Question: Hotel during Ironman Triathlon

Below is an email question we received from one of our readers:

My husband is competing in the Kona Ironman, Oct 10th. I need a local's advice on where to stay that is family oriented. We have two kids (5 & 6 yrs). I'll be by myself most of the time while my husband is focusing on the race. We'll be in Kona Oct 3-11th.

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Answer: The Royal Kona Resort hotel is right on the water in downtown Kailua-Kona -- I just stayed there not too long ago - great hotel with plenty of parking. The main attraction here is the excellent location -- smack-dab in the middle of Kailua-Kona town, right on Alii drive -- just a short walk from the swim portion of the race.

A more-family oriented hotel (and one of our favorites) is the Hilton Waikoloa Beach Resort up in Kohala -- about a 20 minute drive from Kailua-Kona. Lots of family-friendly amenities, numerous beautiful pools with water slides, man-made lagoon with sea turtles, etc., but further from the race...

I guess the first thing you'll need to decide is what area are you looking for a hotel. For more information, read our article about Where to Stay on the Big Island.

Winter Weather in Kailua-Kona

The following was a question emailed to us:

We are looking forward to the Kailua-Kona area. We have never been in early December or the middle of January. Just wondering what the weather would be at that time.

Thank You,

Ron & Miriam

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Answer:

Ron and Miriam, your winter weather (Dec and Jan) is mild and still extremely enjoyable. Daytime temperatures rise into the 80s and at night drop into the 60s. Surface water temps are in the mid to high 70s.

Take caution, in the winter the western shores (Kona) can be rough with ocean swells making diving conditions less enjoyable - especially late in the day.

If you will be traveling to Waimea or Volcano, both are at higher elevations and can be cold and rainy this time of year - pack at least a fleece and rain coat.

Beachgoing in Kona is still excellent in the Winter - sunny skies will dominate. For more details check out our Big Island climate page and our Big Island weather page.

Question: Where Should I Stay?

A Question was emailed to us:
I am planning a trip May 6-10 2009. I have a 8 year old son and my boyfriend. I need to find a hotel good for kids and possibly nanny service if we decide to go out one night. I also would take any suggestions as to what part of the big island is good to stay. Thank you, Stacey
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Answer:
Stacey,
We recommend the Hilton Waikoloa Village hotel - it is definitely family-friendly with tons of activities, its own private lagoon, huge waterslides and pools, and more. It is a spectacular resort with 62 acres of jungles, waterfalls, trails, pools, rivers, trams, boats, shopping, dining, dolphins, and activities. Located on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island, the Hilton Waikoloa Village lets you experience breathtaking tropical gardens, abundant wildlife, award-winning dining, world-class shopping, art and culture, and an array of activities ranging from golf and tennis to an interactive dolphin program and the Kohala Sports Club & Spa.

However, the night life at the Waikoloa is really dull. Your best bet for night life is to drive down to the town of Kailua-Kona (although you will have to drive back at the end of the night too..) Althought Kailua won't be mistaken for a bustling downtown Waikiki or anything close, it does offer various beach bars, a great brew pub (Kona Brewery), the Hard Rock Cafe, and numerous other watering holes.

I must warn you, the Big Island is NOT renowned for its night life, its daytime activities are incredible, however. Whether you stay near Kailua-Kona or up in Kohala (where the Waikoloa Village is located) you are near immaculate beaches, great snorkeling, and tons of sunshine!

Question: Where Can I View the Lava Flow?

One of our users emailed us the following question:
Can you tell me if it's currently (and has been recently) possible to hike to the lava flow & see it relatively close up? Or is the only way to see it via helicopter?
Thanks, Dan
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Answer:
Dan, Because the volcano lava flow is so unpredictable, the best thing to do is check the latest Kilauea volcano lava flow update, or call the Park at (808)985-6000. You can also view a map of the most current lava flow.

Depending on the conditions, you MAY be able to view lava/volcanic activity at one, some, all, or none of the below:

a.) Red-glowing vent/smoke plume from the Halemaumau Crater vent (Crater Rim Drive).
b.) Ocean entry lava flow - a 1-3 mile hike from the end of Chain of Craters Road.
c.) Surface and/or ocean entry lava flow north of the Park - accessible via county road outside of the Volcanoes National Park.

Check out our Kilauea Lava Flow web page for more details.

Car Security at Big Island Dive Sites

Below is a question submitted by one of our users:

Comments: I am planning on diving on the Big Island this March and really appreciate the reviews on the shore diving sites. I was wondering if vehicles are frequently broken into while they are parked at the dive sites? For example at Puako Village End.
Thanks
Bill
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Bill,

When parking your car at any dive site on the Big Island (or at any hiking trail head too), make sure you sanitize your car -- that is ensure nothing of any value is visible. Minimize the temptation of thieves to want to break into your car. That means don't leave anything on the dashboard, console, seats, etc. to include sunglasses, cell phones, DVD players, any bags/purses/luggage, shoes or gear, etc. Basically clean out your car as if you were returning it to the car rental place...

With that said, I often dive from austere dive sites on the Big Island as well as park my car in strange (unsecure) places when I go hiking. My car was fine when I dived at Puako. Most of the guide books will talk about crime and securing your vehicle - keep your car sanitized and you should be fine... Enjoy your trip!