The gf threw out the idea, “Let’s go to Kona so you can the World Champtionship.”
I nearly flipped. She’s a marathon runner and has put up with triathlon and me for quite some time so for her to recommend this trip made me exceptionally happy.
I’ve never been to Kona (or Hawaii for that matter). Do any of you veterans have any suggestions/recommendations for moderately priced hotels near the race?
How difficult is it to see live racing action?
Any comments/sugestions would be greatly appreciated. Much thanks.
first good luck at this point, sorry but it’s going to be hard to find anything at this point. I’ve stayed at the Kona Bali Kai which is about 3 miles outside of town and it was great around $150 a night for a two bedroom if I remember right. I can try to find a phone number for you but if you yellowpages.com it it should pop up. All the other hotels I normally use are full by now I’m sure. I’ve heard of people just showing up and getting great deals on cancellations but that might be sketchy and it’s hit or miss. Good luck, I’m PMing you as well.
Don’t forget bed and breakfasts. I can’t remember the one I stayed at but it was about 3 km from downtown. Price was great, they are nice and quiet, and they don’t seem to fill up that fast. I managed to get a really nice one after realizing that we had landed in Hawaii on the U.S. Thanksgiving thursday night. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out why the airport was so busy.
There are plenty of condos still available 4 or 5 miles south of town, although some bump up their prices or insist on a week minimum during the IM. Try www.vrbo.com it has plenty of listings. I just booked a 2 bedroom a few miles south of Kona for $125 a night.