Celebrate the New Year on the Kohala Coast!

Dear Kohala Coast visitors,

Sorry for not continuing our posts on Kohala Coast Real Estate or the Hawaii Big Island Housing Bubble, which we had started recently. For those who are looking into moving to Hawaii and buying a Big Island home or a lot at an affordable price (Hawaii market considered!), we promise we will be back with more information on trends of Kohala Coast real estate market at the beginning of the New Year.

First things first! Now, it’s time to get ready to celebrate the beginning of a new year. The year 2007! Time flies when you are having fun. We wish everybody a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year, which will hopefully include a visit to our wonderful island.

For everybody who was lucky and enjoys their well-deserved Hawaii vacation on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island at the moment, here is the great news about fireworks at Kohala Coast Hotels and Resorts for starting the New Year with a magnificent show:

Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani Beach Resort
Four Seasons Hualalai
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

Find the Kohala Coast hotel, which is the closest to your vacation home or resort, on our Kohala Coast Map. Happy New Year from Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide

Tags: Hawaii hotels, Kohala Coast hotels, Hawaii vacation

Big Island Housing Bubble

Big Island Housing Bubble

Let’s pick up where we stopped with our last post on the building or ‘overbuilding’ boom on the Kohala Coast and on Hawaii Big Island. Real Estate market in Hawaii and on the Mainland has been, and still is, an ever-discussed topic all through the year 2006. The so long predicted bursting of the housing bubble seemed to have finally happened or was it just stabilizing of the market or correction of overpricing, as some real estate analysts pointed out?

In January 2006 the available inventory island-wide began to increase as house sale prices declined. Interest rates remained stable, which was encouraging to buyers. The housing market showed a totally different picture this year than it showed in 2005. What will the new year 2007 bring for the Big Island real estate market?
The Hawaii Housing Bubble blog with Oahu and Mainland house sale stats offers some interesting insight into real estate ‘bubble’ facts in Hawaii and on the Mainland. If you are interested in buying a house in Hawaii, this information might be worthwhile reading. The more you read, the more you know. The decision-making is still up to you, just like in the stock market. Not all the predictions by the top analysts are the right ones. Some basic trends help though for making your own house buying or selling conclusions.

Here are a few stats backing the current real estate market on the Big Island:

The Kona Coast has 429 listings with a median asking price of $729,000, with 28 sales last month and a median price of $620,000.

Puna on Big Island’s East Coast currently has 611 active listings. Vacant lot sales and prices in East Hawaii have plunged steadily since November of 2005, according to information compiled from the Hawaii Information Service. Vacant land was a hot commodity last year as investors bought lots in hopes of flipping them for a good profit. But the slowing market made speculators move on, at least for the moment.

With an average Hilo home going for $350,000, buyers last month were paying $17,000 less than they were in November of 2005, with a 20 percent drop in sales volume. Hilo had 34 sales in November 2005 and 27 sales in November 2006.

Last but not least, high end homes over 1 million dollars on the Kohala Coast, such as Kohala Ranch, Kohala by the Sea and Kohala Estates are still at high demand. However, asking and selling prices for the medium range are falling in the Waimea/Kamuela area on the Kohala Coast, especially so in that odd area between worker housing and upper middle class properties $500K to $900K.

All the above stats are once again proving that it’s a buyer’s market, as we ended our most recent post. Some buyers are waiting for the market to swing even further their way in what experts have called a "market correction" after years of brisk sales and high prices, but remember ‘there is no place like Hawaii’ and properties on these islands are not unlimited!

Merry Christmas and aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Guide

Tags: hawaii housing bubble, hawaii real estate

Building boom on Kohala Coast of Big Island

Aloha Kohala Coast lovers,
Not everybody can afford an annual Hawaii visit. Trips to Hawaii don’t come cheap. So, let’s assume you have not been back for another vacation on the Kohala Coast for about two to three years but plan another return visit for next year.

Well, you’d better be prepared for changes, big changes in the Kohala Coast scenery you have come to get used to in those past years. Hawaii Big Island was always the island, which was laid back and low key. Beautiful Kohala Coast beaches have been a big attraction to travelers who did not want lie on one of those crowded Maui beaches but rather spend some peaceful time on one of the best Big Island’s beaches, like Hapuna or Mauna Kea beach.

However, as we all know, the ‘only constant in life is change’! Finally, the building boom from Oahu and Maui has caught up with the Big Island. Kona has changed a lot but the Kohala Coast as well. Even though we are all well aware that the economy of West Hawaii, like the entire State of Hawaii, is dependent on the visitor or tourism industry (West Hawaii welcomes more than a million visitors annually!), not all residents approve of the current situation. More and more condos and town houses are already up or are still getting developed on both sides of Highway 19 on your way from Kona to the Kohala Coast. Waikoloa Beach Resort added two more condo or town house complexes, as did Mauna Lani Beach Resort and Waikoloa Village area. Many more complexes are just new where there was bare land before.

