Tennis in Big Island

Many of the island's resorts allow nonguests to play for a fee. They also rent rackets, balls, and shoes. On the Kohala Coast, try the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, the Hilton Waikoloa Village, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott. In Kailua-Kona there's the Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, and the Royal Kona Resort.

Contact the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation (25 Aupuni St., Hilo, 96720. 808/961-8311. www.hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_parks.htm) for information on all public courts.

In Kailua-Kona, you can play for free at the Kailua Playground (75-5794 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona. 808/886-1655). Tennis courts are available at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area (North end of Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona. 808/327-4958 or 808/974-6200).

On the Hilo side, there's a small fee to play on the eight courts (three lighted for night play) at Hilo Tennis Stadium (Hoolulu County Park, Piilani and Kalanikoa Sts., Hilo. 808/961-8720).

On the Sidelines

The world's best players compete in January in the United States Tennis Association Challenger (518/274—1674 or 808/886-2222) on the courts of Hilton Waikoloa Village.