Picture supplied by Jen Wilson
This text was guest-written by Jen Wilson, Editor, Hawai‘i Pickleball Journal
By now, you’ve both performed pickleball or heard your folks wax poetic about their dependancy to it. It’s one of many fastest-growing sports activities in america and, for a lot of, it’s develop into greater than a interest—it’s a option to keep energetic and join with new communities, even whereas touring.
Pickleball in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi has performed an vital position in pickleball’s rise. The sport, invented in Washington state in 1965, discovered a pure dwelling within the islands because of its energetic life-style tradition and year-round heat climate. Over the a long time, pickleball grew steadily throughout the islands, with native golf equipment forming in Honolulu, Maui, Kauaʻi and the on Huge Island. Immediately, Hawaiʻi is taken into account one of many sport’s sizzling spots—internet hosting tournaments and including new courts throughout the islands.
Earlier than You Hit the Courts in Hawaiʻi
As a result of the game continues to be comparatively new, most lodges don’t but have pickleball courts on-property. Whereas discovering a spot to play as a customer may be difficult, the excellent news is that with a little bit of planning, you’ll discover loads of welcoming spots throughout the islands; from oceanside courts in Waikīkī to group hubs and resort golf equipment. This information highlights the very best locations to play so you may spend much less time looking and extra time having fun with the sport.
Sport On, Hawaiʻi Fashion
Pickleball in Hawaiʻi is a part of each day life, with many native teams enjoying collectively week after week. These classes are sometimes organized on group texts or RSVP programs, with gamers pitching in for nets, balls, and setup. For teams with a longtime rhythm, unannounced guests, though not unwelcome, would possibly really feel a bit out of sync.
In the event you’re visiting Hawaiʻi and hoping to play pickleball, the smoothest expertise often comes at courts designed for drop-in play. As a customer to the islands, search for courts with everlasting nets, common open play classes, and a gradual mixture of locals and vacationers.
These spots take the guesswork out of discovering a pickleball recreation and allow you to deal with the enjoyable.
Pickleball on Oʻahu
Fort DeRussy (Waikīkī)
Set inside Fort DeRussy Seashore Park, these courts are proper within the coronary heart of Waikīkī close to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Outrigger Reef and Hale Koa Lodge. It’s one of the vital handy locations to play if you happen to’re staying close by, and after a recreation you may head straight to the seaside or discover the retailers and eating places alongside Kalākaua Avenue.
Professionals
- Oceanfront location
- Strolling distance from main Waikīkī lodges
- Paddle-stacking system for video games
- Leases out there (afternoons)
- Free to play
Cons
- No lights
- Parking is pricey if you happen to drive
- Solely four courts, usually crowded mornings/evenings
Diamond Head Pickleball Courts
Situated close to Kapiʻolani Park on the base of Diamond Head, these courts are a brief drive or an extended stroll from the japanese finish of Waikīkī, making them accessible for guests staying at lodges just like the Queen Kapiʻolani or Lotus Honolulu. The vibe right here leans aggressive, with many expert gamers turning up each day.
Professionals
- Customer-friendly vibe
- Free parking
- Paddle-stacking system
- Free to play
Cons
- Skews intermediate to superior
- Not best for freshmen
- Crowded mornings; waits may be lengthy
- A good stroll (30+ minutes) from most Waikīkī lodges
Ala Moana Park
Situated between Ala Moana Heart and Ala Moana Seashore, these courts are simple to mix with a purchasing journey or seaside outing. The open-play classes draw a mixture of ability ranges starting from superior freshmen to stable intermediates and above.
Professionals
- Central location by seaside and mall
- Blended ability ranges, welcoming to newcomers
- Paddle-stacking system
- Free parking
- Free to play
Cons
- Courts solely open for pickleball till 10pm
- Can get very crowded throughout open play
- Poor lighting at night time
- Parking fills on weekends/evenings
Keehi Lagoon (Honolulu)
Near the airport, Keehi Lagoon Park has 12 devoted pickleball courts and hosts organized open play on Sunday afternoons. Guests sometimes play right here and are welcomed. Whereas it doesn’t have the surroundings of Waikīkī or Diamond Head, it’s an important possibility on Oʻahu when you’ve got a automotive.
Professionals
- Everlasting nets
- Designated open play (Sundays)
- All ability ranges welcome
- Straightforward parking
- Pleasant, social vibe
- Free to play
Cons
- Not scenic (close to freeway/rail line)
- Bogs removed from courts
- No shade
- Lights don’t work
Pickles at Forté (Downtown Honolulu)
Hawaiʻi’s first indoor pickleball facility, Pickles at Forté is positioned close to downtown Honolulu, a few 15-minute drive from Waikīkī. Its air-conditioned courts and structured packages make it really feel like a membership expertise. Guests should buy a day cross for $30 and typically be a part of clinics or particular occasions.
