Pokemon GO!

Pokemon GO is one of the most trending games of the year and everyone loves it!  If you have not heard of it, here is a brief summary of the game.  Pokemon GO is a mobile device game compatible on both iPhone and Androids.  To play the game, you must walk around in the real world to move your virtual character.  The objective of the game is to catch all the pokemon which are scattered around the real world which will randomly pop up on your virtual game.

Pokemon GO is very very popular in Hawaii as well.  If you were to walk around Waikiki, more than half of the people would be playing it.  Also, all types of people are playing as well. From grandparents to children, locals to tourist, you will see all types of people playing.  Waikiki, the aquarium, Kakaako, and Kapolei library are some of the “hot spots” on Oahu where you can see people playing the game.

A lot of companies around these areas have also increased in business because of the huge crowds as well.  Some restaurants in the area have even sent their food trucks to get some business.  Restaurants around Coral Street in Kakaako like Highway Inn, Hank’s Haute Dogs, Mr. Tea Boss, and may have had an increase in sales because of Pokemon GO.  Restaurants that are not in the area may have also benefitted from Pokemon GO by bringing in food trucks to the area.  I have seen the Blue Truck Teppanyaki, the Taste Tea truck, Steve’s Hot Dogs, and Chubby’s Burgers as well.  Some of these restaurants are not even close to the area of Kakaako.  Players of the game have also been taking advantage of these huge crowds by selling bottles of water, shirts, and even portable phone chargers.

I interviewed a senior at Kalani High School who plays Pokemon GO.  Below are some things that describe the game from a player’s perspective.

When did you start playing Pokemon GO?

“I played a week after the game came out.”

How did you find out about Pokemon GO?

“I found out about Pokemon GO after it hit the news and internet everywhere about a week after the release of the game.”

How often do you play Pokemon GO?

“I play Pokemon every single day.”

Where do you play Pokemon GO?

“I went to the aquarium before when the game first came out since that’s where everyone was going but I now go to Kakaako.  Kakaako has more people and a lot more Pokemon to catch.”

What are your thoughts on the game and the community so far?

“I really love playing Pokemon GO.  I feel like it brings the community together to do something everyone loves.  I’m also being more active instead of playing video games inside all day!  The game was a great idea and I really love it so far.”