Best of Honolulu – Fitness

Best Surf Shop: LOCAL MOTION

Occupying prime retail space at the top of Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, Local Motion’s two-story, flagship store is the island’s largest surf shop, at 10,000 square feet. The ground floor offers shoppers surf apparel, sunglasses, wallets and bags, while its second level is devoted to more than 200 surfboards and tons of equipment, including fins, racks, board bags and nose guards. The store features some of the Islands’ top shapers, such as Wade Tokoro and Chuck Andrus, outfitting the likes of pro surfers Bruce Irons and Kalani Robb. And, if all that isn’t enough, Brew Moon recently opened a satellite café on the second level lanai. 1958 Kalakaua Ave., 979-7873.

Best Bike Bargain: BOCA HAWAI’I

Cycling is a great sport, but the right equipment can be expensive. Boca Hawai’i has got you covered. Located in Kaka’ako, it’s primarily a triathlon training center, but also sells used bikes on consignment, with 20 to 30 on hand at any given time. Boca’s mechanics inspect each bike to ensure it’s in good working order, and staff can help fit you to the right size and model, just as if you were buying a new bike. Kristi Schulenberg, executive director of the Hawai’i Bicycling League, says, “If I was going to buy a used bike, I’d go through Boca, rather than the classifieds, just to make sure I was getting something of a certain standard.” There’s a wide selection, as well–everything from basic cruisers to sleek, race-ready road bikes–and the discount pricing means you’ll be able to afford a higher-quality ride than if you were buying new. 330 Cooke St., 591-9839, www.bocahawaii.com.

Best Running Store: THE RUNNING ROOM

Shoe shopping is always fun, but at The Running Room, it’s a science. When we visited, a salesperson not only asked us about our running routine, she studied the shape of our feet, watched us walk across the store several times and even recommended we bring in an old pair of running shoes so she could analyze their wear pattern. Then she helped us picked out several pairs to try on from the store’s assortment of lines, which includes Saucony, Montrail, Brooks, Asics and New Balance.

The Running Room’s great selection and knowledgeable staff (all of whom are experienced runners themselves) make them our top pick as O’ahu’s best running store. It’s no wonder that the store has turned into a gathering place for runners, who enjoy talking story with the staff and swapping tips with fellow customers. Plus, it’s also one of two O’ahu locations that hosts The Shoe Doctor, where customers can get computerized foot evaluations and tailor-made insoles. 819 Kapahulu Ave., 737-2422.

A member of the Hui ‘Ohana team (part of a senior softball league) in mid-swing. photo: Jimmy Forrest

Best Golf Shop: ROOTS & RELICS

Golf truly is the sport of choice among downtown Honolulu’s power brokers, from the movers and shakers at the State Capitol to the business execs on Bishop Street. Good thing for them that Roots & Relics–a local institution among golf junkies, because of its wall-to-wall selection of 5,000 clubs and friendly service–is located right on Merchant Street. Owner Keith Tanaka, an attorney and former state deputy attorney general, jokes, “I see more judges now than I did when I was with the AG’s office.” Customers can expect to find the latest from TaylorMade, Titleist, Callaway, Mizuno and Bridgestone, as well as killer deals on a variety of used clubs, which come with a handy seven-day return policy. 249 Merchant St., 538-3311.

Best Incentive to Get Off Your Butt:

Just three months into the new year, and your resolution to exercise more is already history. Can’t get motivated on your own? Organized sports might give you the inspiration you need. Most teams are open to members of all skill and age levels. Here are a few good places to start:

The AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION oversees all sanctioned adult softball leagues in the state, which include 2,000 mostly male players, ranging from ages 18 to their late 80s. Players pay $10 for each 10- to 12-week season (about 15 games), which run year ’round. To get started, call state commissioner Donald Meinel at 595-8763, www.asahawaii.com.

OUTRIGGER CANOE COMPANY. (see image below) Between the O’ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association and Hui Wa’a, there are more than 30 canoe clubs on the island, boasting around 4,500 members. Most clubs sign up new members from February through April, just before the start of the regatta season. Season fees vary by club, but can range from $60 to $200. Visit www.ohcra.com or www.huiwaa.com.

About 130 players, men and women, participate in the Ice Palace Hawaiian ADULT HOCKEY LEAGUE, a non-checking, non-slap-shot league that runs from late August to early June. The only requirements: Players must have their own equipment and know how to ice skate. The fee for the entire season, which includes three games every two weeks, is about $900 to $1,000 per player. All players must attend evaluation sessions to determine their skill levels. 4510 Salt Lake Blvd., 487-9921, www.icepalacehawaii.com.

THE O’AHU ADULT INLINE HOCKEY LEAGUE is active year-round, with about 80 players signing up for each of its 16-week seasons. Regular games (Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and pick-up games (Wednesdays, 4 p.m.) take place at the Kamilo Iki Park rink in Hawai’i Kai. Registration fees include an annual $10 league fee, an annual $25 USA Hockey Inline fee and a $250 to $300 team fee per season. Contact team representative Rob Moylan at 294-3950 or moylan@hawaii.rr.com, www.oahuadulthockey.com.

photo: Joss

About 100 players join each of the two-month HONOLULU BASKETBALL CLUB seasons (eight to 10 games) that take place throughout the year. Divisions vary with height, skill level and age. Each team, which includes eight to 15 players, pays a one-time entry fee of $350 to $450. For more information, call John Lane at 391-5646.

The HAWAI’I CHAPTER OF U.S. LACROSSE has between 100 and 150 members in its men’s and women’s divisions. Various leagues run throughout the year, starting in February. Annual fees average around $40 to $45. Games take place Sundays at Kapi’olani Park. Visit www.hawaiilacrosse.com.

Registration for ALOHA REGION ADULT VOLLEYBALL begins in October, and the indoor playing season kicks off in January. About 500 to 700 adults participate in the organization’s men’s and women’s leagues, which are divided by playing abilities. Tournaments take place every weekend. Individual players must submit a $40 registration fee at www.usavolleyball.org, and teams of eight to 10 players pay $75 per tournament. For information on teams or how to start one up yourself, contact Pat Akana at adultvolleyball@yahoo.com, www.aloharegion.com.

Since 1964, the HAWAI’I HARLEQUINS have been playing rugby at Kapi’olani Park. About 10 adult teams take part in the season, which typically runs from March through May. Games are played every Saturday. Practices take place at Kapao Lono Field near Diamond Head on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Annual dues are $40. Contact president Kevin Sturm 342-1392 or sturm8@msn.com.