By Raul

Two young players make a break for the crates.

Terao

On Labor Day 2001, the proprietor, Lindy Terao, was running a "free play" day (no field fees for those with equipment, free rentals to those without), and I decided to give this field a try. I had heard good things about the setup there, and wanted to check things out firsthand.

Terao has been active with the Hawaii paintball "scene" for at least a decade, and has ties to the Hawaii competition team Ronin. Island Paintball Sports formerly operated out of Kualoa ranch, but the concession was sold several years ago.

Note: Most of the images in this review can be clicked to enlarge.

The field itself is accessed by entering the Bellows main gate and heading toward the beach, following Tinker road all the way to its end. Here's a map. It's located along the treeline on the side of a huge parking lot -- there's definitely no shortage of parking!

There is no sign easily visible, but the guard at the booth will help you out.

Staging area: The staging area is just inside the treeline. It is set up in front of the equipment/field rental stand and includes several picnic tables, all comfortably shaded by coastal pines. A cooler and a pressure sprayer, both filled with wash water, are available for players' use, a nice touch. However, the closest restroom is some distance away.

Chrono/firing range

Chrono stand: IPS uses a radar chronograph. Velocities are limited to 285 fps. Next to the chrono stand is a nicely set-up firing range. Goggles and barrel plugs are to be employed in this area, and it is clearly marked as such. There is no restriction on when you can access the chrono area. There does not seem to be much checking of velocities; honor system applies. I have mixed feelings about this, but there were no violators I could see (or hear).

Fenced pathways

Fencing/netting/spectator areas: The pathways to the fields at IPS are lined with orange plastic fencing that efficiently directs players to the right places, while keeping non-players from wandering into dangerous areas. There is an area set up for spectators without goggles that has some netting above the orange fencing, plus some areas without netting (but still behind the fencing) for those spectators that want a clearer view and are willing to wear goggles. I particularly appreciated these areas as they allowed me to take many of the photos you see here during real games (photography is welcome).