SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Funny how it's usually the Mainlanders who flock to Hawai'i for memorable vacations and are in no rush to return to reality. One more victory by West O'ahu and it will move on from its stay in Southern California to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

West O'ahu used its speed to manufacture an early lead then turned to sluggers Sheyne Baniaga and Vonn Feao for fifth-inning home runs to hold off a four-run, sixth-inning rally from Oregon's Murrayhill and win its Northwest Region semifinal, 6-5.

"It's the best experience I can ever have, for me and the kids," said West O'ahu manager Layton Aliviado. "A couple years ago, we had one goal, one dream. We wanted to make the regional. I'm relieved, happy. I didn't see (Oregon's rally) coming. I'm glad we scored those two home runs."

West O'ahu faces Idaho in tomorrow's championship game, which will be televised live on ESPN2 at 3 p.m., Hawai'i time. West O'ahu, which beat Idaho, 16-5, in pool play, is bidding to become the ninth team from Hawaii to play in the World Series for ages 11-12. This age group traditionally receives the most recognition in Little League Baseball because it is the oldest, having held its first World Series in 1947.

"It's kind of awesome," said Kini Enos, yesterday's starting pitcher, of playing on national TV.

Added Baniaga: "It's cool. I'm going to be feeling a little nervous."

With its laid-back attitude and late-night partying, West O'ahu has gained friendships with other teams within the on-site dormitory complex. "We make a lot of noise," Baniaga admitted.

They also score a lot of runs, having beaten all four pool-play opponents by the mercy rule for a combined 69-13 scoring margin. The team has won over fans with its speed, athleticism, slick fielding and aggressive play.

A crowd of about 1,000 turned out for yesterday's semifinals at Al Houghton Stadium on a typical clear-skied, smoggy, near-100-degree day at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains.

West O'ahu's four-run third came largely out of pressuring Oregon's defense on the basepaths. Kaeo Aliviado and Enos led off with singles, with Aliviado advancing to third just ahead of the relay from right field. That enabled Aliviado to score moments later on a wild pitch.

The speedy Baniaga then chopped a ball to third, forcing Oregon third baseman Blake Montague to rush his throw to first, which sailed high and allowed Enos to score. Michael Memea followed with a two-run single to center, scoring Alaka'i Aglipay and Baniaga.

"Coach always tells us, 'Look for two bases,' " Baniaga said of the team's base-running philosophy.

"It's natural for our team; just play aggressive," Layton Aliviado added.

In the fifth, Baniaga and Feao each blasted his regional-best sixth home run — Baniaga's to left-center and Feao's a towering first-pitch shot to center — before Oregon, down to its last at-bat, scored four in the sixth off Enos, capped by Derek Keller's three-run homer.

Enos, who allowed three singles through five innings, was replaced by Aglipay, who earned the save by striking out William Taylor.

During its stay here, about an hour's drive east of Los Angeles and west of Palm Springs, the West O'ahu team has taken off-day trips to the Knotts Berry Farm, a shopping mall and to a Dodgers-Phillies game, where Enos was thrilled to watch his favorite player, Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu.

"Mostly, we have come here for business," manager Aliviado said.

They hope to finish regional business the right way tomorrow.