Pickleballer in the 808: Don Faumuina on Family, Community & the Game He Can’t Quit
Don with his son, Jonah (21) both after medaling at the Lung Force Tournament last month
From the Court to the Community – How Pickleball Became More Than Just a Game for Don Faumuina
Kalihi—For some, pickleball is just a hobby. For Don Faumuina, it’s a passion, a connection, and a way of life. What started as a casual invite from a long-time buddy quickly turned into a full-fledged obsession—so much so that Don bought his first paddle before he even left the parking lot after his first game. Now, he’s playing almost every day, sometimes twice or even three times a day!
But for Don, pickleball is about more than just competition. It’s a bonding experience with his son, Jonah, a way to build relationships with the Kalihi pickleball community, and a reminder that life—like pickleball—is all about adjustments and mindset.
From sharing words of wisdom on the court to traveling for tournaments, Don’s love (addiction) for the game is still going strong. His next goal? To play in every state.
Without further ado, meet Pickleballer in the 808 Don Faumuina!
Currently residing in: Kalihi
Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to? Kalihi boy, class of ‘89, GO GOVS (Farrington)!!!
How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?
I was invited to play in April of 2024 with one of my long time volleyball teammate, turned pickleball addict, Revere Akiu. After two hours, I became hooked! Bought my first paddle online before I even got into the parking lot! That was the first time.
In May, I played every single day and sometimes, twice a day for 31 days straight!!
I haven't stopped since. The addiction is REAL...LOL!!!!
We met at a tournament and you were there with your son, Jonah. Who started playing first?
I started playing first. Jonah was serving a church mission in Missouri / Kansas City during that time.
He started in September of last year.
How often, if at all, do you play together?
Jonah and I play with and against each other 4-5 days a week with our amazing "Church Krew" in Kalihi. They're the best group of people you will ever meet!!
How easy, frustrating, awesome, etc is it to play together? Do you have similar personalities on and off the court?
I’ve learned not to take many things too seriously. Playing with my son is the best gift pickleball has offered me because I work so much.
Pickleball has given us the opportunity to bond beyond the household and enjoy each other's company. I'll give him advice on how or where to hit he ball, sometimes he listens and the times he doesn't, my response is, "how is that working out for you Son?!"
Sometimes when we lose....we still win because I'm happy he still thinks his Dad is kinda cool! LOL
Our similarities between us is the communication with whomever he plays with while on the court, but what I love the most is how Jonah is kind to everyone on and off the court. I'd like to think my me and my wife's (Bella) example of aloha towards everyone contributed to that.
Don, Jonah, Noah (older brother) and Jonah’s mother, after Jonah returned home from serving a church mission in Missouri
What do you love most about pickleball?
My favorite part about pickleball is the community!
Everywhere I've played, I have met so many awesome people ranging from 18 to 80 years young!!
The ultimate favorite for me is the bond I have with Jonah. Sports is an interesting metaphor of life. I remember one time Jonah expressing his frustration of not playing to his best and how he was losing games more than winning. One of my favorite quotes I shared with him was, "Sometimes you're the pigeon and sometimes you're the statue. Change your attitude, change the story you tell yourself in your head, change your life Son!"
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, school, etc)?
Outside of pickleball, I'm watching pickleball videos and tutorials on how to be better! LOL.
I’m a Police Officer with HPD patrolling on the Windward side—this year will be 25 years with HPD.
I also own a wedding DJ business where I offer Officiant, MC & DJ services which I have been doing since 1991, and this past January I celebrated 25 years being married to my wife Bella.
What paddle are you playing with and why did you choose it?
I currently use the Joola MOD TA-15...until July...LOL!!
How often do you play?
I play almost everyday! 6-7 times a week.
Sometimes twice a day and every once in a while, 3 times a day!
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
I'm always working on leveling up and learning how to be a better player. I just returned from playing in So-Cal in 2 tournaments. I had so much fun, my goal is to now play in every state!! As for Jonah....
Anything else on your mind?
I encourage those that are on the fence to play pickleball and see where your experience takes you. It’s a healthy way to get a great workout, meet new awesome people and be part of a community that uplifts one another. It's better than running in one place!!
