For over 25 years, North Hawaii Hospice has provided quality, compassionate care services to the Big Island community.  On Saturday April 7^th 2012, the 5th annual North Hawaii Hospice High Tea & Silent Auction (http://northhawaiihospice.org/2012/03/5th-annual-high-tea-silent-auction-2/) will be held at the Waiki’i Ranch Clubhouse. This event will support their ability to continue to provide services and support for patients and for those who lovingly care for them.

Brookfield Homes Hawaii is grateful for the opportunity to be one of the sponsors of this event and of the humanitarian efforts of North Hawaii Hospice.   Waiki’i Ranch is located in the middle of Parker Ranch country; a gently sloping pasture mixed with groves of eucalyptus and Monterey Cypress trees.  A perfect setting for what will surely be lovely occasion!

Please show your support by attending what will be a lovely occasion in a gorgeous and special setting.  Visit:  http://northhawaiihospice.org/ or call: (808) 885-7547 for more information.

Kohala Coast, HI – Brookfield Homes Hawaii (www.brookfieldhawaii.com) is celebrating the most successful month for sales in more than two years at KaMilo at the Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island. The company is reporting three sales at the community, including golf course fronting & garden view residences, in the world-renowned resort.

“We are seeing a continual strengthening of the market over the last several months, particularly for buyers who are considering Hawaii real estate for their second home. They recognize that the market is changing and are taking advantage of low rates and great values for Big Island new homes,” says Jeff Prostor, President of the award-winning Brookfield Homes Hawaii.

The community of 137 single family and paired homes located within the Mauna Lani Resort offers the largest selection of new luxury homes under $1,500,000 on the Gold Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island.

In early 2012, KaMilo was profiled by Links Magazine as one of 7 properties that epitomizes the luxury golf lifestyle in the US. “We’re honored to be recognized again for offering one of Hawaii’s most desirable places to live. KaMilo offers a resort within a resort with a private 2-acre recreation village, a short stroll to the white sand beaches of Mauna Lani Resort, and access to the exclusive Mauna Lani Beach Club. Buyers are taking advantage of an opportunity to be a part of the exceptional lifestyle of Hawaii at prices and rates that we may not see again in our lifetime,” says Prostor.

KaMilo features three- and four-bedroom homes ranging from approximately 2,599 to 3,781 square feet. Prices start from just $699,000. For details about this exclusive collection of island residences at KaMilo, visit the KaMilo Sales Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68-1122 North Kaniku Drive in the Mauna Lani Resort. More information is available 7 days a week at by calling (808) 885-6130 or visit www.brookfieldkamilo.com. 

About KaMilo at Mauna Lani

KaMilo at Mauna Lani is a joint venture resort community between Brookfield Homes Hawaii, Inc. & A&B Properties, Inc. Award-winning Brookfield Homes Hawaii, Inc. offers luxury resort communities on the Islands of Hawaii including KaMilo at Mauna Lani (Island of Hawaii), Nihilani at Princeville (Island of Kauai) and PiliMai at Poipu (Island of Kauai). Brookfield Homes Hawaii understands the unique resort lifestyle and the signature design aesthetic of the Hawaiian Islands.

A&B Properties, Inc., a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., is one of Hawaii’s largest private landowners. Alexander & Baldwin, a Hawaii company operating in the Hawaiian Islands for over 140 years, is involved in land development, agriculture and ocean transportation.

KaMilo Hawaii Resort Homes

Big Island resort community, KaMilo at the Mauna Lani Resort, offers an authentic Hawaii Island lifestyle, in the state that 2011 Harris Poll announces to be America’s #1 “State to Live In”

Kohala Coast, HI – Giving credence to what the residents of the Hawaiian Islands already know to be true, a recent Harris Poll indicates that most Americans would prefer to live in the State of Hawaii than any other state in the country; besides the state they already call home.

