Birds aren’t the only things soaring through the sky at Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area; flying discs are now taking flight atop St. Louis Heights. Hila Monster is Oahu’s first free, permanent 18-hole disc golf course. Highly technical, with towering pine trees as obstacles and baskets mere feet from the scenic ridge, it’s a place for disc golf enthusiasts to test their aim, build endurance and community, and spend time outdoors.
What is disc golf?
Disc golf is a lot like regular golf, but instead of playing with a golf ball and clubs, players throw a flying disc from a tee target into a basket up to 500 feet away. The goal is to get the disc in the basket with the least amount of tries as possible. It’s a sport that requires flexibility, agility, and precision.
Borsky playing disc golf. Photo courtesy Allen Borsky
“It’s an excellent activity that engages your core muscles since you need to rotate and throw with power,” says Allen Borsky, president of Honolulu Disc Golf Association (HDGA). “And if you play the entire Hila Monster course, you’ll have walked about three miles, so you’re also getting a cardiovascular workout!”
Borsky has been playing disc golf for more than 45 years, both recreationally and in tournaments around the state. He’s reaped both the physical and mental health benefits of the sport.
“If you play disc golf regularly, it’ll improve your endurance; I can attest to that,” he says. “It’s also a great stress release, and the game’s social nature has led to lasting friendships far and wide.”
Cleanup for the community
Until this year, players set up a temporary course at Waahila every week, bringing their own portable baskets. But, thanks to a partnership with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, HDGA received approval to build the permanent course last July.
“The one condition is that we adopt and maintain the park, especially the area where the course is, so once a quarter, we hold a cleanup,” explains Borsky.
Monthly cleanup at Waahila. Photo courtesy Allen Borsky
This one-year agreement benefits both HDGA and the park: Players have a permanent course to play, and the park receives some love and care, which helps improve safety and reduce vandalism in the area.
“Waahila has always been an underutilized park, but our course has helped increase activity there,” says Borsky. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from the community and folks who live nearby; they’ve seen improved trails and more families exercising and playing disc golf.”
Soaring, flying into the basket
There are four other disc golf courses on Oahu, but two are on military bases, and one is pay-to-play. The only other public course is at Kupuohi Neighborhood Park in Waipahu.
“It’s a short nine-hole course. People who live or are staying in town probably won’t drive in the afternoon traffic to the Westside,” says Borsky. “So, this Hila course is really a gamechanger.”
HDGA spent more than two years researching and designing a course layout, considering several factors, including:
- Avoiding existing walking and bike paths.
- Parking limitations.
- Feedback from the community and neighbors.
The result is a challenging 18-hole course that spans dry and rocky terrain, winds through a pine-forested ridge, and offers scenic views of Manoa and Palolo Valleys.
A stunning pine tree backdrop.
“As the disc golf community grows here, we hope Hila Monster will become a disc golf destination and attract players from around the state and beyond,” says Borsky. “Disc golf is a great way to exercise and enjoy nature; anyone can play regardless of age or skill level. You only need a single disc to get started!”
If you’re interested in playing disc golf, HDGA members meet every Friday afternoon at Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area. Visit the HDGA website for more information.
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