Infrastructure changes with shopping centers and additional lanes on the Highway will have to follow! Hey, you know what the good part of all that additional building here on the West coast is: It will increase the number of available Kohala Coast homes, houses and condos, adjust the asking prices and by doing so, it will eventually create a buyer’s market, which can already be observed at certain Big Island areas and certain medium level prices. Perfect for the average buyer looking for an affordable Big Island home for sale or property to buy.

Plus, it will also increase the available Kohala Coast vacation rental units, as a lot of those new homeowners use their Hawaii home as a vacation rental condo or home to help pay for their mortgage. With more vacation rental units being available close to the beaches, your chances for finding a great place at a perfect rate are getting better by the day. Long story short, for our Kohala Coast visitors it’s a win-win situation! Happy? I bet! Stay tuned for more from the Kohala Coast. Aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide

Tags: Big Island, Hawaii Real Estate

More about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Aloha again to our Kohala Coast visitors,
After you followed our last post about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel closure, we have a little bit of new information from our Mauna Kea tennis club friends. Here is what they told us: The big guest parking lot will be serving for the hotel construction crew. Too bad for Mauna Kea Beach lovers but it does not look like there will be more beach parking and passes available. Sorry guys! It’s not quite sure where the tennis club members will be parking in the future. The ladies locker room and the storage room next to it were converted into the ‘new’ beauty salon. Air conditioned and newly carpeted, it looks pretty nice. Reason for this necessary change is that Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel never had its own beauty salon and Hapuna hotel guests always used the Mauna Kea salon.

It's also going to be interesting to see how much the Hapuna guests continue to shuttle over to use the Mauna Kea beach and the Hau Tree beach restaurant there. They are, supposedly, going to be dropped off at the tennis center, to walk across the lawn and down the stairs to the beach, which is an easy beach access and was used in the past by quite a number of beach visitors. That’s the latest for today on Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. If you had planned a stay at the hotel and are still looking for some adequate accommodation on the Kohala Coast, have a look at these private luxury Kohala Coast Vacation Homes as an alternative option. You won’t regret it. Warm aloha for all our Kohala Coast blog visitors from Pua.

Tags: Kohala Coast, Hawaii, Big Island, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Closed!

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is closed!

Yes, you read it right. Now, it’s final. One of the most favorite Big Island hotels on the Kohala Coast is temporarily closed for repair due to more structural damage than originally assessed from the Kohala Coast earthquake in October. Some hotel employees anticipated this move; others were totally caught by surprise. Hotel management waited with this announcement till the last minute.

Last Saturday, the official day of closure, was a very sad moment for employees (we feel with all the employees being laid off at a time when they need their jobs the most!), guests and residents alike but safety comes first. It’s hard to comprehend that this oldest of the Kohala Coast hotels won’t be open for their regular busy Christmas crowd over the holidays. Current guests were moved to Mauna Kea’s sister hotel Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel will do everything to find appropriate accommodations in other Kohala Coast hotels for guests with future reservations.

Good news for Golf players who stay at Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel or belong to Mauna Kea golf club. Mauna Kea golf club and clubhouse restaurant will stay open. As will the beach restaurant ‘Hau Tree’, which is great for Mauna Kea beach lovers who like to have lunch on the beach. Mauna Kea beach will attract Kohala Coast visitors just as before or even more, as we expect the number of beach passes issued per day to increase with much more beach parking available. Stay tuned for more on Mauna Kea or Kohala Coast news. A hui hou. Pua
Kohala Coast Vacation Guide

Tags: Kohala Coast hotels, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

E Komo Mai. Welcome to the Kohala Coast!

Aloha Angela and Mike from Californa,
Sorry for the delay with this message. We were just waiting for our Kohala Coast vacancies from rental owners for December coming in. It looks pretty good for your plans, even for the time between Christmas and New Years, there are still a few vacation rentals available on the beach or ocean view rentals. If you want to save some money on accommodation, you can find great places 10 -15 minute-drives from best Kohala Coast beaches. Save money on accommodations, rather spend it on a great dinner or even better on an exotic luau on the Kohala Coast resorts.

However, remember what I said last time in my post Christmas Vacation on Kohala Coast of Hawaii Big Island. make sure that you have a flight and car reservation before checking for Big Island accommodations. If that is all taken care off, check Cancellation, Last Minute vacancies for Kohala Coast rentals and Big Island vacation homes, vacation cottages, apartments, condos and suites. If your travel dates are flexible, plan your Big Island vacation for the beginning of December when restaurants and beaches will be still empty.

Kohala Coast hotels are preparing all their beautiful Christmas decorations. The Orchid Fairmont at Mauna Lani Beach Resort displays a full size gingerbread house which fills the lobby with an enticing aroma. Who can resist that? One of the most famous Kohala Coast hotels, actually the oldest one, will be missing and will be missed though. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel announced today that they will be closed due to more structural damage than expected from the October earthquake. Quite a number of guests will be accommodated at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Private vacation rentals might be an option for those who won't be the lucky ones to get a room at Hapuna Beach Hotel.

