Why Pickleball Became Reed Kano’s Secret to Health and Happiness
Pickleball Spotlight: Reed Kano
A Mililani player’s story of finding fitness, fun, and family through pickleball.
Mililani—When Reed Kano first picked up a paddle at a Mililani Town Association Senior Fair almost ten years ago, he had no idea what he was getting into. He signed up for beginner lessons just to try something new — but pretty soon, he was hooked. Now pickleball is his go-to way to stay active, meet friends, and share plenty of laughs. These days, Reed plays about four times a week and swears pickleball has done wonders for his health and happiness.
He’s dropped 30 pounds, improved his blood counts, and gained a whole new circle of friends. Reed even got his 10-year-old grandson hooked and tried to start an after-school program at Mililani Mauka Elementary. It didn’t pan out (yet), but he’s hopeful. “If the OIA recognizes pickleball as a sport, maybe middle schools will start programs too,” he says. When he’s not on the court, Reed’s helping his wife with the grandkids and soaking up family time.
Without further ado, please meet Reed Kano!
Currently residing in: Mililani.
Where did you grow up, and what high school did you go to?
Grew up in town on Nuuanu Ave and went the McKinley High School.
How did you discover pickleball, and when did you start playing?
I attended a Mililani Town Association Senior Fair at Rec3 when I retired, and Jason Fujinaka had a pickleball booth with a net to hit balls back and forth. I signed up for his beginner lessons and never looked back….that was 9-10 years ago.
What do you love most about pickleball?
The people. It is all about the camaraderie…laughing is the best medicine. Pickleball has also helped improve my health….I lost 30 lbs and my blood counts are back to normal at age 70. Although I live and play in Mililani, I love the time I spend with my Kaneohe Pickleball Ohana on Saturdays.
How often do you play?
I play about 4 times a week. I also try to support pickleball fundraiser tournaments.
What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?
I am using the 11Six24 Vapor Alpha Pro and the Six Zero Infinity Black Diamond Power. The Vapor Alpha Pro has awesome controllable power/pop. The Six Zero is when I don’t need it.
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
My goal in pickleball has always been to be competitive at the next level…that means to keep learning and improving.
I got my 10-year-old grandson to start playing pickleball during the summer to get him off the electronics and for health reasons and he is loving the sport even though he primarily plays with adults. So when I saw that Honza at Hawaii Pickleball Academy was starting an afterschool program, I reached out and offered to start an afterschool program at Mililani Mauka Elementary School, but they declined due to space limitations. I heard from a reliable source that the OIA is considering Pickleball as a sport in a couple of years instead of soft tennis. When that occurs, perhaps the middle schools will start afterschool programs to support high school pickleball….cross your fingers.
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?
I help the wife babysit my 4-month-old grandson, Karson, and take care of my other two grandsons, Brayden (10) & Jaxon (5).
