Where Iron Meets Island Spirit
As part of our Footnotes from Campus initiative, a student-led campaign giving back to college strength communities, we sent 1HUND gear and film cameras to clubs around the country with one simple prompt:
Capture whatever feels real.
At the University of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Powerlifting Club (HPC) took that mission to heart. What came back was more than just photos. It was a glimpse into a tight-knit team that lifts each other up through every rep, every fundraiser, and every shout from across the squat rack.
A Club with Competitive Roots
Founded in 2017, HPC may be small in numbers, with 10–15 active members, but they punch far above their weight on the competition platform.
Recent standout accomplishments include:
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🥈 Lindsey Jade Ligsay — 2nd place at University Nationals 2025
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🏅 KC Bell — 5th place at Collegiate Nationals 2024
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🏅 Rebecca Abeyratne — 5th place at Collegiate Nationals 2023
This is a club where big lifts and big hearts go hand in hand.
First Impressions in 1HUNDs
For HPC members, our shoes weren't new — they were already trusted.
“I initially bought a pair myself when it first dropped… I really enjoyed its convenience, especially compared to the metal latch on Notorious Lifts that would often come loose.”
That blend of thoughtful design and everyday practicality is what we aim for, something lifters can rely on, set after set.
Deadlifts, Fundraisers, and Full-Body Support
HPC is more than a gym crew. They're event organizers, fundraisers, and hype squads.
One of their proudest moments? Hosting a deadlift competition at the 2023 Fit Expo, complete with mock refs and new lifters encouraged to step onto the (friendly) platform. No entry fees, no pressure — just pure strength and support.
They’ve also rallied together to raise funds for travel to Collegiate and University Nationals, working concessions at volleyball and baseball games. Through it all, members bonded, not just over weightlifting, but shared commitment and community.
Photo Day Vibes
When it came time for photo day, HPC kept it classic.
“It felt like any other practice: good vibes, bumpin’ music, top sets, and hyping each other up.”
And of course, every session brings laughs, like when their teammate Hanale lets loose with his signature top-set battle cry, shaking the gym (and everyone's core).
The Origin Story of Hawaiian Powerlifting
Powerlifting in Hawaii began with a small, tight community of equipped lifters, centered around Mana Barbell, a gym with Texas Power Bars and calibrated kilo plates. As raw lifting grew, so did accessibility and interest. Leaders like Jaron Yamane, now the USAPL state chair, helped open new doors for athletes across the islands.
“Once raw powerlifting became more prominent, it gave our members the opportunity to compete without needing tons of expensive gear — and that’s when our club started to really grow.”
Vision & Invitation
HPC’s long-term vision is simple: Be a reliable home base for lifters of all levels, where community comes first and competition is an open door.
Their message to new students?
“Powerlifting isn’t that deep. If you love the big three — squat, bench, and deadlift — you’re already one of us.”
These Are Their Footnotes
From high-level competitions to casual community lifts and island socials, Hawaii Powerlifting Club is a model of what student-led strength looks like: practical, passionate, and always supportive.
📲 Follow the campaign: @1hund.co
📷 Watch for more stories like HPC's in Footnotes from Campus — filmed in grain, powered by community.
