Keauhou Beach Resort Review - Summer 2010

ON THE GO at the KEAUHOU BEACH RESORT,  Hawaii

KONA COAST, Hawaii-- You say “how do you do,’ and they say “howzit.” You say KAY-uh-hoo, and they say “KAY-a-hoe.” But no matter how you say it, the Keauhou Beach Resort, on Hawaii's Big Island, is one of the busiest and most interesting places to be this year. 

E xciting resort-based programs for 2010 run the gamut from cultural festivals and "fun runs" to culinary celebrations and all-island sports events, every one an opportunity for visitors to meet local residents and experience – for a few hours, anyway – a taste of Island life, says Paul Horner, general manager of the Keauhou Beach Resort. 

Everyone's welcome, says Horner.  "Part of our on-going commitment to perpetuating and sharing Hawaii’s rich multi-cultural heritage is offering the resort as a venue for many local events and activities,” he tells LA Splash.  “Not only do guests enjoy the easy access and availability of programs that truly enrich their holiday experience, but local residents appreciate our active involvement in the community.”

May 16, 2010: 
HAWAIIAN ARTS MARKET & CULTURAL FESTIVAL

The Keauhou Beach Resort and the PA`I Foundation are hosting the MAMo Native Hawaiian Arts Market and Cultural Festival, featuring more than 25 native Hawaiian visual artists, cultural demonstrations and performing artists. This is your chance to meet and talk to the artists and perfects find something unique to add to your special collection of treasures. The events includes a keiki (kids’) hands-on art tent, and a sale table with handmade crafts and fine art pieces. For more, visit www.maoliartsmonth.org.

June 26 & 27:
KONA MARATHON AND FAMILY FUN RUNS

Grab your running shoes and register for the Kona Marathon, hosted by the Keauhou Beach Resort on June 27. The Resort is the start and finish point for the marathon, West Hawaii’s premier road race, with registration and packet pickup at the hotel on June 26, and the run scheduled the following day. Two thousand runners competed in last year’s run, on a spectacular but challenging course that includes some hill climbs and offers both ocean and mountain views. For more, visit www.konamarathon.com.

 

 

August 28 & 29:
LAVAMAN KEAUHOU AND LAVAMAN KEAUHOU EXPO

You’ve still got time to get in shape for the Lavaman Triathlon, held on the Keauhou Beach Resort property overlooking the ocean. Organized by Hawaii Sports Connection, the Lavaman’s two-lap, Olympic length contest is open both to elite tri-athletes as well as to relay teams of all ages and levels. The course includes a 1.5k swim, a 40k bike ride and a 10k run on over a route with plenty of viewing points for spectators and supporters. A Lavaman For Kids and the Keiki Dash-&-Picnic will be held August 28. For more, visit www.lavamantriathlon.com.

October 26-29:
HULA CAMP – “HO`OKAHI  PU`UI  WAI  I  KA  HULA” 

Hoorah for the Hula! This hula retreat, designed for young and old, experts and the amateurs, welcomes everybody: dancers, admirers, hopefuls and folks just interested in learning more about the stories and traditions connected to Hawaii’s Polynesian heritage.

Join a Workshop and learn what hula’s stories mean; or take a field trip to cultural sites in Kona; then wind up your day with an evening of unique entertainment. The retreat concludes with a visit to  Volcanoes National Park, where you'll can learn the basic hula steps and accompanying dances and chants. Or turn your talents to lsearning and how to make “uli’ulis” (feather gourd rattles), “ipu hekes” (double gourd drums), “kala`au” (hula sticks), and other traditional Hawaiian instruments. For more on dates and prices, call the organizer, Kumu Keala Ching, at the Keauhou Beach Resort, 808-324-2553.

ABOUT THE RESORT
The 309-room Keauhou Beach Resort, managed by Outrigger Enterprises Group, is on the Big Island’s Kona Coast. The location is next to Kahalu’u Bay Beach Park, one of the Big Island’s best snorkeling destinations. The Resort has meeting rooms, restaurant and lounge, fitness room, salon and spa services, tennis courts,, pool and a gift and sundries shop. For more, go to www.keauhoubeachresort.com, or call 1-866-326-6803.

 

Anne Cooke & Steve Haggerty, travel journalists, pack their bags in Southern California.