Aloha and welcome to Hawaii Ironman athletes and visitors
Hawaii Triathlon World Championship and What it takes to be an Ironman?
The Big Island is getting ready for the biggest event of the year…the countdown to this year Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship has started. Who has not heard by now, there had to be a change made in the announced date for the Ironman due to the needs of cruise ships in Kailua Kona for using the Pier. Therefore, the World Triathlon Corporation announced in February 2006 that the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship will take place on October 21 instead of 10/14/06, as originally planned. Hope you had time enough to reschedule your flights and Kona hotel or vacation rental reservation?!
Kohala Coast or Kona visitors can already watch early arrivals at their bike training on their way from Kailua Kona past the Kohala Coast Resorts through Kawaihae to the turning point at Hawi in North Kohala. Here is what the athletes have to accomplish during the Hawaii Ironman, one of the biggest endurance tests available around the globe. For most of the athletes, it is already their biggest accomplishment when they have made it through the qualification competition.
WHAT: A 2.4mile ocean swim, 112mile bike race and 26.2mile run. Competitors have 17 hours to finish. Cutoff times are also applied to the swim (2:20 after start of race) and the bike (10:30 after the start of race.)WHERE: Kailua Kona, Hawaii. The swim segment begins and ends at the pier in Kailua. The bike race travels north on the Kona Coast to the small village of Hawi, and then returns along the same route to the new transition area at the King Kamehameha Hotel. The marathon course travels through Kailua and onto the same highway used for the bike race. Contestants run back into Kailua-Kona, coming down Alii Drive to the cheers of more than 25,000 people at the finish line.WHO: Up to 2,000 competitors, ages 18-80, compete from 50-plus countries and all 50 states. Upwards of 50,000 competitors attempt to qualify at Ironman qualifying races worldwide. Another 4,000 enter the race lottery, which awards 150 slots to U.S. citizens and 50 slots to international athletes. In recognition of their athletic accomplishment, age group champions automatically qualified for the next year's race.
If you stay on the Kohala Coast but would like to watch the Big Island Ironman, leave your hotel or vacation rental early in the morning around 5:30am in order to find a parking lot in Kailua-Kona and a good position in Alii Drive for watching the most spectacular scene when thousands of participants jump in the Pacific Ocean at 7am for their 2.4mile swim…or if you are not an early birds but still would like to get a glimpse of the participants and feel the heat of the competition (and Hawaii!), drive their car to the junction of Hwy 19 and Hwy 270 to cheer the triathlon bikers on their way to Hawi (read the paper for more information on closed Hwy 19). Read more about the Ironman on the official Ironman Website.
The Hawaii Triathlon World Championship on the Big Island of Hawaii is a once in a lifetime experience you do not want to miss. So, don’t forget your hat, plenty of water and apply lots of sunscreen. Have your vocal cords in good shape and ready for lots of cheering! If you take some great Hawaii Triathlon photos, email us kohalacoastweb@hotmail.com We are happy to post them on our Kohala Coast Vacation Guide Website. Mahalo and aloha, Pua
p.s.If you have not made your Kona or Kohala Coast accommodation reservation yet, may we can still help with a nice vacation rental. Visit the Vacation Guide and send us an email with your Big Island travel information.
Good News for the Big Island Electricity Supply
You might not think that the following information is important for you as a visitor to the Big Island or the Kohala Coast. Wrong! Actually, very wrong! With Hawaii being one of the states with the highest price for electricity (electricity is still generated the old way by burning fossil fuels!) but on the other hand, air conditioning being badly needed in all coastal areas, more so on the Kona and the Kohala Coast with their steady sunshine all year around, these high costs for electricity (AC!) reflect in a higher rate for your vacation rental home or condo. And who wants to pay each year more for his AC comfort when vacationing in Hawaii?!
New Big Island Wind Farm will be builtThis seems to be the way to go. A new wind farm on South Point will be built. Fourteen 1.5-megawatt wind turbines will generate power for more than 10,000 Big Island homes when completed in March 2007. The blades are from India, the hubs from Germany and turbine towers from China. This "United Nations of turbine supply" will be landing at Hilo Harbor during the next few weeks and then heading to South Point for installation in the newest renewable energy facility in the state.Read more in our Big Island 'West Hawaii Today' newspaper on this new wind farm at South Point. By the way, you find in West Hawaii Today everything and anything about Hawaii Big Island. So, make it your daily read when you want to stay connected with the island you love. Aloha and a hui hou, Pua www.kohalacoastweb.com
Prices are Dropping - Real Estate Big Island New Market Analysis
Aloha Hawaii lovers. This is a good one!
