KEVEN WONG
CHOOSING HOME OVER THE SPOTLIGHT
MAHALO TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Special thanks to our talented photographer, David Wetter, for this issue’s amazing cover image.
Meet Our Summer Intern Team
We’re lucky to have a little extra help this summer—and even luckier to have such an awesome crew. Say hello to our Summer Intern Team!
Mikayla, a 2025 graduate of Kamehameha Schools, is headed to UH Mānoa this fall. You’ll spot her at the courts helping with our Courtside Qs
Supporting our social media and behind-the-scenes operations:
Colby, a rising senior at Punahou School
Kianna, a 2025 Mililani HS grad, soon to be at Washington State University
Joey, a rising senior at Claremont McKenna College, majoring in EconomicsAccounting
We’re so excited to have them with us this summer—be sure to say hi if you see them around!
We also want to give a shoutout to our wonderful Community Contributors: Eka McClelland, for sharing her fantastic travel pics
Kyle Kaneshiro, for providing the photos and results from the K2 Pickleball Tournament
Daphne Manago, for passing along the awesome story about family and friends coming together at the K2 Pickleball Tournament
Donna Slagill, for capturing the excitement of the Hickam AFB Courts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
This issue shines brighter because of you.
FROM THE EDITOR
RESET SEASON
June marks the halfway point in the year—and with graduations in full swing, it’s a natural cue to pause, reflect on what we’ve accomplished, and look ahead to what’s next.
It’s also a moment to ask ourselves: are we chasing the right things?
In our cover story, Keven Wong reminds us that success doesn’t always mean more medals, more titles, or a busier schedule. Sometimes, it means stepping away from the expected path—and having the courage to follow what truly feels aligned.
That’s not always easy, especially when the world expects something else. But choosing your own definition of success?
That’s real strength.
Whether it’s on the courts, in your work, or your personal life, this season invites a quiet reset. Not a full stop—just a thoughtful shift back to what feels meaningful, fulfilling, and fun.
Mahalo for being on this journey with us.
Here’s to appreciating where we’ve been, and where we’re headed.
—Jen Editor, Hawaii Pickleball Magazine HPM
#BTS
Making magic happen
#PickleballPassport Where in the world are we?
#CourtSnack
Pickle Balls spotted at Sam’s Club!
1) Capturing the vibe behind the scenes with HPM photographer, David Wetter, and our upcoming cover model! 2) PB friend Eka McClelland bringing the aloha spirit to Tanglin Jungle Courts in Singapore. 3) When your snacks match your sport…now that’s commitment to the game.
KEVEN WONG
THE QUIET FORCE
BEHIND HAWAII PICKLEBALL
Photo: David Wetter
Thoughtful. Deliberate. Humble enough to think his story isn’t worth telling.
But if you’ve ever seen him play—or had the privilege of talking story— you know that couldn’t be further from the truth. Before he was Hawaii’s most respected player and instructor, Keven was just a guy saying yes to a casual church invite to play pickleball. He’s still saying yes—to community, to connection, and to building something bigger than himself.
TRADING THE BASELINE FOR THE KITCHEN LINE
Long before he was known for his backhand flicks and trick shots, Keven Wong was all in on tennis.
Growing up, he also played basketball and volleyball, but by ninth grade, it was time to choose one sport to focus on. He chose tennis not necessarily because he loved it the most— basketball and volleyball actually held more of his heart—but because it made the most sense.
He said, “obviously, for basketball and volleyball, I needed to be a little taller” and the libero position in volleyball simply didn’t exist yet.
Tennis became the path forward.
He traveled around the mainland during his high school years, competed nationally and eventually played four years at the University of Redlands in California. By the time he graduated in 2011, though, he was completely burned out.
He returned home after graduation and hasn’t picked up a racket since.
“I see the (tennis) courts and I don't have any desire to jump back on there. I look at the court and it's so big compared to pickleball, the racket is so heavy and honestly, I don't think I'll ever get back on the tennis court.”
FROM FELLOWSHIP TO FLICK SHOTS
Keven’s introduction to pickleball came thanks to a group of guys at church who invited him to give it a try. At the time, he was mostly playing spikeball, and some volleyball, for fun.
They told him that pickleball was “kind of like tennis with paddles and a wiffle ball”, so Keven agreed to try it.
That first “for fun” session turned into something more. He shared, “I went out for the first time and enjoyed it and kept going back. I fell in love with it and haven’t looked back since.”
Pickleball became his new passion, and in April 2018, he entered his first tournament at the Blaisdell.
That tournament was played on the existing flooring— none of the roll-out court surfaces you see today. Just a slick surface with taped lines. Still, he and Kevin Ching came out on top, and from that point on, Keven started taking the game a bit more seriously.
Pickleball has been a huge blessing in my life. My faith in Christ has me on this awesome journey where I get to be surrounded by pickleball as a career, hobby, sport, and ministry.
HOME COURT PRIORITIES
With his background and talent, Keven could undoubtedly hold his own on the pro circuit. In fact, he has—right here at home.
