer Big Island Invitational attendees discounted fares. To utilize discount, book via SWABIZ® at HiloAthletics.com/SW. Discount valid for travel Nov. 16-26, 2025.
"We're incredibly grateful to Southwest Airlines for helping make this event possible," Hawai'i Hilo director of athletics Patrick Guillen said. "Their partnership allows us to welcome these programs to experience the beauty of this special place we call home. Hilo has a rich basketball history going back to the days of the late legendary Coach Jimmy Yagi, and we're proud to be able to host more exciting competition for our community to see."
Game tickets will be available for purchase at HiloAthletics.com/tickets. Each contest will be available to be viewed online on the PacWest Network, powered by Hudl TV via PPV.
2025 SOUTHWEST AIRLINES BIG ISLAND INVITATIONAL
Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans
- Hilo, Hawai'i
- Pacific West Conference
- Head Coach: Kaniela Aiona (Sixth Season)
- 2024-25 Record: 19-13 Overall (11-9 PacWest)
- 2024-25 Finish: PacWest Tournament Semifinals
Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros
- Carson, California
- California Collegiate Athletic Association
- Head Coach: Steve Becker (12th Season)
- 2024-25 Record: 30-6 Overall (20-2 CCAA)
- 2024-25 Finish: CCAA Champions, NCAA West Regional Champions, NCAA National Championship Runner-Up
Cal Poly Pomona Broncos
- Pomona, California
- California Collegiate Athletic Association
- Head Coach: Greg Kamansky (26th Season)
- 2024-25 Record: 18-11 Overall (13-9 CCAA)
- 2024-25 Finish: CCAA Tournament Quarterfinals
Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Mountain Lions
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
- Head Coach: Jeff Culver (14th Season)
- 2024-25 Record: 17-12 Overall (11-9 RMAC)
- 2024-25 Finish: RMAC Tournament Quarterfinals
2025 EVENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, Nov. 22
- 2 PM: Cal State Dominguez Hills vs Hawai'i Hilo
- 4 PM: Cal Poly Pomona vs UCCS
Sunday, Nov. 23
- NOON: Cal State Dominguez Hills vs UCCS
- 2 PM: Cal Poly Pomona vs Hawai'i Hilo
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. By empowering its more than 72,000 People to deliver unparalleled hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.
