International All-Wahine Polo Clubs Battle Breast Cancer with Susan G. Komen Hawai‘i

The 18th Annual Wahine Challenge at the Waimānalo Polo Field on Sunday, July 29, features dishes by "Food Network Star" chef Amy Pottinger, a silent auction and lots of thundering hooves—all while helping fight breast cancer.

July 23, 2018

Don Wallace,

PHOTOS: DAVID CROXFORD

Once called the Sport of Kings for the glittery roster of royals who play, polo has enjoyed a resurgence as more and more women have taken up the game in the last 35 years—despite, or even because, its reputation for bone-bruising physicality.

Of course, anything that involves big mallets, fast horses and a tiny white ball interests us, but for casual spectators on O‘ahu, polo turns out to be a surprisingly affordable, full-blooded entertainment played in a natural outdoors amphitheater.

But don’t take our word for it: Come see for yourself as the Honolulu Polo Club presents the 18^th Annual Wahine Challenge at its Waimānalo field this Sunday. For a couple of hours you can help fund breast cancer research while supporting top women riders in two fast-paced, heart-pounding matches—and enjoy gourmet bites and drinks by a Food Network Star finalist, Amy Pottinger. Gates open at noon for the festivities; matches begin at 1:30 p.m.; general admission is $20.

Players from the Honolulu Polo Club, the Hawai‘i Polo Club in Mokulē‘ia, New Zealand and around the world will take part.

HONOLULU attended a recent match at the Honolulu Polo Club, where we took in the action and enjoyed the aloha of a downhome, local-style scene. “Dress code is shorts and slippers,” says club president Allen Hoe. “This is Hawai‘i. But if you want to, dress to the nines.” As you can see from the photos here, the atmosphere is otherworldly, with the matches taking place in the shadow of the Ko‘olau Range on an immaculate grass field.

With the food-and-drink portion not starting until 3 p.m., the club suggests bringing your own picnic or food and drink. (Champagne optional, but also a good idea.)

For more information and tickets, click here.