Always Game: Meet Kevin Park From Honolulu

Pickleball Spotlight: Kevin Park

A familiar face on Honolulu courts, playing nearly every day and keeping the vibe fun.

Honolulu—I met Kevin at an event a while back, and since then, we’ve bumped into each other a number of times.

An enthusiastic supporter of Hawai‘i Pickleball Magazine and just an all-around fun guy to be around, Kevin brings good energy to the courts— reminding us why so many of us fell in love with the game in the first place.

Born and raised in Kalihi before moving to Mānoa, Kevin’s pickleball journey started before the sport exploded—back when the game was introduced to students with wooden paddles in PE classes. Today, you’ll find him playing almost every day, working toward a dream that stretches far beyond Hawai‘i.

Without further ado, please meet Kevin Park!

Kevin, second from left, in red

Currently residing in: Honolulu, Hawaii.

Where did you grow up, and what high school did you go to?

I grew up in Kalihi but moved to Manoa and went to Roosevelt High School.

How did you discover pickleball, and when did you start playing?

I discovered pickleball when I was a kid in school for a PE activity. It was only a wooden paddle and a wiffleball. It wasn’t popular back then. When it became popular, I started playing again, and newer paddles came out.

What do you love most about pickleball?

I love pickleball because you get to make new friends playing with different level players and socialize.

How often do you play?

I play pickleball almost every day except Saturday because of other sports I play in.

What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?

I use a Yobi Aloha series paddle. I love it because it’s designed and inspired in Hilo Hawai’i, and I support local businesses.

What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?

My next goal is to play with the pro players, and if it does happen and pickleball is an official sport in the Olympics and want to play for the national team of the Philippines.

What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?

My other hobbies outside of Pickleball are fishing, bowling, darts, lacrosse, and table tennis.