Like clothes, bowling tends to go in and out of style. Keeping it trending can be as difficult as picking up that 7-10 split.

But Art Machado has faith that the sport will survive, as he has in his battle with cancer, and just as Pali Lanes in Kailua has. The venue has negotiated a five-year lease through 2017.

Art Machado:
Introduces Rock-It Bowl
three nights a week

The alley, which closed briefly last year, has new life, as well as continuing renovations and innovations to attract bowlers of all ages.

The trickiest demographic is ages 15 to 23, the 72-year-old Machado said. Enter "Rock-It Bowl," with a new $20,000 lighting system and adrenaline-pumping music three nights a week.

"We did a survey about late-night events and we knew we needed to do something," said Machado, who started bowling while at Saint Louis School in the 1950s. "That age-group (15-23) likes music, lights, video games and having fun with friends.

"It’s become very popular. There are nights when we have to kick them out (at 1 a.m. closing)."

On a recent Wednesday night, 20 of the 24 lanes were in use, with more than 150 bowlers. The cost is $5 per person per game.

"I come a couple times a month and I always have a blast," said 24-year-old Travis Myking. "I grew up in Kailua and probably have been coming here for 17-18 years.

"It’s always fun, even if you’re just hanging out and watching other people bowl."

Only four public bowling alleys remain on Oahu, down from 31 in the 1950s. Part of the demise was the rising cost of doing business; the property tax for Pali Lanes is more than $50,000, with the monthly electric bill around $20,000.

The alley has been switching to more cost-efficient lighting and going solar is on the agenda, as is re-opening the restaurant. There’s also a new pro shop and live music on weekends.

Machado said he also hopes to utilize the parking lot more. There already are open markets on Thursdays and Sundays and "we’re looking at setting up (auto) detailing on weekends," he said. "Maybe come in, get a couple of free games while your car is being detailed. We have the space. We want to use it."

Pali Lanes hosts league play on weekdays and is part of the Hawaii TV Bowling schedule. The summer junior program begins Saturday and runs through August, with a weekly cost of $8 that includes coaching, awards and a banquet.

"We’ll have another program starting right after Labor Day," said Machado, who also is the U.S. Bowling Congress representative for Hawaii. "The kids get to go to Kona to compete. But they have to keep their grades up. We don’t care how good a bowler you are; it’s your education that will get you through life."