When Kukui returns from Kanto to finish high school, Guzma has moved in with Hala as an "apprentice." Kukui believes this at first, but Guzma confesses that his father was physically abusive to him, which prompts Kukui to tell Guzma the full backstory behind his informal adoption. They become inseparable, and Guzma's cruel/bully behavior improves greatly now that he is in a supportive environment (to the point that he and Kapono are better friends). Kapono, meanwhile, has skipped two grades, but attends private high school, though he and Kukui are still on a wrestling team together.

Meanwhile, the three former Island Challengers regularly hang out with Olivia, who is not attending traditional school after being chosen by Tapu Lele for the Kahunaship.