E Komo Mai. The skies are blue and sun is shining on the Kohala Coast. Kohala Coast rental homes are awaiting you. Come visit the Kohala Coast on Hawaii Big Island. Kohala Coast Acccommodation Guide

Tags: Big Island, Hawaii, Kohala Coast, Kohala Coast vacation rentals

Christmas on Kohala Coast

Christmas Vacation on Kohala Coast of Hawaii Big Island.

Are you are planning a Last Minute trip to the Kohala Coast on the Big Island for the holidays?

Well, the motivated, committed and dedicated traveler always finds a way around obstacles, just like in 'Amazing Race'. So, be prepared that most of the Kohala Coast hotels and a lot of the vacation rentals are booked by now over the holidays and choices have become limited. Also know that flights and car rentals are another big issue when you plan your Last Minute vacation on your own. First check with the the Big Island car rental companies what is available and at what rate. You may have to dig deep into your pocket when making a late car rental reservation.

Over the holidays, car rental rates can be as triple the regular rate. Common sense tells you that this is an island with limited cars available, right?!. After your flight and car rental are reserved, check with us for accommodations. Cancellation Specials, Last Minute Specials, Hot Deals, Low Season Specials for Big Island Vacation Homes, vacation cottages, apartments, condos and suites will be posted in a few days on Vacancies for Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals.

If your travel dates are flexible, plan your Hawaii vacation for the beginning of December…restaurants and beaches will be still empty and vacation rentals are still showing vacancies. Kohala Coast Hotels show their nice Christmas decoration like the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel has its annual Christmas tree decoration contest with lots of beautifully decorated trees in the lobby in addition you their huge Christmas tree downstairs at turtle ponds, Hilton Waikoloa has a special attraction for families with children with their miniature railroad tracks and gingerbread house in addition to their regular free of charge boat and train rides around the expansive property and Mauna Kea Beach hotel shows off with a nice winter wonderland decoration on their fresh pine trees.

A few of the Big Island activities might be still restricted for some time due to necessary repairs after the October earthquake (like 'Fluming the Ditch' does not operate at the moment) but the Kohala Coast vacation rental hosts are ready for your business. The skies are blue and sun is shining on the Kohala Coast. Vacation rental owners are awaiting you! When you are visiting in December, don’t miss the special Christmas events at the Kings’ Shops. The Christmas decorations and hula performances, including keiki (children) hula, at the Kings’ Shops are are special treat and fun for the entire family!

Come visit the Kohala Coast on Hawaii Big Island. Stay tuned for more on beautiful Hawaii. Aloha, Pua

Tags: Christmas in Hawaii, Kohala Coast

Kohala Coast Retreat

Aloha everybody,
Let's continue on our jouney to discover some other qualities of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast than 'just a lovely beach'. There is so much more to find on our island. Desiree, cofounder of Kamuela Life Retreats, Big Island of Hawaii, will share her and her husband's ideas with our visitors today. We think this is a great way to combine a Kohala Coast vacation with addressing some personal issues in your life. So, if you liked what she had to say and you are interested in more information about their Hawaii retreats, visit their website. Enjoy Desiree's post of today. Aloha, Pua www.kohalacoastweb.com

Are You Where You Belong In Life?

Many people come to the Big Island of Hawaii for personal renewal and reflection. The first time I came to Hawaii in 1974 I fell in love. Not with a person. I fell in love with this warm, colorful, sensuous, smiling island. I somehow felt at home, like I was where I belonged in life. However, belonging is not only about location. It is about your life.

Now, this is what I do for a living with my husband, Mark. We lead retreats on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii helping other people get clear where they belong in life. What dream do you have brewing? Are you at a crossroads or feeling unsure about your next steps? Perhaps it is time to make a change in your business or personal life and you don’t know where to begin? The following quote by Philosopher, Harold Thurman Whitman speaks volumes about the importance of igniting your own fire.

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs—ask yourself what makes you come alive,
and then go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”

Our Hawaii Retreat business opportunity came to us after we hit this same turning point three years ago and became clear what would make us come alive. We knew it was time for a change and we each began asking ourselves the hard questions. Things like: What do I want my life to be about? How can I create greater meaning and fulfillment in my lives? How can I use my talents and skills to make a difference to others?

The answers we found took us both by surprise. “Move to the Big Island of Hawaii and teach others how to find clarity of purpose and direction. Teach them how to navigate transition with greater ease and effectiveness.” Hummm… sounds good, but how could we possibly step into doing this. We did not understand the changes we were about to make, yet stepping toward this vision seemed like the only choice that would bring resolution to our uneasiness. Move, start over and begin a new business. Yikes! Oh, but our vision and the Big Island of Hawaii were both powerful lures. So here we are living our dream near the beautiful Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Running the Hawaii Retreat and Mentoring programs is simply our way of bringing the healing, Aloha Spirit to the rest of the world…one person, one group and one retreat at a time. So combine your next visit to Hawaii with time for focused reflection along the Kohala Coast. Simply take five days with us to redesign your life around what holds real meaning for you so that where ever you go… you are where you belong in life…for the rest of your life!