Over the last 3-4 years, with home prices falling and mortgage rates at all time lows, real estate investors and second home buyers have been beaconed to Hawaii’s Big Island and the world-recognized Mauna Lani Resort to take advantage of unprecedented real estate opportunities. KaMilo at Mauna Lani Resort, an authentic Hawaii neighborhood consisting of new single-family and paired homes on the Big Island’s Gold Coast, is a distinctive offering for those who seek both value for their dollar and a community and lifestyle that is representative of the unique Hawaii experience.

“There is nowhere else on Hawaii’s Gold Coast where you will find brand new homes by an award-winning builder that offers panoramic golf course views, vaulted ceilings, large square footage, and 2-car garages at these prices,” says Diana Mahaney, Realtor/Sales Associate from Island Paradise Properties LLC. “Plus, with KaMilo’s private 2-acre recreation village and the Mauna Lani Resort’s white sand beaches, historical walking trails, and access to the Kohala Coast’s natural landscape, buyers appreciate that they will access a truly unique and quality lifestyle at KaMilo.”

Over the last 8 years, California has ranked 1st in the Harris Poll as the state that Americans would most like to live in. For 2011, Hawaii has taken the reign at the top spot. “The true value in owning a home here is not only financial,” continues Mahaney. “Year round outdoor activities, access to world-class golf courses and spas, enjoying fresh local produce and dining experiences, and Hawaii’s unique cultural events; these are the life enhancing elements that buyers cherish about the our community.”

KaMilo at Mauna Lani Resort, a resort within a resort, is a private new home community of 137 single family and paired homes located along the Mauna Lani Resort’s North Golf Course. Single-level and two-story floor plans feature expansive pocket doors that open onto spacious outdoor lanais for enjoyable indoor/outdoor living. The private 2-acre Recreation Village includes adult lap pool, family pool, outdoor gathering pavilion, BBQ’s, and fitness lounge.

For details about island residences at KaMilo, visit the KaMilo Sales Center daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68-1122 North Kaniku Drive in the Mauna Lani Resort. More information is available 7 days a week at: (808) 885-6130 or at: www.brookfieldkamilo.com.

About KaMilo at Mauna Lani

KaMilo at Mauna Lani is a joint venture resort community between Brookfield Homes Hawaii, Inc. & A&B Properties, Inc. Award-winning Brookfield Homes Hawaii, Inc. offers luxury resort communities on the Islands of Hawaii including KaMilo at Mauna Lani (Island of Hawaii), Nihilani at Princeville (Island of Kauai) and PiliMai at Poipu (Island of Kauai). Brookfield Homes Hawaii understands the unique resort lifestyle and the signature design aesthetic of the Hawaiian Islands.

A&B Properties, Inc., a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., is one of Hawaii’s largest private landowners. Alexander & Baldwin, a Hawaii company operating in the Hawaiian Islands for over 140 years, is involved in land development, agriculture and ocean transportation.

Kris Martin

If you haven’t visited KaMilo recently on your travels to the Big Island, you may not have met Kris Martin (S), our lead sales consultant at KaMilo and a real estate agent for Island Paradise Properties.  Born and raised in California, Kris chose to make Hawaii her home many years ago, raising a family of fifth generation keiki on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Kris enjoys gardening at her home in Kamuela, writing, paddle boarding, and hiking.  She is also multi-lingual, and has been an adjunct faculty member at many universities in the field of Education.  She will be the first to tell you that there is no real translation for the word “aloha” in any other language.  The word aloha is used to mean so many things in Hawaii and has a spirit all its own!

Kris’ warm smile will greet you when you pay a visit to our sales gallery located in the heart of the KaMilo community.  Kris specializes in finding the perfect residence and plan type for clients and assisting them through the purchase and customization of their dream home in the truly unique KaMilo neighborhood.  She is also a terrific resource for those who are just getting to know the island and are looking for exciting and unique ways to enjoy life on the Kohala Coast.  Just ask her for suggestions on hidden away beach locations, hiking trails, or the best place to enjoy some fresh ahi poke!

