After taking up target shooting at the age of 12, Manuel Hawayek went on to become the Puerto Rican national champion in the sport in 1974, holding the title for more than a decade. Hawayek competed in the 50 metres small-bore rifle prone event at three Olympic Games; 1972 München, 1976 Montréal, and 1984 Los Angeles, with a best result of 25th place at the latter. At multiple editions of the Central American and Caribbean Games during the 1970s and 1980s he won seven medals in the small-bore rifle, including three golds. Hawayek also competed at the 1983 and 1987 Pan American Games, finishing in seventh place and sixth place, respectively.