Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Puka Nacua is an American professional football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 29, 2001, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nacua became one of the league’s most recognizable young receivers after an outstanding rookie season in 2023.
Beyond his football achievements, Nacua comes from a large and supportive family. His parents are Penina Nacua and the late Lionel Nacua, and he has five siblings: Kai, Isaiah, Samson, Tei and Chanel Nacua.
Nacua is also a father. He welcomed his first child, a son named Kingston, with his former girlfriend, Hallie Aiono, in October 2025. His family relationships, particularly his close bond with his mother and brothers, have played an important role throughout his football career.
Puka Nacua’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Puka Nacua was previously in a relationship with Hallie Aiono, a social media personality and the sister of singer and actor Alex Aiono.
Nacua and Hallie began their relationship during his college football years and became publicly associated with each other in 2022.
Hallie regularly supported Nacua at football games and attended sporting events with him. In February 2024, she accompanied him to the NFL Honors ceremony, where he was recognized for his outstanding rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams.
The couple continued making public appearances together throughout 2024. In May 2025, they announced that they were expecting their first child and revealed that the baby would be a boy.
However, their relationship subsequently ended. In June 2025, Aiono filed a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court seeking to establish the legal parental relationship concerning their unborn child and determine custody arrangements.
In October 2026, reports based on court documents confirmed that Nacua and Aiono had reached a confidential agreement addressing child custody, visitation and financial responsibilities.
According to the October 29, 2026, report, the agreement still required judicial approval before taking effect. Its specific terms were not publicly disclosed.
Although they are no longer romantically involved, Nacua has publicly acknowledged Aiono’s role as their son’s mother.
As of now, Hallie Aiono is Puka Nacua’s former girlfriend, and there is no reliable public confirmation identifying a new romantic partner or wife.
Puka Nacua’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Puka Nacua has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Kingston Nacua Aiono, whom he shares with Hallie Aiono.
Kingston was born on October 23, 2025. His arrival marked a significant milestone in Nacua’s personal life, introducing him to fatherhood while continuing his professional football career.
Kingston Nacua Aiono: Puka Nacua’s Son
Kingston Nacua Aiono is the first publicly known child of Puka Nacua and Hallie Aiono.
Following Kingston’s birth in October 2025, Hallie shared photographs and a message celebrating her son’s arrival on social media.
Nacua also publicly welcomed Kingston and congratulated Hallie after the birth announcement.
In November 2025, the Rams wide receiver spoke about becoming a father during a team media interview. He explained that welcoming his son had given him new reasons to be thankful and additional motivation both on and off the football field.
Nacua continued discussing fatherhood during the 2026 NFL offseason, explaining that his son’s growth and well-being had become important parts of his everyday life.
In October 2026, Kingston celebrated his first birthday. His mother shared photographs marking the occasion, while reports described ongoing efforts by his parents to establish their co-parenting arrangements.
As of now, Kingston is Puka Nacua’s only publicly confirmed child.
Puka Nacua’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Puka Nacua was born to Lionel Nacua and Penina Nacua. His parents raised six children and established a household in which football, family relationships and cultural traditions were particularly important.
Although his father died when Puka was young, the lessons Lionel taught his children continued to influence their sporting careers.
Puka Nacua’s Father: Lionel Nacua
Puka Nacua’s father was Lionel Nacua, a passionate football supporter who encouraged his sons to become competitive athletes.
Lionel had participated in wrestling during his younger years and was particularly enthusiastic about American football.
He introduced his children to the sport early, organizing training sessions and encouraging them to develop physically and mentally.
According to interviews published by the Los Angeles Rams and Deseret News, Lionel regularly showed his sons football footage and taught them about prominent defensive players, including Troy Polamalu and Lawrence Taylor.
One of Lionel’s dreams was to see his sons play college football at Brigham Young University (BYU).
Unfortunately, he died in May 2012 from complications related to diabetes, when Puka was approximately 11 years old.
His death was a devastating experience for the family, leaving Penina responsible for raising their six children.
