Contacts now in Kona/Pahoa?

[volleyballjim]

Hope this isn't annoying, but must be travel season in Santa Cruz. Have a friend going to the Big Island and wanted contacts/places in Kona/Pahoa. I remember two courts down south from Kona, but don't know location/names. Then there was one down Ali Drive a bit, but thats all I've got...Anyone? PS. I'll try to keep track of these should any VT'ers travel and want to get this rolled up data on Hawaii from me....I also amassed some great info on Phoenix too that I will put in a file....keep 'em coming, but friend leaves next week! Yikes? Locations or contacts? Tx!

[keeweekid]

Kona side:
1) Magic Sands Beach
There is a court at Magic Sands Beach on Alii Drive. Probably the same one you are thinking about.
Small beach, 1 court. When we were there in May, didn't see much going on at this court minus a so so pickup game but worth checking out if driving down Alii Dr.
Can use Google Maps, type in Magic Sand Beach, drop the yellow guy on Alii Drive next to Magic Sands Beach and they can see what they would be looking for.

2) Keauhou Bay- further south on Alii Drive.
Again, Google map it and you can just type in Keauhou Bay.
I did not play there but walked by a lot as we were staying in a condo that was walking distance from there.. Much nicer than Magic Sands. Nice court and they have a net that they can pull along the south end so the ball doesn't end up on the water.
I did see about 8 guys out one weekend (playing 2s). Level was fairly good. 1-2 was so-so but decent players. 1 guy could really get up. Could tell they were all locals...so imo, this is your friend's best chance at finding a decent game on Big Island.
Since there was 8 guys and they were playing 2v2, I didn't bother trying to get in but was the only decent sand vb I saw on the 3 weeks on the Kona side. If they are using Google maps, I usually got there by taking Alii Drive, turning right on Kaleiopapa, take it all the way down (sheraton is down this way but off to the left). Follow to end but right before it ends (basically on map, switch to Satellite view) ends in rd becoming a boat ramp into the ocean. Just before boat ramp, veer right, pass SeaQuest Snorkeling and you will see a big parking lot at the end. Court is off towards 2 O'Clock from that parking lot. Or you can park on opposite side (space available) over on the map where it says Keauhou Canoe Club. The canoe club is actually where the court is...and a bunch of canoes.
If they happen to be in the vicinity of the Sheraton around night time, walk into Sheraton, go to their restaurant Rays on the Bay (not necessary to eat/drink) can walk through open air restaurant and they can look for mantra rays there. We didn't see any but worth a shot if they are nearby and looking for something to do.

Pahoa: Used to live in Pahoa. Granted this was my pre-VB days but I do not remember any VB courts in the Pahoa area. We went back to Pahoa in May as part of our trip to Big Island and didn't see any...and I was trying to find something. I would be fairly surprised if there were sand courts as the sand on Pahoa side is not the same sand as on Kona side. Rougher and does not have the big(ish) beaches that exist on some places on the western side (well more up towards Waikoloa ala Hapuna beach).

So, if they find some locals at Keauhou Bay, try to find out when they play...or maybe see if there is anyone at the Keauhou canoe shack located above the sand court and see if they know when the locals play as that is probably their best and possibly only option of finding a decent sand game on Big Island.