Warm Aloha Blessings,

Desirée Watson,Cofounder Kamuela Life Retreats, Hawaii Big Island

Hawaiian Healing

Here we go again,
Our most recent post talked about our active volcano and how Hawaii Volcanoes National Park attracts each year thousands of visitors. Have you ever wondered what makes people want to come to Hawaii Big Island? Is it the live volcano, the exotic beauty and the diversity of our island, the white sand beaches, the warm Pacific Ocean or the unique Hawaii events like the Big Island Ironman Triathlon in Kona or Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo? I guess everybody has his own reasons why they are drawn to the Big Island.

Here is another, more recent powerful tendency within the Hawaii tourist industry, which Kohala Coast resorts and private Big Island holistic practitioners alike are recognizing and paying attention to. More and more tourists are visiting the Hawaiian Islands for healing purposes, with baby boomers leading the group of searching for a healing vacation in Hawaii. They want to get away from their busy lives in the fast track, take time to relax, recuperate and rejuvenate in the serenity of exotic, tropical environment Hawaii has to offer. Of all the Hawaii Islands the Big Island with representing fire, snow, ocean and earth elements, has always been considered as a very powerful energy and therefore healing island.

To further meet the needs of this ever-growing group of Hawaii tourists, the First Hawaii Island Conference on Health and Wellness Travel was recently held on the Big Island with great success. The conference helped launch the Hawaii Island Health and Wellness Travel Association, which was successful in signing up more than 100 members at the event. You can read more about this conference in West Hawaii Today’s article article ‘More than just a pretty beach’.

Anybody who is interested in alternative healing and would like to combine his or her vacation on the Kohala Coast with accomplishing some serious healing, can find a wide array of ancient Hawaiian & modern healing modalities provided by individual healers, health care professionals or Kohala Coast Spa professionals from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage to acupuncture, chinese medicine, ayurveda, herbalism, naturopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, fitness, yoga, Pilates and more. Kohala Coast spas and Big Island retreats will help your design your healing vacation. We also recommend Five Mountains Hawaii and Kekukui.com online directory & a healing island resource guides which offer a comprehensive variety of health and healing resources on the Big Island of Hawaii. Find more information on healing vacation on the Kohala Coast.

Get started on your way to optimal health. Aloha, Pua www.kohalacoastweb.com

Tags: Hawaii healing, Lomi Lomi, Big Island

Volcano Watch Big Island of Hawaii

Volcano Watch Big Island

With the recent reports on the big Kohala Coast earth quake still in the minds of Big Island residents and Big Island visitors to the 2006 Ironman Triathlon, the connection from the earthquake to our active Big Island volcanoes is easily made.

We figured some basic information on volcanic activity in the past and present cannot hurt, especially since a visit to our Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on everybody’s agenda, however short their stay on our island. Besides a Mauna Kea Summit adventure, visiting a live volcano on the Big Island is one of the most fascinating experiences.

Have you ever sat outside on a warm summer evening and gazed up at the moon wondering what it was like for the astronauts to land there and walk around? I have and I tell you except that there is no atmosphere on the moon, parts of Volcanoes National Park remind me of pictures I’ve seen from the moon. It’s eerie driving around the Park, seeing all the desolation of recent lava flows, yet the beauty of new life sprouting from cracks in the lava and seeing up close new land being formed from ongoing lava flows.

One can easily spend a day or two exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so if you are staying on the sunny Kohala Coast take a couple days and rent a beautiful Volcano Vacation Rental. We gathered useful park information for our Kohala Coast visitors including a short history of the park, safety tips, information on helicopter flights over an actice volcano, link to daily lava flow update and lots of photos. Enjoy the fireworks of nature. Listen to the Park Rangers and read the signs, and you will be safe plus have an experience of a lifetime!

Will be back soon with more from the Kohala Coast. Aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide

2006 Big Island Ironman Triathlon is History

Aloha to all Big Island lovers,

After our last post how a Waikoloa family dealt with the challenges of the recent Kohala Coast earth quake, we feel it's time to go on with life, just as everybody else on the island does.

Yes, believe it or not, earth quake or not...not even a full week after the 6.9 earth quake rattled the Kona and Kohala Coast on Sunday 10/15/06 the 2006 Hawaii Ironman, Triathlon World Championship took place in Kailua Kona October 21. Kona was full of visitors and athletes from all over the world expecting another spectacular triathlon. And this is what they got.