We hope that you will have a chance to meet Kris personally at KaMilo and take a tour of the new home that are underway and unmatched home sites that we recently made available.  Kris is a wonderful addition to our team and truly exemplifies the aloha spirit, in every way.

Fun Run Walk Sept 30 2011

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII

- Hawaii’s popular health, fitness and outdoor lifestyle resort, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, is proud to host the inaugural K-Swiss Pau Hana Sunset 10km Fun Run & Walk on Friday, September 30 at 5pm – a benefit for the West Hawaii Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

The event, which is taking place on Mauna Lani’s world-famous Francis H. I’i Brown North golf course, is open to the entire community and is drawing the support of many pro triathletes who will already be in Hawaii preparing for the Ford Ironman World Championship the following weekend.

2010 Ironman Women’s World Champion, Mirinda Carfrae will be there, along with other pros who have signed up to race in the elite category, including Luke Bell, Belinda Granger, Tim DeBoom, Hillary Biscay, Joe Gambles and local favorite, Bree Wee.

General Manager of Mauna Lani Bay, Brian Butterworth, said that the event “is about bringing people together and enjoying some fun, friendly competition in support of one of our community’s most invaluable causes. Whether you run or walk, just enjoy being in Hawaii and soak up the spectacular surroundings, including our hard-to-beat Kohala Coast sunset”.

Proceeds from the event will be used to support Hawaii Island cancer patients and their families by providing services such as inter-island airline tickets for travel to treatment facilities, transportation to medical appointments, counseling programs and more.

Leading triathlon footwear and apparel brand, K-Swiss, has thrown its support behind the event by donating “K-Swiss dream bags” for category winners and t-shirts for all participants. Numerous other prizes will be up for grabs too.

After the run and walk, participants and friends and family are invited to enjoy a fun-filled awards-ceremony and a ‘Pau Hana’ (meaning ‘after work’ in Hawaiian) outdoor BBQ and beer garden party with live music.

For more information and for entry forms visit http://www.maunalani.com/ or contact 808-881-7034.

WHAT: The inaugural K-Swiss Pau Hana Sunset 10km Fun Run & Walk benefiting the American Cancer Society, West Hawaii Chapter

WHEN: Friday, September 30, 2011, 5pm

WHERE: The Francis H. I’i Brown North Course. Meet at The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows. 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

COST: $20. Pau Hana ‘Happy Hour’ prices for BBQ and drinks. Complimentary parking available.

ENTRY & FURTHER INFORMATION:
Visit http://www.maunalani.com/pdf/KSWISS-FUN-RUN.pdf or contact 808-881-7911.
The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is recognized as one of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Hotels” for 2011 and is also on the Conde Nast Traveler 2011 “Gold List”. It is the only independently-operated resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii and has maintained its original owners since its opening in 1983. Mauna Lani Bay is also one of the smaller resorts on the coast giving guests an intimate, timeless Hawaiian experience that is personalized and pleasantly unscripted. It is Mauna Lani Bay’s cultural and environmental programs that make it truly stand out from others and which has earned it the reputation of one of the “World’s Top Earth-Friendly Getaways”. Mauna Lani Bay is committed to delivering aloha in everything it does and as such takes a stand against hidden resort fees. It is home to the famous CanoeHouse restaurant, the Hawaiian inspired Mauna Lani Spa and the championship Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Courses. Mauna Lani Bay has formed a partnership with a group of pro triathletes, who help the hotel spread the message of enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle. The resort is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group recognizing the world’s best independent luxury hotels and resorts. For reservations call (800) 367-2323 or visit www.maunalani.com.

About The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society has been waging the war against cancer for nearly a century, and its commitment to defeating the disease has never wavered. For the more than 1.4 million people who will be diagnosed with cancer this year, the American Cancer Society provides hope as it grows closer each day to finding a cure. By taking what has been learned through research, the society has contributed to a 15 percent decrease in the overall cancer death rate between the early 1990s and 2005. That means that 650,000 cancer deaths were avoided and more Birthday celebrations were had. Overall, 11 million cancer survivors in America will celebrate a Birthday this year.

http://www.hawaiireporter.com/kohala-more-than-the-obvious/123

Kohala-wind-farm2

Strong `apa`apa`a winds feed the turbines of a Kohala wind farm near Upolu Point.

