Larry Price passed away, leaving behind a life rooted in Hawai‘i and impossible to fit into one label. He was a coach, teacher, broadcaster, and mentor. On March 27, 2026, Price died peacefully in Honolulu at the age of 90, closing a chapter that had stretched across generations of athletes, listeners, and students who grew up hearing his voice.
Price’s family confirmed the news in a statement that reflected both pride and grief: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Larry D. Price of Honolulu, Hawai‘i, on March 27, 2026.”
Larry Price passes away at 90
In the studio setup, Price is seated on the left, while Perry sits on the right. Image via: KSSK
Price’s family shared that he passed away peacefully. “He passed peacefully. Dr. Price was known as an athlete, professor, news columnist for Mid-Week, sportscaster for OC16, and beloved radio personality as part of the Perry & Price morning show on KSSK-FM as part of the morning duo, Perry & Price; many knew him simply as ‘Coach.’ We appreciate the prayers and sympathies conveyed. The family requests privacy during this time.”
Born in Kaaawa, Price’s journey began long before the spotlight found him. He made the daily commute to Roosevelt High School, where football first took hold. At 6-foot and 260 pounds, he was a force on both sides of the line. That presence carried over to the University of Hawaii, where he became a three-time team captain from 1962 to 1964, setting a tone that teammates would follow.
Price also explored martial arts, earned a black belt in judo, competed in boxing, and even spent time with the Los Angeles Rams. Yet it was his return home that defined him. From 1974 to 1976, he served as head football coach, guiding Hawaii into NCAA Division I. In doing so, he became the first head coach born and raised in the islands to lead the program at that level.
Larry Price's legacy
Those who worked closest to him often spoke less about wins and more about the standard he set. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi remembered his legacy: “From the hour I met him, I was there to try to prove something about myself to him knowing full well he held the bar really high. I think he was born to be the head coach at UH. He had a passion for it. He was so skilled.”
After coaching, he moved into broadcasting, building a connection with listeners that lasted more than three decades. Alongside Michael W. Perry, he became part of the daily rhythm in Hawai‘i homes. “When we got on the radio, we were terrible for about six months,” Perry admitted, “but the timing finally clicked, and everything was perfect, and we had some great, some great moments.”
Through coaching, teaching, and broadcasting, Price built something that outlasted titles. “Knowledge is power and you got to just keep on going. Forget about all the obstacles and the reasons for not going. Figure out a way to go, and just keep going,” he once said. Price’s absence will create a void that will be hard to fill.
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Lachit Roy is a sports writer at The Times of India, where he cov...
Read MoreLachit Roy is a sports writer at The Times of India, where he covers the NBA, WWE, and other major international sporting events. With over five years of experience across different media houses, he has developed expertise in reporting, analysis, and storytelling. His sharp insights are complemented by a clear and engaging writing style. He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Tezpur University. Beyond sports, Lachit is passionate about movies and enjoys gardening in his free time.
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