BRIEF GUIDE TO THE BEST OF THE HAWAII IRONMAN
It's been a little over a week since crossing the finish line in Kona and I'm in Santa Barbara, trying to milk the fading remnants of vacation... I had the good fortune of being able to spend nearly two weeks in Kona leading up to the world championships, a period where I was able to assimilate with IM culture and really get to know this slice of the island. Since recovery has the perk of a little free time (at least what I can find outside of my 8-6) I put together my personal top-highlights for competitors and spectators to the Hawaii Ironman.DINING
Basik: Basik is a small, health-joint that serves Acai-based (ah-sah-EE) smoothies and bowls. It is located behind Hugo's by the Sea on the second floor of what looks like a beach shack. Open from 7am - 4pm, pricey – a small bowl will run you $8.50 and a large $12.50, but absolutely worth it. My personal favorites are the Puna bowl (strawberries, bananas, blueberries), and Bansai bowl (pb-based)Royal Kona Resort: A popular hotel for athletes during the IM, rooms are supposedly outdated and extremely over-priced so I prefer it for the occasional meal or cocktail. The ocean-bar is perfect sighting for the .7m swim buoy. A great location for friends and family to congregate and watch your swim-rehearsals.
Sac-N-Save (supermarket): There are many so-called "ABC" supermarkets in Kona town that while convenient, miss the mark in terms of selection and pricing. A short-walk up Palani you'll find a variety of supermarkets including Sac-N-Save (best value).
LODGING
Waikoloa Village: Resort town located off the Queen K, on the Ironman bike route ~40min from Kona town. The village is much more relaxed and luxurious than Kona-proper, and during race week surprisingly more affordable. My parents stayed at the Hilton (pictured below), I have also heard rave reviews for the Mauna Lani.The view from my folks' room at the Hilton, Waikoloa. |
Kona Town: The heart of the Ironman, where the action happens. The most popular hotels are the King K and Royal Kona resort. The King K is the host hotel, just yards from the transition zone and start and finish lines. Looks a bit like a Motel 6 from the outside, and IMHO the convenience does not warrant the cost. The Royal Kona is a much nicer looking hotel, maybe a 1/2 mile from transition but across the street from my favorite hot-spots like Basik and Lava Java. It is sea-side, and ocean-view rooms have terrific views of the swim course.
Ali'i Dr: Where the sponsors stay. Ali'i hosts the first 10 miles of the marathon, it's a residential street dotted with beach side mansions which are overtaken by industry-leaders such as Cervelo, Specialized, Zoot, Saucony etc. These sponsors open up their doors and liberally hand out schwag and throw parties leading up to race day. For athletes/spectators, Ali'i is a spectator-friendly option that will give you more luxurious acomodations than Kona-town without breaking the bank. Downside is you'll be anywhere between 1.5 and 5 miles from Kona town. Car or scooter rental is advised (I stayed on mile 4 of the run course and spent two week running or biking into town, and occasionally hitchhiking or catching the local trolley). Use VRBO to look for houses/condos on Ali'i. For those who prefer hotels, the Sheraton is far but a good option.
Gui's choice for 2013: I will likely spend the beginning and tail end of my trip in Waikaloa (either the Hilton or Mauna Lani bungalows) and rent a Condo in Kona town for the two days leading up to Ironman + night of the event. For the first timer, I would recommend a location on Ali'i since it's close enough to the action to feel part of it, but far enough to have a little refuge. It's also convenient enough that I wouldn't recommend moving closer to town for race day.
IM-SANCTIONED ACTIVITIES
Welcome Banquet & Pre-Race Meeting: A grand production put on by our friends at the WTC. Easy to look over if you're not staying at the host hotel but worth the trip into town. The pre-race meeting was quite informative - i.e. I learned that all Kayak's and the turn-around boat have spare goggles, and that aid stations on the bike route have basic repair tools should you run into any issues.Bike Check-in: Mandatory for athletes, recommended for spectators. The bike check-in is host of the annual "bike and helmet count." Watch dozens of media members document every nook and cranny of your getup. Even then AGers feel like pros.
Midnight Finish: It doesn't get any better than the finish line at Kona. Mike Reilly + co. really fire up the crowd cheering on that final finisher, usually with meer seconds to midnight. Put off sleep and stick around for this. You won't regret it.
Awards Banquet: Worth the trip even if you're not getting a umeke bowl. Another great production by the WTC and perfect opportunity to reflect on your tremendous accomplishment.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Kukio Blue Water 1.2 mile OWS race: Kukio is an exclusive, gated community 14 miles North of Kona town. Twice a year, they open their gates for charity by putting on a bike/run/paddle race the week before Hanu, and a 1.2M OWS the Saturday before IM World Championships. Kukio is an absolutely incredible community, and the OWS race couldn't have been better organized with a live DJ, full post-race buffet and awards ceremony. Rumor has it that Chris Lieto usually brings his family to compete in both events.Underpants run: An excuse for the 1800 athletes competing in IM to strip and show off their bodies (and raise money for charity at the same time). I participated this year, but may stay off the legs and stick to watching from now on!
Coffees of Hawaii boat: Typically for the ~4 days leading up to race day from 7-10am. The boat is located roughly 400meters from shore, and athlete and families alike should visit for free coffee, cookies, and swag from sponsors like Blue Seventy.
Massage (from the best): Race week brings the pros and their entourage, typically an onslaught of PT's, massage therapists etc. While they're in town, take advantage by scheduling a session with some of the best hands in the business. Twitter is the best resource for getting to know who's on the island and their availability.
"Parties": More of your celery, ranch-dip and protein shake type of gathering but a party nonetheless. You'll see these advertised on Ali'i, as well as Twitter, FB, and the occasional promoter. Slowtwitch throws a popular gathering, and K-Swiss is rumored to have the best post-race party in town (but you'll need a connection). Here's a clip from the Rudy Project party which was hosted at the Palace in Kona-town and featured live music by Paula Fuga and Mike Love!
"Parties": More of your celery, ranch-dip and protein shake type of gathering but a party nonetheless. You'll see these advertised on Ali'i, as well as Twitter, FB, and the occasional promoter. Slowtwitch throws a popular gathering, and K-Swiss is rumored to have the best post-race party in town (but you'll need a connection). Here's a clip from the Rudy Project party which was hosted at the Palace in Kona-town and featured live music by Paula Fuga and Mike Love!
From IM KONA 2012 |
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