Time has sculpted the landscape, while historic events played out at now hallowed sites…

It was long ago that Kohala, the northernmost district of the Big Island,  was last volcanically active: Storms and wind and ocean waves have had their way, carving steep-walled valleys, coves, beaches and sea cliffs from the slopes of the Kohala volcano, oldest of the islands five volcanoes and the only one considered extinct.

Puukohola-Mailekini-heiau

The ancient walls of the Mailekini heiau, fortified with cannons by Kamehameha after the adjacent Pu`ukohola heiau was completed in 1791.

If Kona was the Hawaiian heartland, Kohala is its match for historic significance, particularly as it played out in Kamehameha’s rise to power, for it was on the wind-blown grasslands at the northernmost tip of the Big Island that Kamehameha was born and raised and from here that he set out to create a single kingdom of Hawaii’s islands.

Even before his birth, prophecy would declare him a force to be reckoned with. It was said that a comet would be the sign of the birth of  “a killer of chiefs.” Halley’s Comet soared overhead in 1758, which many link to Kamehameha’s birth. To eliminate that threat, his uncle, ruling chief Alapa`i, commanded that he should be killed.  The newborn, then called Pai`ea, was takenby his kahu (guardian) Nae`ole from Kohala to neighboring Hamakua district, spending the first five years of his life in Waipi`o Valley,  raised by Nae`ole and a loving couple who lived deep in the valley.  When he was five, Alapa`i relented and welcomed Pai`ea into his court, where he was trained in skills befitting a high chief. He soon had a reputation for strength, agility and intelligence. It was during those years that he came to be called Kamehameha, the lonely one. When Alapa`i’s brother Kalaniopu`u, usurped the throne when Alapa`i, Kamehameha continued as a member of the royal court.

Webber-Kalaniopuu-going-to-meet-Cook

Webber-Kalaniopuu-going-to-meet-Cook

John Webber’s engraving of Kalaniopu`u heading out to meet Captain Cook. Kamehameha was a member of the royal party.

Kalaniopu`u’s death in 1782 proved the prophecy true when Kamehameha, named guardian of the war god Kuka`ilimoku, waged war against his cousins, Kiwala`o and Keoua, Kalaniopu`u’s sons and heirs.Kiwala`o was killed in battle in 1781, although his daughter, Keopuolani would be Kamehameha’s highest ranking wife, the mother of Liholiho Iolani (Kamehameha II) and Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III). It was her link to Kiwala`o that gave added legitimacy to Kamehameha’s heirs.  Keoua, ruling from Ka`u district. met his ultimate defeat in 1791 at Pu`ukohola where his body placed in offering at the dedication of Kamehameha’sa  heiau in 1791. In the four years that followed, Kamehameha used his base as ruling chief of Kohala to create a multi-island kingdom.

In addition to a fascinating place in Hawaiian history and Hawaii’s greatest concentration of archeological sites, Kohala has great natural beauty, with open grasslands and upcountry pastures spotted with cindercones, lush valleys and rainforest mountains who rainwaters

Horse-fence-Kohala

A horse on a South Kohala pasture.

quench the thirst of sunny South Kohala’s dry climate, where little rain falls. History takes another turn at Waimea, where ranching got a start and evolved into the largest privately owned spread in the United States. (Texas, take note!). Today the ranch is no longer family

Waimea-home

Waimea retains a casual lifestyle in a beautiful upcountry setting

owned, but it still provides a sense place to a town that’s grown dramatically over the years, attracting artists and urban ex-pats who appreciate its cooler temperatures, hometown feel, and casual lifestyle. Tour options include two of the ranch’s historic homes, Pu`uopelu (the home of the Ranch’s last Parker owner, Richard Smart) and Mana Hale, built in 1847 as the Parker homestead (800-262-7290).

