Big Island Triathlon is coming up

Dear Hawaii lovers,
Best Hawaii Vacation blog is still waiting for sharing your 'Favorite Hawaiian Flower' with our blog visitors. We know there are too many beautiful tropical flowers to choose from. Which one do you like best?

What's our today's blog title 'Big Island Triathlon coming up' all about? Everybody knows that the Big Island is not only famous all over the world for its active volcano but also for hosting one of the most attractive and popular Hawaii events, the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in Kona in October.

In March each year, there is another Big Island Triathlon happening on the Kohala Coast, which you might hear about for the first time. The Lavaman Ironman is kind of a spin-off of the real Ironman Triathlon in October.

Well, when you are currently still on your Hawaii vacation on the Big Island, you have a chance to watch the 12th Annual Lavaman Triathlon on Sunday March 29, 2009. The Lavaman Triathlon consists of 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run. Not much compared to 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run of the real Ironman competition.

I remember we both participated in a 10k run many years ago and were quite wasted afterwards, despite the colder upcountry climate. What are the Lavaman Ironman participants up against? Definitely, the heat in the coastal areas of the Kohala Coast and the wind, which can be strong and gusty when biking Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy. Plus ,one never knows about the ocean conditions. At this time of the year, the Pacific ocean can be quite choppy and challenginging for the swimmers.

Mastering this 'Mini' Big Island Triathlon makes the competitors a Lavaman and can be a first step in the direction for preparing for the ultimate goal for triathletes, a spot on the Ford Ironman Triathlon Worldchampionship in Hawaii. Come and see for yourself what it takes to be a Lavaman Triathlete.

Here are a few tips for Big Island visitors of the 12th Lavaman Triathlon this Sunday:

-Most of the Lavaman events take place at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

-There will be plenty of parking at the Queen's MarketPlace and the Kings' Shops.

-Watch for bikers when driving Hwy 19 between 7:30 - 11.30am.

-Bikers will go from Waikoloa Beach resort to Turnaround at mile marker 88, near Hualalai Resort.

-Hilton Waikoloa Village is the official hotel for the Triathlon Waikoloa.

-Find information on special triathlon rates at Hilton Waikoloa.

Visit the LavamanTriathlon site for more information on race details and events or call 808-329-9718. Have fun at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. No worries about food. The Queens Marketplace and Kings Shops have plenty of restaurants, from affordable to pricey, for satisfying your stomach. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations