The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors came from behind to register a 35-31 victory against the California Golden Bears in the 2025 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on December 24 in Honolulu. At one point in the game, Hawai’i trailed 21-0 early in the second quarter before their dramatic turnaround.
The game-winning play came with just 10 seconds remaining, when backup quarterback Luke Weaver threw the game-winning 22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle to complete the comeback win.
A 21-point comeback for the ages ‼️
Hawai‘i wins the Sheraton Hawai‘i Bowl 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZrMdq0HQlp
— ESPN (@espn) December 25, 2025
Fans praised the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors for their dramatic comeback despite being down by double digits.
“Unreal comeback by the Rainbow Warriors! That 21-point rally and Lucas Weaver’s clutch TD pass with 10 seconds left saved Christmas Eve football! 🎄🏈 #HawaiiBowl #GoBows #SheratonHawaiiBowl,” one fan commented.
“Hawai’i really saved the best present for Christmas. A 21 point comeback win the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl is storybook stuff, crowd rocking, and the Rainbow Warriors refusing to let their season end quietly. You just have to love this.🙌” one fan wrote.
“AND THEY SAID THAT BOWL GAMES DO NOT MATTER!!! SHOUTOUT TIMMY CHANG AND THE FELLAS,” one fan reacted.
“The Rainbow Warriors erasing a 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter is the ultimate Christmas miracle for the islands; do you think this is the greatest comeback in Hawaii Bowl history?” one fan asked.
“Absolute gutsy performance, Timmy. That’s HAWAI‘I football,” one fan posted.
“no way they actually pulled that off, crazy finish,” one fan added.
How Hawai’i’s Dramatic Comeback Unfolded vs California?
The California Golden Bears jumped to a 21-0 lead after three successful touchdown drives. Before halftime, the Rainbow Warriors erased some of that deficit, thanks to a touchdown and a 29-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Hawai’i added three more points as they kicked another successful field goal. Hawai’i tied the game at the start of the fourth quarter as Micah Alejado passed a three-yard touchdown pass to send shockwaves in California sidelines. Hawai’i went for two point conversion attempt and they were successful in that as well as they erased the 21-point deficit.
The Golden Bears finally responded with a field goal that moved them up by three points. Hawai’i took the lead with another successful touchdown drive. With 1:57 minutes remaining, the Golden Bears kicked another successful field goal. Then, as mentioned above, Luke Weaver, who replaced injured Micah Alejado for the final drive, threw a magical pass that earned them the victory.
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