Despite losing his father at a young age, Nacua continued pursuing the football ambitions Lionel had encouraged.
In 2023, Puka honored his father’s memory through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, choosing to support diabetes awareness.
He has repeatedly explained that his father’s teachings continue to motivate him and influence how he approaches football and family responsibilities.
Puka Nacua’s Mother: Penina Nacua
Puka Nacua’s mother is Penina Nacua, who raised six children after the death of her husband, Lionel.
Penina is of Samoan heritage. Her mother emigrated from Samoa to the United States in 1968, and Penina grew up with strong connections to Samoan cultural traditions.
After her husband’s death, Penina assumed responsibility for supporting the family’s daily needs while ensuring her children could continue pursuing their athletic ambitions.
With five sons involved in football and a daughter who also participated in sports, she spent considerable time attending games, organizing transportation and supporting their development.
Puka has publicly described his mother as one of the strongest influences in his life.
During an interview with the Rams in November 2023, he explained that watching Penina overcome challenges taught him the importance of perseverance and resilience.
The two maintain a close relationship. Nacua has spoken about regularly contacting his mother and sharing important moments from his football career with her.
One particularly emotional moment occurred on January 7, 2024, when Nacua broke the NFL rookie records for receptions and receiving yards.
Following the Rams’ game against the San Francisco 49ers, he presented Penina with the football from his record-breaking achievement.
She has continued attending games and celebrating her son’s achievements throughout his NFL career.
In addition to supporting her children’s sporting ambitions, Penina has remained connected to her Samoan heritage and extended family.
In 2025, she accompanied Puka on a trip to Samoa, where he participated in community activities and reconnected with his family’s cultural roots.
Puka Nacua’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Puka Nacua is one of six children and has five siblings: four brothers named Kai, Isaiah, Samson and Tei Nacua, and one sister named Chanel Nacua.
He is the second-youngest child in the family. All five brothers have participated in football, including involvement with the BYU football program.
Kai Nacua: Puka Nacua’s Older Brother
Kai Nacua is Puka Nacua’s older brother and a professional football defensive back.
He played college football at Brigham Young University, where he established himself as a productive defensive player.
During his college career, Kai recorded 14 interceptions and earned recognition for his performances in the Cougars’ secondary.
After college, he entered the NFL in 2017 and spent time with several teams, including the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers.
He subsequently continued playing professional football in spring leagues, including the United Football League.
Kai was an important role model for Puka, particularly because he demonstrated that a member of their family could progress from BYU to professional football.
His achievements helped encourage his younger brothers to pursue similar ambitions.
Isaiah Nacua: Puka Nacua’s Brother
Isaiah Nacua is another older brother of Puka Nacua.
Like his brothers, Isaiah developed an interest in football while growing up in a competitive sporting household.
He joined Brigham Young University’s football program as a defensive lineman and spent time with the Cougars before moving away from competitive college football.
According to published family profiles, Isaiah later undertook missionary service.
Although he has maintained a lower public profile than Kai, Samson and Puka, he remains part of the family’s sporting tradition.
Reliable information about Isaiah’s current professional activities and private relationships is limited.
Samson Nacua: Puka Nacua’s Older Brother
Samson Nacua is Puka Nacua’s older brother and another professional football wide receiver.
He began his college football career at the University of Utah before transferring to Brigham Young University in 2021.
Samson and Puka transferred to BYU during the same period, allowing the brothers to play together and remain closer to their family.
The decision was particularly meaningful because their maternal grandmother was experiencing serious health problems.
After completing his college football career, Samson pursued professional opportunities in the NFL and other American football leagues.
He spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and later competed in spring football leagues, including the United Football League.
Samson and Puka have maintained a close relationship, supporting each other’s achievements and sharing their experiences as professional athletes.
The brothers have also appeared together in interviews, family photographs and sporting events.
Tei Nacua: Puka Nacua’s Younger Brother
Tei Nacua is Puka Nacua’s youngest brother and the youngest child of Lionel and Penina Nacua.
