My wife and I have been having some disgreement about places to stay in Kona. (Thus the delay in finding a place.) She sould like to stay ina resort (AKA hotel)–not too far from the race site, but driving distance it ok. I’m not looking to spend a bunch.
Preferably near the shuttle.
Any recommendations out there? It would be nice if there were a place to store my bike and such, if possible.
Doc, when you say “resort” what exactly are your expecatations? Resort ususally implies the full slate of amenities (Golf, Tennis, mutiple pools, shops and restaurants). That can get pricey in the Islands.
If that is the definition of “Resort”, then reasonably priced is not likely.
I think she just wants pools and jacuzzis, dining facilities, walking distance to town (<2mi) if possible. NO golf, tennis.
That’s called a hotel.
I stayed at the Sheraton about 5 miles north of town a couple of months ago…it was cheap but the service was lousy, the food was lousy and the hotel was ugly.
Give Knutson & Assoc. or West Hawaii Properties in Kona a call and ask them. If you have to be within 2 miles of town, you are cutting down the possibilites pretty fast. I prefer being down towards Keauhou. No problem if you have a car, or you can take the shuttle. 2 miles to town means you are going to be along Alii Dr. and that walk really isn’t that pleasant frankly.
Didn’t know about the shuttle.
Where does that run to/from?
It runs up and down Alii dr. from the Pier to the Kaeuhou Surf and Racquet club (about 5 mi. South on Alii Dr.)
If you are there for the Worlds, they have race morning shuttles and thoruhgout the day for fans.
Right you are. She said ‘resort.’
Any suggestions?
“Resort”
The Hilton Waikoloa Village is AWESOME! One of the nicest resorts I have ever staid at. It is a bit far from Downtown/Alii drive, but the Mrs. will be happy as a clam there.
As a side note (and for SERIOUS bonus points): they have a little outdoor gazebo/wedding chapel that you can renew your vows at overlooking the ocean with waves crashing on the rocks, flamingos in the gardens around, etc. Unforgetable experience. I have some photos if you would like to see 
She won’t know what hit her!
Do they allow bikes on the shuttle? Thanks.
That might just ice the cake for her, since she hasn’t been too jazzed about this trip. She just TOLERATES my tri-ing. (She’s a yoga nazi–well…yoga nut.)
Any yoga in town?
You might want to take a look at the Keauhou Kona Surf & Racquet Club Resort. It’s about 5 miles south of the bay (where T2 used to be), at Keauhou Bay. Renovated about a year or so ago. Haven’t stayed there myself but it might be worth checking out.
Thanks!
I agree, the Waikaloa Village is awesome, but it is also EXPENSIVE. We’ve stayed at the Hilton Waikaloa for a non Ironman event.
The resorts in the South Kohala area are great, but none are cheap, $300+ per night. They are not only a long drove to town (30+ miles), but the traffic coming in from that direction is horrible, especially Ironman week. You may be stuck trying to get into town for an extra 1/2 hour or more. Race day you will be unable to get back to the resort until quite late.
At this late in the game, your choices are going to be quite limited anyway.
Bump!
<walking distance to town (<2mi)>
Waikoloa won’t cut it unless she’s up for about a 35 mile walk. If you’re doing the race, my personal Opinion would be Waikoloa would be a hassle being so far from Kailua town. You’ll want to be going in and out of th erace site area and having to drive the Queen K would be a lot of frustration.
Just South of the Kailua pier (race start/finish) is the Hilton or the Sheraton. That might be your best bet.
I know there is Yoga South of town about 10 miles in the little town on the Hwy. near the Aloha cafe. Plus they have classes at Kona Athletic club.
http://www.hawaii-kona.com/Map2.html
Here’s a map of Alii Drive. There is nothing you describe within 2 miles of the Pier. Anything is going to be expensive. You will have a very slim chance of finding anything close, the best places book a year out.
There are a couple of Hotels about 5 miles out towards Keahou Bay. I wouldn’t depend on a shuttle, rent a car.
Don’t wait. Even car rentals sell out.
My wife works for Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu. We get the ultimate Kamaina discount at Waikaloa - free! We go every year for the 70.3 at the Maunalani a couple miles north and she doesn’t like to leave the resort. You’re right, it’s really far from town. You’d have to get an extra early wake-up call to drive down there. But then again there’s not much happening in town durring ironman week anyway