On the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii lies Kailua-Kona region (I will call the area “Kona” for brevity). It is the “drier-side” of the Big Island getting an average of less than 20 inches of rain compared to the 130 inches in Hilo, located on windward or eastern side.
In 1978, the first Ironman Triathlon took place. It was actually developed by a couple debating on who was more fit: swimmers or runners. In the first race only 15 competed, with 12 actually finishing.
In 1982, the program was broadcast worldwide. An iconic moment happened with Julie Moss as she was going for the win, but fell down right before the finish line from complete exhaustion. She literally crawled to the finish line coming in second. Today, there are over 1000 participants—and over a 1000 wanting to get in. The Ironman brand sold in 1990 for three million dollars.
The first several years the race took place in Oahu. In 1981, it was moved to the less urbanized island, the Big Island of Hawaii. This is the premier ultra-triathlon with an open water “swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life” became their trademark.
The fastest record for a male is just less than 8 hours; and the women side just under 8 hours and thirty minutes.The United States men’s side has won 20 championships while Germany and Australia are behind with 10 and 7 championships respectfully.
Switzerland has dominated the women’s side of the Iron Man with 10 championships with the United States close behind with 8. Going north, Route 19 is a two-lane road. The bike lane is at least ten-feet wide for miles.
Kona has its own International airport. One can actually rent a car in Kona and return it to the other side of the island to another airport in Hilo. It takes six hours to circle the entire island.
Real Estate is actually a bit cheaper on the Big Island. Likewise, apartments tend to be cheaper too.
We like to use VRBO. The last two times we have rented at the Kona Reef Condo complex which is close to town. Kona Reef has a good size pool. There are some units that face the Pacific. We rented a unit that had a side view. For $95, we could not turn it down—even with AC.
Near our condo was this large truck for sale in 2012. I always wondered what happened to it and who would have purchased it. I just couldn’t bring it home.
Most of the coast on the western side is filled with lava fields. Beaches are at a premium.
There are a number of good restaurants in Kona. We always visit Huggo’s. There are a number of tables right on the beach sand. I enjoy their box Korean steak with a fried egg.
On our way to Huggo’s, we saw these two people loading this Tuna to a nearby restaurant.
Close by our complex is the Royal Kona Reef Resort. At Happy Hour there is music to enjoy your original Hawaiian Mai Tai. I settled for the Bloody Mary on the right.
A short walking distance is Kona Brewery. They have a restaurant that makes a delicious pizza and beer.
A short drive away is a Safeway grocery store. They have everything you would ever want.
In the quaint downtown, is the location of the swimming area for the Ironman.
One day, we came across a celebration at Hulihe’s Palace. It was once the vacation home of Hawaiian royalty.
I noticed one man at the event wearing an interesting, but true tee-shirt.
Across the street is the Mokuaikaua church. It was the very first church in the Hawaiian Islands. Definitely not as elaborate as European churches, but a distinctive Hawaiian missionary style that developed in the early 19th century.
Inside the church is a replica of the brig “Thaddeus” which brought the missionaries from Boston to Hawaii. James Michener would later write a novel titled, “Hawaii,” with references to their voyage and work in the Islands—I read it twice!
I almost missed going inside the church, but the lady below extended the hour just for me. The man to the right was outside playing a favorite Hawaiian instrument, the ukulele guitar (which actually originated from Portugal).
Not far away is a beautiful ABC store. A store similar to our 7-Eleven, but the ABC store sells as assortment of Macadamia Nuts!
The Scandinavian Shave Ice is a few doors down. Notice it is not “Shaved” but “Shave” ice. It is one of the pleasures of Hawaii.
Further down by the pier is the historic National landmark of the reconstruction of King Kamehameha’s home. At one time, Kona was the capital of Hawaii before it was moved to Lahaina, Maui in the early 19th century.
Across the small harbor is where a luau takes place. Walking through the complex and using the bathroom at the Marriott is no problem. Fishing is a big time activity off of the Big Island.
There are a number of famous resorts and golf courses near Kona. Walking around these resorts is free.
At the Fairmont Resort, we spotted a Hawaiian net casting and a woman who got a little too close to a turtle.
Some of the finest golf courses in the world are in Hawaii.
One of our favorite resorts to visit is the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Many occasions in the past, the NFL would have their annual meeting at this Hilton. There is a tram in the center of the resort that goes from one end to the other.
Not far away is a statue of a carriage from Thailand.
There are a number of beautiful waterfalls and pools.
There is a lively dolphin pool.
Every time we visit the Hilton Waikoloa Village, I keep touching the rhino’s horn i.e. the prospect of visiting again is pretty good.
Not far away is the archeological site of Puako Petroglyph Park.
The trail takes you right by the ocean where we saw these two Hawaiians working at an estate.
About five miles south of town is Kealakekua Bay. This is where Captain James Cook was killed on February 14th, 1779. As the story goes, his body was cannibalized. He is the one credited for being the first European to discover Hawaii on January 18th, 1778.
As a remembrance to the great discoverer, the British government has built an obelisk on the bay as the land was deeded to them in 1877. The small square plot of land is still actually owned by the United Kingdom and maintained by them.
The bay is famous for being one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Most people take a tour by ship or kayak to get there . There is no road to the monument.
We have taken the trail down from the main road. Our first time was in 2003. Since then, there are now warning signs of the dangers of this trail. Every quarter-mile is a number of where the authorities could possibly find you.
We have met some nice people on this trail.
We were quickly passed by this large Hawaiian who uses this trail to maintain his fitness. In 2015, I almost was overcome with heat stroke. Kathie did just fine. I think we will take the boat next time.
A few miles further south is Pu u Honua O Honavnau National Historical Park. It was here where I saw “sleeping sharks.”
As you are driving south, you may notice all the coffee trees. The famous “Kona” coffee comes from these hillsides.
About 50 miles from Kona, is the most southern point of the United States. It is actually twenty miles shorter from Kona than it is from Hilo. Many people have this conception that Key West is the “Southern Most Point.” It is, if you are talking “Continental USA.”
Ocean View road in 2012 was rather primitive. There was an older wind farm still visible.
The Southern Most Point of the United States is not developed. It is rather surreal with lava rocks and fishing rods. On one side, though, there is a trail and it does get sandy. Don’t expect any shade.
One of our favorite beaches is Hapuna Beach State Park about thirty miles north of Kona. At one end, there is the Western Resort and golf club. In 2003, this beach was free. Once regarded as one of the “Best Beaches in the World,” today there is a $5 charge. It is well worth the five bucks. Of course, you cannot say that to the Kansas doctor that was bitten as he was swimming at Hupuna by a Tiger shark in 2015. The man did live.
Just fifteen minutes up the road is an interesting town called Waimea. There are a number of cattle ranches. Since you have gained in elevation of 2600 feet, it is a tad cooler. We always stop at the McDonalds for a pit stop in Waimea.
Don’t confuse the city of Waimea, with the famous canyon of Waimea on Kauai. Mark Twain described it as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Flying out of Kona International airport, we saw a group of students flying to Australia for an extended field trip.
There is a neat statue in the outdoor area of the airport of women doing the traditional “Hula.” A week long hula competition does happen in Hilo after Easter.