He followed his older brothers into football, developing as a wide receiver during his high school years in Utah.
Tei played at Timpview High School, where he contributed to the team’s success and gained attention as a college football prospect.
He committed to Brigham Young University in 2023, continuing the family’s connection to the school’s football program.
His decision fulfilled another part of the dream their father had held for his sons.
Tei subsequently joined the BYU football program and continued developing his skills as a receiver.
His older brothers, particularly Puka and Samson, have provided examples of how dedication and preparation can create opportunities in professional football.
Chanel Nacua: Puka Nacua’s Sister
Chanel Nacua is Puka Nacua’s older sister and the only daughter of Lionel and Penina Nacua.
She is the oldest of the six Nacua children and played an important role in the family’s sporting tradition.
During her school years, Chanel played basketball at Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada.
According to the Los Angeles Rams, Chanel was the first sibling to wear jersey number 12 while competing in sports.
Her brothers later followed the tradition, with Kai, Samson and Puka adopting the same number during their football careers.
In March 2025, Puka announced that he would change his Rams jersey number from 17 to 12, partly to honor the family’s connection to that number.
Chanel has generally maintained a private life away from professional sports media.
Published family profiles identify her as a mother to a daughter named Coco Laulile.
Although she receives less public attention than her brothers, Chanel remains an important member of the Nacua family.
Puka Nacua’s Family Background and Football Legacy
Puka Nacua grew up in a family with strong connections to football, Samoan culture and community life.
His father introduced the five Nacua brothers to the sport, while his mother continued supporting their athletic ambitions after Lionel’s death.
Nacua attended Orem High School in Utah, where he became one of the state’s most productive wide receivers.
He subsequently joined the University of Washington before transferring to BYU in 2021.
Playing at BYU allowed him to honor his father’s wishes while spending more time near his mother and other family members.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Nacua in the fifth round with the 177th overall pick.
He enjoyed an exceptional rookie season, recording 105 receptions and 1,486 receiving yards, setting new NFL rookie records in both categories.
His family celebrated those milestones together, particularly his mother, who had worked tirelessly to help her children pursue their sporting ambitions.
The Nacua family’s football connections also extend beyond Puka and his brothers. His relatives include NFL players Penei Sewell, Noah Sewell and Marist Liufau.
In 2025, Nacua became a father for the first time, welcoming his son Kingston. He has since spoken about the importance of providing his child with the same love and support he received growing up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puka Nacua’s Family
Who is Puka Nacua’s girlfriend?
Puka Nacua previously dated Hallie Aiono, with whom he shares a son. They are no longer together, and as of now, he has not publicly confirmed a new girlfriend.
Is Puka Nacua married?
There is no verified public information confirming that Puka Nacua is married or has a wife.
How many children does Puka Nacua have?
Puka Nacua has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Kingston Nacua Aiono.
Who is Puka Nacua’s son?
His son is Kingston Nacua Aiono, born on October 23, 2025, to Puka Nacua and his former girlfriend, Hallie Aiono.
Who are Puka Nacua’s parents?
His parents are Penina Nacua and the late Lionel Nacua. His father died from complications related to diabetes in 2012.
Is Puka Nacua’s father alive?
No. Lionel Nacua died in May 2012, when Puka was approximately 11 years old.
How many siblings does Puka Nacua have?
Puka Nacua has five siblings: four brothers, Kai, Isaiah, Samson and Tei Nacua, and one sister, Chanel Nacua.
Does Puka Nacua have brothers who play football?
Yes. His brothers Kai, Isaiah, Samson and Tei have all participated in college football, with Kai and Samson also pursuing professional football careers.
Who is Puka Nacua’s sister?
His sister is Chanel Nacua, the oldest child in the family. She played basketball during high school and was the first sibling to wear the family’s meaningful jersey number 12.
Why does Puka Nacua wear number 12?
Puka Nacua changed his jersey number to 12 in 2025 to honor a family sporting tradition that began with his sister Chanel and continued through his brothers.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
