Honolulu Plays Host to Inaugural Hawaii Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open

It's game on for pickleball players and fans as Honolulu gears ups for the inaugural Hawaii Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open presented by HMSA.

Pickleball has experienced unprecedented growth across the United States in recent years, making it the nation's fastest-growing sport. Hawaii reflects this trend, with a burgeoning community of players and enthusiasts.

The Hawaii Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open presented by HMSA aims to further elevate the sport’s profile in the state, offering a platform for local and international players to compete and connect.

"Our goal at Hawaii Pacific Health is to create healthier communities, and one way we can make a positive impact is by creating opportunities for people to engage in fun, active experiences right here in Hawaii that promote physical activity," said Ray Vara, president and CEO of Hawaii Pacific Health.

"Staying active provides so many benefits for our health and well-being, from reducing the risks of chronic health conditions to improving mental health and enhancing overall quality of life," Vara added. "Pickleball is a great way for people of all ages and athletic abilities to stay active and have fun, which is why we’re excited to be the title sponsor and join with ESPN Honolulu and HMSA to launch this inaugural pickleball tournament."

Touted as Hawaii's premier pickleball tournament, the event is scheduled for April 10-13, 2025, at the Hawaii Convention Center, the state's largest indoor pickleball venue.

The event is open to the public to learn about the growing trend of pickleball and attend the free clinics and exhibitions that will be offered during the weekend.

"We're excited to partner with Hawaii Pacific Health and HMSA for this inaugural pickleball tournament hosted here in Honolulu," said Matt Apana, general manager of ESPN Honolulu. "By providing pickleball players and enthusiasts with a premier venue to play, we'll be able to attract players from around the state and world to compete in this rapidly growing sport. Our goal is to grow this into a world-class pickleball event for both participants and spectators to enjoy."

The tournament will feature more than 33 indoor courts, accommodating a diverse range of players from amateurs to professionals.

There will be various brackets and levels starting at 3.0 to 5.0+ in both singles and doubles.

The seniors' brackets will be for those ages 50 and above Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11.

The singles and doubles brackets from 3.0 to 5.0 and above will be from Saturday, April 12, through Sunday, April 13.

The Hawaii Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open will also support Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in need and the houseless population in Waimanalo. A portion of the net proceeds from the tournament will support the nonprofit organization that provides resources, education and opportunities for self-sufficiency.

Registration is now open for teams, companies and individual players through March 31, 2025. Participants can sign up and get detailed, updated information at HonoluluOpen.com.

Published on: February 10, 2025