• Top 10 Kaua‘i summer time sports Top 10 Kaua‘i summer time sports By Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island What better time to enjoy sports than during the summer. For most of us, it’s a great time to
• Top 10 Kaua‘i summer time sports
Top 10 Kaua‘i summer time sports
By Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island
What better time to enjoy sports than during the summer. For most of us, it’s a great time to relax and enjoy much needed vacation time.
With that extra stint, here’s a list of the top 10 sports on Kaua‘i, to either watch or take part in.
10: Senior Softball: These guys are good! From Lihu‘e’s Peter Rayno to West Kaua‘i’s Richard Carveiro, the action heats up every Saturday at various softball parks around the island.
The gang took a Fourth of July break, but it’s back to business on the diamond this Saturday at the Kapa‘a Ballpark, starting at 9 a.m. It’s open to the public and if you haven’t seen a senior softball game yet, then be sure to check one out this summer. They sure don’t play like seniors and once in awhile, you’ll be treated to some comedic performances, because these guys are quick with their mouths.
9: Drag Races: If you were under a rock or just plain hate drag racing, then you’re excused if you missed the annual Fourth of July races this past weekend in Mana.
The entire venue was filled with numerous race fans and spectators. Plus on Saturday night, the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) conveniently ignited an aerial show of fire-works for the race fans. But luckily you’ll have a chance to check out the drags at least once more this summer on Sunday, August 7, at 8 a.m.
8: Youth Basketball: The Kalaheo and Kilauea Neighborhood Centers have been busy with squeaking sneakers and bouncing balls, thanks to the extremely popular Kaua‘i Youth Basketball Association’s (KYBA) Summer League.
From the 12-and-unders to the 19-and-unders, the league runs games from 6-9 p.m. during the week and afternoon games on Saturdays.
7: K-PAL Flag Football: Despite the absence of tackling, the K-PAL (Kaua‘i Police Activities League) flag football season is a must-see event during the summer. Boys and girls are allowed to take part in the games and what makes the contests so special is that no score is kept. The youths love just being out there on the field, either scoring touchdowns or cheering on the sidelines. The Vidinha Stadium soccer complex will be the host to the next set of games, starting at 8 a.m., this Saturday.
6: Junior Golf: The Kaua‘i Junior Golf Association has produced some of the best golfers in Hawai‘i, like Rachel Kyono, Kellen Watabu, and Ki‘ilani Matsuyoshi, just to name a few. The 99+1 Holes Fundraiser tournament at Kaua‘i Lagoons on July 18 is their next event. Then it’s the Mitchell Ota Match Play tournament, which starts on July 23.
5: Youth Baseball: The little diamond cutters have the passion and skills to rival the big boys at the plate or on the mound. The Lihu‘e Baseball League, the West Kaua‘i Youth Baseball League, and the Kawaihau Community Little League did outstanding jobs this season.
4: Kaua‘i Polo: John Love, Jack Layton and the gang of the Kaua‘i Polo Club will show you a good time out at Anini Field, as the season kicks into fifth gear with another match this Sunday. Visitors and island residents should set some time aside on a Sunday this summer to watch a polo match. It’s a very unique sport that’s rapidly rising on the Garden Isle.
3: Canoe Paddling: The ancient Hawaiian sport of canoe paddling makes the top five, but why? Well, it’s something you’ll have to try to really enjoy. There are a host of canoe clubs around the island and probably one right in your neighborhood. Pu‘uwai Canoe Club, based in Wailua, will be hosting a race this Saturday morning. Call Brian Curll at 635-6311 for more details.
2: Swimming: If there’s a list of Kaua‘i summertime sporting event, then swimming will be near the top. Whether it’s at the beach or in the pool, Coach “O” (Orlando Anaya) has got ya covered. His legendary learn to swim programs have expanded to adults too, so give him a ring if you want to learn how to swim at 821-0587.
1: Surfing/Bodyboarding: How could you live on Kaua‘i and not try or attempt either surfing or bodyboarding? Well, most beaches are filled with groms and golden oldies out in the waters, following the swells. Good buddy John Lucas of Agor Architecure took me out to Davidson’s Beach in Kekaha this past weekend and showed me the ropes and my back and neck still hurt!
