Tanoai is the half brother of former BYU defensive lineman T.J. Sitake (1998-00, 2004-05) and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake (1994, 1997-00)
Before BYU
Graduted in 2013 from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, where he was a three-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals and the No. 38 offensive guard in the nation.
Prior to his mission he was also recruited by Utah, UCLA, Hawaii, Washington and Nebraska
At Notre Dame High School, Tanoai was named All-Serra League Second Team and selected to the All-Area Football First Team Offense as a senior
Played his freshman season at Pleasant Grove High School in Utah before moving to California midway through the year.
As a senior at Notre Dame, Tanoai helped his team to an 8-4 record and to the second round of the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section playoffs
Playing on the offensive line, his team amassed 2,264 passing yards and 2,111 rushing yards while scoring 34.4 points per game en route to a No. 15 team ranking in California
As a junior he helped his team to a 35-13 win over defending State Champion and Mission League Champion Serra High School.
