There Is So Much To See and Do
There is a disparity in weather in Hawaii, the Big Island. On the western part of the Big Island, the climate is hot and dry. It is desert-like with sand and lava fields. On the eastern shore, it is completely the opposite. The air is warm and humid. The tropical part of the island is beautiful and lush.
Kona International Airport
The Kona International Airport at Keahole in Hawaii on the Big Island is an outdoor airport. The sitting areas and boarding areas are located outside of the buildings. The air is cool and the atmosphere is quiet.
Lava Fields
There are lava fields everywhere on the western side of the big island. It is hot hot hot.
Lava Flows can be seen from many places on the Big Island. The locals tell you not to go too near a lava flow as they have been known to break off into the ocean. Many times during Hawaii’s past, the lava has come very close to civilization. The streams of lava have been known to burn down homes that have been in their path.
Fresh Fruit and Fish For All
There is an abundance of fresh fruit. Guava, papaya, and mango trees grow wild on the island. There is such an abundance of fruit that often the rotting fruit litters the streets under the trees.
The water surrounding the island is filled with fish and coral. There are a few marinas where you can rent a boat and a captain. If you decide to go fishing from the shore, be sure to read the information from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Sometimes it is easier just to let someone else catch the fish for you. A fish market will take your order and in a few hours have fresh fish waiting for you. Lemon trees are abundant on the island and for a garnish, you might just pick one.
Sometimes it is easier just to let someone else catch the fish for you. A fish market will take your order and in a few hours have fresh fish waiting for you. Lemon trees are abundant on the island and for a garnish, you might just pick one.
Lush Landscape
The eastern side of the Big Island is completely different from the western side. It is lush with flowers and growth everywhere. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens are amazing. The aroma of the flowers is exhilarating. This is the Hawaii we have all read about.
Beaches
The beaches are clean and not crowded. They are considered to be among the best beaches in the world. Most have white sand, blue water, and of course incredible views. Many of the beach waters are surrounded by reefs alive with fish and ocean flora. Snorkeling is exciting in those areas.
Other areas great for snorkeling are surrounded by the hardened lava fields of the islands. These beaches make the Big Island of Hawaii a favorite vacation spot for seniors as well as those of all ages.
The Ironman On The Big Island, Hawaii
The Ironman Triathlon used to be held in October on the Big Island of Hawaii. Athletes from all over the world would fly in with their bicycles to be a part of the Ironman Triathlon. 2019 was probably the last time so many athletes would come to Hawaii for the Ironman.
The triathlon began and ended in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. The cyclists had to ride thru the lava fields twice, once after leaving Kona and then when they returned to begin the run part of the course. They began in the morning by swimming in the bay and by nightfall completed the race close to where they began.
In 2020 and 2021, the triathlon was disrupted along with so many other events by the Covid pandemic. The triathlon returned in 2022 but was held for two days. For 2023 the event will again change. The women’s VinFast Ironman Triathlon will be held on October 14, 2023. To date, there has not been an announcement as to where or when the men’s VinFast Ironman Triathlon will be held. It feels like the end of an era if it is not in Hawaii. However, every day things change, and that also encompasses Hawaii.
King Kamehameha
The warrior-king of the big island was born in 1758 and in the early 1800s was named King Kamehameha (The Lonely One).
His historic Kailua village is located in Kona on the Big Island. This is also where the famous Ironman Championship is held each October. King Kamehameha spent his final years in Ahuena Helau, a small temple built by him and located in the Lailua Village in Kona near the Kailua Village.
Captain Cook
Captain Cook, a great English Explorer visited the Big Island in 1779. The Captain and his crew were welcomed as gods during their first visit. However, after one of the crew died, the Hawaiians realized their mistake. Captain Cook returned to the island after a mishap at sea but was no longer welcome there and was murdered. A monument has been erected on the Big Island as a memorial to him.
Read more at GuideForSeniors.com for more places to visit and things to do for all seniors. You can email us at info@guideforseniors.com.
Comment from Alice:
If I didn’t live in San Diego, it might be tempting!
From Guide for Seniors:
Me too, however, I am waiting for the end of the year to prove it is worth the flight. I can’t wait for the “coronovirus” to fade away as if it is a bad memory. I fear that may never happen!
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