8 Things You Need to Know About Hawaiʻi’s Latest Obsession With Pokémon GO

Take a look inside the latest Pokémon craze.

Photo: Courtesy of Pokémon GO 

 

The video game, Pokémon GO has been crushing the competition–its number of daily active users has surpassed those of Candy Crush Saga and Twitter.

 

Most likely you’ve noticed people staring even more intently at their phones than usual, or whole families walking through neighborhoods, looking at their phones and suddenly bursting with excitement as they find a new Pokémon.

 

Released on July 6, Pokémon GO quickly soared to the top of the charts in the app store. It seems like everyone is striving to become a Pokémaster.

 

Whether you’ve caught the Pokéfever, or are just curious about the phenomenon, here’s what you need to know.

 

1. It has gathered a large group of dedicated fans.

There are already multiple Facebook pages dedicated to the craze: Pokémon Go Hawai‘i, Pokémon GO! HI, where people can post tips and locations of where to find specific Pokémon. One of the groups already has over 3,000 members.
 

 

Trainer @caitron decided to go to the center stage during her break to catch some Pokémon….. and so did everyone else! 🙌🏽

A photo posted by Pokémon Go Hawaii (@pokemongohawaii) on Jul 12, 2016 at 2:42pm PDT

 

2. It gives people an excuse to explore our island.

People are exploring areas they haven’t been to before. With all these Pokémon to uncover, no location gets overlooked, from wandering around an area in their neighborhood they’ve never been to before to taking the long route on the way to work. Also the game has encouraged people to go outside, walking or riding their bikes while on the hunt for Pokémon or PokéStops.

 

 

This cutie loves to gallop around Kapiolani Park. Great shot!

A photo posted by Pokémon Go Hawaii (@pokemongohawaii) on Jul 14, 2016 at 6:29pm PDT

 

 

A photogenic Flareon appeared! 🔥🔥🔥 Great shot by trainer @oh_lalala!

A photo posted by Pokémon Go Hawaii (@pokemongohawaii) on Jul 12, 2016 at 10:04pm PDT

 

3. While there has been reports of disrespectful team rivalries, there are supportive communities for those who just want to have fun.

On social media outlets, many locals have formed a respectful community, giving each other updates and answering each other’s questions.

 

Caught this baby @ waipahu shopping center, go grab it guys!! #pokemongohawaii pic.twitter.com/XvfGwvMAKf

— Kokoyoko (@iamHoldenA) July 10, 2016

 

It's a gym #pokemongohawaii (@ Anna Miller's Restaurant in Aiea, HI) https://t.co/8bg3SnyLAe

— Malia (@koreankitkat) July 10, 2016

 

4. Businesses in Hawaiʻi are taking notice of the trend, and offering special discounts to players.

Many local businesses are giving special discounts to players.

 

 

All water Pokémon can learn how to SURF, and now you can too! Stop by @goofyfootsurfschool and loot their Pokéspot, mention PokémonGo and receive 15% off your surf lesson! 🌊

A photo posted by Pokémon Go Hawaii (@pokemongohawaii) on Jul 14, 2016 at 10:41am PDT

 

 

‼️ATTENTION ALL UP AND COMING POKEMON TRAINERS‼️ We have a special just for you! 😉 We know how hard it is to go out there and catch them all, all the while defending your gyms, and we're here to be your personal "Poke Stop" to help you refuel for the long battles and your journey ahead! Starting tomorrow 7/12/16 till Friday 7/15/16, we're hosting our "Pokemon Go Happy Hour"!!! When you visit the shop between 7:30am – 12pm, show us your Pokemon Go player card, and receive a FREE topping with your bowl purchase! Tag your squad to let them know!!! #PokemonGo #TeamValor #TeamInstinct #TeamMystic #PokeStop

A photo posted by HI CRAVINGS🍇🍉🍓🍌🍍 (@jessdabestacaibowls) on Jul 11, 2016 at 8:04pm PDT

 

Even T-Mobile is participating in the frenzy, offering free, unlimited data for users to play Pokémon GO, starting July 19.

 

5. Even politicians are getting involved.

 

Presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton recently used Pokémon GO as a part of her campaign strategy by telling people to “Pokémon GO to the polls,” and holding an event at a PokéStop in Madison Park in hopes of attracting people to vote. Donald Trump fired back at Clinton, releasing an ad that was a parody of the game, title “Crooked Hillary NO,” featuring Clinton being captured by a Pokéball.

6. Don’t forget to be aware.

There’s a potential pitfall to the game. It’s easy to lose awareness of one’s surroundings while playing the game, and many users have stumbled upon rather compromising situations. In just a week’s span, a woman discovered a dead body, two men fell off a cliff in California, and a man was stabbed; each of these people were playing the game when these incidents occurred.

 

HPD has released warnings to gamers and parents.

 

You can keep playing the game, but don’t throw your best judgment out the window while you do so. Always be aware of your surroundings, and don’t trespass on private property.

 

7. Keep an eye out for upcoming Pokémon GO themed events.

Because of the popularity of the game, people are hosting Pokémon GO themed events where fellow players can gather in search for Pokémon. HNL Flow’s Pokemon GO Event is happening on July 23. For the adult Pokémasters, there will be a huge Honolulu Pokémon GO Bar Crawl on Aug. 20. 

 

8. An opportunity to catch ‘em all. 

 

We will be dropping lure modules at our Best of HONOLULU Festival this Saturday, June 16 at Honolulu Hale. Meaning plenty of Pokémon for the taking.