Record-Breaking Pickleball Extravaganza: The Hawaii Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open will take place from April 10 to 13 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. This major tournament is expected to attract over 1,000 players competing in men’s, mixed, and women’s doubles, accommodating participants of all ages.
The first two days of the tournament will focus on players aged 50 and older, while the final two days will include competitors of all ages. With 38 indoor courts, this event will host the largest pickleball setup ever in Hawaii. Best of all, the tournament is free and open to the public.
“We’re thrilled to bring this major event to Honolulu, especially with how quickly pickleball is growing in popularity,” said Matt Apana, General Manager of ESPN Honolulu.
“The tournament sold out fast, and we expect locals and visitors alike to come down, watch the matches, participate in free workshops, and explore the expo.” – (Matt Apana)
Health Expo and Community Engagement
The tournament is sponsored by Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH), which will host a health expo on April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The expo will feature free skin cancer screenings and booths offering information on bone and joint health, cancer care, heart health, and women’s health. More than 100 HPH volunteers will staff the expo and medical tents throughout the event.
“Pickleball is a fun way for people of all ages to stay active, improve their health, and boost their overall well-being,” said Ray Vara, president and CEO of Hawai‘i Pacific Health.
“We’re proud to support this tournament and provide opportunities for people to engage in physical activity.” – (Ray Vara)
Activities and Celebrity Appearances
In addition to the tournament, the event will offer free pickleball workshops for newcomers, exhibition matches, and performances. Notable pros like Morgan Evans, Max Freeman, and Jessie Irvine will host private clinics, allowing attendees to learn from the best.
The event will also feature the Honolulu Open Corporate Cup, where 55 teams from 22 local companies will compete for the championship title on Thursday and Friday.
Broadcast and Community Support
The tournament will be broadcast on KHON and KHII, with live streaming available on KHON’s website and YouTube from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A portion of the tournament’s proceeds will benefit Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the quality of life for those in need, particularly the homeless population in Waimānalo. This aspect highlights the event’s commitment to giving back to the community while promoting the sport of pickleball.
News in Brief: Record-Breaking Pickleball Extravaganza
The Hawaii Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open will occur from April 10 to 13 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Over 1,000 players will compete, with the event free to the public. A health expo will offer screenings and information, with a portion of proceeds benefiting a local non-profit organization.