Calendar of Events at the Keauhou Beach Resort: Jun – Nov 2010

From cultural festivals to culinary celebrations, to fun runs and athletic competitions, the Keauhou Beach Resort supports a long list of events and programs that make a visit to the island of Hawaii a memorable and rewarding experience.

Following is a schedule of events and activities taking place at Keauhou Beach Resort through 2010.

Kona Marathon and Family Fun Runs

June 26 & 27, 2010

Keauhou Beach Resort is proud to be the official host hotel of the Kona Marathon, West Hawaii’s premier road race. Registration and packet pickup is at the hotel on June 26, with the Kona Marathon on June 27. Nearly 2000 runners of all ages participate. The start and finish is at the Keauhou Beach Resort with the course offering beautiful ocean and mountain views. Information: www.konamarathon.com.

Lavaman Keauhou and Lavaman Keauhou Expo

August 28 & 29, 2010

This Olympic distance triathlon is put on by Hawaii Sports Connection and is open to elite triathletes as well as participants and relay teams of all ages and levels. The two-lap course through Keauhou Resort includes a 1.5k swim, 40k bike ride and a 10k run, with a number of vantage points where spectators can cheer on the athletes. Lavaman Keauhou for Kids and the Keiki Dash & Picnic will be held August 28. Information: www.lavamantriathlon.com.

Ho`okahi Pu`ui Wai i ka Hula – Hula Camp

October 26-29, 2010

This is a hula retreat for hula practitioners, hula lovers, and those interested in hula, its stories and traditions. All are welcome no matter what level of experience. The program will include workshops, field trip to sites in Kona, and evening entertainment. The retreat will conclude with a field trip to Kilauea Volcanoes National Park. Participants will walk away from this retreat with the knowledge of implement making (`uli`uli, ipu heke, kala`au, and many others), traditional hula adornments, as well as to learn hula dances and chants. Fee. Information: Kumu Keala Ching, Keauhou Beach Resort, 808-324-2553.

Kona Coffee Festival

November 5-14, 2010

Coffee lovers from around the world descend on the Big Island each November for the Kona Coffee Festival. A long list of coffee-laced events are held at the Keauhou Beach Resort throughout the festival, including the prestigious Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition where Kona Coffee farms compete to be named the finest Kona coffee in the state. Other activities held at the hotel during the festival include the Gevalia Kona Coffee Art Exhibit, Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Competition, Kona Coffee Quilt Contest & Show, Lauhala Weaving Workshop, and the Kona Coffee Council Dinner & Benefit Auction. Information: www.konacoffeefest.com.

Tribute to King David La`amea Kalakaua

November 20, 2010

8 am to 5pm

Guests are welcome to join in honoring the last reigning king of Hawaii. King Kalakaua, known as the Merrie Monarch was credited with reviving the hula, so in his honor, hula halau from Hawaii Island, Oahu, California, Europe and Japan will perform both kahiko (ancient style) and `auana (modern style). The day is a unique opportunity for kumu hula (teachers and master of hula) to showcase the work of their haumana (students) in a non-competitive environment. Food & beverage and Hawaiian arts & crafts will be available for sale. This is a unique opportunity to share the oli (chants), mele (songs), hula (dances) and olelo (stories) of Hawaii. Information: Kumu Keala Ching, Keauhou Beach Resort, 808-324-2553.

Keauhou Beach Resort marks its 40th anniversary with day-long celebration

Before there were any developments on the South Kohala Coast on Hawai‘i Island, there were the resort areas of Kailua-Kona and Keauhou.

Keauhou is a culturally-rich area with heiau (stone temples), ancient burial grounds and more.  One of the major hotels here is the Keauhou Beach Resort and, on Sunday, March 29, the resort marks its 40th anniversary with a day-long celebration in the hotel’s Royal Luau Grounds from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Local families, friends and visitors are invited to be a part of the festivities that will include local arts and crafts, Hawaiian makahiki games, cultural tent, Hawaiian plate lunches and (non-alcoholic) beverages for sale, and a line-up of entertainment.  Anyone planning to enjoy the celebration should bring along a beach mat and chairs so they can get comfortable while enjoying the day.

Schedule of Events

Made in Hawai‘i Arts & Crafters:  7:00 am – 3:00 pm

• Hawaiian Printed Bags, Hawaiian wood pendants, Lauhala weaving, black pearls and other goodies.

Hale ‘Imi Na‘auao cultural tent (located in the Punawai Gardens):  10:00 am – 2:00 pm

• Makahiki Games
• Hawaiian Language
• Lei Making (Wili Ti-leaf)
• Beginning Hula

Entertainment (Royal Lu‘au Grounds):  9:00 am – 3:00 pm

• Opening Ceremony with Employee Chant (E ala e)
• Kumu Keala Ching, Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola
• Alula with Rolinda Bean
• Special Guest artist Aunty Diana Aki
• Kumu Aloha Victor with Hālau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu
• Kumu Wayne Takemoto with Hālau Ka‘ulaokalani o Kona
• Aloha ‘Aina

The Keauhou Beach Resort enjoys a prime oceanfront setting with tide pools sheltering sea turtles and reef fish out front and Kahalu‘u Bay Beach Park, one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island, right next door.

Parking is free. No outside food or coolers will be allowed.

Residents who want to make a weekend of it can take advantage of the hotel’s low kama‘āina rates starting at $109 per night.

For reservations or information, call toll free 1-866-326-6803 or the hotel direct at 1-808-324-2515 (long distance charges apply), or visit www.keauhoubeachresort.com.

Images courtesy of Keauhou Beach Resort