We Tried It: Bowling at Lucky Strike

What:  A massive, two-level bowling alley + arcade + sports bar

Who:  Great for toddlers to tūtū. Our multigenerational group included two 6-year-old boys, four parents and two grandmas.

Where:  Level 3 at Ala Moana Center (near Macy’s)

When: Saturday afternoon

Photo: Laura Dornbush

My six-year-old son, Duke, had never been bowling before. When his grandmother, called “Mimi,” started telling tales of her high school bowling team days, we knew we had to share the sport with him and bring Mimi along too. We met up with our friends, another multigenerational family, for an afternoon of fun at Lucky Strike at Ala Moana Center.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

I must say, for a first bowling experience, Lucky Strike set a high bar for Duke. Unlike my early alley memories, there were no musty shoes, pizza grease aroma, or 1970s-era fading décor to be found. Instead, the venue felt like a chic nightclub with tufted leather sofas, trendy neon lights and high-tech equipment.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Despite the lounge-like atmosphere, I was impressed at how kid-friendly the setup was. Keiki bowling shoes had Velcro instead of laces, lightweight bowling balls were available (even a 6-pounder), and a portable ball ramp was on hand. I was also blown away by how lane gutter bumpers automatically popped up when the system knew it was the boys’ turn to bowl.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

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Duke and his friend, Trevor, caught onto the game right away, cheering and screaming with excitement whenever the pins fell. A server stopped by while we were playing, and we ordered drinks and nachos. I mean, what’s bowling without nachos?! But, true to brand for Lucky Strike, these were elevated nachos with Kalua pork and house-made cheese sauce. ‘Ono and messy!

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Photo: Laura Dornbush

With 10 rounds in a game, we finished in exactly one hour. To no surprise, the dads had the highest scores, but the kiddos were close behind (thanks to help from the bumpers and ramp).

We had worked up an appetite, so we headed downstairs to the restaurant. I’d say the atmosphere was overstimulating in a Vegas-like way with huge TV screens, loud music and lots of flashing lights from the nearby arcade games. The vibe hyped the boys up, but, honestly, it just made me feel old. In fact, the boys had a hard time sitting at the dining table while being tempted by the sights and sounds of the games. However, the kid’s menu was great—the boys ordered buttered pasta and sliders—with a kiddy drink and all. Us adults loved the spicy Pasta Diablo and Caesar Salad.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Finally, it was time to end the night with some arcade games. “Some” is misleading, because I don’t think I have ever seen so many games in one place. The game floor is HUGE. Duke and Trevor loved the of-the-moment Super Mario Bros. and Angry Birds games, as well as classic skee-ball and air hockey too. The grandmas even raced each other on the snow ski game!

Like many arcades, you must purchase a reloadable card to swipe at the individual games, collect tickets, then redeem the tickets for prizes. The prize redemption boutique was stocked with premium gifts—everything from candy and backpacks to plastic trinkets and scooters. I even spotted a robot vacuum for 12,475 tickets!

Photo: Laura Dornbush

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Photo: Laura Dornbush

Our Tips

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Expect to wait. There are only four bowling lanes, which are available on a walk-in basis only (unless you have scheduled a private party through the events specialist). Stop in to add your name to the waitlist, then play arcade games until it’s your turn.
               
            2. Avoid peak times. Weekend nights are BUSY here. If you aren’t a fan of crowds, visit on a weekday afternoon or midday on a Saturday or Sunday.
               
            3. Bring socks. This is a no-brainer if you want to bowl, but if you forget, you can purchase socks there.
            4. Get a discount. Take advantage of The Big Deal offer where anyone in your group after the 4th guest rolls for free (max group size is eight people per lane).
            5. Watch a game. The restaurant & bar area features a jumbo projection screen flanked by ten smaller screens, perfect for viewing a big game (or multiple games at the same time) while the kids play arcade games nearby.
            6. Plan a party. With several chic private areas, this would be a great spot for a graduation, end of school or birthday party. Click here to start an inquiry form.

Lucky Strike opens at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday (and stays open late). Bowling is $17/hour per person before 6 p.m. or $22/hour per person after 6 p.m. Game cards start at $20, plus a $3 activation fee. Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 3260. (808) 664-1140. luckystrikeent.com