Pickleball in Hawai'i: Where to Play in Paradise

Pickleball in Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi has played an important role in pickleball’s rise. The game, invented in Washington state in 1965, found a natural home in the islands thanks to its active lifestyle culture and year-round warm weather. Over the decades, pickleball grew steadily across the islands, with local clubs forming in Honolulu, Maui, Kauaʻi and the on Big Island. Today, Hawaiʻi is considered one of the sport’s hot spots—hosting tournaments and adding new courts across the islands.

Before You Hit the Courts in Hawaiʻi

Because the sport is still relatively new, most hotels don’t yet have pickleball courts on-property. While finding a place to play as a visitor can be tricky, the good news is that with a bit of planning, you’ll find plenty of welcoming spots across the islands; from oceanside courts in Waikīkī to community hubs and resort clubs. This guide highlights the best places to play so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the game.

Game On, Hawaiʻi Style

Pickleball in Hawaiʻi is part of daily life, with many local groups playing together week after week. These sessions are often organized on group texts or RSVP systems, with players pitching in for nets, balls, and setup. For groups with an established rhythm, unannounced visitors, although not unwelcome, might feel a little out of sync.

If you’re visiting Hawaiʻi and hoping to play pickleball, the smoothest experience usually comes at courts designed for drop-in play. As a visitor to the islands, look for courts with permanent nets, regular open play sessions, and a steady mix of locals and travelers.

These spots take the guesswork out of finding a pickleball game and let you focus on the fun.

Pickleball on Oʻahu

Fort DeRussy (Waikīkī)

Set within Fort DeRussy Beach Park, these courts are right in the heart of Waikīkī near the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Outrigger Reef and Hale Koa Hotel. It’s one of the most convenient places to play if you’re staying nearby, and after a game you can head straight to the beach or explore the shops and restaurants along Kalākaua Avenue.

Pros

• Oceanfront location

• Walking distance from major Waikīkī hotels

• Paddle-stacking system for games

• Rentals available (afternoons)

• Free to play

Cons

• No lights

• Parking is expensive if you drive

• Only 4 courts, often crowded mornings/evenings

Diamond Head Pickleball Courts

Located near Kapiʻolani Park at the base of Diamond Head, these courts are a short drive or a longer stroll from the eastern end of Waikīkī, making them accessible for visitors staying at hotels like the Queen Kapiʻolani or Lotus Honolulu. The vibe here leans competitive, with many skilled players turning up daily.

Pros

• Visitor-friendly vibe

• Free parking

• Paddle-stacking system

• Free to play

Cons

• Skews intermediate to advanced

• Not ideal for beginners

• Crowded mornings; waits can be long

• A decent walk (30+ minutes) from most Waikīkī hotels

Ala Moana Park

Located between Ala Moana Center and Ala Moana Beach, these courts are easy to combine with a shopping trip or beach outing. The open-play sessions draw a mix of skill levels ranging from advanced beginners to solid intermediates and above.

Pros

• Central location by beach and mall

• Mixed skill levels, welcoming to newcomers

• Paddle-stacking system

• Free parking

• Free to play

Cons

• Courts only open for pickleball until 10pm

• Can get very crowded during open play

• Poor lighting at night

• Parking fills on weekends/evenings

Keehi Lagoon (Honolulu)

Close to the airport, Keehi Lagoon Park has 12 dedicated pickleball courts and hosts organized open play on Sunday afternoons. Visitors occasionally play here and are welcomed. While it doesn’t have the scenery of Waikīkī or Diamond Head, it’s a great option on Oʻahu if you have a car.

Pros

• Permanent nets

• Designated open play (Sundays)

• All skill levels welcome

• Easy parking

• Friendly, social vibe

• Free to play

Cons

• Not scenic (near freeway/rail line)

• Bathrooms far from courts

• No shade

• Lights don’t work

Pickles at Forté (Downtown Honolulu)

Hawaiʻi’s first indoor pickleball facility, Pickles at Forté is located near downtown Honolulu, about a 15-minute drive from Waikīkī. Its air-conditioned courts and structured programs make it feel like a club experience. Visitors can purchase a day pass for $30 and sometimes join clinics or special events.

