The Los Angeles Rams brought their offseason energy to Maui for this year’s mandatory minicamp, and wide receiver Puka Nacua is making the most of it. From the scenic backdrops to the warm welcome from locals, Nacua’s appreciation for the island setting hasn’t gone unnoticed—even by his teammates.
Nacua recently shared a collection of photos on Instagram capturing moments from the trip, captioning it with “The Middle Of The Ocean” and summarizing the vibe simply with “Yessuh” and a hang loose emoji. The post quickly caught the attention of several Rams players, including Pro Bowl running back Kyren Williams, who commented with a short but meaningful message: “Keep going!!” The encouraging words reflect Williams’ growing role as a team leader, something he’s openly embraced this offseason.
Among others who joined the comments section were Rams cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Charles Woods, who added emojis that matched the laid-back, joyful energy of Nacua’s post. But the wide receiver’s experience in Maui has been more than just fun and sun—it’s felt deeply personal.
Speaking with reporters on June 17, Nacua recounted the emotional reception he received upon landing in Hawaii. “It feels like home,” he said. “As soon as we got off the plane, the first person gave me a big hug and a big smile. He said, ‘Thank you so much for everything you do for the Polynesian community.’ That’s exactly what I hoped for.” He joked that the greeter didn’t have a Spam musubi in hand, but assured reporters, “We got him after.”
Though his family originates from Western Samoa—over 2,500 miles from Hawaii—Nacua still sees this trip as a chance to connect with his cultural roots and give back. The Rams’ presence in Maui comes not just for football, but to support a community still recovering from the devastating wildfires that swept across the region nearly two years ago.
“I wasn’t directly impacted by the fires,” Nacua said, “but I know what that support means. It’s a chance to bring people together, to lift each other up in tough times. Just seeing these kids smile and knowing we’re bringing them joy—it means everything to me.”
The Rams wrapped up their Maui minicamp on June 18, capping off a trip that was as much about community outreach as it was about gridiron preparation. The team relocated last year’s NFC Wild Card game due to wildfires in Los Angeles and now seems determined to give back where they can. The squad will return to Southern California for training camp at Loyola Marymount University beginning July 22.
This return to Hawaii is rooted in more than nostalgia. As ESPN’s Sarah Barshop reported, the Rams’ trip was organized in part to strengthen team bonds and support a healing community. The team brought a large traveling party—about 500 people including players, coaches, staff, and families—many of whom took part in service efforts across the island.
While in Maui, Nacua and other players ran flag and tackle football drills with local kids. Rookie players rolled up their sleeves with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild homes in Lahaina. The Rams’ historical ties to Hawaii go back decades, with several locals remembering the kids’ camps run by Rams players in the 1970s. The organization continues to support the islands by broadcasting preseason games and contributing to fundraising efforts.
As Nacua put it, “I’m glad I got to be part of this. Hopefully, this becomes a tradition. Minicamp in Hawaii? It’s the best kind of vacation with the boys.”
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