Most places were booked up months ago. I'd suggest either doing an internet search to see what's left, or easier, going through Premium Plus.

http://www.premiumplus-sports.com/PPS2.html

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Try the Royal Kona Resort. #808-329-3111. I've stayed their the last 3 years, beautiful place and walking distance from the pier(o.k., a long walk, about 1.5 miles)

You should find someplace where you are guaranteed a bed, but I also recommend putting your name on the waitlist at the King Kamehameha (sp?) hotel which is the race headquarters. I put my name on the waitlist there in the first week in August last year (late!), and about a week before the race they called and offered me a room. I think they get a lot of cancellations shortly before the race and so they go pretty deep on the waitlist. (Note that I didn't end up staying there so can't vouch for the quality or price of the rooms -- the location is great though.)

I stayed 20 mi north near Waikaloa and thought that it was nice to be able to leave behind all the crowds and nervous energy in Kona, although it means you need a rental car.