Pickleballer in the 808: Melanie Keolanui

Pickleballer in the 808 Melanie Keolanui

Hilo—It takes a special person to sign up for a job where you run into burning buildings, put out fires (literally) and deal with intense, life and death situations practically every time you’re called upon.

Meet the first female to earn the title of Fire Captain on the Big Island, Melanie Keolanui. In addition to paving the way for other females in the Fire Department, she’s also making a name for herself in pickleball.

This D1 volleyball athlete was initially skeptical about a game played with a wiffle ball. But soon enough, the game won her over and in a few short years, she’s channeled her athleticism into pickleball…she’s already won several tournaments!

When we first chatted, she was self-effacing, asking why anyone would want to talk to her about pickleball. Luckily, I was able to convince her that she had a story worth sharing, and here we are.

Read on to learn more about Pickleballer in the 808 Melanie Keolanui!

Pickleballer in the 808: Melanie Keolanui with her doubles partner, Kari Hock. They won Gold at the Pac Rim tourney in 4.5+ (40-45)

Currently residing in:

Hilo, HI

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

Born and raised in Hilo and graduated from Hilo High School. Went to college at Creighton University on a full ride volleyball scholarship.

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

I started playing PB about four years ago, across the street from my fire station by playing singles on the tennis court!

This morphed into playing doubles with “imaginary kitchen lines,” and as you can imagine that became a bit controversial when it came to overhead shots.

It started as trying to hit each other with the ball more than actually playing the game. We eventually taped lines inside the apparatus bay once we bought a net of our own. I would also play at various stations around the island since more and more were painting their own lines.

Melanie and Kala, after winning Gold at the World Fire Games in 2023

You’re the Fire Captain at the Hilo Fire Station. What is the most interesting story you can share about being a firefighter and pickleball?

One of the most rewarding things about being a member of the fire department and also a paramedic is being able to provide medical assistance to fellow players.

One of the most amazing stories that I can share is when a pickleball friend of ours ended up going into cardiac arrest at the court while playing alongside two on-duty firemen. They were able to provide prompt treatment including CPR, use of the AED, as well as oxygen, and the outcome was the best we could hope for as our friend was back on the pickleball court once again in the following months!

I was actually on duty that day as well, and was able meet friends and family at the hospital in order to provide support while they waited for updates.

I’ve been involved with two other incidents where medical assistance was needed and I was able to provide basic EMS treatment both times.

Some people say that pickleball is dangerous, but I say that pickleball saves lives!!

Melanie, with two brand-new HFD graduates (July 12, 2024)

What do you love most about pickleball?

The thing I love the most about pickleball (other than a jumping overhead smash that reminds me of my college volleyball days), is that pickleball is one sport that brings so many people together from different facets of the community.

Pickleball really spans more generations than any other sport I’ve participated in. I’ve met so many amazing people by playing pickleball, some of which have become close friends. There are so many people that I would have never connected with otherwise.

I’m grateful that many people in my life including my wife, mother, and father in law also have a shared love for the sport.

Melanie, with her family: sons Sevyn and Zane and wife Malia

What do you do outside of pickleball?

I’ve been in HFD for over 19 years, 17 years as a paramedic, and five years as the first female Fire Captain in our department.

I’m an assistant instructor at the community college for both the EMT and paramedic programs, a CPR instructor, and have given classes to two groups of pickleball players following cardiac events at the courts I play at.

I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

What paddle are you playing with?

I play with a Diadem Edge 18k Speed Pro paddle.

How often do you play?

I play between 3-5 times a week.

Melanie with fellow Hilo firefighter Josh Hatori, at the Ambassador Cup in 2022. It was their first tournament and they won Gold in 3.5.

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

My next pickleball goal is to have fun (and maybe win) the next tournament with my doubles partner Kari Hock. She’s been a big inspiration for me to elevate my game to the next level!

My next career goal is retirement in 2030 LOL, which leads to another pickleball goal of being able to play every day!

Anything else on your mind?

If you lead with your heart, you will not live with regrets. Zero-Zero-TWO!

Melanie, with Riley (fellow firefighter) and pickleball friends Frank and Loretta