Kohala retains a rural sense of wide-open spaces, although sugar is no longer grown here: The last plantation closed in 1973 after 110 years in operation. Grassland and forest have replaced  canefields that once covered thousands of Kohala acres. North Kohala includes Polulu, westernmost of the great amphitheater valleys that are the eroded eastern face of the Kohala volcano.  The valleys beyond, ending in Waipi`o, lie in Hamakua district, with Hilo district to the south.

Hawi

Hawi: Rural Kohala at its most urban.

Hawi is NorthKohala at its most urban, with banks, market, shops, and restaurants catering to locals and visitors along a three-block stretch of the two-lane road that makes its way through North Kohala to the scenic lookout at road’s end at Pololu.

Kamehameha Statue Hawaii Island

Kamehameha offers a royal welcome in Kapa`au. A copy of this original bronze fronts Ali`iolaniohale in Honolulu.

A few miles north of Hawi, in Kapa`au, the original cast bronze statue of Kamehameha I, lost at sea off the Falkland Islands and later recovered (with the replacement now fronting Ali`ilaniohale in downtown Honolulu) offers an outstretched hand in welcome.

ANAEHO`OMALU/WAIKOLOA RESORT

Anaeho`omalu at sunset

The fishpond at Anaeho`omalu at sunset.

kayaks-on-beach

The large fishpond between the Marriott Waikoloa and the beach also includes an ancient house site and a palm grove that’s particularly nice at sunset. The beach offers great swimming, with water sports and activities available from a beachside pavilion. This fishpond is a modified stream and tide-fed pond similar to others found along this stretch of coast.

PUAKO-PETROGLYPH

PUAKO PETROGLYPH ARCHEOLOGICAL PRESERVE/ HOLOHOLOKAI BEACH

With more than 1,000 carvings, this is well worth the short ride to the site on the grounds of the Mauna Lani Resort adjacent to the Fairmont Orchid. Called ki`i pohaku, they include many different stylistic forms including surfers, fishermen, turtles and birds.It is uncertain whether they were markers of family events or simply a creative pastime in the days of old. Holoholokai Beach is adjacent.

father-son-in-water-at-sunset

Puako Beach sunset.

Just past the  Mauna Lani Resort are the series of beaches, tidal pools and reef of Puako Beach Park. Turnmakai off Hwy. 19 by the 70-mile marker where the sign says Puako.

Honu Sea Turtle

A sea turtle takes a break on a Puako Beach.

PU`UKOHOLA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Mailekini-heiau-Puukohola

A wall of the Mailekini heiau, with Pu`ukohola on the crest of the hill.

More than one prophecy predicted Kamehameha’s rise to power. In 1790, in the ninth year of civil war, he was told by a priestly advisor to cease fighting and to have built a great heiau dedicated to Ku. Warfare ceased and the heiau, Pu`ukohola, was the last great temple built in Polynesian Hawai`i,  built of basalt rocks brought to the hillside setting from valleys miles to the north. Two earlier temples that confirmed this as a place of great mana had been built at the site. A portion of the Mailekini heiau, dating back to the 16^th century, can be seen below Pu`ukohola’s imposing hilltop silhouette. An even older heiau called Hale o Kapuni (now submerged just offshore), was dedicated to the shark gods.

John-Young-aft-Arago-1819

John Young in 1819, the year of Kamehameha’s death.

After Pu`ukohola was built, Mailekini was converted into a fort complete with cannon by Kamehameha under the supervision of John Young, the Englishman in Kamehameha’s employ and service whose homestead grounds are part of the Pu`ukohola Historic Site. The new visitor center includes an excellent film documenting Kamehameha’s early life and his rise to power. Visit www.nps.gov/puhe.  Check their calendar for special events, highlighted by August’s Ho`okuikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival.

LAPAKAHI STATE HISTORICAL PARK

Lapakahi-housesite-w-palms

A rock-wall house site beneath the palms at Lapakahi State Historical Park.

