Hawaii connection runs deep within Rebels

Hawaii long has been a key recruiting area for UNLV's football program, and there is a natural rivalry between the Rebels and that state's flagship university.

Eight native Hawaiians are on UNLV's roster, and three are expected to play when the Rainbow Warriors visit Sam Boyd Stadium at 3 p.m. Saturday.

TAU LOTULELEI

Position: Linebacker

Year: Junior

Hometown: Kihei (Maui)

Impact at UNLV: Led the Rebels in 2014 with 100 tackles and 10½ for loss. Has 48 tackles this season with team-high 8½ for loss. Has started 21 career games.

Thoughts on playing Hawaii: "It's a big game for us. I know most of the guys take it as a rivalry. Las Vegas is 'The Ninth Island.' For me, though, it's cool because I get to play against my home state. I have a couple of friends on the team at Hawaii, so it will be cool to go against them. We're going to battle it out. We're a really competitive, aggressive team."

What his family has to say about this game: "They're excited. They couldn't make it, though. That's the sad thing, but they'll watch it on TV (TWC Oceanic in Hawaii). They're probably going to throw a little barbecue and be cheering for the Rebels."

The bond the Hawaiians on the team share: "Not only Hawaiians, but the whole Polynesian group — Samoans, Tongans and Hawaiians. We're all really close actually."

What he likes to do in Hawaii: "I like to go surfing. I like to go to the beach. I like to go hiking. Pretty much all the stuff you do going to Hawaii."

Advice for tourists: "Just be respectful to the locals and enjoy your time there."

What he misses most: "Everything — the beach, the environment. It's all green. It's a tropical paradise."

PENI VEA

Position: Safety

Year: Senior

Hometown: Kailua-Kona (Big Island)

Impact at UNLV: His 303 career tackles are fourth highest in school history and the most for a defensive back with at least 300 stops. Has 55 tackles this season, four pass breakups and an interception. Has 39 career starts.

Thoughts on playing Hawaii: "I'm excited to play that team from my home state. Hawaii's a good team."

What his family has to say about this game: "My family's excited because we're playing Hawaii. I have a lot of family that live in Oahu, where UH is at. But they're going to be on our side because I play here."

The bond the Hawaiians on the team share: "We have a very good bond. I believe anywhere you find Polynesians and Hawaiians from the islands, we have that quick connection. It takes a quick snap, and we all kind of blend in with each other as if we were friends for years."

What he likes to do in Hawaii: "Hang out with friends, play rugby and the beach."

Advice for tourists: "There's a lot to do in Hawaii. When you visit Hawaii, you always want to come back."

What he misses most: "First of all, I miss my family. I miss being on an island, the beach. It's very relaxed out there. When you come out here, it's all speed."

SALANOA-ALO WILY

Position: Defensive tackle

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Laie (Oahu)

Impact at UNLV: Has played in all eight games as an incoming freshman. Has five tackles, including half for a loss. One of the more highly touted players of this year's recruiting class, he originally committed to Hawaii.

Thoughts on playing Hawaii: "I'm excited, and I'm going to be playing aware. I know how tough these boys play. I know the type of football. They like to play aggressive. Very prideful. I'm really looking forward to it. It is my hometown."

What his family has to say about this game: "I talked to my mom and dad. They told me the same thing they tell me before every game: 'Just treat it like another game. Go out there and play your game, do what you've got to do and hopefully come out with the win.' I told all my family if you're going to come to the game dressed in green, I ain't giving you tickets. Don't even ask for tickets."

The bond the Hawaiians on the team share: "We all live the same life. We all grew up in the islands, so we know what each other went through, so it gives us a stronger bond different from the other kids because we understand each other more."

What he likes to do in Hawaii: "People always think just because we're from the islands, we like to surf. Actually, I didn't like going in the water at all. The only times I went to the beach was to either train or because family wanted to barbecue on the beach or my football team was playing football on the beach. What I really like to do is spend time with my family. I used to go to the movies a lot. The only time I go in the water is when I jump off Laie Point (on Oahu's North Shore). It's like a 40-foot jump into the ocean straight off a cliff. It's different from other jump spots because once you come up, all you see is straight ocean. The other places you jump off, you see the buildings."

Advice for tourists: "If you ever want to see the real Hawaii, head down to the North Shore. … You get the trees, you get the beaches, you get everything you need to have a good experience in Hawaii."

What he misses most: "I miss the mountains. You don't see green mountains over here, but back home, it's beautiful scenery. You see the ocean. You see the mountains. Other than that, I miss my family, but they're the reason why I'm here. I've got to keep pushing."

THE NINE ISLANDS

HAWAII (also known as "The Big Island")

The Orchid Island

Population: 185,079

Notable cities: Kailua-Kona, Hilo

What it's known for: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

KAHOOLAWE

The Sacred Island

Population: Uninhabited

Notable cities: None

What it's known for: It's only 44.6 square miles

KAUAI