Sport Event

If your swimming expertise is going to get you recognition it's good; but if it's for a cause, it's a boon. The Annual Cinco de Mayo Swim organized by the Dolphin Days, is a half and one mile swimming event for different age groups. Top three winners will be awarded in a glorious awards ceremony. There's food and drinks and entertainment galore. Entry fee is applicable and inclusive of the charges for the party.

This event spans a five-day period and is held at various locations throughout the Hilo side of the Big Island. It draws volleyball players from all over the country, as well as some international players. More than 100 teams compete to be recognized. The Haili Men's Club Invitational is a nationally sanctioned event and is not limited to only the upper levels of players. All levels of competition are considered, from beginner to master. Admission cost varies by event. Call for exact program information.

A rodeo in Hawai'i? Anyone unfamiliar with island history might be surprised at the idea, but Hawaii actually has had its own cowboy subculture for nearly as long as the cowboy culture has existed on the mainland. These ranchers, known as 'paniolos', started their own annual rodeo on the Big Island more than 35 years ago. The rodeo takes place on two days in March, and features several events, including a few unusual ones such as 'double muggling' and 'poo wai u'. Admission is free.

Have the stamina to run? Go ahead, run, because you'll know it's for a good cause. The Dolphin Dash organized at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is an event that raises funds for Hawaii Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation. All other events held by Dolphin Days are non profit events. You can join the 4-mile Fun Run/Walk or the longer Keiki run that begins later. There's food, drinks, entertainment and a pool party following the awards ceremony. Entry fees are applicable which include charges for the pool party and a race t-shirt.

The triathlon, a combination run-bike-swim race which is widely agreed to be among the most rigorous athletic competitions in the world, got its start in Hawaii approximately a quarter-century ago. The first Ironman, which was actually the first triathlon in modern history, drew 15 competitors. As more people heard about the event, the numbers of would-be competitors and interested onlookers swelled. These days, the triathlon has become a sport in its own right; several are held annually. However, Kona's Ironman is the most famous. Slots fill every year, and thousands of people come out to cheer. Free to watch.

The waters surrounding Hawaii are a big game fisherman's dream, which makes the Big Island the ideal place to hold an annual fishing championship. This particular one is held over a two-week period in July-August. Three different divisions exist within the tournament: Light Tackle, Heavy Tackle and Total Release. All Billfish events promote the conservation of game fish through 'tag and release' programs. The minimum weight for all marlin is 300 pounds.