How To Find Pickleball In Paradise

Looking for places to play in Paradise....Hawaii that is?  Pickleball is going strong on four different islands--Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.  Google any of these islands with the keyword pickleball and you will probably find what you are looking for.  Kona (on the island of Hawaii) has two strong groups--Kona Pickleball Hui and The Holua Pickleball Center.  They also play in Hilo.  Oahu has two groups playing in Waikiki and another in Kailua.  Kauai has five venues--Hanapepe Tennis Courts, Kalaheo Neighborhood Gym, Kauai Christian Fellowship Center (Koloa), Kilauea Gym, and Princeville.  A with venue is scheduled to open in March.  Maui is just getting public pickleball together, but many Mauians play on private courts and welcome visitors.  You just have to know how to find them.  pickleballmaui.com is a good start.  If you need help, contact Hawaii State Pickleball Ambassador Jack Hodges www.kauaipickleball.shutterfly.com  He will put you in contact with site coordinators.  Pack your paddle and be ready to play pickleball in paradise.  Aloha.

National Pickleball Champion Alex Hamner

Four time National Pickleball Champion Alex Hamner will appear at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center Gym (Island of Kauai) to play pickleball and give any interested persons free instruction on one of “America’s Fastest Growing Sports.”  Alex (and her doubles partner Jennifer Lucore) has won more women's doubles tournaments and gold medals than anyone in the 50 year history of this game.  Stop by to hear her words of advice.  Dress to play if you would like.  Equipment provided.  Date: Thursday, Aug. 13th.  Time: 9:00 a.m.

More Info: www.kauaipickleball.shutterfly.com

The Origins of Pickleball

Ever wonder how this amazing game that you love so much got started? Well, don’t miss this episode of I ♥ Pickleball! Pickleball Channel was fortunate enough to go to Bainbridge Island, the birthplace of the sport, to speak with one of the founders of pickleball, Barney McCallum. Join us as we take you back to a rainy island day when the kids had nothing to do, and some charismatic men decided to make up a game! Learn how the founders made up the rules, how it spread off of Bainbridge Island, and how it eventually became the amazing sport we know today.  This is one episode you do not want to miss! Watch it now!

Note:  The picture is a screen shot.  You will have to click above "Watch It Now"

Places To Play Pickleball In Hawaii

www.kauaipickleball.shutterfly.com

Would you pack your pickleball paddle when traveling to Hawaii if you knew there were pickleball venues near you?  Would you choose a particular island based on pickleball opportunities on that island?  Here is everything pickleball in Hawaii as of February, 2016.  I have listed websites (if available).  Check Facebook as well.  Also check usapa.org and click on "Places To Play."

Kauai: www.kauaipickleball.shutterfly.com  Public pickleball venues are located in Kalaheo, Hanapepe, Koloa, Kapaa, Kilauea and Princeville.  There are a number of private courts at hotels and clubs.  Another source would be kauaipickleball.com

Oahu:  Public venues in Kailua, Waikiki (Diamond Head Tennis Center and Ft. DeRussy).  See Waikiki Outdoor Pickleball on Facebook.  Wilson Community Park is another venue.

Maui:  Check usapa.org "Places To Play."  A few private courts and a couple of hotels.  Good source: pickleballmaui.com A few hardworking people are doing their best to get Maui Recreation on board.

Hawaii (Big Island):  Two thriving groups in Kailua Kona.  Kona Pickleball Hui (lookup on Facebook).  Holua Tennis and Pickleball Center in Kona (Google).  They also play in Hilo, but no contact information at this time.

Pickleball is growing in Hawaii.  We completed the first ever Aloha State Games Senior Olympics Pickleball Tournament in Kona in July of 2015.  2016 Games will be on Kauai in March.  This will be a qualifier for the Nationals in 2017.

Did I mention to be sure you packed your pickleball paddle if you are traveling to Hawaii?  Play in the morning, sightsee the rest of the day, mai tais at sunset.  Repeat.  It doesn't get much better.

Pickleball Tips

It is very important to understand "Coverage" of the court (with your partner) relative to the position of the ball in your opponents court.  See diagram above.

1.  If the ball is directly opposite you (not diagonally opposite), you must cover your line.  This shot down the line is the easiest (highest percentage) shot for your opponent.  Shot A.

2.  Your partner will cover the middle.  He/she is responsible for Shot B.

3.  Shot C is very low percentage and your partner may get to it, but if she/he does not....you both clap and congratulate your opponent on a nice shot.

4.  If the ball is opposite both of you in the middle, you both cover the middle.  Make them angle the shot toward either line.  Much lower percentage.  If they hit it hard, the ball could carry out wide.  If they dink, one of you can get to it.

5.  The game becomes much easier if you just employ the above coverages.  Of course, you have to keep the ball in play and/or "place" a winner.  Patience and Placement....don't forget the two "P's."

Pickleball Portable Storage Bin

Visit Our Kauai Pickleball Website at  www.kauaipickleball.shutterfly.com

One of the perks of being a USAPA Ambassador (or on-site coordinator).  You are in charge of the portable storage bin.  Nets, paddles, balls, USAPA sign, fold-up table, painter's tape, chalk, tape measure, markers, clipboards, string (weights to hold down string in case you are chalking all by yourself), etc.  BTW, there is a broom/squeegee in there.  Wouldn't have it any other way (except when I go to Costco)!

Pickleball Ambassadors State of Hawaii

Congratulations to new Hawaii pickleball Ambassadors Ted Steinberg (Princeville, Kauai) and Pilahi Gregg (Kailua, Oahu).  Ted just completed his first month of "ambassadorizing" on the north shore of Kauai and he has quite a group playing at Emmalani Park in Princeville.  Pilahi was just named an Ambassador in Kailua (Oahu), but she and her group have been playing at the Kailua Public Tennis Courts (behind the Kailua Public Library) for quite some time.  See the usapa.org website for more information on "Places To Play."