Pack Your Paddle: The Honolulu Pickleball Tournament Worth Flying To
Our take
The buzz around pickleball continues to swell, and Hawaiʻi is poised to become a major destination for this rapidly growing sport. The announcement of the second annual Hawaiʻi Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open, set to take place October 8–11, 2026, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, signals a significant investment in the sport’s infrastructure and appeal, particularly within the islands. This isn’t just a local tournament; it's an event drawing players from across the globe, a testament to the sport’s universal appeal. The scale is impressive, boasting over 33 indoor courts, demonstrating a commitment to accommodating both amateur and professional players. It’s a development that aligns perfectly with the spirit of discovery and elevated experiences we champion here at Hanalei Bay Country Club, encouraging our community to explore new passions and embrace the vibrant energy of the islands. Following recent weather events, like those detailed in Lala Update: What to Know After the Storm, resilience and a return to joyful activities are particularly welcome, and this tournament provides a perfect opportunity for that.
The inclusion of a collegiate invitational adds another exciting layer to the Honolulu Open, fostering a pipeline of talent and engaging the next generation of pickleball enthusiasts. It’s a smart move, recognizing the burgeoning popularity of the sport among young people and providing a platform for them to showcase their skills. This event also speaks to Hawaiʻi's growing reputation as a destination for unique sporting experiences, moving beyond traditional surf and golf offerings. It's a natural extension of the island’s appeal – a place where active lifestyles and a love for the outdoors are celebrated. As we explore the Nāpali Coast Discovering the Nāpali Coast, we understand the draw of experiencing nature and adventure firsthand, and this tournament offers a similar allure, albeit within a more structured, competitive environment. The ESPN partnership further elevates the tournament's profile, guaranteeing broader exposure and attracting a wider audience.
The broader significance of this tournament extends beyond the immediate sporting competition. It represents a diversification of Hawaiʻi’s tourism sector, attracting a new demographic of visitors – pickleball enthusiasts – who are likely to extend their stay, explore the islands, and contribute to the local economy. This aligns with the growing trend of experiential travel, where visitors seek authentic and engaging activities rather than simply lounging on the beach. The tournament organizers clearly understand this, aiming to create an event that is both competitive and culturally enriching. It’s a chance to showcase the islands’ hospitality, culinary scene, and unique charm to a global audience. The impressive scale of the event, with its 33 indoor courts, suggests a long-term commitment to fostering a thriving pickleball community in Hawaiʻi and positioning the state as a premier destination for the sport.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to see how the Honolulu Open evolves and impacts the broader landscape of pickleball in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Will it inspire the development of more dedicated pickleball facilities across the islands? Will it attract even more prestigious tournaments and professional players? And perhaps most importantly, will it further solidify Hawaiʻi's position as a destination that seamlessly blends adventure, luxury, and authentic island experiences? The growth of the sport, coupled with Hawai’i’s inherent appeal, suggests a bright future for both. We’re eager to watch how this story unfolds and encourage our community to consider experiencing the thrill of the game firsthand.
This fall, pickleball players from across the Islands and around the world are invited to compete in the second annual Hawaiʻi Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open.
Hawaiʻi’s premier pickleball tournament will take place Oct. 8–11, 2026, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Oʻahu.
The tournament will feature more than 33 indoor courts, accommodating players from amateurs to professionals. This year’s event will also include a collegiate invitational, adding another layer of competition to the four-day event.
Last year’s inaugural tournament drew more than 1,000 players, with competitors traveling from the neighbor islands, Japan and the U.S. mainland. This year, organizers hope to welcome even more players from beyond the Islands.
Photo: Jarin Kobashigawa
“We’re excited to bring back the Hawai‘i Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open for our second year,” said Matt Apana, general manager of ESPN Honolulu, in a news release. “With the growing popularity of pickleball both in Hawai‘i and across the U.S., we’re providing an elite venue and format for pickleball players across Hawai‘i and the Pacific.”
For travelers from near and far, the tournament offers a chance to combine competition with an Oʻahu getaway. Players can spend their downtime exploring Honolulu’s restaurants, beaches and attractions, making the tournament an opportunity to enjoy the Islands on and off the court. For local players, it’s also a chance to compete alongside pickleball enthusiasts from across the Pacific and experience a tournament with an international field.
Registration is $95 per player, and those who register before Sept. 1, 2026, will be entered to win round-trip tickets for two to Japan.
Photo: Jarin Kobashigawa
If you’ve been looking for a reason to turn your next pickleball tournament into a vacation, consider this your sign to book the flight.
Imagine starting your day with a match at the convention center, then swapping your paddle for a beach bag. Grab lunch at one of Honolulu’s favorite local spots, cool off in the Pacific, catch a sunset from Waikīkī or explore a little farther afield between matches. The tournament makes it easy to combine serious play with the kind of island getaway that makes Hawai‘i a perennial favorite.
Beyond the courts, the event will feature a vendor product expo, giving players and spectators another reason to stick around between matches.
So, traveling pickleball players: bring your paddle, your doubles partner and maybe a few extra days on the calendar.
The tournament is Oct. 8–11 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Registration and the latest event information are available at honoluluopen.com.
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