This sport has a deep history in many Hawaiʻi communities

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Bowling has long been a beloved sport in Hawaiʻi, bringing people together for friendly competition, socializing, and fun.

It’s not just about knocking down pins; it’s about building community and connecting with others.

One person who truly understands the power of bowling in fostering community is Mii Li Fortner, the founder of the Rainbow Bowling League, a group dedicated to creating a welcoming space for everyone, especially the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Fortner, who has been bowling since childhood, founded the Rainbow Bowling League to give people a place where they could feel connected and have fun without the pressures often associated with competitive sports.

“The queer sports leagues really saved my life,” Fortner said. “We didn’t have a bowling league, so I was like, let’s make one.”

The birth of the Rainbow Bowling League

The idea to start the Rainbow Bowling League came from Fortner’s own experiences with other queer sports leagues.

She found that these leagues offered more than just a chance to play sports—they provided a sense of fellowship and a place to belong.

“When I was younger, sports were more like, ‘Oh, you have to win, it’s competitive,’ but the queer leagues are really, really fun, bringing back what we enjoyed as kids doing sports,” she explained.

Fortner spoke with the founders of other local 2SLGBTQ+ sports leagues, such as volleyball, softball, kickball and football, to learn how to start her own bowling league.

Within a few months, the Rainbow Bowling League was born. The league quickly became a place where people could come together, hang out, and have fun, all while enjoying a game of bowling.

A community gathering place

The Rainbow Bowling League is more than just a sports league; it’s a community hub. People of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced bowlers, are welcome.

“It’s a super friendly league,” Fortner said. “The veterans that have been bowling before can help out if the beginners want to improve, or they can just bowl for fun. It doesn’t matter.”

The league typically plays its games at Barbers Point Bowling Alley in Kalaeloa. Fortner is particularly proud to support this venue because it’s owned by a lesbian couple.

“It’s always great to support the community,” she said, emphasizing the importance of choosing inclusive spaces, especially since she explained that some of the league participants only really leave home to bowl.

“The bowling alley was kind enough to put our first-place plaque on their wall permanently,” added Fortner.

The league’s structure is casual, with teams competing against each other weekly. However, there are no playoffs or intense competitions.

Instead, the focus is on enjoying the game and the company of others. At the end of each season, the league hosts a potluck, where everyone comes together to celebrate and enjoy good food.

“It’s like my kind of event—no pressure to compete and then food at the end,” Fortner laughed.

The relaxed atmosphere is a big draw for many participants, making it easy for newcomers to feel welcome.

How to get involved

For those interested in joining the Rainbow Bowling League, getting involved is simple. The league has a presence on Facebook and Instagram, where they regularly post updates and information about how to join.

“People can just send a message on Instagram or Facebook, and I’ll respond and give them all the information they need,” Fortner explained.

While the league’s website isn’t always up-to-date, Fortner is committed to keeping the social media channels active and informative. She encourages anyone curious about the league to reach out through these platforms.

In addition to bowling, the Rainbow Bowling League offers a unique experience for its members. During the league’s first season, Fortner wanted to do something special for the participants.

“We gave everyone a little founding coin,” she said, showing off the small, meaningful token. “It’s really cool because we got a lot of these in the military, so not many other folks have these, but every bowler from the first season gets a coin.”

A place for all skill levels

One of the Rainbow Bowling League’s strengths is its inclusivity. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or someone who has never bowled before, you’ll find a place in the league.

“There’s a good mix of just brand-new bowlers all the way up to people with pretty much professional averages,” Fortner said.

The league’s inclusive nature also extends to the LGBTQ+ community, and they are proud to welcome transgender and non-binary individuals.

Fortner emphasized that the league is about creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

“It’s not even necessarily about the sports; it’s about coming together and hanging out,” she said.

For those worried about their bowling skills, the league uses a handicap system to balance out scores, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

This approach keeps the competition friendly and fun, without the pressure to perform at a high level.

Looking to the future

As the Rainbow Bowling League prepares for its fourth season, Fortner is excited about what lies ahead. The league has grown steadily since its inception, and Fortner hopes to continue building a community where everyone feels welcome.

“We need more people to come help us get that loving part of sports and entertainment out to the community,” she said.

For Fortner, the league is more than just a place to bowl—it’s a place to find connection, support, and joy. “Bowling and being part of this league really brings you joy,” she said.

National Bowling Day is n Monday, Aug. 12; so, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the sport’s rich history in Hawaiʻi and the vibrant communities that continue to thrive around it.

The Rainbow Bowling League is a shining example of how sports can bring people together, creating bonds that go beyond the lanes.

You can click here to access the league’s Instagram and here for their Facebook. If you want, there is also a website; but Fortner said it is not up to date like their socials.

Whether you’re looking to improve your bowling skills or simply want to be part of a welcoming community, the Rainbow Bowling League is ready to roll out the welcome mat for you.