Are you one of those Kohala Coast return visitors who dream of having their little piece of heaven in Hawaii? Well, your chances of being able to buy a nice Hawaii property seem to be rising by the day or at least, by the month. After prices for real estate and houses for sale on all Hawaiian Islands were skyrocketing for the last two years, the Hawaii real estate market came finally to stagnation, as watched in other states like Arizona and California, with houses sitting much longer on the market and prices being dropped for making the sale.
Of course, Kohala Coast property prices near the ocean or properties with ocean view are still not in the average, affordable category but being all the time in the heat by the ocean means high costs for air conditioning to stay comfortable and cool, plus tidal waves are not out of the picture. Nobody can predict Mother Nature! Here is a great alternative to ocean front properties.
If you are a lover of all the Kohala Coast white sand beaches like Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea and Spencer Beach, you don’t need to go far inland or better upcountry in order to find a nice house in ‘cowboy land’ in the Waimea area with a short 10 – 15 minute drive to the coast. See what our realtor friend and longtime Waimea resident Bill Jardine has to say in his current Waimea real estate market analysis Market Update 2006
Interested? Here is a great Kohala Coast Home for Sale…beautiful 2-story Big Island home with mountain & ocean views in most desired area of dry/sunny side of Waimea in Kamuela View Estates on the sunny Kohala Coast. Downstairs ohana style 1 bedroom/1 bath guest apartment offers a perfect opportunity for a vacation rental for additional income. Find more information on Kohala Coast and Big Island real estate & Big Island homes & land for sale on these Big Island real estate listings. Have fun contemplating your options for moving to Hawaii Big Island. Last but not least, don’t buy on vacation at the spur of the moment. Living in paradise is not for everyone. Make sure you and your family don’t mind being 2500 miles out in the middle of the largest ocean on this planet! Keep dreaming and planning! A hui hou. Pua www.kohalacoastweb.com
Aloha dear Kohala Coast friends,First of all, you can relax... the Kohala Coast beaches are open again, sharks left the Kohala Coast waters!!!Hawaii Aloha Festival
Maybe you just arrived on the Big Island and were surprised about unexpected crowds on beaches, restaurants and backed-up highways. By now, you probably heard what the reason is! It’s Aloha Festival month! Today the 2006 Aloha Festival has started on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast at Spencer Beach Park with the Aloha Festivals Royal Court visiting the ocean at Kawaihae with offerings of the land, afterwards proceeding into the sea for a "washing" of the Moi and Moi Wahine in preparation for a successful reign.
The Aloha Festivals is an annual statewide celebration of Hawaii's traditions and unique culture of music, dance and history. It is Hawaii's largest festival with hundreds of events on all Hawaiian Islands. Most events are free with the purchase of an Aloha Festivals Ribbon. Depending on your time of your visit to the Big Island, you might be lucky to attend quite a number.
Here is a small selection of Aloha Festival events:
Paniolo Concert with the Brothers Cazimero at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel at Mauna Kea Resort on September 9
Aloha Festival Poke contest at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (attended by the Royal Court and Hawaiian musicians)…public is invited to taste the creations afterwards, 10:30 am on 9/9/06
King's Lake at the Kings' Shops in Waikoloa Beach Resort celebrates Hawaii's rich cultural heritage with a fantastic mix of Hawaiian arts and crafts, hula performances, food and Hawaiian entertainment, 9/9/06
Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade in Waimea on 9/23/06. Starts 10am (1 hr road closure). Enjoy Pau Riders, floats, bands, marching and mounted units, led by the Royal Court procession-all honoring Hawaii's oldest ranching community.
Find more information on upcoming Aloha Festival events on the Aloha Festival website Get to know Hawaii, its culture and its people. E komo mai. Welcome! Aloha, Pua
p.s.All Kohala Coast events for September
Shark Sightings on Kohala Coast during past week force closure of beaches
Numerous tiger sharks have been seen swimming in coastal waters along the Kohala coast for the past week, leading to the closure of several beaches. The most famous Kohala Coast beaches like Hapuna Beach State Park, Waialea Bay, Mauna Kea Beach Resort and Spencer Beach Park were closed for swimming and surfing, after county officials confirmed at least three tiger sharks, ranging in size from 10 to 15 feet, which were seen less than 50 yards from various Kohala Coast shorelines.
While tiger sharks are not uncommon to the Kohala Coast, experts say it is highly unusual for so many daytime sightings over a longer a period, especially with sharks traveling in packs and so close to shore.
These immediate precautions were taken by Hawaii State and County officials to ensure the safety of Kohala Coast visitors and residents alike. As soon as the danger is over, Kohala Coast beaches will be opened again. Better be safe than sorry!