Pros

• Indoor play with air conditioning

• Rain or shine reliability

• Day passes available for visitors

• Occasional clinics and programs

Cons

• Requires a car from Waikīkī

• Pay-to-play fees plus parking costs

• Lower ceilings may limit lobs

Pickleball on Maui

Waipuilani Park (Kīhei)

Just steps from vacation condos in Kīhei, Waipuilani Park is one of Maui’s busiest and most visitor-friendly hubs. With eight dedicated courts, it attracts a mix of locals and travelers daily. Courts are free, but they can be crowded… early mornings are best.

Pros

• 8 dedicated courts

• Free to play

• Walking distance from vacation rentals

• Very accustomed to visitors

Cons

• Limited shade

• Crowded mornings/evenings

• Parking can fill at peak hours

Napili Park (Lahaina)

Located on Maui’s northwest coast, Napili Park is tucked into a residential area near resort condos. The four free courts are well-maintained, with plenty of space and restrooms nearby. It’s a quieter option than Waipuilani, though you’ll need to bring your own group.

Pros

• Four dedicated courts

• Free to play

• Amenities nearby

• Lovely park setting

Cons

• No lights

• No structured open play

Royal Lahaina Resort

On Kā‘anapali Beach, Royal Lahaina Resort offers pickleball as part of its guest amenities. Courts are well-kept, and programs or clinics may be available. This is one of the easiest ways for resort guests to play without leaving the property.

Pros

• Resort convenience (play where you stay)

• Organized programs and clinics

Cons

• Pay to play

• Limited to guests or resort tie-ins

• Reservations often needed

The Hub Kāʻanapali

A brand-new facility with 12 covered courts, The Hub sits just inland from Kā‘anapali’s resort area. It’s weatherproof, organized, and geared toward both casual and competitive players. Because it’s new, the community vibe is still developing.

Pros

• 12 covered courts

• Programs and clinics available

• Weather-proof play

Cons

• Pay to play

• Requires a car

• Culture still forming

Pickleball on The Big Island

Holua Racquet & Paddle (Kona)

Located in Keauhou, just south of Kailua-Kona, Holua is the island’s main pickleball hub. With 20 courts (8 lighted), it’s the largest facility in Hawaiʻi and welcomes visitors for a small drop-in fee. (Visitors can purchase punch cards for open play sessions. 7 open play session punch card = $60, 10 open play session punch card = $80.) The community is friendly and the facility is well-maintained. 

Pros

• 20 permanent courts, 8 lighted

• Visitor open-play sessions (~$10)

• Close to Kona resorts

• Friendly, active community

• Lots of free parking

Cons

• Fee for non-members

Pickleball on Kaua’i

Anne Knudsen Park (Kōloa)

In the heart of Kōloa town, this county park is home to six courts (four permanent, two blended). Courts have lights and evening open play twice a week. Visitors describe the scene as friendly and welcoming, with plenty of opportunities for intermediate-level games.

Pros

• 6 courts (4 permanent, 2 blended)

• Free to play

• Courts with lights

• Open play Tues/Thurs afternoons

Cons

• Limited open-play hours

• Can be crowded in the evenings

• Mixed court surfaces

Poʻipū Beach Athletic Club

Just minutes from Poʻipū Beach, this private club offers drop-in pickleball for non-members along with clinics. It’s a convenient option if you’re staying in the resort area and want something structured. Sign-up is simple through their website.

Poipu Beach Athletic Club

Pros

• Open play for non-members

• Clinics available

• Easy online sign-up

• Resort-area location

Cons

• Pay to play

• Limited to scheduled sessions

• Smaller facility

Play Pickleball, Island Style

Playing pickleball while on vacation in Hawaiʻi is absolutely doable. From Waikīkī’s beachside courts to Maui’s vacation-rental-friendly spots, the islands offer options for every kind of traveler.

Choose the courts that match your style, whether that’s casual open play, structured resort programs or the comfort of indoor facilities—and you’ll find it easy to work pickleball into your Hawaiʻi vacation.

About HPM:

Hawaiʻi Pickleball Magazine is your guide to pickleball across the islands — from local courts to player spotlights and events.