One of his most memorable wins came during the 2024 Hawaiian Open in mixed doubles. He and his partner, Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall, faced off against touring pros Augustus Ge (“Augie”) and Daria Walczak twice—winning their first matchup, dropping the rematch in the gold medal round, then clinching the tiebreaker to 15.
“Just being able to play at that level—and do it at home—was really memorable,” Keven said.
And at the ESPN Honolulu Open in April 2025, he went up against a stacked bracket that included four touring pros in both men's and mixed doubles—and came out on top.
He may not travel to the mainland to chase titles, but when the pros come here, he shows he belongs on that stage.
He explained, “I think number one—where God has me on this journey of pickleball…I don't think it's to necessarily go and play professionally. Number two–family and especially now with kids—to be away from them is tough because everything I base it off is to be with them as much as I can. And then, financially, it just doesn't really make sense. Being in Hawaii, you would have to travel all the time.”
I asked him if he ever felt called to pursue life on the pro tour—or if he ever wrestled with regret. He admitted there were moments when the pull was strong. “I’ve definitely had times where I wanted to be out there competing against the top players,” he said. “Early on, I watched a lot of pro pickleball—it’s one of the best ways to learn. Watching them play makes you want to get out there.”
But over time, that urge faded. “Now, I don’t watch as much. I’m content. I’m happy where I am.”
His calling? To grow the game right here in his own backyard.
I don't think playing professional pickleball is where I'm called to be. Ultimately it's just being here…I think it’s just about trying to do everything I can with pickleball here in Hawaii.
Photo: David Wetter
Photo: David Wetter
LEAVING THE CLINIC, FINDING THE COURT
After earning his master’s in speech pathology from UH, Keven spent nearly a decade in health care—most of it as a speech-language pathologist working with older adults. He eventually stepped into a leadership role as Director of Rehabilitation.
But after his second son was born, Keven and his wife made a big decision.
Fatherhood, he says, reshaped everything. “Before kids, I was working full-time in healthcare, steady hours. But after our second son was born, I looked at the schedule and thought—if I’m ever going to try this, now’s the time,” he shared. He stepped away from the 9-to-5 and took a leap—into full-time pickleball. No clients, no courts to teach on, no clear plan. Just faith, hustle, and a deep sense that it was the right move.
“Pickleball was just starting to grow in Hawaii, and there wasn’t really anything full-time
Some days I’m on the court for 10+ hours. Then it’s straight into dad mode.
happening here. It was definitely a leap, but I wanted to build something not just for me, but for my family.”
But leaving the security of his fulltime job wasn’t easy.
“It was tough,” he said. “A lot of prayer, a lot of long conversations. And when I first started, it was hard. I didn’t have a client list and really had to step out of my comfort zone. I had to promote myself, which I don't really do a lot and that was challenging at first.”
He continued, “I had to do a lot of research, look for places— gyms, empty tennis courts— anywhere that might work,” he said. The YMCA gave him an early opportunity, and eventually he built his program at Waialae Country Club, where he now teaches full-time.
As time went on, more opportunities opened up, and slowly, things started falling into place…and now, it’s been about 2 ½ years since taking the leap.
KEVEN WONG ON BEING CAST ON SEASON ONE OF "PICKLEBALL PADDLE BATTLE"
RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH KEVEN
• Three words friends would use to describe him: “Trustworthy, competitive, athletic.”
• Something surprising about him: “I have never surfed a day in my life.”
• Motivation on tough days: “The members at Waialae. They motivate me to be at my best and that's why I love what I do.”
• Something most people don’t know about him: “I love cold treats–ice cream, shave ice, smoothies, popsicles, anything cold!!”
• Improving in life: “Always working to be the best husband and father I can be.”
• Improving in pickleball: “Constantly working on better shot selection.”
• Dream doubles partner: “I would love to play with Roger Federer!”
• Favorite post-game meal: Ramen from Kamitoku Ramen
Photos: David Wetter
Photo: David Wetter
CRAFTED SHOTS, CUSTOM COACHING
Keven is known for his signature backhand flick and smooth trick shots—moves that aren’t just for show, but rooted in years of play.
He said, “It definitely comes from my tennis background. I would try to do different shots and really just have fun with it and be more playful, but it's developed to where I can actually do it a little bit more with confidence and control…and just transitioned that into pickleball.”
But what stands out to those who work with him is his coaching style. It’s never one-size-fits-all. “I try to listen and understand their goals first—some players want to be competitive, others just want to play with their friends. It's about being able to adapt and not put everyone into the same mix, because that wouldn't be fair.”
Though he's focused on instruction these days, he still finds some time to play, usually after the kids go to bed, and at most, once or twice a week.
QUIETLY LIFTING AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY
Despite being regarded as the best player in Hawaii, Keven stays humble. In fact, when asked to do this interview, he mused, “I don’t think I’m that interesting.”
But his impact speaks for itself. He’s played a big role in the local scene’s growth, from teaching at the Y, with the Oahu Pickleball Association, and at Waialae, to welcoming pros visiting the islands.
