Final destination in the land of cliff diving’s origin: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2010 comes to Kawainui Falls in Hilo, Hawaii for its final stop.
Kahekili, the last independent king of Maui, used cliff diving as an initiation rite for his warriors back in the 18th century. Leaping feet first from a high cliff into water without making a splash – otherwise known as “Lele Kawa” – is still the ultimate goal of these brave modern warriors.
Cliff Diving Heads To Hawaii for Series Decider – September 12
Photo by Gary Christenson
Competition at Kawainui Falls
Having once been a competitive diver, I am fascinated and heartened to see the art of cliff diving promoted to the ranks of a world class extreme sport.
Hawaii is hosting the Red Bull cliff diving finals in Hilo and what I would give for a ticket! But, alas, none are available, unless you are a lucky listener to radio call in shows on 94.7 Hilo and 101.5 Kona.
Along the Hamakua Coast, the only place on the Big Island where we have tumbling streams and giant active waterfalls year round, Red Bull has chosen the gorgeous location of Kawainui Falls in Pepeekeo near Onomea Bay for their Cliff Diving World Series event. (Kawainue falls is located on private property and is the home of a private bed & breakfast, thus the limited attendance to this world class event.)
I get nervous just THINKING about the 3 meter board. Cliff diving? Really! At 65, I prefer my desk at the real estate office in Waimea, but what I would give to see these amazing athletes in my own back yard, twisting and turning in the air on their way to fame and ultimate glory.
Best of luck to each of the competitors and congratulations Hilo, Hawaii for hosting such a unique World Series event!
Cliff Diving Highlights on YouTube
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is high diving at its most death-defying – an acrobatic descent into water from heights of up to 28m. Once in the air, the divers have approximately three seconds to coordinate their movements before they break the surface of the water at around 100kph (60mph).
Bailey Wharton, R, is a resident of the Big Island’s Hamakua coast.
