Chess Clubs in South Kohala, Hawaii. The list of addresses.
Chess Clubs in South Kohala, HI and Surrounding Areas
Chess Clubs in South Kohala
1. Waikoloa Village Chess Club
Address: Waikoloa Community Association (68-1792 Melia Street, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738)
Meeting Times: Every Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Description: The primary chess organization serving South Kohala meets weekly at the community association building. This club welcomes players of all skill levels, offering casual games, strategy discussions, and monthly themed tournaments. The facility provides regulation chess sets and digital clocks. Special beginner sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month.
2. South Kohala Scholastic Chess Program
Address: Various South Kohala schools (contact Hawaii Island Chess Federation for locations)
Meeting Times: After-school hours during academic year
Description: This youth initiative operates chess clubs at multiple South Kohala District schools. The program focuses on developing critical thinking skills through chess, with certified instructors providing lessons tailored to different age groups. Participants have opportunities to compete in Big Island scholastic tournaments.
Nearby Chess Clubs
3. Waimea Chess Society
Address: Thelma Parker Memorial Library (67-1209 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, HI 96743)
Meeting Times: Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Description: Located approximately 15 minutes from Waikoloa Village, this established club serves North Hawaii chess players. The society offers structured lessons, game analysis sessions, and quarterly rated tournaments. A dedicated area is available for advanced players seeking competitive practice.
4. Kona Chess Collective
Address: Kailua-Kona Public Library (75-138 Hualalai Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740)
Meeting Times: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Description: West Hawaii’s largest chess organization meets weekly at the public library. The collective hosts regular tournaments, simultaneous exhibitions, and beginner workshops. Multiple playing sections accommodate different skill levels, from novice to expert.
5. Mauna Lani Resort Chess Group
Address: Mauna Lani Auberge Resort (68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Waimea, HI 96743)
Meeting Times: Sundays, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Description: A casual chess gathering in the resort’s lobby lounge area. This group emphasizes social play in an upscale setting, with ocean-view games and light refreshments available. Suitable for visitors and residents seeking a relaxed chess environment.
Tournament Opportunities
The Hawaii Chess Federation organizes several annual tournaments accessible to South Kohala players:
Big Island Open Championship (rotating between Kona and Hilo locations)
West Hawaii Scholastic Tournament (typically held at Waikoloa Elementary School)
Hawaii State Championship (various island locations)
Local clubs frequently organize rapid and blitz tournaments. The Waikoloa Village Chess Club hosts quarterly standard time control tournaments with sections divided by rating level.
Learning Resources
The Thelma Parker Memorial Library in Waimea maintains a specialized chess literature collection. Several clubs offer free beginner lessons before regular meetings. Digital resources include the Hawaii Island Chess Network online platform with instructional content and local tournament schedules.
Prospective participants should verify meeting times as schedules may adjust for holidays or special events. Most venues provide chess equipment, though serious competitors may prefer bringing their own regulation sets. Parking is available at all locations, with ample spaces at the Waikoloa Community Association.
