Family, Faith, and Pickleball: Meet Malia Shimabukuro
Pickleball Spotlight: Malia Shimabukuro
From behind the front desk to the heart of the pickleball community
I first met Malia Shimabukuro while she was on shift at Pickles at Forté, welcoming players between games and catching up with familiar faces as they came through the doors. It was one of those quick, everyday interactions that quietly tells you a lot about a person—her warmth, her attentiveness, and how naturally she fits into the community around her.
While Malia’s path to pickleball didn’t begin in Hawaiʻi, it’s here where her connection to the game has deepened. She plays consistently several times a week, and has found a genuine appreciation for the people she meets along the way. Grounded in family, guided by faith, and fueled by gratitude, Malia’s story is about showing up—on the courts, in the community, and for the relationships that make the game meaningful.
Without further ado, please meet Malia Shimabukuro!
Currently residing in: Kaimukī, Hawaiʻi.
Where did you grow up, and what high school did you go to?
I was born in Kansas City, where my mom is from, and moved to Hawaiʻi at five years old, where my dad is from. I graduated from Hālau Lōkahi Public Charter School in 2013.
How did you discover pickleball, and when did you start playing?
I discovered pickleball in 2019 when a friend in Kansas City invited me to play while I was visiting family. I didn’t start playing seriously until December 2022 after moving back to Hawaiʻi. I began playing weekly with friends at Mahiko in ʻEwa and competed in my first tournament, the Maui Pukaball in Wailea, with Blayne Dikito (aka Hotshot). That is when I really got the pickleball bug, and have competed in several tournaments since then!
What do you love most about pickleball?
The easy answer is community. I love how pickleball brings people together from all walks of life. I also enjoy the competitive side of the game; it’s in my blood as a former college dual-athlete.
How often do you play?
According to my Apple Watch, I play about 35 hours a month, so roughly 3–4 times a week.
What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?
I play with the J2NF from Honolulu Pickleball Company. It’s affordable and offers a great balance of power and control. I also love representing a local company that’s grounded in faith!
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
I want to challenge myself more in singles. I’ve spent a lot of time focused on doubles and mixed doubles, so my goal is to compete in a singles tournament in 2026.
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?
I work part-time at Pickles at Forte, where I enjoy meeting new people and building relationships. I also serve at New Hope Mānoa alongside my dad, Rod Shimabukuro, who is the senior pastor. I love mentoring youth and young adults and doing life with our church ʻohana. My simple purpose is to love God and love people.
Anything else on your mind?
As I reflect on 2025, this year has been one of major change. While home in the summer for my brother’s wedding, I made the decision to move back to Hawaiʻi after spending 10 years in the Midwest—attending college and beginning my career coaching women’s college lacrosse. Looking back, choosing to step away from my career and refocus on family is something I’m deeply grateful for. God has provided in so many unexpected ways, and one of the biggest blessings has been the community I’ve found through pickleball. What’s on my mind is gratitude—for my family, my friendships, and the community pickleball has brought into my life.