In 2023, he was selected to star in Pickleball Paddle Battle, a reality TV show featuring top players from around the country.
It was a big opportunity—but true to form, Keven approached it without ego.
When Hawaii Pickleball Magazine was still just a baby newsletter called “Pickleball 808”—barely a month old—I asked Keven if he’d be willing to do a video interview about his experience on the show. He had no reason to say yes…but he did anyway.
That early conversation stuck with me—not just because of the show, but because of his generosity with his time.
The show hasn’t aired yet, and he’s curious to see how the sport—and the culture around it—will be portrayed. “Even I don’t know what happens,” he said. “You’ll have to watch and see.”
PLAYING THE LONG GAME AT HOME
When he’s not teaching or playing, Keven is with his family.
“We take the boys to the park, the beach, the mall— anywhere to let them run around,” he said. He’s not pushing them into pickleball either. “They hit around sometimes, but they’re still young. I'm not gonna force it on them…I’ll just support them, whatever they want.”
At tournaments, the boys are usually more interested in playing than in watching their dad. “They probably played the most at the ESPN tournament just because there were empty courts and they'd rather do that than watch me,” he laughed.
That balance between family life and a bigger mission is something Keven navigates with intention.
He isn’t chasing medals or a packed tour schedule. Instead, he’s focused on building something meaningful here at home. Both on and off the court— with his students, his family, and the community that’s grown around him—he’s shaping a true pickleball legacy for Hawaii. HPM
I just want to continue to bring people together through pickleball, and try to continue to put Hawaii on the map for pickleball, even though I'm only doing it from here.
GAME CHANGER ON THE COURT AND IN THE COMMUNITY: MARK BEACH
How One Entrepreneur Is Blending Business Smarts with Pickleball Passion to Build the “Friendliest Place to Play” on Maui
For Mark Beach, pickleball isn’t just a pastime— it’s a purpose. A seasoned entrepreneur with roots stretching from Seattle to Bend to Maui, he and his wife Nancy have transformed their love for the game into a mission: building Aloha Pickleball, a world-class facility in Kihei that embodies the spirit of aloha and community.
With 18 dedicated courts—including a grandstand and championship court—Aloha Pickleball is shaping up to be way more than just a place to play. The vision? To create the friendliest place to play pickleball, where players of all levels feel right at home.
The complex will feature a full fitness center, recovery amenities like a cold plunge and infrared sauna, and a pickleball academy with top-tier instructors and video playback. Add in a fully stocked pro shop, places to relax and connect, and food and drinks by Maui Brewing Co., and you’ve got a space designed to bring people together—whether you’re training for competition or just dropping in for some fun.
In this edition of Game Changers, we explore Mark’s journey from discovering pickleball in 2013 to spearheading a project that intertwines his business acumen with his passion for the sport.
Let’s dive in.
From Bend to the Islands: A Pickleball Journey
Where are you originally from, and what brought you to Maui?
I was born & raised in the Seattle area, though throughout my life I have been able to call New York, Denver, Las Vegas, Bend, Oregon and now Maui home. My wife Nancy and I first visited Maui in 1990 and purchased our first Maui home 20 years ago.
When and how did you discover pickleball?
I was first introduced to the sport in 2013 while living in Bend, Oregon, though Nancy went to High School in Seattle with the children of pickleball’s founders, the Pritchards and McCallums, and Nancy first played in the 1970s.
The Dream Takes Shape: Building Aloha Pickleball
What inspired you to start working on building a dedicated pickleball facility here on Maui?
We had never experienced anything quite like pickleball, and its ability to bring people together of all ages and backgrounds. We wanted to be a part of building community, friendships, creating opportunities, healthy lifestyles and to help develop future generations of players.
Can you tell us about the vision behind Aloha Pickleball — what makes it special or different?
Our goal is to build a world-class facility that infuses Pickleball with Aloha, thus creating the friendliest place to play. We will have 18 tournament courts, including a stadium and championship court with a private box.
All courts will be lit and fenced, and nine of the courts will be covered. We will offer a fully
equipped pro shop, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a recovery and wellness component that will feature EWOT, cold plunge, infrared sauna, PEMF, red light and massage. We will also have a pickleball academy with classroom and court video recording options.
We are building the facility to be able to host professional and amateur events and provide a venue for local Hawaii-based pros to train. We are also thrilled to be partnering with the Maui Brewing Restaurant Group that will provide all the food & beverage offerings onsite.
What stage is the project in now, and what’s the latest update?
It has been a long slow process, having purchased the land in 2021 and working with our architects, consultants and the County. We are currently awaiting one last sign-off from the Water Department and then we can plan the groundbreaking for later this year. Construction will take approximately 12 months.
What’s been the most rewarding — and most challenging — part of launching a facility like this?
The most rewarding is always the people and relationships—we all know how wonderful the pickleball Ohana is.
This has and will continue to be a team effort. Renee Zaima has played a huge role on the pickleball side and Brock Lutes has and will continue to contribute to the fitness center and personal training aspects of the facility.