Professionals
- Indoor play with air con
- Rain or shine reliability
- Day passes out there for guests
- Occasional clinics and packages
Cons
- Requires a automotive from Waikīkī
- Pay-to-play charges plus parking prices
- Decrease ceilings might restrict lobs
Pickleball on Maui
Waipuilani Park (Kīhei)
Simply steps from trip condos in Kīhei, Waipuilani Park is certainly one of Maui’s busiest and most visitor-friendly hubs. With eight devoted courts, it attracts a mixture of locals and vacationers each day. Courts are free, however they are often crowded… early mornings are finest.
Professionals
- eight devoted courts
- Free to play
- Strolling distance from trip leases
- Very accustomed to guests
Cons
- Restricted shade
- Crowded mornings/evenings
- Parking can fill at peak hours
Napili Park (Lahaina)
Situated on Maui’s northwest coast, Napili Park is tucked right into a residential space close to resort condos. The 4 free courts are well-maintained, with loads of house and restrooms close by. It’s a quieter possibility than Waipuilani, although you’ll must convey your individual group.
Professionals
- 4 devoted courts
- Free to play
- Facilities close by
- Pretty park setting
Cons
- No lights
- No structured open play
Royal Lahaina Resort
On Kā‘anapali Seashore, Royal Lahaina Resort presents pickleball as a part of its visitor facilities. Courts are well-kept, and packages or clinics could also be out there. This is among the best methods for resort company to play with out leaving the property.
Professionals
- Resort comfort (play the place you keep)
- Organized packages and clinics
Cons
- Pay to play
- Restricted to company or resort tie-ins
- Reservations usually wanted
The Hub Kāʻanapali
A brand-new facility with 12 lined courts, The Hub sits simply inland from Kā‘anapali’s resort space. It’s weatherproof, organized, and geared towards each informal and aggressive gamers. As a result of it’s new, the group vibe continues to be growing.
Professionals
- 12 lined courts
- Packages and clinics out there
- Climate-proof play
Cons
- Pay to play
- Requires a automotive
- Tradition nonetheless forming
Pickleball on The Huge Island
Holua Racquet & Paddle (Kona)
Situated in Keauhou, simply south of Kailua-Kona, Holua is the island’s fundamental pickleball hub. With 20 courts (eight lighted), it’s the biggest facility in Hawaiʻi and welcomes guests for a small drop-in payment. (Guests should buy punch playing cards for open play classes. 7 open play session punch card = $60, 10 open play session punch card = $80.) The group is pleasant and the ability is well-maintained.
Professionals
- 20 everlasting courts, eight lighted
- Customer open-play classes (~$10)
- Near Kona resorts
- Pleasant, energetic group
- A number of free parking
Cons
Pickleball on Kaua’i
Anne Knudsen Park (Kōloa)
Within the coronary heart of Kōloa city, this county park is dwelling to 6 courts (4 everlasting, two blended). Courts have lights and night open play twice per week. Guests describe the scene as pleasant and welcoming, with loads of alternatives for intermediate-level video games.
Professionals
- 6 courts (four everlasting, 2 blended)
- Free to play
- Courts with lights
- Open play Tues/Thurs afternoons
Cons
- Restricted open-play hours
- May be crowded within the evenings
- Blended courtroom surfaces
Poʻipū Beach Athletic Club
Simply minutes from Poʻipū Seashore, this non-public membership presents drop-in pickleball for non-members together with clinics. It’s a handy possibility if you happen to’re staying within the resort space and wish one thing structured. Signal-up is easy by their web site.
Poipu Seashore Athletic Membership
Professionals
- Open play for non-members
- Clinics out there
- Straightforward on-line sign-up
- Resort-area location
Cons
- Pay to play
- Restricted to scheduled classes
- Smaller facility
Play Pickleball, Island Fashion
Taking part in pickleball whereas on trip in Hawaiʻi is totally doable. From Waikīkī’s beachside courts to Maui’s vacation-rental-friendly spots, the islands provide choices for each type of traveler.
Select the courts that match your model, whether or not that’s informal open play, structured resort packages or the consolation of indoor amenities—and also you’ll discover it simple to work pickleball into your Hawaiʻi trip.
About HPM:
Hawaiʻi Pickleball Magazine is your information to pickleball throughout the islands — from native courts to participant spotlights and occasions.