Nothing grand-scale here, in a portion of what was once a much larger Hawaiian fishing village.  Rock-walled house sites and canoe sheds are enhanced by a rebuilt hale made of bamboo poles and pili grass thatch that provides insights into the lifestyle of maka`ainana (commoners). The park fronts Koai`e Bay and offers little shade, so a cooler morning visit is a recommend. The park closes at 4 PM sharp, with no touring the site after 3:30. It’s about 20 minutes from Pu`ukohola. A self-guided tour brouchure includes 19 stops.       Visit www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/lapakahi_state_historical_park.html/

MO`OKINI HEIAU`

Mookini-rock-walls

A portion of Mo`okini heiau’s ancient rock walls.

A very special place, where kuhina nuiLeimomi Mo`okini Lum preserves an ancestral heritage traced in family chants back through the centuries. The temple sits atop a small hill overlooking the windblown grasslands and whitecapped waters of the  30-mile wide, 6,800-foot deep waters of the Alenuihaha Channel separating Kohala from Maui’s Hana coast. Haleakala’s summit silhouette rises in grey-blue outline against a deep blue sky that lies above the clouds.  Despite challenging winds and currents, for the water savvy Hawaiians, Hana and Kohala neighbors and were often ruled by the same chiefs. In the 1970s, the temple site was rescued from surrounding cane fields by the Mo`iokini clan.  There is a sanctity to the place, the echo of ancient times and rituals stored in the tens of thousands of black rocks that make up the temple’s walls

flower-offerings-at-Mookini

Flowers on the altar at the Mo`okini heiau.

and inner sanctum, with flowers usuallky adorning the heiau altar. Most likely you’ll be here on your own, a perfect way to appreciate this ancient place of worship  dedicated to ‘na pua o Hawaii nei’…the flowers of Hawaii, the Golden Blend, as Momi Lum calls them.  Mo`okini is a wonderful place for a calming sense of old Hawaii.

KAMEHAMEHA BIRTH SITE

Kamehameha's birth site

Kamehameha’s birth site.

A LITTLE EXTRA

Bond-Estate

The Bond Estate, portions of which date back to the 1850s. The historic Kahahikiola Church, restored after significant earthquake damage two years ago, is nearby.

The Bond Estate/Kalahikiola Church:  About 2 miles past Kapa`au, turn mauka where a small sign identifies the Bond Estate. The missionary compound, dating back to the 1850s is in disrepair, what was a school for girls restored and in use. A unique complex that provides a unique look at Hawai`i’s 19^th century missionary lifestyle.

ATV Outfitters Hawaii in Kapa`au (888-ATV-7288; atv@outfittershawaii.com) offers escorted kayak flume rides through tunnels and irrigation channels that carry mountain water to the dry lands of South Kohala. Safe, easy and enjoyable.

neon-palms-layered

Route 270 ends at the lookout overlooking Pololu Valley and a series of sea cliffs and valley that end at Waipi`o Valley.  Morning is the bast time to arrive. The easy trail into Pololu valley and beach is open. It’s a rocky beach black sand beach often not safe for swimming. Visit www.letsgo-hawaii.com/pololu/

Hibiscus thrive at Pua Mau

Hibiscus thrive at Pua Mau.

The Pua Mau Place garden (www.puamau.com/area.htm) is a research oriented non-profit a few miles north of Kawaiahae (turn mauka off Route 270 on Ala Kahua Drive , is worth a visit.

GETTING THERE

Hawaiian Airlines offers frequent non-stop flights, and often the cheapest fares, on daily between Honolulu and Kona.  Fares vary considerably flight-by-flight, so try and time a trip to match lower-fare flights. www.hawaiianairlines.com. GO!Mokulele and Island Air also serve West Hawaii with more limited schedules.

Mahukopna-Kayaker-Maui-backdrop

A solo kayaker along the Kohala coast withHaleakala rising above the clouds across the waters of the white-water Alenuihaha Channel.

WHERE TO STAY   There are no shortage of deluxe hotel and condo options with Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea resorts closest to the sites above.  Waimea offers bed-and-breakfast options that are within 15 minutes of the coast and also easily accessible to North Kohala. Google Kohala bed and breakfast for options.

