Lavaman Weekend Activities

Waikoloa Beach Resort area was a busy place this weekend with people coming in from all over to do the Lavaman triathalon.  There were events for the kids as well, Saturday morning was the Keiki Run for 6 and under, which Bennett ran in.  Ruby went in the Aquathon for 7-10 year olds, a swim and then a run following.

Stretching...

Hydrating...

Almost time for the swim to start - across the Hilton lagoon and back.

Once out of the water it was sneakers on and she took off running!

Bennett ran his race in his bare feet and the announcer stated that he ran it like an original lavaman runner!

G'pa even made a cheering sign for them to see while running, not that they couldn't hear him!

Two medalists, and a future competitor.

Lavaman Triathalon

Rick likes to swim, bike and run so what better place to do those things than here on the Big Island, although the heat here is a lot different than at home.

There were people from all over the world and the beach was a happening place both before, after and during the event with music, announcers, participants and spectators all having a great time.  The race was a 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and a 10K run, and Rick was happy with his time of 2:32:56.

(Photo credits to Jen!)

A Montage

I keep a folder with miscellaneous photos in it that I like but haven't posted to a specific day so I'm going to add them in here.  Some are people, some are just kinda interesting things seen while out and about.

Tons of unsuspecting fish swim by while this bird waits for the perfect one, this one looks a bit too big.

Watching and waiting for the bird to catch his dinner out of the koi pond....

Huge ferns growing at the crater

Contrast of the beautiful flower at the steam vents

Pheasant in the foilage at the crater

This is a beach that you don't find on the maps and it doesn't seem to be advertised, lots of locals like to come here.  There's a somewhat rocky trail down to it so you don't want to have to carry too much stuff, but once there it's a beautiful quiet spot.

No plans except to watch the waves.....

This little guy loves to hang out with his mama, no matter where she happens to be.  :)

Ruby and Rick in snorkeling

Near the place we're staying we have some local wildlife as well:

Breakfast buddy on the lanai door

There are numerous cats in the area, this one we call 'Mangey' and he's always at the cat feeding station which is looked after by local volunteers.  We've seen this guy here for the past three years, he likes to sleep away the day in the shade.

There are also lots of birds pretty much wherever you go, these ones are usually seen in pairs all around the grassy areas of the resort.  The birdsong in the morning is so nice, very relaxing to sit and drink coffee and listen to.

Today Ted is off to play tennis and then will meet the rest of the family at A-Bay where we plan to rent some watersport stuff, should be fun!

Trolley Ride

There's a refreshing way to get around the various areas of the Waikoloa Beach Resorts and we decided to do the route, it's on an open air trolley bus.

Waiting at the official trolley stop

The cool open air concept with no seat belts is rather liberating, we took it all the way to the Hilton Hotel where we stopped to see a few sights.

Once we get inside the Hilton we head over to see the parrots, which are beautiful.  These ones you are allowed to take pictures of, there are others which you can't - they're owned by a photography company and they will take pictures of you with their birds for $36 and up.  NOT!

There is a rope and plank suspension bridge over the pool there, it's pretty cool. Ted loves to break the posted rules and jump on it (of course) while walking over it.

The Dolphin Quest lagoons were busy, we saw lots happening there...

Amazing jumps

Dolphin pools by the boardwalk, with tons of other fish in with the dolphins.

Cavern by snorkeling lagoon

It was hot walking around checking things out and watching the dolphins so we decided to go over to the Shaka Ice Cream place over by the swimming lagoon and get a little something to cool down with.

Some like it in a cup, some like it in a cone - it's all good!  That was our afternoon adventure. :)

Three S's

When at the beach there are three very important things that start with S -

Sandcastles:

Starting off at the perfect spot is important

A little brother is old enough to be interested in the sandcastle building as well...

Surf:

Almost up...

The girls headin' in!

Surfer girl!

It was the first time in the ocean for this little guy, and he liked it.

Chillin' with Gma in the surf.

He wasn't afraid at all, and then went right back to sandcastle building.

Shave Ice:

There's a delicious item available over at the beachfront snack shack and you get to choose three flavours out of a rainbow of choices.  After a hot day spent in the sun it's a welcome relief to cool down, the kids love it!

There's very little conversation, just sipping and scooping before it melts away.  The time goes by quickly here, there's so much to do - we're enjoying every single day.

Lava Lava Party!

We planned this evening together quite some time before we even got to Hawaii, and knew it would be a good time.  It's a busy spot but we were able to reserve our tables where we were close to the sand and enjoy the place.  There's bean bag toss to play while you're waiting for your food...

Conversation and cold drinks in the late afternoon sun...

And there's no better place to watch a sunset from than at Lava Lava in A-Bay and get a photo...

As the evening fades the tiki torches and the mini-lights come on, another day in Paradise comes to a close.