The challenges have been many; the time requirements and the cost to build in Hawaii are two of the largest, though we have been focused on finding the silver lining to the challenges.
Some of these have come in the form of a small group of investor partners that share our vision and will contribute both financially and with their expertise.
Why did you feel Maui needed a private facility like this, and how do you see it serving the local community?
First, let me say that we support the building of new public courts and the improvement and repair of existing public courts, as this is much needed and a role for local government.
The scope and role of our facility goes beyond the traditional role of government, yet we believe the public and private sectors can complement one another, especially as it relates to pickleball.
Our facility will be a hybrid model that offers membership options and will be open to the public and visitors every day. We will sponsor and host community events, offer senior and youth programs such as after school programs, camps and open play opportunities.
We want all of Hawaii to be proud of this facility and we look forward to welcoming the global pickleball Ohana to Hawaii to showcase our beautiful islands, the wonderful pickleball talent and Aloha Spirit.
Note: We hopped on video with Mark and Renee Zaima about the Aloha Pickleball project in March of 2024. Check out the video interview HERE.
GAME CHANGER
GAME CHANGER
Purpose-Driven Leadership
You’ve had a successful business career — how have your past experiences helped shape this project?
Yes, for me it’s all about the purpose or the ‘Why’, creating a great team and opportunities for others, including team members, customers and vendors. There is no better vehicle than pickleball for healing what ails us.
What advice would you give to others who want to turn their passion into a lasting contribution?
Focus on the outcome you want, act and persevere. Look for the lessons in the roadblocks—the journey rarely goes as planned.
Are you officially retired, or is Aloha Pickleball your full-time adventure?
I still do some business consulting, though most of my time is dedicated to Aloha Pickleball. How often are you playing these days — and what do you love most about the game?
Ideally, I like to play every other day. I love the people and that the game will never be mastered. What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?
I play with the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 14mm paddle. I like the blend of power and control, the elongated reach and the paddle is amazingly quiet.
When you’re not working on the facility or playing pickleball, how do you spend your time?
I love spending time with family and our grandchildren! And of course, there are always projects around the house which I enjoy…most of the time!
Looking Ahead
What are you most excited about in the months ahead?
A groundbreaking party and putting shovels in the ground!
What do you hope people feel or experience when they step onto the courts at Aloha Pickleball?
I hope they enjoy the beauty, the design and the offerings of the facility. And of course we want them to feel, embrace and add to the spirit of Aloha while playing pickleball in paradise. HPM
Crunchy Thai Peanut Quinoa & Edamame Salad
Proof That "Healthy" Can Still Hit
Serves 2 as a main, 3–4 as a side | 15–20 minutes
We’re baaaack with another quinoa salad.
Not gonna lie, I love quinoa. I know it gets a bad rap for being like “bird food,” but trust me—when it’s tossed with crunchy peanuts, edamame, and a Thai-inspired dressing, it’s anything but bird-foodlike. And if quinoa’s not usually your thing, don’t worry—it takes a back seat to all the vibrant, crunchy toppings.
This salad is ridiculously easy to throw together (because who has time for complicated recipes?). It’s perfect for a quick pre-game bite or a postmatch refuel.
And don’t let the ingredient list scare you off—it’s mostly pantry staples.
Finally, it’s tempting to dive right in, but give it a little time in the fridge. It’s even more refreshing when served cold— totally worth the wait.
INGREDIENTS
Salad:
● 1/3 cup quinoa
● ⅔ cup water
● ½ tsp. chicken bouillon
● 1 cup edamame
● 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
● 1 cup cucumber, diced
● ½ cup carrot, diced
● ½ cup red cabbage, chopped thin and small (I’ve also subbed in won bok)
● 2 green onions, sliced
● 2 tbsp peanuts, chopped
● 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
● Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
● Handful fresh mint, chopped
Dressing:
● 2 tbsp peanut butter
● 2 tbsp light soy sauce
● 2 tbsp lime juice
● 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
● 1 tsp maple syrup (or agave)
● 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
● 1 small garlic clove, minced
WHAT TO DO
1. Cook the quinoa in 2/3 cup water and 1 tsp. chicken bouillon. Let cool before assembling the salad. (Yes, I cooked the quinoa in my tiny rice cooker. I told you I’m obsessed).
2. Microwave the frozen edamame for 1-1.5 minutes.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, maple syrup, ginger, and garlic, until smooth.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, edamame, bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, red cabbage, green onions, peanuts, sesame seeds if using, and fresh herbs.
5. Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. If you can’t wait, dig in, but my suggestion is to chill it a little.
STORAGE
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. HPM
TODAY’S TIP: DROP SHOTS
In this edition of Tips with a Pro, Coach Kyle Paredes shares a simple drill to perfect your drop shots. If you've ever struggled with consistency or touch when placing your drops, this quick and effective practice technique might be just what you need to elevate your game.
REFEREE CORNER WITH LEVEL 2 REFEREE TRACEY BENNETT
I reffed the Hawaii Senior Games in 2018. (Four days with too little sleep. Bleary. Ugh.)