The Kohala Coast on the Big Island offers lots of other activities for your special Hawaii vacation as an alternative to hanging out on the beaches. Many beyond the ordinary! How about a helicopter flight over an active Volcano or some spectacular Stargazing on top of Mauna Kea So, don’t let the shark sightings spoil your vacation. They won't last long. Have a fun vacation. Aloha, Pua www.kohalacoastweb.com
Kohala Coast Vacation Rental SpecialsAloha again, to those visitors who come back again and again to the Kohala Coast on the Big Island and to those who want to visit the Big Island for the first time.More and more people find our comprehensive website Kohala Coast Vacation Guide and this blog Vacation on Kohala Coast of Hawaii Big Island with lots of information about Kohala Coast vacation rentals, activities, beaches, homes for sale, hotels, resorts, restaurants, wedding and so much more. If our last blog about how to plan a 7-day Kohala Coast vacation, was not only of interest for you but helpful for planning your vacation, we'd appreciate to leave a short comment for other Kohala Coast travelers.
Today, a short note for those visitors who can take off short notice and take advantage of all kinds of specials...Cancellation Specials, Last Minute Specials, Hot Deals, Low Season Specials. If you are interested in our vacation rental SPECIALS for the month of September, please, visit our new vacation rental Specials page in Kohala Coast Vacation Guide, which is easy to use (just click on the title and you will get to the owner's listing to see more details and photos about the vacation property).Hope the introduction of our Vacation Rental Specials page reaches you just at the right time to find a nice place for your Big Island visit in September. We will continue posting specials. So check back with the Kohala Coast Vacation Guide and the Kohala Coast Blog frequently.Don't forget, we are here for you. If you have questions or comments, please, let us know. We will listen. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide Related ArticlesGolf on Kohala Coast Kohala Coast Resorts and HotelsKohala Coast Vacation Rentals & Vacation Homes Kohala Coast Beaches Kohala Coast Activities
This blog post is sponsored by Hawaii Affordable Vacation RentalsKohala Coast Vacation Plan - Ideas for your StayAloha Kohala Coast lovers. Today we are back with some great ideas for everybody's first visit on the Kohala Coast, after we had some detailed Kohala Coast golf information last time. we recommend at least a weekly stay using your Kohala Coast vacation rental or your Kohala Coast vacation home as your 'base camp'. The Kohala Coast is centrally located for exploring not only South and North Kohala Coast areas but the Hilo and Kona areas as well. Staying at one place eliminates having to pack and unpack plus saves you the hassle of several check-in and check-out procedures. After a day of Big Island adventures, you are always coming 'home' and can relax and feel comfortable in your familiar surroundings at your Kohala Coast vacation rental or even take the short drive to one of the white sand Kohala Coast beaches for a refreshing dip in the ocean at sunset.When planning your vacation on the Hawaiian Islands rather focus on two islands and come back later for another visit. We feel especially sorry for those Big Island visitors who planned three nights for the entire Big Island 'chasing' over this beautiful island not taking the moment or having the time to relax and inhale its natural beauty.
Here are some basic ideas for a 7-day vacation plan for your stay at a vacation rental, vacation home or vacation condo on the Kohala Coast:
1st Vacation Day
After arrival, drive to Hapuna or Mauna Kea beach or A-Bay at Waokoloa Beach Resort or just access the ocean from your Puako vacation rental in order to take a first dip in the ocean. Shop at a local market in Waimea or Waikoloa Village (open till 10pm), have a casual dinner at one of our convenient affordable restaurants (see our Restaurant Guide). Sit on your lanai, take a couple of deep breaths, melt away your tension (may get a little help with a glass of wine) allowing you to enjoy our island atmosphere.
2nd Vacation DayTake Hwy 270 to Hawi, 3000ft.elevation overlooking Kohala and Kona Coast. Drive through Hawi to the end of the highway to Pololu Valley Lookout. Hike 30 minutes down to the most beautiful & peaceful empty black sand beach and...exhale! Come back through Hawi, King Kamehameha's birthplace, have lunch at Bamboo restaurant, drive along the Kohala Coast Hwy and visit various Heiaus and National Recreation Parks. Finish the day at Hapuna or Spencer Beach or do something 'touristy' like stopping at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Inhale the Hawaiian flair while sitting at the Terrace listening to the island music, watching the Hula dancer (6 - 7p.m.), checking out the gorgeous sunset for a spectacular 'green flash' and taste the original Mai Tai.
