You have saved up, ready to buy all the good stuff such as all the Ironman gear, memorabilia and of course, a matching Aloha shirt for the bloke, and a matching moo moo for the ladyJ.

But it just doesn’t stop there. You are heading to one of the most visited places on earth. The big Island may play host to the Ironman Triathlon World Championships, but in my mind is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and trust me, I have seen most.

Let me take you for a spin in my 2006 Ford Explorer around the Island and give you the best of, oh, by the way, do you like to eat out too?

C’mon, vamonos, schnell, allez … let’s go.

So you want to go for a drive, okay, fine with me, just put the place that you want to visit into the Navigation system and I will take a nap. Silly Aussie, alright, why don’t we head north first.

The Ironman Bike course heads north to the Kohala Coast first passing the Energy lab (five miles out of town), the airport (six) then past the Four Seasons resort, the Waikaloa Resort area and Mauna Lani before turning off the Queen K highway at highway 19. Then its up to Hawi, but lets not go there today.

Follow the course to that turn and make a right to Waimea for breakfast, approximately and hour drive from Kona. Oh, and remember to take a jacket. (I know, you’re thinking I’m crazy, but it’s at altitude … you’ll thank me!) More than likely you will get a pleasant morning, but you are in the tropics mate, so you may want to throw in the brolly too (umbrella thick head).

There are two things I like as you turn out of Waimea. One is my favorite lookout on the Island at Waipio Valley. It is absolutely gorgeous, take your camera and snap away – you may want a gig bit, mate. If you rented a four wheeler, then throw it into “4low” and down you go!

You can drive down to the bottom and through the valley streams, it’s incredible … really is … and if you like black sand beaches then wulla! Bang, in front of your faces are black as the ace of spade beaches of beauty,.

After leaving Waipio Valley, go back to Waimea and pick your poison, either hang a left and go to Hilo or go back to Kona. If you want to see the back side of the course, then turn right at Kawaihae and go up 19 miles to Hawi. There’s not much to see, but the quaint little town has an awesome smoothie shop.

Let’s go to Hilo from Waimea now. OK, so drive on Highway 19 from Waimea, and then you will hit the Hamakua coastline. This is the first land you see from the plane flying in from the west coast of the USA. Hug the coastline for a magnificent view. Just as you come into Hilo, on the right will be Akaka Falls. With a little hike you’ll see a beautiful waterfall.

The Rainbow Falls are also beautiful – they’re just outside of Hilo.

Hilo is the rainy side of the Island, so pack a light jacket and your brolly. Hilo will NOT be hopping with triathletes so don’t wear your undies, pack a Hawaiian shirt, and fit in!

There is a nice park in Hilo so you may want to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a read and a snooze.

Now, if you are daring, you can take the Saddle Road on the way back. Highway 200 is slower but shorter.

The other drive that is popular is the trek up to the Volcano National park. Straight out of Kona you take The Queen K (or Kuakini Highway south to the Queen K and turn right). Just stay on that road (which will be Highway 11) and prepare yourself for a long day. Its around 100 miles but they aren’t freeway miles.

When you get to the park, it is quite dramatic, take shoes so you can walk comfortably and sunscreen and plenty of fluids. My favorite up there is to visit the lava tubes, very fascinating. Did you know there was a lava tube on the bike course? Yep, just before Waikaloa, it comes out right at the side there.

Anyway, those are two drives that I like.

OK, so you don’t like driving that much. I have the ultimate solution for you. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters will take you on a tour around the island, over the active Volcano and around to places you cannot get to by car. The only thing is, gas is cheaper in a car!

You can book them at any hotel and they are located at the Waikaloa area.

Snorkeling—count me in here. I love snorkeling.

There are several options. You can go to Snorkel Bobs and rent the stuff or do what I do, go to the ABC store and buy it! Its cheap and you can re-use it, plus they are good chew toys for the ankle biters (kids).

Where to snorkel?

