It’s not every day we see Pasifika faces on television, let alone a whole family taking center stage in a game show. I had the opportunity to sit down with Koloa Heather, who, alongside his family, competed in the game show “The Quiz With Balls.”
For those unfamiliar, each episode of “The Quiz With Balls” features two families competing for a $100,000 prize in a game that’s both thrilling and hilarious. Standing high above a shimmering pool, players face a series of multiple-choice questions, each answer linked to a giant ball precariously positioned above them. If the answer is correct, the ball rolls harmlessly down and stops short of the player. But if they get it wrong—down it comes, knocking the unlucky contestant into the water below. As players drop out, the questions get tougher. The last remaining family member must play a final round for the $100,000 grand prize. The show debuted in May 2024, and Koloa and his family appeared in the season finale, now streaming on Hulu as S1 E10: Boston Brawlers vs. The Pride of Polynesia. Competing under their family name, the Hala’ufias, they proudly represented their Pasifika roots.
Originally from Hawai’i, Koloa shared that his family has deep roots in Vava’u, Tonga, Leone in American Samoa, and Apia, Samoa. Though he spent a good portion of his life in Texas, he has strong ties across the Pacific. The opportunity to be on the show came unexpectedly when one of his cousins spotted a casting call on social media and sent it to the family group chat as a joke. Before they knew it, the joke became a reality. The family applied, went through interviews, and just before they knew it, they were on a plane to Australia to compete.
Reflecting on the experience, Koloa recalls the moment they stepped onto the set, saying, “Dang, we really have Polys on the show now.” It was a surreal moment of pride and joy for him and his family, being the first and only Pasifika family to be featured on the show so far. He shared that it was a whirlwind from the initial application to stepping on set, and he never would’ve imagined his family being on a broadcasted game show.
When asked about representing his family name on national television, Koloa shared, “I think it was one of the best feelings in the world, just to have our Polynesian background and bloodline out there. It’s a blessing in itself to show who we are and that we’re all small people who are together and strong.”
The journey brought the Hala’ufia family closer together. With family members scattered across different states, they rarely see each other outside of family reunions. This experience became a unique opportunity to bond and create memories beyond the typical family gathering.
Koloa’s advice to other families who might consider trying out for a game show?
“Go for it and trust yourselves. Market your family and what you stand for. It’s key, especially in today’s world with social media. Create an image of yourself and your family that represents our culture. Anybody can do it.”
Spoiler Alert: The Hala’ufia Family Took Home the Grand Prize!
Koloa and his family didn’t just appear on the show— they conquered it, winning the $100,000 grand prize. He admitted that being on the show was one thing, but winning was an entirely different experience. Koloa was chosen as the family member to play in the final round, and he delivered. “It was crazy,” he said. “When we found out we were going to be on the show, we were all so excited, but winning it? That’s another level.”
Koloa’s road to this victory wasn’t without its challenges. He shared that he lost his father to a heart condition when he was young and underwent his own heart surgery at age 12. He thought he wouldn’t make it, but he pulled through. Though his medical condition cut his sports career short, Koloa persevered, learning to trust in himself and the man above. “I’ve been through a lot of stuff,” he said. “But I just want people to know that they should believe in themselves. I was supposed to die when I was 12, but here I am. Don’t give up— it’ll pay off.”
The Hala’ufia family used the prize money to honor their grandmother, who just turned 95, by hosting a special family reunion. It was a special celebration of generations, especially moving because their grandparents were among the first Polynesian families to settle in the United States. “This win was all for our grandmother,” Koloa shared, reflecting on what a special moment it was to celebrate this victory with family.
Koloa’s story is one of resilience, family, and representing his culture on a major platform. His overall message? “Whenever you get the opportunity, take it and run with it.”
