Just got a few estimates for 14 days (Oct 4-18) in Kona.
Ocean front condos on Ali’i Dr
2 bedroom
All are coming back $3500-4000 
Is this the going rate over the World Champs ???
Or am I getting hosed ???
That is a pretty good deal for 2 weeks during IM. But yes, any other 2 week period and the same condo is 2000. Welcome to the big dance (and most other IM races).
That sounds about right. In 2007 we rented a 4 bedroom ocean front home about 4 miles from the finish line and it was right around 7k for 2 weeks. Any other time of the year it would have been around 3500 but Ironman week everybody gets hosed.
Have you ever been to Hawaii? A 2 bedroom oceanfront condo will rarely go for much less than $250 a night regardless of what time of year you go.
Check out www.royalkahili.com
We stayed there last year at $100.00 USD/ night for a 2 bedroom condo…right at around the 3 mile mark on the run course…
Have you ever been to Hawaii? A 2 bedroom oceanfront condo will rarely go for much less than $250 a night regardless of what time of year you go.
This. Hawaii is f’n EXPENSIVE. It’s a year-round vacation destination.
If you think condos are spendy, you should check out the real estate prices there. Holy crap.
PS - we spent a week on the Big Island, then the next week on Maui.
We much preferred Maui - it’s the tropical paradise you’d envision a place like Hawaii to be. The big island? Not so much.
We stayed in West Maui, but also drove up Haleakela, and hiked down into it (like being on another planet), drove the road to Hana, with numerous side-hikes, it was awesome.
YMMV.
PPS - IF you do this, make sure you ship your bike home after Kona.
It’s just a small puddle-jumper that flies to Maui, and a bike case would never, ever fit in it.
Racing Kona is a HI vacation, ruined.
Does it have to be ocean front? I know of a lot across the street that are $800-900/week (even during IM). And the how lose do you want to be. Even cheaper down in Keahou.
Also, right now the prices are high because some will pay that as there used to an increased demand, so it was harder to find a place and you had to book early. This isnt really the case anymore (though it seems it is heading back that way) As it gets closer prices will drop as people want to fill their condos so they’ll need to drop prices. For the last 3 years I know people who have waited until 1-2 weeks prior & found places to stay and the price was good.
I can put you in contact w/ someone who can get you a 2 bedroom at about 1.5 mile marker, across the street from the ocean for 2 weeks for under $2000. Super nice condo, but not ocean front.
Racing Kona is a HI vacation, ruined.
Haha, love it! I’ve raced once and watched 3X. Now we go every NOVEMBER. Kona in November >>>>>> Kona in October!
Jamie
9 day package for 2 in August, hotel (King K) and flight from El Paso ~$2,400 
It’s not always very expensive. Of course, once you’re there, it costs $30 per person per meal minimum…
I am taking my kids next MARCH (2014) and Mauna Loa Village 2 Bdrm Garden View Villa - 2000 sqft, Free Parking,Free Wireless Internet,Full Kitchen
is $1500 for one week
.
Another option is renting South Kona or Captian Cook. You can get whole houses, less people and nice beaches for less. We move to Ali’i drive a couple of days before race day. Happy to connect you with who use to help. Look for our Kona suggestions coming soon at www.triwivesclub.com.
Some people pay that much for 1 week in Lake Placid during IMLP. #PriceGougingNormalForIM #Sucks
Anyone interested…Royal Kahili has 2 bedroom condos for $125.00/night pretty well anytime of the year…Either contact John at www.royalkahili.com or Bridget at Bridgetkona@gmail.com I was very pleased staying there last year for the Ironman. Wish I was going back, but, the Legacy Lottery only gives you, once in a lifetime chance at it…cheers
For first time visitors your advice about visiting Maui is helpful but there are many wonderful places to see on Big Island once you get outside of Kona - great beaches all along the coast going up towards Havi and amazing sites in the Waipo Vallegy and then on road heading south to Hilo - in addition to the entire area south of Kona - Captain Cook etc. and also up into the higher elevations where there are coffee plantations. If you only have two weeks, it is worth exploring the island before flying to another island. There have been many posts on Slow Twitch about what to do and see away from tourist area and the book, Big Island Revealed, is a great resources.
Alii Drive is pretty much the worst place to be in October. Ironman time is the hottest time of the year and Alii Drive is only surpassed by the Queen K in heat for a good deal of it. Plus it’s noisy. Expand your search a bit. But yes, it’s high season and places will be more expensive.
Stay at Uncle Billy’s hotel right on Ali’i Drive for about $150 per night. It’s a dump, but can’t beat the location.
Stay at Uncle Billy’s hotel right on Ali’i Drive for about $150 per night. It’s a dump, but can’t beat the location.
And bed bugs are free!
Agree Maui is paradise, but then go to Kauai, that is too me at least was even more of a paradise. Was there a few months back for the second time (this time my company paid for it.)
That’s $250/night for beach front in Hawaii. That’s pretty much what it is on the Gulf in Florida too. So given it’s Kona week I wouldn’t say you’re getting hosed.
cf
I agree with the above. Around $250 a night on Alii drive during Kona is not a stretch. Especially this late in the game. A lot of hotels in the US charge more than that a night, per room, every day of the week.
Check out VRBO… Private home owners sometimes have better deals. We found a spot that we’ve stayed at for the last 3 years with 3 bedrooms for more than what you are being quoted. We stay off Alii, but it’s perfect.
jake