Diamond Head Pickleball – Honolulu’s Top Open Play Spot

Diamond Head Tennis Center is one of the most popular places to play pickleball in Honolulu. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., the courts offer free open play for locals and visitors alike. Nets are provided, and you’ll find friendly games happening every morning just minutes from Waikīkī. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before heading to Diamond Head Tennis Center — from parking and facilities to the best times to play.

All You Need to Know About Diamond Head Tennis Center

Location: Entrance from Pākī Avenue — 3908 Pākī Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Parking: Small on-site lot available; additional street parking nearby.
Restrooms: Yes, located on the premises.
Number of Courts: 5 total — 4 lined for pickleball with temporary nets, and 1 permanent pickleball court.
Open Play Hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lights: No evening lighting available.
Benches: A few benches available courtside.
Shade: Limited — bring a hat or sun protection.

Entrance from Pākī Avenue — 3908 Pākī Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Credit: Google Maps

Getting There & Parking Tips

When you enter the facility from Pākī Avenue, you’ll find parking on both sides. A few handicap-accessible stalls are located in the back near the clubhouse. Be mindful of special events at Kapiʻolani Park (like the Honolulu Marathon or local festivals), which can lead to road closures and limited access to the courts.

T

Facilities & one of the First Pickleball Court in Hawaiʻi

The clubhouse has public restrooms and a water fountain where you can refill your bottle. While the facilities have seen better days, they’re still convenient compared to parks without restrooms.

Right next to the restrooms is Hawaiʻi’s one of the first  pickleball court — a favorite among locals and visitors. As you can see from the photo below, it’s a multi-use court shared with tennis lines. To play here, place your paddle on bench number 11 and expect about a 45-minute wait before your turn.

Main Courts & Community Play

The main pickleball action happens on courts 8 and 9, where open play and occasional league games are held. Each tennis court is lined for two pickleball courts, allowing up to four games at once.
Local players set up the portable nets every morning — a true community effort that keeps the play going strong.

The open-play permit runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., meaning that outside those hours, other users can access the courts if they follow the same rotation system. However, for most of the day, the courts are almost entirely filled with pickleball players, creating a lively and social atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to play is between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., when most locals are out and the games are most competitive and energetic.
If you prefer a quieter experience, try coming around 7:00 a.m. or closer to 12:00 p.m., before open play ends at 2:00 p.m.

Expect to wait 30 minutes or more during peak times. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2, and players rotate by placing their paddles in the stacking rack.

Player Etiquette & Atmosphere

Open play at Diamond Head brings together a mix of personalities — some confident, some incredibly friendly, and many who simply love the game.

For instance, I once brought my two children, ages 7 and 10, whose skill levels are 3.0 and 3.5. Even though they play well, a few players hesitated to join their game after realizing they were kids, despite open courts. It was a good reminder that open play attracts all kinds of players — and the best approach is to stay positive, flexible, and welcoming.

Court Conditions

The courts are generally in good condition but can get slippery, especially near the first court by the entrance. Debris and small particles from nearby trees sometimes make the surface slick.
Also, because pickleball lines share space with tennis markings, players new to the venue may occasionally lose focus on which lines belong to pickleball — so take a moment to get oriented before starting your game.

PS: If you’ve just moved to O‘ahu — or already call the island home — and you’re searching for pickleball Oahu clubs, associations, or training centers, you’ve come to the right place. The capital city of Honolulu offers plenty of pickleball opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels.

Pickleball Oahu: Complete Guide to Clubs, Courts, and Coaching on O‘ahu