New ‘Malama Lahaina’ Hand-Painted Helmet For Utah Football Revealed

SALT LAKE CITY—Utah football revealed its annual hand-painted helmet. This year’s theme is the prominent Polynesian culture within the program. 

On Wednesday, they dropped a video highlighting the new helmet with Junior Tafuna in a spotlight role.

The helmet will be worn against Iowa State on Saturday night. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. on FOX.

𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟏𝟏 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 🔴⚫⚫ pic.twitter.com/Ld8bZW1Pb3

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 20, 2024

Details Of Utah Football’s ‘Malama Lahaina’ Helmet

With Hawaiian tattoo art covering the helmet, Utah pays homage to the strong Polynesian culture within the program. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing rebuilding efforts in Lahaina from the devastating fires in 2023.

There is an outline of the iconic Front Street in Lahaina, Hawaii on the helmet. The ’23 fire burned down most of the property on the historic Front Street.

It’s all in the 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒🎨#GoUtes | @BookSeatscom pic.twitter.com/gyw5ex8Wum

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 20, 2024

The ‘Malama Lahaina’ on one side of the helmet refers to Maui’s recovery efforts from the devastating fires in Lahaina. The Hawaiian word ‘Malama’ means to take care of, nurture, and preserve the land and its people.

The interlocking U’s on the other side of the helmet also features Hawaiian tattoo art. Utah will pair their hand-painted helmets with their block throwback top and bottoms.

Paying Tribute To The Polynesia Culture

The Polynesian culture is very prominent within the Utah football program. Former Utah offensive lineman and assistant coach Isaac Asiata shared additional context about the helmet.

The helmet was painted by Armando Villarreal, who has done a great job with these helmets over the years. However, the incredible Polynesian artwork on the helmet was designed by renowned Samoan Tattoo Artist, Fred Frost.

Wanted To Share More Background On This Helmet.

The Design You See In This Picture, Was Designed By The Famous Sāmoan Tattoo Artist, Fred Frost of Frost City Tattoos.

(1) 👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/aS7MAAoHS5

— Isaac Asiata (@AsiataFive4) November 22, 2024

The Design You See Used, Is A Culmination Of Specific Designs and Tribal Pieces, From Every Major Island Of Polynesia.

Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, Etc

(2) 👇🏾

— Isaac Asiata (@AsiataFive4) November 22, 2024

This Culmination Of Design, Represents Each Island And Ethnicity Of The Polynesian People Who Have Come Through As A Player Or Coach In The Program.

Big Shout Out To Fred Frost 🤞🏾

— Isaac Asiata (@AsiataFive4) November 22, 2024

Utah’s Hand-Painted Helmet History

Utah adopted this unique route of special helmet themes starting in 2016. Every season outside of 2020 has featured a new theme highlighting a unique characteristic of the Utes’ brand, culture, and identity.

• 2016- Black Drum and Feather Helmets
• 2017- Red “Throw The U” Helmets
• 2018- Red Tail Hawk Helmets
• 2019- 1966-67 Throwback Helmets
• 2021- USS Salt Lake City Helmets
• 2022- 22 Forever Helmets
• 2023 – The Muss Helmets

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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