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 mates wax poetic about their habit to it. It’s one of many fastest-growing sports activities in america and, for a lot of, it’s turn out to be greater than a passion—it’s a strategy to keep energetic and join with new communities, even whereas touring.
Pickleball in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi has performed an necessary position in pickleball’s rise. The sport, invented in Washington state in 1965, discovered a pure residence within the islands due to its energetic life-style tradition and year-round heat climate. Over the many years, 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 remains to be comparatively new, most resorts don’t but have pickleball courts on-property. Whereas discovering a spot to play as a customer might be tough, 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 most effective locations to play so you’ll be able to spend much less time looking out and extra time having fun with the sport.
Recreation On, Hawaiʻi Model
Pickleball in Hawaiʻi is a part of every day life, with many native teams enjoying collectively week after week. These classes are sometimes organized on group texts or RSVP methods, 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 of out of sync.
When you’re visiting Hawaiʻi and hoping to play pickleball, the smoothest expertise normally 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 give attention to the enjoyable.
Pickleball on Oʻahu
Fort DeRussy (Waikīkī)
Set inside Fort DeRussy Seaside Park, these courts are proper within the coronary heart of Waikīkī close to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Outrigger Reef and Hale Koa Resort. It’s one of the handy locations to play in case you’re staying close by, and after a recreation you’ll be able to head straight to the seashore or discover the retailers and eating places alongside Kalākaua Avenue.
Professionals
- Oceanfront location
- Strolling distance from main Waikīkī resorts
- Paddle-stacking system for video games
- Leases obtainable (afternoons)
- Free to play
Cons
- No lights
- Parking is dear in case you drive
- Solely four courts, typically 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 jap finish of Waikīkī, making them accessible for guests staying at resorts just like the Queen Kapiʻolani or Lotus Honolulu. The vibe right here leans aggressive, with many expert gamers turning up every day.
Professionals
- Customer-friendly vibe
- Free parking
- Paddle-stacking system
- Free to play
Cons
- Skews intermediate to superior
- Not very best for freshmen
- Crowded mornings; waits might be lengthy
- An honest stroll (30+ minutes) from most Waikīkī resorts
Ala Moana Park
Situated between Ala Moana Heart and Ala Moana Seaside, these courts are simple to mix with a procuring journey or seashore outing. The open-play classes draw a mixture of ability ranges starting from superior freshmen to strong intermediates and above.
Professionals
- Central location by seashore 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 often play right here and are welcomed. Whereas it doesn’t have the surroundings of Waikīkī or Diamond Head, it’s an excellent choice on Oʻahu if in case you have a automobile.
Professionals
- Everlasting nets
- Designated open play (Sundays)
- All ability ranges welcome
- Simple 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 can buy a day move for $30 and generally be a part of clinics or particular occasions.
Professionals
- Indoor play with air con
- Rain or shine reliability
- Day passes obtainable for guests
- Occasional clinics and packages
Cons
- Requires a automobile from Waikīkī
- Pay-to-play charges plus parking prices
- Decrease ceilings could 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 every day. Courts are free, however they are often crowded… early mornings are greatest.
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 choice than Waipuilani, although you’ll have to deliver your personal group.
Professionals
- 4 devoted courts
- Free to play
- Facilities close by
- Beautiful park setting
Cons
- No lights
- No structured open play
Royal Lahaina Resort
On Kā‘anapali Seaside, Royal Lahaina Resort presents pickleball as a part of its visitor facilities. Courts are well-kept, and packages or clinics could also be obtainable. This is likely one of the best methods for resort friends 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 friends or resort tie-ins
- Reservations typically 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 remains to be growing.
Professionals
- 12 lined courts
- Applications and clinics obtainable
- Climate-proof play
Cons
- Pay to play
- Requires a automobile
- 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 foremost pickleball hub. With 20 courts (eight lighted), it’s the biggest facility in Hawaiʻi and welcomes guests for a small drop-in payment. (Guests can 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 power 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 residence to 6 courts (4 everlasting, two blended). Courts have lights and night open play twice every 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
- Could be crowded within the evenings
- Blended courtroom surfaces
Poʻipū Beach Athletic Club
Simply minutes from Poʻipū Seaside, this personal membership presents drop-in pickleball for non-members together with clinics. It’s a handy choice in case you’re staying within the resort space and wish one thing structured. Signal-up is straightforward by means of their web site.
Poipu Seaside Athletic Membership
Professionals
- Open play for non-members
- Clinics obtainable
- Simple on-line sign-up
- Resort-area location
Cons
- Pay to play
- Restricted to scheduled classes
- Smaller facility
Play Pickleball, Island Model
Enjoying 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 sort 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.