Got my L1 badge in 2022. By mid-2023 I'd reffed 400 games in rec play and tournaments from Mililani to Kailua. Earned my L2 ranking in September 2023.
Check out Tracey’s spotlight feature HERE.
YOUR BURNING COURT QUESTIONS ANSWERED WIND ASSIST? HERE’S WHAT THE RULES SAY...
Q: What happens if I hit the ball and it bounces in my opponent’s kitchen, and then the wind blows it over the net, back onto my side of the court (without my opponent touching the ball)?
A: Short answer: It’s your point.
A: (Very) Long answer: On windy days this happens a lot.
11.I. Plane of the Net.
Crossing the plane of the net prior to striking the ball is a fault. After striking the ball, a player or anything the player is/was wearing or carrying may cross the plane of the net. The player may not touch any part of the net system, the opponent’s court, or the opponent while the ball is still live.
Rule 11.I.1. Exception:
If the ball bounces into a receiving player’s court with enough backspin or wind aid to cause it to return to the other side of the net, the receiving player may cross the plane of the net (over, under or around the net post) to hit the ball. It is a fault if the receiving player (or anything the receiving player is wearing or carrying) crosses the plane of the net before the ball has first crossed back over the plane of the net to the opponent’s side. It is a fault if the player touches the net system, the opponent’s court, or the opponent while the ball is still in play.
SNEAKY TRICK BONUS: Once the ball has crossed over, reach over the net and tap the ball *into* the net for an unreturnable shot. Make sure that the ball doesn’t hit the net frame on the way down and that the net isn’t billowing, creating replays.
PADDLE AND GEAR REVIEWS FOR EVERYDAY PLAYERS
Real, relatable, and practical paddle + gear reviews for everyday players — through the eyes of real players, not just pros.
Komodo Katana Kevlar® Pro 16MM
This month, our ambassador team reviewed the Komodo Pickleball Katana Kevlar Pro 16MM paddle.
Komodo describes the paddle as built for serious players, engineered for durability, precision, and spin control. With a Kevlar face and raw-torqued surface, it’s designed to support both finesse and explosive power—which definitely shaped some of our expectations going in.
Just hearing the name makes you think it’s going to be fast, sharp, and maybe even a little flashy—and honestly, it kinda lives up to that vibe. When we first picked it up, it felt light, well-balanced, and easy to swing.
The grip? Comfy but on the short side—especially if you’re someone who uses a two-handed backhand. Heads-up on that.
And the lime green color? Super fun and definitely stands out from the usual sea of white paddles.
First Impressions
Right away, people liked how it felt in their hands—balanced and easy to maneuver. That low swing weight had us expecting it to move through the air like a samurai sword (swish swish!). But again, the short handle was a turn-off for some. Two-handers, you’ve been warned.
Control
From the very first dink, it felt pretty dialed in. One player said it just felt natural—especially on cross-court slices. It didn’t need much break-in time, which is always a win. Drop shots took a bit more adjustment, but once you get the feel, it holds its own in the soft game. A couple players even compared it to the 6.0 Ruby in terms of control.
Power
Power-wise? It’s not exactly a rocket launcher. Drives and smashes were fine, but if you’re used to something like a JOOLA or Engage paddle, you might notice the difference. A few folks said they had to swing a bit harder to get the same results. That said, one guy mentioned it actually felt more solid than his usual paddle once he added a bit of lead tape.
Spin
Spin is where this paddle really shines. Side-spin serves, topspin returns, roll shots—you name it, this paddle can help you put some sauce on it. One player pulled an opponent way out wide with a slicing serve and said it was even easier than with their usual paddle. So if spin’s your thing, you’ll probably love it.
Maneuverability
Despite feeling light in hand, it didn’t blow anyone away at the net. Some folks expected it to be quicker up close, and the sweet spot could be better. But again— lead tape helped fine-tune it. And those roll shots? Pretty satisfying once you get going.
Comfort & Feel
Overall, it felt good during play, but there was one thing–in a competitive session, one player ended up with some arm fatigue after using the Katana for the first time. Could be coincidence—but worth noting. Since then, he’s had no issues and actually
prefers it now…he thinks he got used to the paddle.
Who’s It For?
We’d say this paddle is best for intermediate to advanced players who like playing with spin and control. It could also be a great option for advanced beginners starting to level up their game. Definitely more suited for doubles and kitchen battles than big singles smackdowns.
Final Take
One tester passed on it because of the short handle, but others came around after a few tweaks. If you’re not looking for max power and love the idea of adding spin and control to your game, the Katana might just be your next go-to.
Quick Ratings Recap:
�� First Impressions: 4/5
Control: 4/5
Power: 3.5/5
Spin: 5/5
Maneuverability: 3/5
Comfort & Feel: 3/5
Overall Score: 3.75/5
For more information and to buy: Komodo Pickleball. HPM
FATHER’S DAY GIFTS HE’LL ACTUALLY LOVE
Father’s Day is almost here, and we’ve curated a bunch of our favorite finds for the pickleballplaying dad in your life—including some seriously fun ones (pickleball bobblehead, anyone?). From gear he’ll use every game day to unique gifts he didn’t even know he needed, celebrate the dad who’s always serving up his best— on and off the court.
