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The 20th Annual
The "Official" Ironman Sports Medicine Conference
October 5-9, 2008
held in conjunction with the
Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship
Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona
Big Island of Hawaii
Island Information
The Volcano and Orchid Isle...
The Big Island of Hawai'i is often referred to as the "most Hawai'ian Island". Its residents still cling to their Hawai'ian heritage and willingly share the gift of Aloha with Malihinis (newcomers). The Island of Hawai'i encompasses 4,030 square miles and makes up almost two-thirds of the land area of the entire state; hence, its popular name "The Big Island." The population is approximately 110,000.
The Big Island offers a variety of scenic contrasts. Majestic volcanoes rise from the ocean floor to a height of 13,000 feet above sea level, where they are often adorned with a lei of snow in winter. Jagged, black volcanic rock covers parts of the island and startles visitors with its stark beauty. High mountain rain forests contrast with desert terrain. Deep, lush valleys and green sugar cane fields form a backdrop to long stretches of rugged sea cliffs, and acres of rolling grasslands drop into brilliant blue seas. The major resorts and white sand beaches are located along the leeward Kohala Coast, and attract worldwide attention.
The town of Kailua-Kona, synonymous with sunny days and deep-sea marlin fishing, has long been a major tourist attraction on the west side of the Island. Unique shops and charming restaurants situated on the water keep visitors coming back. Attractive and convenient harbors are located both in Kailua town and Honokohau Harbor, just thirty to forty minutes from the major hotels.
Coffee plantations stretch to the south of Kona. Captain Cook landed at Kealakekua Bay, where he was later murdered by the Hawai'ian King. Further south, the Place of Refuge, or Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, as the Hawai'ians prefer to call it, was once a sacred sanctuary for defeated warriors and a safe refuge for women and children during battles. It is now a National Historic Park.
Waimea, located halfway between Kona and Hilo and only twenty-five minutes from the resort hotels, is a charming rural area with many new restaurants and shops. The famous Parker Ranch, with its unique family history, is situated around Waimea and is the largest privately-owned cattle ranch in the United States.
Along the Hamakua Coast, spectacular waterfalls - such as the world famous Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls - cascade down sheer cliffs. Green valleys and ocean views enhance this scenic route. Honoka'a, an old plantation town, and beautiful Waipi'o Valley (The Valley of the Kings) attract a great many visitors. Waipi'o is only accessible with four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Hilo became the major city on the island (population 60,000) during the earlier part of this century. The only deep draft harbor was constructed in Hilo Bay, and sugar plantations were located on the north and east side of the island. Hilo Airport services the east side of the island. Restoration of the downtown area has made Hilo a charming place to stop en route to the Volcano. It is approximately a two-hour drive from Hilo to the Kohala Coast resorts.
Hawai'i is the geological youngster of the island chain. White sand beaches are generally found along the leeward (westward) coast. Two volcanic craters, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, loom from the island's center. At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, one can learn how volcanoes rose from the sea to form the islands, creating a cycle of devastation and regeneration while provid-ing the basis for the Hawai'ians' belief in the legendary Volcano Goddess, Madame Pele.
An active volcanic vent not far from Kilauea Crater is the source of millions of yards of lava that has covered over one hundred homes, two beach parks, two historic Heiau, miles of vegetation and numerous roads, as it continues to make a path to the sea. Viewing this surface lava flow is a major event for visitors.
The Big Island exemplifies the essence of a cherished heritage bequeathed by ancient Hawai'ian Kings and Queens who forged the philosophy of "Aloha", a philosophy that recognizes the holiness of all creation. The word "Aloha", translates to "alo" - in the presence of, and "ha" - the breath of life or divinity. On The Big Island, home of the Fire Goddess Madame Pele, home of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, Hawai'ian roots run deep and strong and the spirit of Aloha resides.
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