This Ironman will be for ever in the memory of Big Island visitors and Ironman athletes alike as the 'race with the earthquake'. After a 6.9 earthquake had hit the the West coast of the Big Island on Sunday morning 10/15/06 at 7am, just one week before Ironman and left Big Island visitors, athletes and residents shaking, trembling and wondering whether there would be an Ironman this year, it was soon clear that the island and its people had gotten away with a big scare but minor injuries and building damage.

In the days before the earthquake hit, Kona was unusually hot and humid, and in the days after, the area got slammed with a series of torrential downpours of uncharacteristic intensity and duration. On the day of the Ironman, skies were overcast and no heavy winds troubled the athletes on their bike ride from Kona to Hawi and back. It seemed that Pele had made peace with the athletes. It was all going so well, right up until 7:20 pm, over twelve hours into the race when a torrential downpur happened in Alii Dr, the home stretch of the Ironman World Championship.

Athletes had to make it through knee deep high water to make it to the finish line. About one hour later the downpour stopped and the water receded allowing athletes to cross the finish line under more regular conditions, some after they ran for 10 and more miles in dripping wet shoes and clothes and others, the luckier ones, totally dry. Read more about the 2006 Ironman Championship in Hawaii on the Ironman official site.

Find 2006 Ironman results on our website. West Hawaii Today has in addition to the Official Ironman website (see link above) lots of great stories about this year's Ironman available. Don't miss those. We are certain all our Big Island visitors who stayed on our beautiful island during the Ironman week will have quite some stories to tell when coming home to the mainland.

Be assured that life is back to normal on the Kohala Coast. Vacation rental owners along the West Coast are looking forward to your visit. You will find SPECIAL rates for your stay on the Kohala Coast in November here.

A hui hou and aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide
p.s.
We have found this great video on YouTube about the Big Island Ironman Triathlon and would like to share it with all the Hawaii travelers who have never seen the Hawaii Ironman and plan a visit to the Big Island.

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Tags: Big Island Ironman, Ironman Triathlon 2006, Hawaii

Aloha From Waikoloa - We survived the Earthquake

After our first hand report about the earthquake on Sunday 10/15/06 from a Kona Resident, we got this detailed report from a Waikoloa resident, whose family experienced the earthquake on the Kohala Coast. Big Island residents who read this personal account, will find valuable recommendations for being prepared for an earthquake or another natural disaster.

'Aloha from Waikoloa - We survived the Earthquake' Written by Sharon 10/20/06

Sharon is a Big Island resident who lives in Waikoloa. She also teaches a free stretch class for seniors each Wednesday 10 - 11am at Tutu's House. As there are so many people on the mainland wondering what happened on the day of the earthquake and how Big Island residents coped with it, Sharon agreed to share her email to her family and friends with our visitors of the Kohala Coast Vacation Guide. Mahalo Sharon!

Hi there, Warren, Mom, Einstein and I are just fine!
First of all, thank you everyone for your concern and support. We are truly blessed with sooooo many great friends and family. I was so shocked that my buddy Carolyn called all the way from Bahrain a couple hours after the earthquake hit. It was on the news worldwide. Sorry I didn’t respond sooner. We are still cleaning up – almost done. People are still calling and emailing to find out if we are okay, so I figured I better send something to let you know we survived.

I was spared the horror of having to experience the earthquake. I had been on Kauai for a few days hanging out with my buddies Joey and Susan. I was leaving Sunday morning to return to Kona. I felt the earthquake (probably the largest one). I tried to call home but couldn’t get through on the land line and cell. So after about 45 minutes, I finally got through to Warren on his cell. When I heard his voice, I was so relieved. And that no tsunami was generated was even more of a relief. Warren said it was like a giant had picked up our house and just shook it from side to side violently. There was no warning. It just started with a growling sound and then the whole house just starting shaking. He was upstairs with Einstein. So he grabbed Einstein and watched as everything in the bathroom and bedroom started to flying out of the cabinets and drawers. One of the mirrors from our bed wall unit fell and good thing Warren had picked up Einstein or he would have been hurt. After the first one, Warren ran downstairs to check on Mom. She was a bit shaken, but okay. It was so violent that Warren couldn’t get downstairs and good thing he didn’t try or else he might have fallen down stairs and hurt himself. When the next one hit, Warren grabbed my Mom and Einstein and stayed under the door jam.
This is what Warren told me - The house was a mess – not an empty space to walk. The kitchen was a mess with cracked cups, dishes, spices, pantry items, etc. We have tile floors in the kitchen and bathrooms. In the living room, Mom’s TV fell down (it still works), one of the bookcases fell and shattered a lamp and vase, some of the crystal glassware and figurines in the wall unit shattered. Most of the damages were in the kitchen and living room. We have stress cracks in the drywall, but it is mostly superficial. Our sidewalk that faces the hillside moved about an inch from the house. Our neighbors sustained some damages like the garage door fell on their cars and rocks walls that just crumbled. Some of the larger rocks on our hillside came rolling down, but didn’t damage anything. If you drive around, you won’t see too much damage on the outside – it is all inside the house. I just found out today that the fencing contractor who installed our fence lost his house. He lives in Kamuela (wet side) and his and three other homes slid off their foundations. His house was declared a total loss and will have to rebuild. Compared to this, our damages are so minute.

