Tex Drive-In, famous for delectable malasadas, has opened a new dining location in Kona. The new location is in the Kopiko shopping center just below Long’s.

The new location is quite a bit smaller than the Honoka’a, and doesn’t feature the malasada viewing area. However, it offers the same fabulous foods. We headed in to grab a malasada, as we had already eaten lunch. I was happy to note the veggie burger loco moco! I’ll have that next time.

The malasada arrived quickly to my hand was piping hot, fresh, and full of sugary goodness. The Tex malasads are much bigger than I remember, but that’s a good thing.

The seating area layout appears to still be in transition, but there were a few tables ready inside, and two tables were available outside.

The Big Island Ukulele Guild is holding their annual show this weekend at the Kona Inn Shopping Village next to the Just Ukes store. Last night I was able to stop by, and view a great collection of older ukuleles, as well as some fabulously built custom ukuleles.

On display are some examples of tools used to create these unique works of art.

Big Island Ukulele Guild will be on hand to show their work again today, Saturday, from 3:00pm-8:00pm. Be sure to stop by if you’re in the area to check out some incredible ukuleles.

The ukes shown above are by Woodly White of White Guitars & Pu’u wai Ukuleles of Na’alehu.

Jack In The Box is now open in Kona. The 2,400 sqft. building is located in the new Henry Street landing complex.

Walking in you can tell this restaurant will be a popular destination for many Kona people. It was packed inside, and just after I took the above drive-thru photo it 5 more cars lined up for takeout.

Inside, the staff were friendly and helpful despite being extra busy. John had a cheeseburger, and proclaimed it to be a good Jack-in-the-box burger.

On Thursday, preparations for the 2010 Kona Ironman were underway. Part of Ali’i was closed to traffic, which allowed for a unique walk down. The street was filled with the influx of athletes, volunteers, and support crews waiting for the big event on Saturday.

Kailua Bay hosts the 2.4 mile swim course.

Over 1,800 athletes will be running, swimming, and biking all over the island. In an attempt to cheer on their favorite athlete many write on the closed roadway with chalk, and add names with coral to the black lava that can be seen from the 112 mile bike course that stretches from Kona to Hawi.

In the events leading up the race sponsors and sports equipment companies have set up shop along Ali’i to show racers their products.

Follow the event live today at ironmanlive.com.

Men’s Finishing Times:
1 8:10:37 4 McCormack, Chris Burraneer NSW AUS 51:36 1:43 4:31:51 1:58 2:43:31
2 8:12:17 1:40 3 Raelert, Andreas Drage GER 51:27 1:54 4:32:27 2:05 2:44:25
3 8:13:14 2:37 23 Vanhoenacker, Marino Jabbeke BEL 51:33 1:59 4:31:00 1:58 2:46:46
4 8:16:53 6:16 1 Alexander, Craig Sydney NSW AUS 51:32 1:49 4:39:35 2:00 2:41:59
5 8:20:11 9:34 24 Tissink, Raynard Port Eliza ZAF 52:25 1:56 4:30:48 2:20 2:52:44
6 8:21:00 10:23 6 Bracht, Timo Eberbach GER 53:52 1:59 4:29:42 2:10 2:53:18
7 8:22:02 11:26 14 Llanos, Eneko Vitoria-Ga ESP 51:38 2:01 4:39:23 2:00 2:47:03

Women’s Finishing Times

1 8:58:36 102 Carfrae, Mirinda Brisbane QLD AUS 55:53 1:56 5:04:59 2:18 2:53:32
2 9:06:00 7:25 150 Steffen, Caroline Mooloolaba QLD AUS 55:57 2:01 4:59:23 2:53 3:05:47
3 9:10:04 11:29 130 Dibens, Julie Boulder CO USA 53:50 1:56 4:55:28 2:39 3:16:12
4 9:16:47 18:11 103 Berasategui, Virginia Bilbao ESP 57:46 2:22 5:05:36 2:34 3:08:31

If you’re driving in to Kona you can’t miss the the Ultimate Burger sign waver on the side of the road in front of the Kona Commons. Feeling hungry, a few weeks ago we decided to stop in.

Ultimate Burger offers a welcoming environment with a friendly cashier decked out in a paniolo hat waiting to take your order. It took a minute to navigate through all the options on the menu. They offer many types of burgers, and even a veggie burger. We settled on a basic cheeseburger and fries with aioli sauce.

After, placing the order a number is given, and the food is brought to your table when it’s ready.

The burger is brought out on a real plate, made of Big Island Beef, and topped with local and organic produce. Tasty!

The fries are superb, and probably my favorite fries on the island so far. The included aioli sauce adds a nice flavor.

Ultimate Burger
74-5450 Makala Blvd
Suite E112
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 329-2326