Because nothing says your dad’s made it in pickleball like his very own custom bobblehead.
$69.95 at My Custom Bobbleheads.
This waxed canvas pickleball bag is as sharp as your dad’s cross-court dink. $99.99 at Mark & Graham.
Selkirk delivers pro-level comfort and performance with their Pro Line Shorts.
$64 at Selkirk.
This “Kitchen” tee for the W. $38, at The Ktchn.
This artisan-crafted paddle bag is luxury on and off the court. $270 at Artemest.
This tee says it all. “Serving looks and crushing points”.
$40 at Swinton.
These elite-level Cypher shoes bring serious game.
$118.99 at Cypher Pickleball.
For the dad who lives pickleball—this Air Bender cap says it all. $35 at AirBender Pro.
For wine-loving dads— carry and sip in style. $159 at Mark & Graham.
Pickleball meets pop art— perfect for the dad who dares to be bold.
$299.95 at Diadem.
Save your Dad’s back with this pickleball retriever tube. $23.99 at Amazon*.
GEAR
For sharp dads—these RIA sunglasses bring clarity and court style. $189 at Ria Eyewear.
Sleek, smart, and court-ready—dad’s new favorite bag.
$325 at Forwrd.
Dad’s go-to shorts for PB or any activity.
$68 at Vuori.
Top-rated, eye-catching, practical…and on sale to boot. This cover checks all the boxes.
This hat is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. On sale for $25 at Recess Pickleball.
Commanding the court with this “Shogun” tee. $34.99 at Bread and Butter Pickleball Co.
$9.99 at Pickleball Central.
For the dad who knows pickleball’s big time— Nike’s in the game. $40 at Nike. HPM
Community fave alert— Max Tave swears by these versatile protective glasses. $26.99 at Amazon*.
* Just a heads-up: this is an Amazon affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy (at no extra cost to you). We only share stuff we personally like or think you’ll love too!
T H E T R U T H A B O U T M E D I C A R E , L O N G T E R M
C A R E , A N D O U T - O F - P O C K E T C O S T S
B y R o g e r H i g a , C L T C ® , C o - F o u n d e r / C E O , H a w a i i L o n g T e r m C a r e S o l u t i o n s
H A W A P C K E B A L M A G A N E
F O U N D I N G
S P O N S O R
2 0 2 5
L o n g - t e r m c a r e ( LT C ) i s a r a n g e o f s u p p o r t a n d s e r v i c e s y o u m a y n e e d t o m e e t y o u r p e r s o n a l n e e d s . LT C s u p p o r t i s
t r i g g e r e d w h e n s o m e o n e e x p e r i e n c e s s e v e r e c o g n i t i v e d e c l i n e
o r c a n n o t p e r f o r m a t l e a s t t w o a c t i v i t i e s o f d a i l y l i v i n g ( A D L )
A t s o m e p o i n t i n o u r l i v e s , a b o u t 6 0 p e r c e n t o f u s w i l l n e e d
a s s i s t a n c e w i t h A D L s , l i k e g e t t i n g d r e s s e d , e a t i n g , a n d u s i n g
t h e t o i l e t P l a n n i n g f o r a L T C e v e n t i s c r i t i c a l , b u t m o s t p e o p l e
a r e n ’ t s u r e w h a t ’ s c o v e r e d b y i n s u r a n c e a n d a r e o f t e n
m i s i n f o r m e d a b o u t w h a t ’ s c o v e r e d b y M e d i c a r e .
T h e a v e r a g e c o s t o f L T C s e r v i c e s i n H a w a i ʻ i r a n g e s f r o m
$ 7 , 0 0 0 – $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 p e r m o n t h , a n d i f s p e c i a l i z e d c a r e i s n e e d e d
t h a t c o s t g o e s u p e v e n m o r e . I f y o u d i d n ’ t k n o w t h i s – y o u ' r e
n o t a l o n e !
H a w a i ʻ i L o n g -Te r m C a r e S o l u t i o n s i s a l o c a l o r g a n i z a t i o n d e d i c a t e d t o h e l p i n g o u r c o m m u n i t y
u n d e r s t a n d t h e i r o p t i o n s a n d c r e a t e p l a n s t h a t w o r k – b e f o r e t h e u n e x p e c t e d h a p p e n s W i t h
e x p e r i e n c e d c a r e g i v e r s a n d LT C a n d r e t i r e m e n t p l a n n i n g s p e c i a l i s t s o n o u r t e a m , w e u n d e r s t a n d t h e
e m o t i o n a l a n d f i n a n c i a l i m p a c t o f a LT C e v e n t , w h i c h u l t i m a t e l y d r i v e s o u r w o r k .
