Everything You Need to Know About the Maui Pickleball Scene

If you’ve ever considered a move to Maui, you may have wondered how “livable” the island actually is. Although we do find ourselves in the middle of the Pacific Ocean surrounded by some of the world’s most uniquely incredible scenery, we also happen to have the same kinds of ordinary activities you’d find on the mainland — like a thriving pickleball community!

You’ve probably heard a lot about pickleball in recent years, since it’s been such a fast-growing sport in every part of the country. The game was invented in 1965 near Seattle, Washington by a former congressman and two of his friends, using a badminton court, ping pong paddles, and a whiffle ball. Like tennis, it consists of either singles or doubles matches played on indoor or outdoor courts. The courts are half the size and the net is lower, making it accessible and fun for everyone from keiki (kids) to kupuna (seniors).

Pickleball on Maui

Here on Maui, pickleball is sometimes known as pukaball, since it involves a  ball with holes (“puka” meaning “hole” in Hawaiian). We have several public venues where pickup pickleball happens daily for free, including the Lahaina Civic Center, Waipuilani Park in Kihei and War Memorial in Wailuku. Kula Community Center playing times are Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 – noon. Pickup matches also take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 – 8:00 PM, at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Eddie Tam Gymnasium in Makawao at 9:00 AM.

Pay-to-play private venues are scattered around the Valley Isle, as well. The Wailea Tennis Club added two new dedicated courts in January 2022, and recently taped 8 new courts waiting to be painted, they also provide a variety of clinics. Kapalua Tennis Garden has drop-in play on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Pickleball Maui (in Kula) offers lessons or a court for rent.

A new 15-court facility called Aloha Pickleball is also in the works for Kihei! Along with five shaded courts and a championship court surrounded by seating for 400, the complex will include a pro shop; a fitness center with spin bikes, Pilates, and yoga classes; and office spaces for chiropractors, massage therapists, and physical therapists. The permitting process is expected to begin in December 2022, with an estimated completion date of early 2024 for the whole project.

Want to Know More?

For more information about league play, check out the website for the Maui Tennis & Pickleball Association, where you’ll also find a list of local instructors for private lessons. And for more information about life on Maui — or Maui real estate specifically — please don’t hesitate to contact me!

Nancy Beebe, REALTOR(S), SRES