About Us

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Diane Dana (Welles) at barely 19 years of age, was drawn to the Hawaiian Islands by the promise of warm tropical waters and abundant sea life - perfect for diving. After graduating from San Diego State University, at age 18, with a B.S. degree with Honors (3.95 GPA) in Business & Marketing, plus a Minor in Scuba Diving Physiology; Diane has called Kona her home for over 30 years.

Kona Mermaid

One of her earliest Kona jobs played a pivotal role in shaping her future. Diane worked on a glass bottom boat as a "mermaid", while scuba diving under the boat with food to entice the fish into view of the clientele. One fateful day while the boat was docked at the Kailua Pier, Diane witnessed her first Ironman Triathlon. The intense determination and dedication of the competitors was so inspirational that shortly after she formed a group with five members to train and compete in the following Kona Ironman Triathlon. Of the five, one member was her sister, Margie, as well as Bill Bell (the oldest triathlete in the world).

The Kona IronMan - Now and Then

"It's a long way from 1982, since it's 28 Years later, but nonetheless, I am still motivated and in Awe, by the huge number of Female Athletes that are now competing ... We've come A Long Way, Baby! Here's My Ironman Survival Story and I would Love to Hear about Yours too!"

In 1982, Diane competed in and finished her first Kona Ironman Triathlon. The race, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26-mile run, took her 14 hours to complete. In those fourteen hours, Diane formed an unbreakable bond with Kona. She realized through the cheers, the support, the 'chicken skin' and the community spirit of just how much Kona meant to her … a truly magical place.
Diane followed up that amazing accomplishment by starting a family, which proved to be an even greater challenge than the Ironman.

Following her Triathlon success, Diane and her sister Margie, both continued to compete in other Hawaii, US and International Triathlons events, that incuded Marathons.

IRONBABY

She became the first Ironman competitor to be a Mom, and her son Randal (that at age 10 & 12, completed two Honolulu Marathons with Diane); became the first so-called "Ironbaby." Employing the term "Ironbaby", Diane partnered with Ironman to create a successful clothing line for children up to age six with hats, shirts, joggers, etc. Visit us at: www.ironbaby.com

Real Estate Developer & Residential Construction Experience

Hardly one to back down from a challenge, Diane decided to fully pursue her dream of becoming a builder and developer of custom homes. Starting literally in the ditches, she learned every step in the process of homebuilding from foundation to finish.Relying on the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright, she designed an homage to the master with a magnificent house in Kona. The final result of all the years of passionate hard work was a labor of love she named "Falling Waters Villa ", easy walking distance to White (Magic) Sands Beach Park.

Diane meticulously designed every element of "Falling Waters" to create the consummate tropical getaway. She even used Giant Open-Beam Cupolas to vent the tropical heat, maintaining a temperature nearly 12 degrees cooler than neighboring homes. The interior, complete with Granite Countertops and hardwood, tile, & stone floors, is accented by original works of local Hawaiian and Balinese artists.

Wyland Art Director

In 1998, Diane started her career in Art Sales with Wyland galleries in Honolulu, and later was promoted to General Manager and Art Director to the world famous marine-life artist, Wyland for his Kona art gallery.

Diane set a WyLand 'single client ' art sale record of over 1.4 Million, that still stands today, in 2013.

With over 30 years of living in Hawaii, Diane knows all the inner workings of Kona and can arrange any type of activity or services including scuba diving, fishing, helicopter rides, swimming with the wild dolphins or Manta rays to Hawaiian Wellness & Holistic health care/treatments.

If you happen to see Diane around town, on her favorite Honda scooter, please don't be shy and introduce yourself and talk story with her. Diane loves to chat about her current Home Improvement Projects, which she is now working on a art masterpiece for the pool. Since she remains active with her Scuba Diving, you might to ask her about her favorite diving spots. One of her favorite spots is at Kahaluu for Snorkeling & Board Surfing, with her Friends and Family ...

As 2012 came to a close, we wanted to give a Kahuna-size Mahalo to all of our Guest families that we hosted throughout the year at Falling Waters Vacation Villa ... we had a plethora of adventures, emergencies, many funny moments, lot's of laughter, cock tails, dinners, BBQ's, locked cars with the keys in them, the very hilarious moments of watching someone from another country attempt to open a coconut with a fork, more belly laughter, sunburns, mishaps, Guest gifts, talented musicians, Menehunes and only to end the year, with our annual New Year's Fireworks Big Bang Show ... in a spectacular fashion!

We can't wait to see what 2013 will bring ... but, we are certain that whatever it is, it will be most interesting and entertaining ... A Hui Hou!

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