Your one-stop source for all Hawaii pickleball tournaments.

Pickleball in Hawaii is growing fast, and there’s always a new event to look forward to. From friendly local meetups to large-scale competitions, our Upcoming Tournaments page is your guide to where and when to play next. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned competitor, you’ll find events for all skill levels across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island. If you’re hosting a tournament, we’ll list it for free—just email us at info@hawaiipickleball.com to share your event details.

Relive the excitement of pickleball in Hawaii through our Past Tournaments page, featuring results, photos, and highlights from unforgettable events. From community gatherings to championship matches, you’ll see the passion and talent that define Hawaii’s pickleball scene. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, checking past winners, or exploring the sport’s growth across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island, this is your place to experience the history and spirit of pickleball in the islands.

What to Expect at Your First Pickleball Tournament in Hawaii

Now that you know where to find all the upcoming and past pickleball tournaments in Hawaii, you might be wondering what actually happens when you sign up to play in one. Whether it’s your first tournament or your first time competing in the islands, stepping onto the court can feel exciting—and a little intimidating. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your first pickleball tournament in Hawaii so you can show up prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy the experience.

Deciding to Play Your First Tournament

The first step is choosing the right event. Hawaii hosts everything from small community tournaments to large-scale competitions that draw players from across the islands and the mainland.

When browsing events, look at:

  • Skill level – Most tournaments list brackets (e.g., 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5+) so you can enter a level that matches your ability.

    • To put the skill levels in perspective, a 3.0 player is someone who is still learning the game, a 4.0 player can play the game efficiently with solid skills, and a 5.0 player can compete at the highest level.

  • Format – Round robin (play everyone in your group) and bracket-style (win to advance) are the most common formats. There is also single elimination, where you play one match at a time—if you win, you advance; if you lose, you’re out. However, this type of tournament is not very common. Another format is double elimination, where you play one match at a time but can lose once and still continue in the back draw. In some cases, you can even fight your way back to the final match and still win the entire tournament.

  • Scoring – Many tournaments use a single game to 15, win by 1 point, or a single game to 11, win by 1, to help speed up the event. To give you some perspective, a match with these formats can often be completed in about 20 minutes. Less common, but often the most exciting, are matches played in a best 2 out of 3 games, win by 2 format—the same style used at the pro level. These matches can last up to an hour and truly test each team’s stamina and mental toughness.

  • Location – Tournaments happen on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island. Travel between islands is easy, but plan ahead for flights and accommodations.

Registration Process

Most Hawaii pickleball tournaments use platforms like pickleballbrackets.com or pickleballtournaments.com. Signing up early often means lower fees and more time to find a partner. However, some local organizations also use our platform to advertise their tournaments because it’s free.

Key things to know:

  • Some events let you sign up without a partner and use a partner match-up system.

  • You may need to add your DUPR rating to your profile.

    • The DUPR rating is something some players love and others dislike. While it’s not always the most accurate measure of skill, it does give tournament organizers a general idea of a player’s ability level in pickleball.

  • Registration usually closes a couple of weeks before the tournament, so don’t wait until the last minute. Organizers need time to order the necessary equipment, shirts, food, and other supplies.

Preparing Before the Tournament

Preparation can make a big difference in your tournament experience. The more prepared you are, the less stressed you’ll feel—though it doesn’t guarantee you’ll have a perfect day, it does set you up for success.

  • Practice regularly – Focus on consistency, serve accuracy, and third-shot drops.

  • Know the rules – Review USA Pickleball rules and be aware of any local variations.

  • Gear checklist – Paddle, pickleballs, court shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and healthy snacks.

  • Weather prep – Hawaii’s heat and humidity can be intense, especially on outdoor courts, so dress in lightweight, breathable clothing.

Tournament Day Experience

Arrive early so you have plenty of time to check in, sign any waivers, and warm up. Most Hawaii tournaments have a friendly, community vibe—expect plenty of smiles and a warm “aloha” at the gate.

  • Check-in – You may receive a wristband, player packet, or event schedule.

  • Warm-up courts – Be courteous and share time with others.

  • Match timing – Games usually start on time, so be near your court when called.

During Your Matches

Typical formats include:

  • Games to 11 or 15, win by 2.

  • Best 2 out of 3 games for medal matches.

  • One game to 15 for certain playoff rounds.

As mentioned earlier, each tournament may have a slightly different format. It’s a good idea to check before registering—if you don’t enjoy playing long matches, the best 2 out of 3 format might not be the right choice for you.

Remember:

  • You get one timeout per game—use it to regroup and strategize.

  • A timeout usually lasts one minute and gives you a chance to discuss tactics with your partner or disrupt your opponents’ rhythm.

  • Good sportsmanship is key. Hawaii’s pickleball community values respect, encouragement, and the spirit of aloha.

Between Matches

You might have downtime between matches—use it wisely.

  • Rest in shaded areas and stay hydrated.

  • Watch other games to learn new strategies.

  • Connect with fellow players—many long-term friendships start at tournaments.

Some events also have food trucks, sponsor booths, or live music, making it easy to enjoy the day even when you’re not on the court.

Final Tips for a Great First Tournament in Hawaii

  • Embrace the experience – Don’t stress over wins and losses; focus on learning and having fun.

  • Respect the culture – Acknowledge the aloha spirit, be patient, and treat everyone with kindness.

  • Plan your next event – Once you’ve played your first, you’ll likely be eager to sign up for more.

Ready to Play?

Check out our Upcoming Tournaments page to see what’s next in Hawaii pickleball. And if you’re hosting a tournament, we’ll list it for free—just email us at info@hawaiipickleball.com.