I spent 8 hours between Lihue and Honolulu airports. Lihue airport had power. Honolulu did not. So having spent about 5 hours in Honolulu with very minimal AC was not fun. I was fortunate that I bought water and food in Lihue because when I got to Honolulu, all the shops and restaurants were closed. People were calling me on the cell, and after a while I wasn’t answering. Sorry about that. I was trying to conserve my battery so I could keep in contact with Warren and let him know my status for I didn’t know how long I would be waiting. I finally landed in Kona about 5:00pm and arrived at home about 6:30pm. I was waiting for my bag and box, but of course they didn’t make it because we have several different flights on one plane. And this was the last flight to Kona that day. Good thing Joey vacuum packed the Lawai zuke and cucumber tsukemono and put them in a cool pack. Man, it would have been so stink! Hawaiian Air delivered my stuffs Monday around noon. Thanks again Sue and Joey for checking in on me from time to time.

So while I am doing my part in cleaning, mom is in Las Vegas. She left Monday evening and is returning tomorrow evening. Their flight was delayed on Monday – instead of leaving at 1:00pm, they left at 6:30pm. The group that was suppose to leaving on Sunday, left on Monday at 1:00pm. She had to fly into Honolulu first which was at 10:30am. So she and her buddies spent the next 7 hours hanging around at Honolulu International. They didn’t mind. They were so excited. She’s having a great time!

This earthquake was a wake-up call for our state and all of us about how we handle this type of situation. Communication is so important and being prepared. Living on the Big Island, you have to be prepared. We get power outages more frequently than Oahu. So we always have flashlights, batteries, propane lanterns and stove, hibachi, charcoal, small AM/FM battery radio, phone that hooks up to phone line (not the cordless type where you need electricity) and all “the list of items to have in case of hurricane and tsunamis”. We have a car battery charger that can power some small appliances. We try to make sure it is always charged. Thinking of getting a generator. We bought these crank type flashlights from Brookstone. They are really great and very bright. You crank for 30 seconds, and the light lasts for couple hours. There’s a couple different ones that cost between $25 to $50. Well worth the money.

So this is how we spent earthquake day – Sunday, October 15, 2006.
Hope all is well you. I know everyone experienced different levels of the quake and it was scary. This is something you wouldn’t want anyone to have to experience. I cannot comprehend the feeling. I know the ones I felt before are no where near what happened on Sunday. They say we will continue to get aftershocks for another month, and it should start to lessen. People here are still edgy every time we feel one.
Well wishes to all of you and keep safe. Sharon, Warren, Mom and Einstein

We will keep our Kohala Coast vistors updated. Stay safe for now. Aloha, Pua http://vacationspot7.blogspot.com/
p.s.
For daily updates on earthquake, check West Hawaii Today online.

You will also find articles and stories on the Big Island Ironman Triathlon. Yes, it still takes place at this minute on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island. With more on that soon. Stay tuned!!!!

Related Articles

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Tags: Kohala Coast Earthquake survivor story

Kohala Coast Earthquake Aftermath

Kohala Coast Earthquake Aftermath

As promised in our last post on Big Island earthquake, we are back with a short update on situation on Kohala Coast after the Kona and the Kohala Coast got hit by a big earth quake of 6.7 magnitude (epicenter about 6 miles off Puako) on Sunday morning 10/15/06 at 7:07 am and a 10-minute later aftershock of 5.8, followed by more than 20 strong aftershocks during the day. It is a miracle that 'only' broken bones and minor injuries were reported. Some houses and even Kohala Coast hotels like the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, especially older ones, had serious damage.

Update on Kohala Coast Vacation Rerntal Business

We checked back with our Kohala Coast vacation rental hosts. They had to do a lot of cleanup of broken dishes and things fallen out of fridges and from shelves. Everybody, residents and Kohala Coast tourists (a lot are here for the Big Island Ironman), got quite rattled but most important, there were no injuries of rental owners and their guests. Luckily, electricity and water were back on the Big Island after a few hours. A few areas still don’t have potable water service in Waipunalei near Laupahoehoe, at Lakeland Subdivision and along White Road near Waimea, and the Hawaiian Home Lands Subdivision near Kawaihae but these areas are not involved in Kohala Coast vacation business.

