The general philosophy at Punahou affirms the development of the cultural, intellectual and physical potential of each student. It encourages student athletes to be the best that they can be and to be a true team player with the idea teamwork is what defines winning. Coaches constantly attempt to diffuse the "win at all costs" attitude that is so prevalent in high school athletics.

Intermediate teams are selected with the goal of having balance among the teams and focuses on developing fundamentals and encouraging participation. At the junior varsity level, the goal is to continue to balance teams, but in combinations that will foster growth and development toward the varsity level. At the varsity level, there is a stronger goal of competition, but within the context of good sportsmanship and honesty. Winning is not the ultimate yardstick at Punahou, but rather growth through athletics.

Athletic Letters and Awards
Athletic letters are awards given to students at the varsity, junior varsity and intermediate levels of every interscholastic sport. Although each sport has its own requirements to be fulfilled before a letter is awarded, the letter winners are generally chosen for their ability and participation in the sport.

Punahou traditionally awards the school letter "O" to boys who achieve the status of letterman. This practice was begun when Punahou was known as Oahu College and has continued although the name of the school has changed. Girls who achieve letter status receive the letter "P."

An individual award is presented for each sport honoring the most inspirational athlete. Other sports awards include:

The Billy Weaver Memorial Trophy
The Billy Weaver Memorial Trophy was initiated in 1959 by the Class of 1962 and is dedicated to Billy Weaver, "whose warm friendship and honest ways have won the love and respect of all who knew him." The trophy perpetuating his memory is awarded each year to the outstanding freshman athlete - sportsman and sportswoman.

C. Dudley Pratt Athlete-of-the-Year Awards
The honor, initiated in 1957, is awarded to the graduating seniors (male and female) who have contributed the most to Punahou athletics by athletic achievement and sportsmanship during their high school careers, as determined by the school coaching staff.

The McEldowney-Matthias Memorial Award
A koa bowl presented in 1947 by the Class of 1938 in memory of their classmates, Robert A. McEldowney and Gwynn Matthias, casualties of World War II, goes to the boy and girl making the best contributions in citizenship, scholarship and athletics in the junior class. The winners' names are engraved on this perpetual trophy, and each winner receives an individual koa bowl.

Na Wahine Pa'ani O Punahou/Punahou O-Men
This award, started in 1992, recognizes the grade 10 girl athlete and grade 10 boy athlete who have demonstrated "ability, team spirit, dedication and support of others."

The Scholar Athlete Achievement Award
Scholar Athlete Achievement Awards go to seniors who earn at least a 3.33 cumulative GPA, a minimum of three Punahou varsity sports letters spanning at least two school years, one of which must be earned in the senior year, and receive no citizenship grade below B during their junior and senior years.

Senior Plaque
Recognizes dedication and a long-time commitment to athletics. Athletes must earn three varsity letters in one sport or four or more varsity letters in two or more sports.