H e r e a r e s o m e t h i n g s w e w i s h w e ’ d k n o w n b e f o r e s t a r t i n g o u r LT C s u p p o r t j o u r n e y :
M e d i c a r e w o n ’ t c u t i t .
M e d i c a r e o n l y c o v e r s s e r v i c e s r e l a t i n g t o m e d i c a l c a r e . I t d o e s n ' t c o v e r l o n g - t e r m c u s t o d i a l c a r e , w h i c h i n c l u d e s h e l p w i t h A D L s l i k e b a t h i n g , d r e s s i n g , a n d e a t i n g . I t m a y c o v e r s h o r t - t e r m r e h a b i l i t a t i o n a f t e r h o s p i t a l i z a t i o n b u t n o t e x t e n d e d s t a y s i n a n u r s i n g h o m e o r o n g o i n g i n - h o m e s u p p o r t W i t h o u t p r o p e r p l a n n i n g , f a m i l i e s o f t e n f i n d t h e m s e l v e s s c r a m b l i n g t o p a y f o r c a r e o u t - o f - p o c k e t
LT C e v e n t s d o n ’ t j u s t a f f e c t k u p u n a :
A g i n g i n c r e a s e s t h e r i s k o f LT C e v e n t s , b u t t h e s e e v e n t s c a n a l s o i n c l u d e c a r a c c i d e n t s o r w o r k p l a c e i n j u r i e s . T h e N e w Ye a r ’ s E v e A l i a m a n u f i r e w o r k s d i s a s t e r i s a n o t h e r p o w e r f u l e x a m p l e . I t ’ s n e v e r t o o e a r l y ( o r l a t e ) t o s t a r t a s k i n g q u e s t i o n s a b o u t a p l a n , c o n s i d e r i n g t h e e m o t i o n a l i m p a c t i t c a n h a v e o n a l l f a m i l y m e m b e r s
LT C c a n o f f e r f a m i l y c a r e g i v e r s m u c h n e e d e d s u p p o r t :
LT C p l a n n i n g i s n ’ t j u s t a b o u t t h e p e r s o n r e c e i v i n g c a r e – i t ' s a l s o a v i t a l f o r m o f s u p p o r t f o r f a m i l y c a r e g i v e r s . C a r i n g f o r a l o v e d o n e c a n q u i c k l y b e c o m e a f u l l - t i m e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, e s p e c i a l l y w h e n c a r e n e e d s i n c r e a s e o v e r t i m e . S o m e LT C p l a n s m a y i n c l u d e p a i d h o m e a i d e s , a d u l t d a y c a r e s e r v i c e s , o r f a c i l i t y - b a s e d c a r e – a l l o w i n g c a r e g i v e r s t o t a k e b r e a k s , a v o i d b u r n o u t a n d m a i n t a i n t h e i r o w n h e a l t h a n d w e l l - b e i n g
P l a n n i n g i s k e y i n a w o r l d f u l l o f u n k n o w n s :
O n e t h i n g f o r c e r t a i n i s t h a t w e d o n ’ t k n o w w h a t
t h e f u t u r e h o l d s . T h i s c a n b e i n t i m i d a t i n g a n d
s o m e t h i n g w e d o n ’ t w a n t t o t h i n k a b o u t H o w e v e r,
i t ’ s b e t t e r t o h a v e a p l a n i n p l a c e b e f o r e d i s a s t e r
s t r i k e s . T h i s w a y y o u a n d y o u r f a m i l y m e m b e r s
c a n f o l l o w y o u r l o v e d o n e s ’ w i s h e s
P l a n n i n g a h e a d i s n o t p e s s i m i s t i c- - i t ' s p r a c t i c a l .
R o g e r H i g a i s t h e C E O / P r e s i d e n t a n d
C o - Fo u n d e r o f H a w a i ‘ i L o n g -Te r m C a r e
S o l u t i o n s
N o m a t t e r y o u r a g e o r h e a l t h , i t ’ s n e v e r t o o e a r l y t o e x p l o r e y o u r l o n gt e r m c a r e o p t i o n s .
V i s i t H a w a i ‘ i L o n g Te r m C a r e S o l u t i o n s
o r c a l l ( 8 0 8 ) 7 6 1 - 4 9 2 5 t o l e a r n m o r e o r
t a l k s t o r y w i t h o u r t e a m a b o u t
c r e a t i n g a p l a n t h a t f i t s y o u r n e e d s
Serving Those Who Serve
Hawaiian Style Pickleball celebrates the opening of four new courts at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Serving Those Who Serve
By: Donna Slagill
Hawaiian Style Pickleball has worked for years to form pickleball courts at Hickam for our men and women in Uniform. This week that dream became a reality.
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the base commander of Joint Base did the honors of cutting the ribbon and a pickle to open the four dedicated pickleball courts at the Makai Recreation Center on JBPHH.
There are over a hundred players on base and half of those players get together on Wednesdays from 4-10 to play games together as an open play event with MWR.
We are so grateful for the selfless dedication of our men and women in uniform and we are thankful to MWR under the direction of base commander Sam “Smokey” White who made these courts a reality for the enjoyment of our soldiers and airmen.
