Kona accomodation (1)

Triathlon Forum
1

Hi

I qualified on the weekend. The place i was supposed to stay at last year, and hoped to this year is rudely not available. To mitigate cost (especially with the weak kiwi peso) there was hoping to be 3-4 athletes looking at a condo in kona.

As there are about a million places there, is anyone out there able to poost a link to places that they recommend (and have stayed at) which wont break the bank

thanks

2

Uncle Billy’s Hotel is a dump, but it’s only about $125 per night and right on Ali’i Drive.

3

The wife and I stayed here last year. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60872-d282512-Reviews-Wyndham_Kona_Hawaiian_Resort-Kailua_Kona_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

It is where the ST get together took place.

We loved it. Super clean, two large bedrooms, a full kitchen, private deck, shared BBQ/picnic area outside our entrance. We got it for $2k (USD) for 10 days and I have seen it lower. I highly recommend it if it is in your price range.

4

Any idea how far this place is from the beach?

Thanks,
GS

5

The cheapest 1 bedroom condo you are likely to find is at the Kona Islander. It’s actually in quite a handy position about 150m from the main expo, 200m to Lava Java. It is right on Alii Drive and there is a very small beach across the road. It is not flash, but if you want a budget place this is probably your best choice.

Try this link to see condo’s :slight_smile:

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/region/usa/hawaii/big-island/kona-coast/kailua-kona/kona-islander-inn

Looks like plenty available. E.g. http://www.vrbo.com/87989

You may also want to try the Kona Tiki. It is a very popular budget option. You’ll need to phone them and pay now if you want to stay there http://www.konatiki.com/

http://www.konatiki.com/reservations.html

The Kona Tiki is right on the ocean and is cheap, so it is popular. There is a help yourself light breakfast by the pool in the mornings. It’s a bit run down but has nice gardens and great character and you are next to the ocean. No tv and no air con. but a good place to chill out before and after the race. Always a few Aussies and a few German’s here. Good place for post race drinks by the pool :wink:

6

The cheapest 1 bedroom condo you are likely to find is at the Kona Islander. It’s actually in quite a handy position about 150m from the main expo, 200m to Lava Java. It is right on Alii Drive and there is a very small beach across the road. It is not flash, but if you want a budget place this is probably your best choice.

I will second that. Kona Islander Inn is right across the street from the expo. It is an overlooked place for the price and convenience. I think it is 1/2 mile from the King K and Dig Me beach.

BTW, the little beach across the street is private property. I have seen people swimming there the last few years and no one bothering them, but in the past the owners were very strict with the no trespassing enforcement.

7

im just wondering if u stay too far from downtown then u have to ? rent a car and then its a wash?

8

You can use your bike up until you check it in on Friday. You can run into town for the start or hitch a ride with one of the many cars headed to town.

9

If you just need to buzz up and down Alii then renting a scooter is a heck of a lot more fun and cheaper.

I work with Anthony Travel and we have plenty of options available for those traveling to Kona during the Championship. One bedroom condos, two bedroom condos, hotels, etc. Our complete list of 2009 offerings can be found HERE. If there is something you are looking for and we do not have it on our list (a house near Keahou Bay, three bedroom condos, whatever) just call us up and we will find it for you.

This year we are also offering two special items. 1. A Kona orientation camp, which would be great for first time qualifiers as well as volunteers and Ironman race fans who may not be lucky enough to qualify. 2. A VIP race weekend experience (VIP seating at the Carbo and Awards show, race start and finish line).

We have also done some research on bike fees while traveling within the continental US as well as to Kona. Some of our data can be found HERE.

Anthony Travel, Inc. (P) 800.363.0073
(F) 214.363.1180 Endurance Team: VivaResolution.net Anthony Travel: www.anthonytravel.com

10

Does anyone have photos of the rooms in the Kona Islander? They claim to have two beds but some reviews dispute that. Can anyone discuss this from experience?