Kailua-Kona gets some attention

If you’re looking to visit the top U.S. "Destination on the Rise," you won’t have to go far. According to travel website, TripAdvisor.com, it’s on Hawaii island’s west side: Kailua-Kona. That’s followed by Anchorage, Alaska, then Destin, Fla.

Unlike another Hawaii town with a similar moniker — Kailua on Oahu’s Windward side — it seems that Kailua-Kona is reveling in the tourism accolade.

"(Kailua Village Business Improvement District’s) collaborative efforts with business, government and area residents to raise the standards of excellence and improve the cleanliness, attractiveness and economic vibrancy of Historic Kailua Village no doubt contributed to this recognition as an award-winning destination," Eric von Platen Luder, KVBID president, enthused in a news release.

Let’s hope when and if the Hawaii Tourism Authority starts marketing Kailua-Kona, it doesn’t drop the "-Kona" part.

Fun and games on weekend sked

It’s a big weekend of sports.

Important locally is the two-day postseason NCAA volleyball tournament tonight at Stan Sheriff Center, in which the University of Hawaii Wahine are the favorite to advance against Idaho State.

On Saturday, there will be numerous college football conference championships on TV, the outcomes of which will determine who gets to play in which of the key BCS bowl games starting next month.

And finally, the Honolulu Marathon gets underway early Sunday, with nearly 30,000 people registered to participate as runners.

Enjoy!