Closed Roads on Kohala Coast, Hamakua Coast and Waimea Area

The big cleanup on the west coast of the Big Island is happening. A few of the Big Island activities might be still restricted for some time due to necessary road repair but the Kohala Coast vacation rental hosts are ready for your business. For current Kohala Coast visitors, here are the roads which are still closed.The Akoni Pule Highway (Route 270) remained blocked at mile marker 4 north of Kawaihae because of damage to a bridge and at the 26-milemarker near Pololu Valley. A couple of Hamakua roads, Kalopa Sand Gulch Road and Hoala Road in Paauilo Mauka, were closed too. In addition, only one lane at mile marker 9.5 of Kohala Mountain Road was open, while a detour had been created at Kukaiau southeast of Paauilo to avoid a partial cave-in at the mile marker 35 of Hawaii Belt Highway. Waipio Valley Road was open only to local traffic.

Read more about the Kohala Coast earth quake cleanup and aftermath in West Hawaii Today

We will stay in touch and keep you updated. Check back with us in our Kohala Coast Blog.
A hui hou and aloha, Pua

I Feel the Earth Move Under my Feet

Aloha and welcome back to the Kohala Coast Blog,
Today, we decided to include this first hand report from a Kona resident who experienced the Kohala Coast earthquake on Sunday morning at 7:07 am. We thought we'd share this account with our blog visitors without changing any wording. It is an email we received from Judith Kahealani Lynne from Kona. Please, read on. Stay safe. Aloha, Pua

Aloha kakou -

Well it's been a memorable morning to say the least.... I knew it was time to jump out of bed when I heard things starting to crash above me and I figured it wasn't a good idea to be a part of the rubble. Fortunately Scott (I live in the ohana space at Scott and David's) is an excellent architect and after living in Southern California he had the savvy to be very wise in the design and construction of this place. So all that was damaged was some glass items, some very valuable art (he has an amazing collection of museum quality Buddhist art) and our nerves.

I'm still shaking...... It felt like the Tutu Pele her very self, picked the place up and shook us by the shoulders... "straighten up right now!"We live at the 1400' level, above the airport and I swear to God it felt that the epicenter was right below us! The feeling of standing barefoot on the lava/earth during an earthquake like this is indescribable. I could feel it shaking in the depths....After surveying the damage we decided it was time to make phone calls. Only problem .... no electricity making it impossible to use my phone and the internet was down, too. My cell had half a battery left - just enough to call my kids, my dad and step-mom and sisters. The local radio stations were out, so it we couldn't get any information until a friend of David's called from New York to let us know that we had had an earthquake measuring 6.3 and the epicenter was right below us ... well duh!

Then my friend Julie who works on the national level for the government during emergency situations called my cell and said that she couldn't find anything on the government's websites, however FOX news was all over it! So she relayed that it was a 6.5 earthquake, Kona Community Hospital sustained damage and had to be evacuated, Royal Kona Inn also was evacuated due to damage, outgoing flights were not allowed at the airports, there were rock slides on Queen K Highway and other places. Now I'm listening to KAPA, which has become a veritable hotbed of community activity as everybody calls in with their stories and information about the roads, utilities, etc. Local at it's best.

Anyway, I think you can listen to them on the web if you want to get the flavor of what it's like out here.(NOTE: Make sure you've got at least one old style phone that actually plugs into the wall to use when the electricity goes down.Also since the bank machines don't work, nor do the credit card machines without electricity, make sure you've got a stash of cash for emergencies, because the stores are on a cash only basis right now. Julie says you can get a crank up radio at Radio Shack which seems like a really good idea for when the batteries run out.) Just heard that the bridge at Kawaihae is completely closed, water is lost in Lapahoehoe, the road between Waimea and Hilo is closed, so you have to take the Saddle Road and a lot of roads have debris and boulders on them. Just heard that the pali above Kealakekua Bay collapsed and took a fancy house with it.News flash! KAPA is playing the Jimmy Buffet song "I Don't Know Where I'm a gonna go when the volcano blows...."

Real Estate values are plummeting! Anyone want a good deal on the Royal Kona fixer upper.....And that's my report from de island.....Rockin' an rollin' in Kona,Kahealani (Judith Lynne)

Judith Kahealani Lynne"moving heaven and earth with the voice www.frequencykeepers.com

I lei kau, E lei ho'oilo I kealoha.
"Love is worn like a wreath through the summers and the winters, Love is everlasting." Mary Kawena Pukui

You will hear from us soon with more stories and updates on the Kohala Coast. Be safe. A hui hou. Aloha, Pua www.kohalacoastweb.com

Hawaii Big Island Healing Vacation

Aloha Kohala Coast beach lovers,
Hope our recent post about the Hawaii Big Island Ironman Triathlon got you thinking about planning your next trip to Hawaii for this time period in October. It’s definitely an experience of a lifetime. However, you have to anticipate big crowds of visitors and athletes in Hawaii during the Ironman week, which is not everybody’s association with a special Hawaiian vacation.

