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The relatively new indoor game of ax hurling is ready for its Honolulu debut. Blade & Timber Axe Throwing plans to open its doors at 970 Queen St. in Kakaako on Saturday.
The company disclosed rough plans last month without divulging a specific location or opening date.
Blade & Timber is one of several companies on the mainland and in Canada that have created a niche entertainment business from what some perceive as a dangerous practice that perhaps is more suited to lumberjacks but can be compared to throwing darts and bowling.
A Canadian organization, Backyard Axe Throwing League, or BATL, is often credited with having started the movement after taking a backyard hobby with friends in the late 2000s to a warehouse in 2011. Now BATL has 10 locations in Canada and five in the United States.
The first Blade & Timber was established in Kansas City, Mo., 2017 by Missouri-based entrepreneurs who established the escape room attraction Breakout Waikiki four years ago. Since then, the company has added three locations in Kansas and one in Seattle. Three more are slated to open soon in Minnesota, Miami and Scottsdale, Ariz.
In Honolulu, the new venture takes the place of a former furniture showroom adjacent to the recently opened A‘eo condominium tower anchored by Whole Foods Market at Ward Village.
The venue features 10 throwing lanes, most of which can be shared by up to six people for 90 minutes at a cost of $144. Targets are wooden backboards painted with a bull’s-eye.
Groups and individuals can reserve space online. The minimum age to throw an ax is 10. Blade & Timber also hosts corporate events and leagues.
Safety-certified staff will provide how-to lessons and supervision. At some locations, the company serves beer, which is limited to three per person. Blade & Timber said the Honolulu location won’t open with beer available.
BLADE & TIMBER AXE THROWING
>> Where: 970 Queen St., Kakaako
>> Hours: 2-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
>> Age requirement: 10 years and older
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