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KHON – March 28, 2025

KITV – January 28, 2025

Jan. 16, 2025

Honolulu to Host Inaugural Hawai‘i Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open

HONOLULU, HI – Honolulu is set to host the inaugural Hawai‘i Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open presented by HMSA, Hawai‘i’s premier pickleball tournament scheduled for April 10-13, 2025, at Hawai‘i’s largest indoor pickleball venue, the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

The tournament will feature over 33 indoor courts, accommodating a diverse range of players from amateurs to professionals. Highlights include pro exhibitions, a competitive ProAm tournament with prize money, an expansive product expo, and corporate team challenges. 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 Hawai‘i 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.”

ESPN Honolulu will also launch a new pickleball program on 92.7 FM or 1420 AM on Jan. 29 at 2:30 p.m. The new show will be hosted by Chris Hart and air on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. It will include interviews and talk-story sessions. The first guest will be Mike Hoxie from Pickleball Is Great.

Pickleball has experienced unprecedented growth across the United States, making it the nation’s fastest-growing sport. Hawai‘i reflects this trend, with a burgeoning community of players and enthusiasts. The Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i that promote physical activity,” Ray Vara, president and CEO of Hawai‘i Pacific Health, said. “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. 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.”

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 on 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.
Registration is now open for teams, companies, and individual players through March 31, 2025. Participants can sign up here and get more information at honoluluopen.com.

The event aims to draw both residents and visitors to the Hawai‘i Convention Center for free clinics, a large expo and exhibitions. This elite event is pleased to have support from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority in its inaugural year.

The Hawai‘i 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 Waimānalo. A portion of the net proceeds from the tournament will support the nonprofit organization that provides resources, education, and opportunities for self-sufficiency.

Visit honoluluopen.com for most current information and details. The site will continue to be updated with the schedule of events. Volunteers are still needed for the event. Individuals interested in volunteering can go to here to sign up.

The ESPN Honolulu Open is pleased to have the support of its sponsors including:

• Title Sponsor: Hawai‘i Pacific Health
• Presenting Sponsor: HMSA
• Gold Sponsors: Pickles at Forté, Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra and Paris Baguette
• Silver Sponsors: Waiea Water, Office Pavilion Hawaii and Jack in the Box
• Tournament Partners: O‘ahu Pickleball Association, Pickleball is Great and Pickleball Japan
• Event Producer: aio Hawai‘i

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About ESPN Honolulu: ESPN Honolulu is a locally owned and operated radio station and an affiliate of ESPN, broadcasting on 92.7 FM, 1420 AM, online at www.espnhonolulu.com, and through the ESPN Honolulu app available for iOS and Android.

About Hawai‘i Pacific Health: Hawai‘i Pacific Health is a not-for-profit health care system with a mission to create a healthier Hawai‘i. It is the state’s largest health care provider, comprising four medical centers—Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Medical Center, and Wilcox Medical Center—and more than 70 convenient locations statewide. Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s network of doctors and specialists provides comprehensive, high-quality care to the people of Hawai‘i and the Pacific Region.