GETTING AROUND

During my late July visit, Avis offered the best daily rate. To reach the Mo`okini heiau, turn makai where the road sign says `Upolu. Passing a n elegant windmill farm the paved road ends at the Upolu airstrip. Follow the first road about 1/2 mile to the sign identifying the short walk to the hilltop heiau. If the road seems impassable, park and walk to the heiau.

All pictures and text © Allan Seiden, 2011

It’s being called the hardest cycling race in the world.
The annual “Sea to Stars” contest led 42 elite endurance athletes on a 49 mile climb up to the Mauna Kea Visitors Center, some 9,300 feet above the starting point in Waikoloa.
We caught up with some of the athletes along Saddle Road, here in the vicinity of Waikii Ranch, which is around the 3,500 feet level… these bikers were peddling hard and already looked pretty tired, with some 6,000 feet still to go.
Later, we saw some of the athletes take the turn onto the Mauna Kea Access Road, where the hardest hill climb awaits… into the clouds en route to the Mauna Kea summit area.
22 year-old Eric Lau from Honolulu crushed the finishing record in the race’s seven year history. He completed the grueling race in a time of 3:23.20. The fastest time previously recorded was 3:45, achieved by fellow Honolulu cyclist, Mike Zagorski in 2010.
Big Island triathlete, Rani Tanimoto, 35, made an impressive Sea to Stars debut taking out the women’s title with a time of 4:39.09.
The athletes departed for the day’s race from The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, which has become the resort _ for endurance athletes in Hawaii. The hotel was also hosted the post-race beer garden after-party and awards ceremony.

Mahalo to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows for providing photography from the start of the race.

Hawaii Continues to Lead in Wellbeing; North Dakota Second

http://www.gallup.com/poll/149105/Hawaii-Continues-Lead-Wellbeing-North-Dakota-Second.aspx

Americans in Hawaii continued to set the national standard in wellbeing in the first half of 2011, followed closely by North Dakota. West Virginia and Kentucky maintained their status as the states with the lowest wellbeing. Nebraska, which showed the biggest gains in wellbeing rank from 2009 (25^th) to 2010 (10^th), continued to move up, landing in the top five.

Hawaii Again Tops List in Emotional and Physical Health

On the sub-indexes that make up the broader Well-Being Index, Hawaii is tops in Emotional Health and Physical Health, two domains in which it perennially leads the nation. People often like to say; “The grass is always greener on the other side”. However, most of us who have had the pleasure of living in Hawaii know that life out here in the Pacific Ocean is pretty sweet! Sure, there are some obstacles that we are forced to overcome such as high gas prices or the difficulty of traveling to visit family in the mainland or elsewhere. But, overall we have got it really good.

The reasons why our “wellbeing” is consistently tops are numerous. For starters, of course, we eat well. There is the wonderful selection of cuisine in the Hawaiian Islands: Hawaiian plate lunches, Thai curries, Okazuya, Korean BBQ, Mexican food (although in short supply), local Indian and Greek restaurants and fresh island produce and fish.

Then there are the awe-inspiring beaches for surfing, swimming, diving, and relaxation and the consistently, warm and balmy weather. This combination makes for year-round outdoor activities and generally pleasant moods. “Seasonal affective disorder” (S.A.D.), which our friends in the Northwest US can testify to, is not something we worry about.

The land has spirit and the people have heart. The vibe here is mellow, the landscape is amazing, and generally we enjoy living life. With all that said, we are never surprised to learn that the people of Hawaii rank #1 in emotional and physical health. Live well, feel great.

 Hawaii is a special place we are honored to call home.

KaMilo Home Lanai View

Big Island home builder Brookfield Homes Hawaii sparks home buyers interest in the Mauna Lani Resort – August 12, 2011

South Kohala, HI– Big Island real estate home builder, Brookfield Homes Hawaii, has reported a boom in interest and sales activity at KaMilo, a gated new home community located on Hawaii’s Big Island in the Mauna Lani Resort.

