Cal vs. Hawaii Preview, Betting Odds for Hawaii Bowl on December 24th
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will host the Cal Bears in a de facto home game in the Hawaii Bowl on December 24th. Cal is a slight -2.5 favorite, but will also be without a head coach after firing Justin Wilcox. Will the team be focused on the road amid the chaos? Peter Alexis previews the Cal vs. Hawaii matchup in the Hawaii bowl.
Peter Alexis - December 7, 2025, 2:30 PM EST
5 Minute ReadCal vs. Hawaii Date, Time, Where to Watch, Latest Hawaii Bowl Odds
The Hawaii Bowl delivers a Christmas Eve matchup between the 7-5 Cal Bears and the 8-4 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, with kickoff set for December 24 at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN in Honolulu. Cal enters as a slight -2.5 favorite despite Hawaii essentially playing a home game, and the Bears will be without newly hired head coach Tosh Lupoi, who will take over after the bowl following Justin Wilcox’s dismissal.
Hawaii arrives with momentum and comfort on their home field, looking to cap off an 8 win season against a Pac 12 opponent still adjusting to staff changes. Cal’s talent level gives them an edge on paper, but Hawaii’s 8-4 record and track record of strong home performances make this a far more balanced matchup than the spread suggests.
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Cal vs. Hawaii Date, Time, and Where to Watch Citrus Bowl
- Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Cal vs. Hawaii Odds
Hawaii Bowl | Odds |
|---|---|
Cal -2.5 (-120 | Hawaii +2.5 (+100) |
Cal ML (-145) | Hawaii ML (+120) |
Over 55.5 Total Points | Under 55.5 Total Points |
Click here for the latest Cal vs. Hawaii Odds
Cal vs. Hawaii Odds Analysis for Hawaii Bowl
The odds reflect a clash between stability and raw roster strength. Cal is the more talented team, but the coaching transition creates natural uncertainty, especially on the defensive side where Lupoi’s influence won’t be felt yet. Hawaii’s offense closed the season sharp, and at home they’ve shown an ability to rise above expectations, which explains early interest on the underdog side. A competitive line under a field goal suggests oddsmakers expect a tight, high leverage contest from start to finish.
Totals discussions will center on whether Cal can find offensive rhythm away from Berkeley. The Bears have shown the ability to score in bursts, but they’ve also had long stretches of inconsistency that could keep this game closer to a mid 50s total. Hawaii’s tempo and comfort in their own environment may push the game upward, and their ability to stress Cal’s defense could end up being the swing factor for over bettors.
Historically, Cal leads the all time series 3-2, including the most recent meeting in 2016. The Bears have won two of the last three in modern matchups and have typically held the athletic advantage, but this Hawaii team is more balanced and competitive than the versions Cal faced in the past. With home field, late season momentum, and a coaching stable environment, Hawaii has every reason to believe this matchup sets up better for them than the odds imply.
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