Pickle on! HPM
K2 Pickleball Night Doubles Tournament Recap Where Good Vibes and Great Games Met Under the Lights
Pickleball energy lit up the courts at Moanalua High School on May 2–3 for the K2 Pickleball Night Doubles Tournament.
One standout moment? A reader sent in this great snapshot of a true “friends and family” team-up. From left to right: Paul Higo, Ryan Trujillo, Nick Manago, Joe Hopfe, Sydney Higo, and Carrie Higo—all of whom medaled that Friday night.
The connections go deeper than medals: Ryan is Sydney’s boyfriend, Paul and Carrie are her parents, and Nick and Joe met through a “need a partner” request at a tournament in San Clemente months earlier. Stories like these remind us that in Hawaii’s pickleball scene, it’s more than just a game—it’s about the people you meet and the memories you make. HPM
MD 3.5 (55+): Gold - Sash Fitzsimmons/Glenn Matsumoto, Silver - Tom Peper/Steve Devine, Bronze - Sam Mita/Tomo Ohi
MD 4.0/4.5 (15-54): Gold - Nick Manago/Joe Hopfe, Silver - Mel Conjugacion/Tai Conjugacion, Gold - Loti Toelupe/Malone Fiso, Silver - Paul Higo/Ryan Trujillo, Bronze - Bryce Cinense/ Maxwell Visitacion
MXD 3.0 (15-54): Gold - Karen Yamashita/Jason Lai, Silver - Katie Baker/Cody Mcateer, Bronze - Kelly Backman/Rafel Bumanglag
MD 3.0 (15-54): Gold - Jason Lai/Rick Komori, Silver - Shaun Suzawa/Warren Ramiscal, Bronze - Russell Acierto/Sydney Marajas
MD 3.5 (15-54): Gold - Azzeddin Achnioul/Kyle Tamraz, Silver - Patrick Simmons/Kyle Shinyama, Bronze - Cody Mcateer/Colin Nguyen
MXD 3.5 (15-54): Gold - Melissa Ching/Jonathan Shishido, Silver - Raylyn Eberlin/Gage Eberlin, Bronze - Johnna Paticio/Russell Chang
MXD 4.0 (15-54): Gold - Kathy Daotay/Eric Douangphoumy, Silver - Ariana Suerodelgado/ Romy Mauricio, Bronze - Jamie Manarpaac/Chris Tumaneng
WD 3.0 (55+/65+): Gold - Lee Brightwell/Lorna Kaaloa, Silver - Wendie Kim/Kathy Kim, Gold - Edralyn Caberto/Debra Patterson, Silver - Joanne Yoshimi/Jan Takara, Bronze - Carol Kishimoto/Geri Imai
WD 3.5/4.0 (15-54): Gold - Carrie Higo/Sydney Higo, Silver - Kristina Kekuewa/Michelle Double, Gold - KyllieHisashima/Ashley Willmann, Silver - Tita Sio/Jamie Manrpaac, Bronze - Mairi Koike/Sarah Kim
WD 3.0 (15-54): Gold - Katie Baker/Karen Yamashita, Silver - Alexa Berkely/Kelsy Takushi Koverman, Bronze - Madeline Tuua/Lanuola Lowther
hawaii pickleball
PADDLE AND GEAR REVIEWS FOR EVERYDAY PLAYERS
UPCOMING PICKLEBALL EVENTS
Everyday Player’s Paddle Review: Komodo Katana Kevlar® Pro 16MM
Real, relatable, and practical paddle + gear reviews for everyday players — through the eyes of real players, not just pros.
UPCOMING PICKLEBALL EVENTS PICKLEBALL
June 2025
June 6-8, 2025: Oahu: K2 Pickleball Night Doubles Tournament, Honolulu
May 17: Oahu: Hookuku Pickleball Tournament, Schofield Barracks
May 24: Oahu: King Intermediate Pickleball Fundraiser, Kaneohe
May 31: Oahu: Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Pickleball Fundraiser, Honolulu
May 17: Oahu: Hookuku Pickleball Tournament, Schofield Barracks
May 24: Oahu: King Intermediate Pickleball Fundraiser, Kaneohe
May 31: Oahu: Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Pickleball Fundraiser, Honolulu
The complete list of all upcoming tournaments and events in Hawaii
The complete list of all upcoming tournaments and events in Hawaii
HAVE YOU…
• Played a sunrise match this week •
• Cheered for your opponent’s point •
• Tried a new court •
• Forgot your water bottle •
• Made a new friend on the courts •
• Read this magazine cover to cover •
• Subscribed to our newsletter (right?) •
• Told a friend to do the same •
• Got a story or a player we should feature? Let us know! •
• Know someone who’d love to connect with this community? We’d love to hear from them! •
Want to get involved? Become an ambassador or contributor— we’re always looking forpeople who love the game and our Hawaii PB community.
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© 2025 Hawaii Pickleball Magazine. All rights reserved. We love sharing our community’s stories — please don’t reuse without permission.
PARTING SHOT
