Play with Purpose: How Pickleball Is Powering Something Bigger in Hawaii
At the intersection of fun and doing good, the ESPN Honolulu Open is helping support Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina—a village in Waimānalo that’s turning faith, love, and second chances into home.
Aunty Blanche McMillan
But this tournament is more than a competition. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina, a grassroots community in Waimānalo that is changing lives—one home, one family, and one heart at a time.
I had the privilege of visiting the Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina site. I walked the land, listened to the stories, and was struck not only by the profound sense of purpose there—but by the conviction and unwavering faith of Aunty Blanche McMillan.
Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina was founded in 2014 by Aunty Blanche, beginning as a food bank and outreach center. It has since evolved into a sanctuary that now houses 90 people, including 15 kupuna and 21 children.
Before the land became a village, it was overgrown and used as a dumping ground. With a handful of houseless men from the beach, Aunty Blanche began clearing the land. “When we took away all that, the beauty came back into the land, yes—and the beauty was the people,” she says.
Fifty nine homes now stand where trash once littered the ground. Everything runs independently, without city, state, or federal funding—fueled instead by community, faith, and shared kuleana.
Top: at the entrance to Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina, and bottom: some of the homes on property
A community Rooted in aloha
Aunty Blanche describes her calling to provide shelter, community and love to families living on the beach:
“I prayed to God that one day I could help. Then God’s voice came to me. He said, ‘Take them out of bondage.’ I didn’t know what that meant at first. But I realized—it meant to bring them home.”
That faith is the guiding force behind Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina.
Aunty Blanche built a sanctuary for the houseless—rooted in the old-style kauhale, where everyone shares responsibility. Residents tend the garden, cook, clean, and provide security. There are rules: the gate closes at 9:00 p.m., there’s a 10:30 p.m. curfew, and no drugs.
Many arrive carrying trauma, addiction, and deep self-doubt. Most find their footing within the community. Of the original group Aunty Blanche welcomed in 2022, only two had to leave.
Some move on after finding work and housing. Others stay. There’s no deadline to leave, only the invitation to heal at their own pace. “In my heart, everyone can stay until the day they die”, she says.
Because here, they’re reminded they’re not ‘ōpala (rubbish), as they may have once believed. Here, they learn that they are resilient and worthy of love.
Says Aunty Blanche, “If you can put a roof over their head, food in their stomach, and clothes on their back—that's what you call love."
Top: the first homes at Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina, and bottom: the kitchen
Pickleball with a purpose
The upcoming Hawai‘i Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open is an example of the power of sport to do good. By simply playing in this tournament, players help support Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina.
From a forgotten piece of land to a self-sustaining village, Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina is a living testament to what can happen when people lead with love. Aunty Blanche created not just a shelter, but a community—a refuge for those seeking healing and second chances.
Real change often begins with one person who dares to say yes. Aunty Blanche said yes. And now, each of us has the chance to say yes—to be part of something greater than our DUPR scores or win-loss records.
Her dream is to one day have 300 homes. She’s laser focused on this vision and says, “Whenever I have a penny in my pocket, I will always use it to build more.”
And when asked if there was anything she wanted to share with the pickleball community, Aunty Blanche simply said:
"Thank you very much for being there for us...it is a blessing—the goodness and love you have given us."
Mahalo for being part of this movement—and for making a difference, one paddle swing at a time.
