UTAH UTES FOOTBALL

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

Nov 20, 2024, 12:15 PM | Updated: Nov 22, 2024, 10:44 am

Utah Football, Hand Painted Helmet, 2024 Season...

Utah Football unveiled a new hand painted helmet for the 2024 season to be worn on Senior Day against Iowa State. (Screenshot from Utah_Football/X)

(Screenshot from Utah_Football/X)

SALT LAKE CITYUtah 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

  • Utah Utes Scoreboard

  • Utah Utes Team Leaders

  • Utah Utes Standings

Utah Utes Football

Utah football fans celebrate National Signing Day....

Steve Bartle

Utah Football’s Finalized 2025 Class On National Signing Day

It's National Signing Day and Utah football welcomed one last addition to finalize their 2025 recruiting class, which finished No. 5 in the Big 12.

5 days ago

Utah football's Smith Snowden and Rabbit Evans celebrate....

Steve Bartle

Takeaways From Utah Football’s 2025 Schedule

The Big 12 released the conference schedules for all conference members, here are some thoughts on Utah football's 2025 schedule.

6 days ago

Big 12 Football, 2025 Schedule, Each Team...

Mitch Harper

Big 12 Schedule For 2025 College Football Season

All 16 schedules for the Big 12 Conference in 2025.

6 days ago

Utah football fans at Baylor vs Utah game in 2024....

Steve Bartle

Utah Football’s 2025 Big 12 Schedule Released

Utah Football's 2025 conference schedule is highlighted by multiple Big 12 contenders traveling to Salt Lake City for the first time.

6 days ago

Utah Football Johnathan Hall...

Steve Bartle

Initial Projection Of Utah Football’s 2025 Starting Units

Utah football is looking to bounce back in 2025 after a difficult run this past season. Here is a first-look at projected starters for the Utes next season.

7 days ago

Utah's Junior Tafuna at Reese's Senior Bowl...

Steve Bartle

Utah’s Junior Tafuna Finishes On High Note After Making Plays In 2025 Senior Bowl

Utah defensive tackle Junior Tafuna took full advantage of his opportunity at the Reese's Senior Bowl by making impact plays in the all-star game.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 2

SALT LAKE CITY – The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah. Presented by John Watson Chevrolet in Ogden, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our winners for week two of the season were Jackson Maw from […]

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 2

SALT LAKE CITY – The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County. Presented by Hercules First Federal Credit Union, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our winners for week two were Faythe Stauffer from Riverton High […]

...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 2

SALT LAKE CITY – The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy’s and girl’s basketball players in Utah County. Sponsored by Mr. Mac, it honors athletes for their performances on the court and exceptional play. Our winners for week two were Easton Hawkins from Lehi […]

...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 1

SALT LAKE CITY – The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah. Presented by John Watson Chevrolet in Ogden, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our winners for week one of the season were Sam Romer from […]

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 1

SALT LAKE CITY – The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County. Presented by Hercules First Federal Credit Union, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our winners for week one were Beckham Bayles from Cyprus High […]

...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 1

SALT LAKE CITY – The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy’s and girl’s basketball players in Utah County. Sponsored by Mr. Mac, it honors athletes for their performances on the court and exceptional play. Our winners for week one were Jaxon McCuistion from Timpanogos […]

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