In South Williamsport, Pa., and its environs no longer do they wonder what a "shaka" is.

No more do they view as some quaint curiosity from afar the custom of the folks who bring and furiously wave these green "ti" leaves.

And, reportedly, word of groups hauling their rice cookers with them to area motels no longer is cause for concern.

They have become almost regular events in the storied home of the Little League World Series. Twice in four years now teams from Hawai'i, that most distant outpost of youth baseball on U.S. soil, have come to event and won the whole laulau.

First 'Ewa Beach in 2005 and, now, Waipi'o.

Two teams with remarkable stories and some shared ones, too. In doing so they have brought a little bit of home with them while leaving behind the suggestion that there is a very good brand of baseball being played in Hawai'i.

Three times in the past 20 years a Hawai'i team has gotten to the finals. Four times in that span Hawai'i has been represented in the World Series. Never have its teams gone home outclassed.

Indeed, Timo Donahue, coach of Waipi'o, said as much: "I think there's a lot of great baseball played out there (Hawai'i). Because we're so far away from everything, some of the kids go unnoticed."

They might be unnoticed no longer.

In the past 30 years only three states — Hawai'i, Georgia and California, who won one by forfeit — have won multiple titles at South Williamsport, a point worth pondering and paying tribute to. Coincidence it isn't.

And it isn't just Little League. Though, by virtue of its 61-year longevity and exposure it has been the most prestigious. In a variety of youth leagues, up and down the age spectrum, Hawai'i teams have been making their mark, reaching title games, winning championships and demonstrating a high level of baseball and sportsmanship. Three this year alone. Nearly a half dozen in 2005.

Their excellence reflecting the talent and dedication to baseball in Hawai'i. Their titles underlining the quality coaching and attention to fundamentals in their backyard.

For years Hawai'i has been gaining a well-deserved reputation for the quality of football players it produces. Recruiters flock to the state come letter of intent time. Increasingly Hawai'i products are finding their way in the NFL.

In recent times youth golfers have been making their mark on the national landscape, too.

And, now, baseball, long a well-kept secret, is one no longer. Along with players in the major leagues, youth baseball has made its breakthrough.

"This may mean that Little League in Hawai'i might grow more," Donahue said.

To be sure, already its reputation has.