“The 2011 collection of Brookfield Hawaii homes seems to be attracting a new kind of buyer.” says Kris Martin, Sales Consultant for Brookfield Homes Hawaii. “These homebuyers are looking for an excellent deal and are much more conscientious about their buying decisions than in years past. By offering our signature, island inspired resort homes at extremely attractive prices in prime locations; these buyers see real value at KaMilo.”

Originally released in January 2011, the new Big Island home collection at KaMilo includes single-level homes on the Mauna Lani North Golf Course starting from $799,000. “With low interest rate financing still available in the mortgage market, purchasing a brand new home at KaMilo offers a winning formula of price and value.” says Martin. “From the health and wellness lifestyle, quality finishes and construction, customization opportunities and the natural beauty of the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, buyers at KaMilo recognize that they are receiving the ultimate deal.”

KaMilo at Mauna Lani Resort is a private, gated community of 137 single family and paired homes located along the Mauna Lani Resort’s North Golf Course. Single-level and two-story floor plans feature enclosed two car garages and expansive pocket doors that open onto spacious outdoor lanais. The private 2-acre Recreation Village includes adult lap pool, family pool, outdoor gathering pavilion, BBQ’s, and fitness lounge.

For details about new homes at KaMilo, visit the KaMilo Sales Center daily from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68-1122 North Kaniku Drive in the Mauna Lani Resort. More information is available 7 days a week at: (808) 885-6130.

About KaMilo at Mauna Lani

KaMilo at Mauna Lani is a joint venture resort community between Brookfield Homes Hawaii, Inc. & A&B Properties, Inc. Award-winning Brookfield Homes Hawaii, Inc. offers luxury resort communities on the Islands of Hawaii including KaMilo at Mauna Lani (Island of Hawaii), Nihilani at Princeville (Island of Kauai) and PiliMai at Poipu (Island of Kauai). Brookfield Homes Hawaii understands the unique resort lifestyle and the signature design aesthetic of the Hawaiian Islands.

A&B Properties, Inc., a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., is one of Hawaii’s largest private landowners. Alexander & Baldwin, a Hawaii company operating in the Hawaiian Islands for over 140 years, is involved in land development, agriculture and ocean transportation.

Beaches Hawaii Sunset

By Allison Schaefers  aschaefers@staradvertiser.com

Hawaii beachgoers swam in some of the cleanest waters in the nation last year, according to the 21st annual beachwater quality report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council. 

Only 3 percent of beachwater samples in Hawaii exceeded health standards in 2010, ranking the state as having the fourth cleanest beachwater in he nation last year. However, water quality ratings varied by island. While only 1 percent of Honolulu’s samples exceeded health standards, rates were 2 percent in Maui and Hawaii County and 8 percent of Kauai’s samples were unhealthy.

The report singled out three Kauai’s beaches as having the dirtiest beachwater in the state including Lumahai Beach (29 percent), Kalihiwai Bay (27 percent ) and Waimea Recreation Pier State Park (24 percent).

Other states with low rates of contamination included: New Hampshire (1 percent), New Jersey (2 percent) Oregon (3 percent) and Delaware (3 percent). Highest offender states included:  Louisiana, (37 percent), Ohio (21 percent) and Indiana (16 percent).

The report said about 8 percent of beachwater samples nationwide exceeded public health standards in 2010. Pollution from stormwater runoff and sewage overflows last year contributed to the second-highest number of closing and advisory days in more than two decades, the council said.

Most bacterial contamination occurs during winter, when heavy rains overload storm drains and sewage systems, washing waste into the sea. 

Swimming in such pollution can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory and other illnesses and is of particular risk for children and the elderly whose immune systems may not be as strong. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 3.5 million people become ill from contact with raw sewage from overflows every year.

Swimmers are advised not to swim near storm drains or go into the waters within 72 hours of a rain when pollution levels are typically higher.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.  http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/124718323.html