Hawaii Big Island Healing Vacation

Kohala Coast resorts and private holistic practitioners alike are recognizing another powerful tendency within the Hawaii tourist industry. More and more tourists are visiting the Hawaiian Islands for healing purposes, with baby boomers leading the group of searching for a healing vacation in Hawaii. Maybe you are one of them who want to get away from their busy lives in the fast track, take time to relax, recuperate and rejuvenate in the serenity of exotic, tropical environment Hawaii has to offer. Of all the Hawaii Islands the Big Island with representing fire, snow, ocean and earth elements, has always been considered as a very powerful energy and therefore healing island. Talk to Hawaiian healers and they will tell you all about it.

Hawaii Island Conference on Health and Wellness

To further meet the needs of this ever-growing group of Hawaii tourists, the First Hawaii Island Conference on Health and Wellness Travel was recently held on the Big Island with great success. The conference helped launch the Hawaii Island Health and Wellness Travel Association, which was successful in signing up more than 100 members at the event. You can read more about this conference in West Hawaii Today’s article Today’s article ‘More than just a pretty beach'.

Are you interested in spending your healing vacation on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island? Find comprehensive information on ancient & modern Hawaiian healing modalities provided by individual healers, health care professionals or Kohala Coast Spa professionals regards acupuncture, chinese medicine, ayurveda, herbalism, naturopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, Lomi Lomi, Hawaiian healing therapies, fitness, yoga, Pilates, Kohala Coast spas and Big Island retreats. Serenity now! Aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide
p.s.
Stay in your best shape with this Hawaii Stretch Video - full body stretching and guided relaxation to the sound of gentle of ocean waves.

Tags: Hawaii healing, Lomilomi

What it takes to be an Ironman?

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.

Tags: Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii Ironman

Vacation in comfort at your air conditioned Big Island vacation home!

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 built

This 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

Realizing your dreams - Moving to Hawaii Big Island

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

Tags: Hawaii Homes, Hawaii Real Estate

Hawaii Aloha Festival Events

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

Tags: Aloha Festival, Hawaii events

Sharks sighted on Kohala Coast

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

Tags: Kohala Coast, Hawaii, Kohala Coast beaches

Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Specials

Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Specials

Aloha 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

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This blog post is sponsored by Hawaii Affordable Vacation Rentals

Kohala Coast Vacation Plan - Ideas for your Stay

Aloha 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 Day

Take 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 Day

Get 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 Day

Snorkel 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.

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Golf in Hawaii on the Kohala Coast

Kohala Coast Golf

With our previous post on all kinds of ocean activities on the Kohala Coast, we did not intend to neglect of the biggest group of travelers coming to the Hawaiian Islands all year round...the golfers! The Kohala Coast is a golfer's paradise. It provides the passionate golf player with a huge variety of golf courses on the Big Island of Hawaii, from popular public courses to spectacular championship layouts. There are many enticing Kohala Coast golf options to choose from.

Mauna Kea Golf Course

The incomparable Mauna Kea Golf Course offers golfers the perfect challenge to match their level of play. Created by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the 18-hole championship course presents dramatic changes in elevation, large undulating greens, and 120 well-placed bunkers. There are incredible views of the blue Pacific Ocean, rugged lava beds and snow-capped Mauna Kea. The signature third hole, a 210-yard par 3, requires a tee shot that carries over 180 yards of ocean to reach the green.

Hapuna Golf Course

Nearby is the Mauna Kea’s sister course, the Hapuna Golf Course. Built on the side of a hill overlooking the ocean, this championship course includes dramatic views of the Kohala Coast as well as the Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Kohala mountains. The USGA ranked the Hapuna as one of the most environmentally sensitive courses in America, as designers Palmer and Seay preserved Kiawe scrubs and endangered ilima plant.

Mauna Lani Golf Courses

Just down Hwy 19 from Hapuna and Mauna Kea, is the 36-hole Mauna Lani Resort. The original Francis Bwon Golf Course was eventually developed into two 18-hole courses, creating the North Course and South Course. The South Course is the former home of the PGA Senior Skins Game. The North Course is the more challenging of the two, while the South is more scenic and features Mauna Lani's two signature ocean-front holes. Its 15th hole, a 196-yard par 3, is one of the most photographed golf holes in the world. It requires a tee shot over the ocean to the green. Rolling terrain and groves of kiawe trees are among the characteristics of the North Course.

Waikoloa Beach Golf Course

The expansive Waikoloa Beach Resort currently offers two golf courses for play. The Waikoloa Beach Course opened in 1981. This Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design weaves its way through the lava beds down to the surf. Also built next to the ocean is the Waikoloa Kings' Course, opened in 1990.

Find a complete list of Kohala Coast Resort and Hotel golf courses and affordable Upcountry Big Island golf courses with websites and contact information for your golf in Hawaii, including golf packages and discounts!

The Kohala Coast of Hawaii Big Island is golfers' Paradise. Come vacation and golf on the sunny Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Aloha, Pua from Kohala Coast Vacation Guide

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Tags: Hawaii golf, Best of Hawaii, Kohala Coast