Waipi'o found its power stroke late yesterday against Kaimuki, and it helped complete a remarkable run through the Little League Majors (ages 11-12) State Tournament on Kaua'i.

Tanner Tokunaga belted a game-tying, two-run homer, and Kainoa Fong followed with a go-ahead shot in the fifth inning as Waipi'o beat Kaimuki, 4-3, in the tournament final at New Kapa'a Park.

Waipi'o lost its first tournament game Saturday, but won five straight to claim the title, including two victories over previously unbeaten Kaimuki.

"That's one thing we've been preaching to them since the first day, after the loss; It's not over until it's over. You have to believe," said Waipi'o coach Timo Donahue.

Waipi'o advances to the West Regional at San Bernardino, Calif., Aug. 1 to 10.

Donahue has led the Waipi'o Majors to three consecutive state titles. This year's Waipi'o team has seven returnees from last year's Majors state champion.

"It feels unbelievable," he said. "This (state tournament) was by far the hardest one we played. There were some really good teams in this one."

In the Waipi'o fifth, Jedd Andrade led off with a walk, and Tokunaga followed with a homer to left to tie it at 3-3.

"He's been swinging well the past three games," Donahue said. "He got a fastball and hit it far."

Fong, the next batter, homered on an 0-1 pitch to put Waipi'o ahead.

"We told him take one, so he took a strike," Donahue said. "He took the next pitch over the right-field fence."

Tokunaga picked up the win by pitching the final two innings.

Toshi Taniguchi and Maxwell Look hit solo homers for Kaimuki, which won its first three games in the double-elimination tournament.

Kaimuki was coached by the Oda brothers: Gerald, Keith and Donovan.

"Hat's off to the Oda brothers and the job they did," Donahue said. "They're a class act all the way."