Hey There Slowtwitch Friends,
I hope everyone is getting what they hoped for out of your triathlon seasons!
My wife and year old son are going to Kona in October to cheer on some friends and take in the race scene. We have a room booked at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Presently we have a standard room reserved and some of the comments that I have read are not too encouraging. We are happy to upgrade to either the Partial Ocean View room or the Ocean Front room. But, before I do so, I was hoping for some input from anyone that has any experience at this particular hotel.
Unfortunately, we are not able to change or reservations to a different hotel.
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Scoogie
I’m not sure what type of room I stayed in but I loved that Hotel. It was great. My deck was perfect for getting fresh air without going into the the packed public areas. Very low-stress, the morning of the race too. You’re right there!
Aloha!
Thanks Peter.
Did you have an ocean view?
-Scoogie
i still havent booked my hotel for kona but a close friend and mentor told me it was great there at that hotel. on that note would you have any idea if they still have rooms or do you think its too late? who knows maybe ill see ya there.
Its not in line with the 4 Seasons or the orchid, but you can’t beat the location. Besides, how much time are you going to spend in the hotel?
Hi Frankienm,
Thanks for the reply.
I do not know if they have any rooms left…but if they only have one left and it’s the Ocean View…don’t take it, my wife just called and said that she wants an upgrade! 
Have a good day.
-Scoogie
It’s a great hotel for soaking in the pre-race atmosphere and watching the race. Getting around on race day is a pain, so it’s nice to have your room right there so that you can cool down for a while or use the restroom without lining up. If you intend on staying in the area for more than a few days I’d move to a different location after the race is over.
Dave
Thanks Dave.
Are you going this year?
She was once a grand lady but a tad past its prime. Any room is good the day of the race as you have a an ez walk to the swim start, bike transition and finishline. Having a cool place to hang out during the day, take a nap, and a bathroom is perfect. Ocean view is ok but not totally necessary IMHO. Would be sort of nice to sit on the lanai and sip a MaiTai at sunset, but not a necessity. Having a room at the Kam is a keeper since the people watching is most excellent at the Ironman. Any other weekend, there are several as good or better places to stay, but for Ironman it is the cats whiskers.
G-man,
You have a great way with words! 
Thanks for the post.
-Scoogie
I was in Kona for the Ironman the last two years Scoogie, but I won’t be going this year. If you need any suggestions about other accomodations or things to do on the island send me a PM. I love talking about the place
Have a great trip
Dave
Location: Can’t beat it
Atmosphere: Depending whether you want to be in the middle of the excitement or out of it, it is at the extreme either way
Parking: It is worth getting a room just for the parking pass…if you don’t rent a car, and if I pay you, will you get me a parking pass?
Quality: the guy above was correct that it is a bit past her prime. She also got rocked a bit with the earthquake last year. It is a bit below average I’d say.
Race Day: The perfect place, particularly with a family. You can come and go to the transition area and finish line area with as little of fuss as possible.
Enjoy Hawaii!
David,
Thanks for you advice!
You can have my parking pass. PM me.
-Scoogie
You can’t go wrong their, just know going in its for the convenience and not the stars. we were in a handicap room last year which looked out on Alii Dr. Another option is to ask for one that overlooks the tennis courts as you can watch the awards celebration the next night from your balcany.
As others have said the location is awesome.
The rooms…well (the two that I have stayed in), the toilets run, the bathtub doesn’t drain easily (if you don’t mind standing in 3-4 inches of water by the end of a 5 min shower), and the beds aren’t the most comfortable (old, hard, lumpy). The pool is clean though, and of course you are right by the pier for swimming.
I don’t think upgrading rooms will make a difference in these things. It’s an old hotel, past it’s prime. There wasn’t anything really bad about it, and I’ll probably be staying there again this year.
We’ve stayed there , the location is unbeatable - the rooms are getting old but still quite OK , upgrade to a partial ocean view , heaps better and worth it . On the down side though we found a couple of the staff quite rude which is really quite bizare for Hawaii , that was a couple of years ago now so dont worry too much about that they’ve probably moved on by now. You’ll enjoy it dont panic !
Thanks b192jkn I appreciate it.
So, the tennis court room…can you really see and hear the awards? Is that room(s) the Standard, Partial Ocean View or Ocean View?
If we will be able to see the awards…that would be ideal!!
Thanks again.
-Scoogie
I was staying in the rooms that fronted Alii. I saw others in rooms that fronted the tennis courts on their balconys watching. I would ask the front desk. Good luck.
Thanks again…
Good idea, I will check with the front desk.
So the tennis court rooms (in your opinion) would be a better call?
-Scoogie
rossi,
Thanks for the advise.
But…what do you mean: “You’ll enjoy it dont panic !”
-Scoogie