Do you want to go on an organized tour? If so, come right this way… Body Glove Cruises has a terrific cruise. They sail around to Pawai Bay one of the islands most beautiful snorkeling spots with up to 100 ft visibility. Why do I like this one? Well, they rent the gear, and if you have fear of the ocean, that’s taken care of too – they have flotation devices for you and they have prescription masks too. They also have scuba available too. For the kids, and the big kids, there’s also a water slide off into the ocean! They do morning and afternoon sessions. (www.snorkelkona.com)

If you want to snorkel at a pretty beach with marine life like you’ve never seen, the Hapuna State Beach (also the start of Honu Triathlon held every year in June www.honuhalfironman.com) is a public beach that is one of the top five beaches in the world! Get an early start to your day and snorkel in the morning then continue driving around the island, or simply pop in next door to the Mauna Lani Hotel for lunch on the way back. This is the host hotel for the Honu race and will not disappoint you.

Snorkeling around Kona can be tricky, though –  you need to be aware of reefs. Always wear water socks down to the rocks.

Into coffee and Macadamia nuts? You came to the right Island!

Coffee on the islands runs at a premium. It’s good, and it’s expensive. If you want to visit any coffee farms, there are lots to choose from. Check your local listings, but I like the farms that are in Holualoa, straight up from Kona. Yes, I said up! The other area is Kealakekua, a 15-minute drive south of Kona. Grab a coffee, and a bag or three, then head straight for Kealakekua Bay and jump in for a snorkel … that’s where most boats will take you anyhow.

Fishing?

Mate, it’s the Pacific Ocean! You won’t find better fishing anywhere. There are several companies that run fishing charters, but just three miles outside of town is Honokahu harbor, which is where most charters will leave from. Check out the listings as there are too many to choose from. You are almost guaranteed to land the BIG ONE!

Golf?

Ahhhh, now you’re talking.

OK, I have played The Hualalai Four Seasons course, Mauna Lani ( my best round ever, buried Huddle and Roch, oh, and Ben too!) Waikaloa, Makelai Country Club (awesome view, very hilly) and Kona Country Club.

The closet is Kona Country Club, which is situated at the end of Alii Drive, which is very handy to get to.  They have two courses, “Mountain” and “Ocean”. I liked both … I didn’t love both.

Makelai …  Mate, this one’s a beauty! It’s a fifteen minute drive up Palani Drive. This course has it all, the views are unparalled. Ocean, ocean, and you guessed it, mountains! It’s a hilly course and creativity in your game is a must!

Hualalai … This is a stop on the Champions Tour. It’s not a hard course – very flat with some majestic holes. A par five with a short hit to a Lava wall, then a long shot into the green …  By the way, it all looks at the ocean -- the big problem here? Keeping your mind on the game. Awesome course.

Mauna Lani and Waikaloa are geared more toward the resort guests, but are great courses. Both resorts have two courses.

Who likes the markets? I do! Two markets I should tell you about:

1.Alii Gardens Marketplace, located on Alii Drive just a few miles down from town. They have all sorts of Fruits, handcrafts and local treats. It really is a must see-buy thing. Wed-Sun 9AM – 5PM.

2. Kona Inn Shopping Center …  I like this one as you can stroll there. It also has everything – just bring an extra carry bag, the fruit is insane. Don’t miss out, get there early. Wed-Fri 7AM -4PM.

Dining — Where to start?

Why don’t we start at the best! HUGGO”S, great food, better location! Can’t beat it, right at the Royal Kona Resort sits Huggo’s. The catch of the day is actually getting in! Book early to avoid being disappointed. The fish is great and the steaks are even better. If you drink, try the Mai Tai, DUH! For me, water from the tap is just fine, little ice, shaken not ….OK Bond!

Kona Inn. This place to me is a little over rated, but I keep going back. The best thing there are pupus. At sunset enjoy a pretty view of the ocean whilst relaxing and sucking a cold one down. You’ll find the sponsors and sometimes the odd pro athlete there having a meeting with a sponsor, or you’ll run into John Duke. Just make it there before the sun goes down, that’s when John splits and goes to bed. May find Orange Roughy there too.

There are many restaurants around … just remember to book early.

Lava Java … I think Jurgen Zack has shares in this place. If you drive by, look for a guy with long blond flowing hair (little bit of gel or styling mousse) to be sitting out front checking out the scene. He might do better if he trains a little don’t you think? Sorry Jurgen, … friend, buddy, pal! This is a great little coffee hang with a good breakfast menu too.

So there are some suggestions of things to do during your time in Kona … Greg style! Hope you enjoy yourself on the island.