Nakanishi, a 1995 Kamehameha graduate, spent eight years as the Warriors' head coach and guided his alma mater to two of the past three state championships. They also made it to the 2010 title game, with only a last-second 3-pointer by 'Iolani's Kainoa Chu preventing a three-peat.

"I couldn't have asked for a better coaching position in the nation as I've gotten to work with high-achieving young Hawaiians at Kamehameha Schools, my alma mater, which I have and always will have tremendous pride in," Nakanishi said in a school press release. "The supportive administrative leaders, top-notch and loyal coaching staff, outstanding parents and, of course, special players year-in and year-out, have provided me (with) memories I'll never forget."

Kamehameha's Interscholastic League of Honolulu and state championships in 2009 were its first since 1992 and Nakanishi guided the Warriors to state tournament berths in seven of his eight seasons at the helm.

Nakanishi said he will step down from his full-time position in HPU's admissions department to take the part-time coaching position.

"It's something I had been thinking about the past couple years, coaching at the next level," Nakanishi told ScoringLive.com. "This is a chance to get my foot in the door and stay in Hawai'i at the same time, so you can't ask for more than that."

A search for a new head coach will begin immediately, according to the press release.