Pickleball, Partners & Paradise: Meet John and Kimberly Bisnar from Kula, Maui
Kula, Maui — It all started with a simple invitation: “Come try pickleball.”
Kimberly took her friend up on the offer and came home so inspired, she told her husband, John, to pour a court into their still-under-construction Maui home. That spontaneous decision led to something much bigger: a shared love for the game and a deep connection to the community.
Together, the Bisnars embody the spirit of island living and togetherness. Their community-mindedness shines through—in fact, they were nominated by fellow players to be featured in this very magazine.
Without further ado, meet John and Kimberly Bisnar!
Currently residing in:
Las Vegas, NV and Kula, HI
Where did you grow up, and what high school did you go to?
Kimberly: I grew up in Huntington Beach, then moved to Irvine. I graduated from Corona Del Mar High School.
John: I grew up in Huntington Beach and graduated from Huntington Beach High School.
How did you discover pickleball, and when did you start playing?
Kimberly: A friend invited me to play at her friend’s house in 2019. I came home, and since we were still building our home, I told my husband to pour a pickleball court!
John: My wife introduced me to it about five years ago.
What do you love most about pickleball?
Kimberly: The friendships we’ve made—and the fact that we can play anywhere in the world.
John: The pickleball community.
How often do you play?
Kimberly: I used to play every day, but now I play three days a week (trying to preserve my body).
What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?
Kimberly: I use the 6.0 Double Black Diamond. It’s a high-performance paddle with speed and agility.
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
Kimberly: I’m currently working on keeping every ball inside the court.
John: To win a state championship at the 3.5 level.
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?
Kimberly: I play the piano, ukulele, and dulcimer. I sew children’s clothes, and I’m a graduate of culinary school—I do a lot of cooking.
John: Gardening—my vegetable garden and fruit trees. Spending time with my grandkids.
Anything else on your mind?
John: “Just another beautiful day for pickleball in Kula, HI!”
