Have a desire to play Robin Hood? Be part of the Na’vi?

Plenty of people do. And, anytime a movie featuring bows and arrows comes out — such as "Avatar," "Lord of the Rings" or "Robin Hood" — the interest in archery flies as well.

"The biggest surge was after ‘Robin Hood’ came out with Kevin Costner (1991)," said Danelle Pulawa, owner of The Island Archer near Honolulu Airport. "We represent Martin Archery in Walla Walla (Wash.), and they were backed up on orders for six months to a year.

"’Avatar’ was another one that brought out younger shooters. Had to remind them not to pull it like in ‘Avatar’ because the Na’vi people pull it backwards. And ‘Lord of the Rings’ … I always cheer when the bows and arrows come out."

The Island Archer was the dream of Pulawa’s father, Daniel Consolacion Sr. Some 40 years ago, he had hoped to have an indoor archery range with a pro shop, but the location never materialized.

The family did business out of their home until about 15 years ago, when The Island Archer opened on Koapaka Street. Pulawa and his brother, Daniel Jr., run the only archery shop with a storefront in the state.

Getting started is not hard, nor is it that expensive. But, as with most sports, equipment can run the gamut, from basic to high-tech.

There are various types of bows — traditional longbow & recurve, compound and fiberglass recurve — ranging from $170 to $1,200 and above. Basic additions would be arrows, either wood, carbon or composite; arm pad; glove; arrow rest; and a release aid, which is similar to a gun trigger.

"But the shooter has to work on basic form," Pulawa said. "They can have top of the line equipment, but if they don’t have proper form they can’t shoot for beans.

"Archery has waves (of interest). We get new people, we get old-timers coming back to it because they have grandkids who want to learn. It’s something everyone can enjoy."

There’s a push to get the sport into middle and high schools through the National Archery in the Schools Program. Leilehua High recently began an archery program and is planning on competing at the upcoming national tournament.

It’s safety first, as well, whether it’s recreational or hunting. The Island Archer refers customers to one of the certified licensed instructors.

One is Gregg Isabelo, who charges $25 for a 2-hour session.

"I teach basic archery, make sure they know the rules and safety regulations," Isabelo said. "It’s not just shooting, there’s a lot on the technical side. But the first thing I teach is safety. Each range has the same rules.

"Ninety percent of people say their interest came from seeing it in the movies. I did, too, from ‘Lord of the Rings.’ If I have young students, I encourage their parents to be there. Usually, their parents end up asking, ‘Can you teach me?’"

Both Pulawa and Isabelo recommend going down to one of the four public archery ranges on Oahu to watch other archers and ask questions.

"Everybody should try it at least once," Isabelo said.

OAHU ARCHERY RANGES

Bring own equipment

>> Kapiolani Park Archery Range
(Diamond Head end of park off Paki Ave.)
Daily, sunrise to sunset
Free
Bales

>> Koko Head Shooting Complex
Daily, sunrise to sunset
Free
Bales

>> Central Oahu Regional Park
Daily, sunrise to sunset
Free
Bales

>> Puu O Kapolei Archery Range
(Off Makakilo Drive, just past Kapolei Shopping Center)
Weekends & selected holidays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
$1 donation per shooter to Da 6 Pak Bushwackers Archery Club
Bales up to 60 yards & 24-Target 3D animal course
Other resources

>> The Island Archer
3180-C Koapaka Street
Honolulu 96819
833-8731
Theislandarcher.com

>> Da 6 Pak Bushwackers (Kapolei)
da6pakbushwackers.com

>> International Archery Federation
archery.org

>> Molokai Bowhunters Club
molokaibowhunters.com

>> National Archery in the Schools
archeryintheschools.org

>> National Field Archery Association
nfaa-archery.org