Swimming and Diving

Since 1910, Punahou’s swimming team has comprised of members who have ranged in ability from those interested in learning more about the sport to athletes who have represented the United States at the Olympic level.

In the early 1900s, special instructors were hired to teach the sport as girls swimming received considerable attention. Emphasis was mainly on instruction, but several outstanding competitive swimmers emerged though competition. In 1913, the first interscholastic meet was held and girls competed as part of the boys team.

In 1911, Thurston swim medals for in-school competition provided special recognition for outstanding swimmers. In the early 1900s, Punahou began hosting the Yale Swim Meet, which provided competitive opportunities between schools.

The ILH began official league competition in 1917 and adopted girls swimming in 1945. State championship competition began in the spring of 1958. Punahou won that inaugural meet and dominated ILH and state competition in the years to follow. Punahou was successful throughout the years, even setting the national high school record for consecutive state championships (22) between 1974 and 1995.