Pickleballer in the 808: CHARLEEN TAJIRI

Pickleballer in the 808: Charleen Tajiri (center—red cap and white skirt) with her health and wellness group called Fitness Fanatics Alohana and Pro Christina Chin

Honolulu—There’s so many people in the islands doing great things for their pickleball communities.

Case in point: Charleen Tajiri.

Charleen is super passionate about health, wellness, and fitness and has created her own community of like-minded people. Within that community, she provides opportunity to train, learn, and develop healthy habits and behaviors, including playing and getting better at pickleball!

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Pickleballer in the 808 Charleen Tajiri!

Charleen, second from left

Currently residing in: Honolulu

Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?

I was born and lived most of my life in Honolulu except for 4 1/2 years where our family moved to Wake Island because of my father’s employment with the FAA.

Because Wake Island’s School system only went to 9th Grade, I had to came back to Hawaii and attended Farrington High School where I knew only one person that I remembered from elementary school.

Transitioning from a really small class on Wake Island to one of the largest high schools in Hawaii was quite a growing experience.

How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?

Now I live close to Waialae Elementary School across Petrie Community Park where I normally walk our two puppies.

I used to see people playing pickleball there and wondered what this pickleball was about. I decided to buy a net and paddles and rallied my sister and friends to try it out.

Of course, the rest is history….

What do you love most about pickleball?

It became a weekly event that has evolved to many new friendships and a community that reflects our aloha spirit & passion to help our ohana reach their total wellness goals.

We believe that it is important to be active and to have fun in the process. “Wellness In Motion” is our mantra for the Fitness FUNatics Alohana.

What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, school, etc)?

Pickleball is just one of the vehicles I participate in. Zumba/toning, line dance, golf, self-development, nutrition and environment education are some of my interests.

What paddle are you playing with?

I started with Engage , switched to Black Ace , then White Ace and now Engage again.

How often do you play?

Usually play a couple of games almost every day when time permits except Thursday when I golf.

What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?

My passion is to build a positive community and attract those who want to make a difference together and leave a legacy of total wellness so people can live a great life.

Especially the Seniors! Not just to live longer but to enjoy a long and vibrant life!