3rd DayGet up early for a day trip to Volcanoes National Park. Take Hwy 19 via Waimea and Hilo. For most guests of the Kohala Coast vacation rentals, it's advisable to return the same way as the hwy south of Kona is very windy and mostly has 25 mile speed limit. Don't stop at attractions on your way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as you will need all your hours for exploring the park and making it to the lava flow. Best at night! Take lots of water, cooler with food and flash lights. Be prepared for all weather conditions. Could be cooler and rainy in Volcano. For spending a night in Volcano, check for accommodations close to Volcanoes National Park here.
4th DaySnorkel day at Mauna Lani Beach Club. Drive to Mauna Lani Bay Hotel. If it's Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, catch the 'fish tour' at 10:30a.m. It's fun for the whole family. After the fish tour, walk left, facing the ocean, passing Eva Parker cottage and ancient Hawaiian fish ponds till you arrive after about a 10min walk at the.most beautiful, protected white sand snorkel beach lagoon. After a couple of hours of snorkeling (coral reefs are close to shore and one will find an abundance of fish, turtles and even Eagle Rays, if lucky!) and sunbathing, have lunch right there at the ocean front restaurant or drive to the next resort, Waikoloa Beach Resort and have lunch at the Hang Ten Restaurant at the dolphin lagoon. Take a ride on the boat or train, look at artifacts, have dinner at home or at one of the restaurants in Kawaihae. After dinner drive to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and visit their Manta Ray Lookout. Enjoy the graceful ballet of Manta Rays when eating their 'dinner' of plankton at dark.
5th Vacation Day
Start early for spectacular White Rd. Hike (8a.m.) into the hills overlooking the back of Waipio Valley with waterfalls and ocean views. Moderate hike, also for children, 2 hr round trip. After your hike, drive further east on Hwy 19 to Honokaa town on the Hamakua Coast and visit famous Waipio Lookout. Lots of adventure awaits you in the valley, only 4x4 access, though you can take guided valley tours. Since you already made your way to the Hamakua Coast, why not continue to Akaka Waterfalls, another 30min drive east and walk the scenic tropical rain forest enjoying the green 'jungly' side. If you still have enough energy, check our Hilo Botanical Gardens, just 10 minutes down the road.
6th Vacation Day
Majestic Mauna Kea mountain is still waiting for your visit. When you stay at a vacation rental home or condo close to Puako, Hapuna Beach or Mauna Kea Beach, you are at a convenient location for accessing Mauna Kea summit. Car rental companies now allow driving on Saddle Rd and access rd. to Mauna Kea Visitors Center, both paved. Harpers car rental is the only car rental company which allows 4x4 to legally ascend the summit from the Visitors Center (summit rd. is narrow and not paved!). When deciding for a visit to Mauna Kea, please, pay attention to weather conditions, esp. during the winter months..Blizzards are not uncommon and can endanger your life. No worries! The Hawaiian news channels 8 - 12 will always keep updated on Big Island weather and surf conditions so you can safely enjoy your vacations with us.
If you are elderly or your health does not allow you to visit Mauna Kea summit (14,000ft.), why not explore the tourist areas of Kona...Painted Church, visit a Kona coffee farm and Alii drive and do some Hawaiian gift shopping!
7th Vacation Day
Pack your luggage the night before. Leave bathing suits in the carry-on so you enjoy a few more hours on one of our best Kohala Coast beaches before heading to the airport. As you probably noticed, even a 7-night stay is too short of a period to cover the Kohala Coast, not to mention the entire island. South Point, Kealakekua Bay with Captain Cook Monument, City of Refuge south of Kona, Hilo town with farmers market, Kapoho tide pools etc. got skipped in our Big Island vacation 'itinerary'. Don't miss out on Kohala Coast ocean acitivities (sorry, also not included in the vacation plan), just a short minute drive from any of the Kohala Coast vacation rentals & Kohala Coast vacation homes. They offer an experience of a lifetime!
Of course, your personal Kohala Coast vacation plan will depend on your preferences for activities, Big Island places to see and to go and your overall target for your Hawaii vacation...relaxing beach vacation, exploring island attractions, spending healing vacations, experiencing the abundance of Pacific Ocean life in a scuba or snorkel vacation or spending your romantic Kohala Coast honeymoon or a Hawaii family reunion and more. In any case, we hope our Kohala Coast vacation guide and this Kohala Coast vacation plan will provide you with a good ideas for your stay on the Kohala Coast Of Hawaii Big Island.
Please, bookmark this Best Hawaii Vacation Blog and come back often. We also love to hear from you with your comments or questions. Just push the comment button. It's that easy!
Aloha till next time, Pua.Related ArticlesGolf on Kohala Coast Kohala Coast Resorts and HotelsKohala Coast Vacation Rentals & Vacation Homes Kohala Coast BeachesKohala Coast Activities
