Big Island Vacation Guide 2008 - (Page 15) KIRK AEDER BIG ISLAND MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS PGA MasterCard Championship – January This event, held at the Hualalai Resort Golf ¯ Club, annually kicks off the PGA Champion’s Tour. 800-417-2770, www.pgatour.com/tournaments/s524 8th Annual Hilton Waikoloa Village USTA Challenger Tennis Tournament – January Watch the best professional tennis players in the world compete in both singles and doubles competition. 886-2222, www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com Big Island International Marathon – March Run along the ocean at one of the world’s more scenic marathons. 969-7400, www.hilomarathon.com Lavaman Triathlon – April Features an ocean swim, off-road run and bike ride down Queen Ka‘ahumanu Hwy. 329-9718, www.lavamantriathlon.com Parker Ranch Independence Day Rodeo – July See real paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) in action. 800-262-7290, www.parkerranch.com/events Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament – August This weeklong event is known as the “grandfather of all big game fishing tournaments.” 836-3422, www.hibtfishing.com Ironman Triathlon World Championship – October This extreme event is considered the world’s top triathlon. 329-0063, www.ironmanlive.com/ events/ironman/worldchampionship For a complete listing of sporting events on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, visit www.bigisland.org/calendar. Events subject to change. Ironman Triathlon cyclist Sea Quest Rafting & Snorkeling P. O. Box 390292, Kailua-Kona, HI 96739 Toll Free (888) SEA-CAVE Phone: (808) 329-7238 Email: reservations@seaquesthawaii.com Website: www.seaquesthawaii.com Avoid the crowds. Six and Twelve Guests Maximum. Snorkel historic Kealakekua Marine Sanctuary (Capt. Cook Monument). Morning trip also snorkels at Honaunau, home to endangered green sea turtles. ¯ Return voyage explores sea caves, lava tubes. Hear the history, legends, and geology of the area. Educational and fun. Great for both pros and novices. Larger families welcome. Whale watching in season. WATER SAFETY Take care in and around the water. From shore, the clear, tropical waters of the Pacific look very inviting. And for the most part they are. But the ocean also commands respect. Strong, hidden currents can easily overpower even the most seasoned swimmer. Diving can be dangerous due to hidden rocks below the surface. Avoid walking on coral as it may cut your feet, as well as damage the coral. It’s a good idea to check for jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war before entering the water. You’re more likely to spot them eight to ten days after a full moon. Standing on rock outcroppings can also be dangerous because of the risk of a sudden, rogue wave. Never turn your back on the ocean and always follow posted signs. If you’re uncertain about conditions, ask a lifeguard. Have fun, but please don’t take chances. 800-648-2441 15 http://www.seaquesthawaii.com http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/s524 http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com http://www.hilomarathon.com http://www.lavamantriathlon.com http://www.parkerranch.com/events http://www.hibtfishing.com http://www.snorkelkona.com http://www.ironmanlive.com/events/ironman/worldchampionship http://www.bigisland.org/calendar http://www.snorkelkona.com
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