Shaq’s Connection to Hawaii

Did you know Shaquille O’neal (“Shaq”) has a Hawaii Connection? Shaq made his exhibition debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 10, 1996, scoring 25 points in a preseason victory over the Denver Nuggets.

After the game, the shoes worn by Shaq were donated to head coach Riley Wallace for a University of Hawaii fundraiser. The winner of the fundraiser was Charlie McGee. Charlie McGee was the University of Hawaii Basketball Booster Club President in the 1990s.

Recently, Charlie’s wife, Candace McGee contacted the museum and expressed her gratefulness for the museum’s efforts in preserving Hawaii’s sports history. To our surprise, Candace shipped a box without notice and inside were the shoes.

On behalf of her and Charlie, Candace donated the size 22 sneakers and only wished that the shoes be shared with our museum visitors.

What’s notable about the sneakers, other than the size, is that they are Reebok branded. Reebok signed Shaq in his 1992 NBA rookie season and gave him the first signature shoe and the biggest shoe deal ever at the time. However, in 1998, he ended his multi million dollar sneaker deal due to a confrontation with a frustrated mother who blamed Shaq for the high price of his Reebok sneakers.

After the confrontation, Shaq left Reebok and partnered with Walmart to create sneakers priced between $15.00 and $29.00. Thanks to Shaq, families who once couldn't afford branded sneakers now had access.

Stop by the Museum to see Shaq’s sneakers in person.

Thank you to Nigel Guerrero aka G Images for taking these photos!