I was hoping a few of the Kona veterans could help me out. This will be my first trip to Kona. I am trying to finalize my logistics for the event. I have read the previous posts on the different places to stay and that has been real helpful. My problem is trying to balance the race with vacation for my family. I have listed a few questions I am trying to resolve. Also if anybody out there as helpful tips that they learned during the past events at kona dealing with hotels, cars, and things to do or not to do please let me know. I want this trip to be as much for my family as me. Thanks in advance!!
If I stay at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel I know it would be great for me, but what about my family?
How crazy is it during race week at the hotel?
Is it worth getting a rental car, or is there alternative transportation if my family wanted to get out and visit the sites around the Island?
The entire town is insane race week. Its tough to get pool time and the masters workouts get overloaded. I usually skip out on them becaue I can’t stand swimming in a lane with 8+ people. Grocery shopping is another nightmare with an extra 1500 people + their families wiping out the produce isle.
Do you have hotel reservations yet? I’m guessing if not that the King Kam probably won’t be an option at this point.
“Is it worth getting a rental car, or is there alternative transportation if my family wanted to get out and visit the sites around the Island?”
Definitely get a car, we don’t have public transportation here. This is a big island (hence the name), with everything spread out. You’ll probably want to see the Volcano and various other sites that are a good 2 hour drive. i would recommend swimming (or kayaking) at Kealakekua Bay, there’s a good chance to hang out with the dolphins.
There’s a lot to see and do if you’re not too tired after your race…kj
“Do you have hotel reservations yet? I’m guessing if not that the King Kam probably won’t be an option at this point”
I do not have a room yet, but I did talk to the hotel (King Kam) today and there are still rooms available. I am debating about staying at the King Kam (for me) or staying out somewhere a little more low key (for my family). I am trying to firgure out what is the best for everybody so we can all enjoy the stay on the Island.
Thanks for the car info, that solves the transportation issue.
I lottery’ed into Kona last year and took my wife with me, we stayed at the King Kam. The Kam is great from a location standpoint, but not the nicest of accomodations. No matter what, you really need to rent a car, so most of our friends rented condos or other places along the coast. The day before and the day of the race, there’s nothing better than being at the King Kam, but beyond that you’d be better off at a nicer place.
Like I said, the whole town is crazy. I’d stay at the King Kam, at least until the race. They can always go sight seeing on the other side of the island to get away from the race stuff. I think teh crazieness is kind of fun for visitors. Not as fun for residents.
Ditto the comments on the King Kam…stay in or around town if you can race week, as much for logistical considerations as for the experience itself. If you are planning on staying after the race to do the tourist thing—which I highly recommend—you can stay elsewhere up the coast…the town itself does wind down after the race and it becomes a different world.
If you can swing it, you should arrive on Tues or Wed before the race, and have your family show up on Friday. You get your pre-race prep, stress, etc. out of the way while they will arrive, go to sleep, and then cheer for you all day on Sat.
This will leave lots of time after the race (plan to stay until Wed at least) for you all to enjoy the Island together (and yes, get a car).
As for hotel, any condo with a kitchen is preferable to the King K, since you can eat what you want, when you want, and not have to be dependent upon restaurants as much.
I’d look for a condo - more comfortable - nicer - and you can cook your own food. The food on the island (restaurants) is not that great and horribly expensive.
"The food on the island (restaurants) is not that great and horribly expensive. "
While food here is expensive (even in the grocery stores), I’m not sure what restaurants you ate in. There are some great places to eat here, and they’re not all are expensive cuisine.
I like to be able to take my nutrition into my own hands - so cooking was a lot easier - plus the girliefriend is lactose intollerant - so eating in is always easier for me.
Just my personal preference.
There is a fantastic little cafe down by Lava Java that served an amazing Grilled Ono Sandwich - wowsa - it was so great. You must go there. And if your bankaccount can manage - the Kona Grill is truly a wonderful dining experience.
Are you talking about the Sunset Grill, right behind Lava Java? That place is great, they have the best salads! I would agree on the condo and doing your own cooking. Nothing beats that (unless you can’t cook that is)…kj
Can you tell me more about the rooms at king kam? so far I have a reservation at royal kona (1 mile away) I stayed there, it’s nice and they have this huge breakfast buffet.
Rooms at King Kam are very mediocre at best (and even that is being generous), you will be paying for the location. If you plan on spending very little time in the room, who cares? Other than the fact that the beds were horrible!
Anyone ever stay at the Marc Kona Bali Kai along Alii Dr. ? Or any feed back please , we are confirmed at the Sheraton but may move closer in to the action. Thanks.
The first years I stayed at the King Cam because that is all I knew. The King Cam only offers the a nice location for the start, but I think even paying $100 a night there would be seriously too much. Actual price is more like $225 a night with a 5 night minimum, YIKES. Very similar scenario as in Florida with the less than impressive Howard Johnson Boardwalk “Hotel” where even $60 is too much.
Since then I have stayed with different groups of friends in various Condos. That also allows you to relax and as others mentioned prepare your meals. I’d even say the Royal Kona has a decent location to the start as that walk is not a big deal on race morning, plus you are close to all the post race party locations.
Enjoy
Herbert
I stayed at the Kona Bali Kai in '91 and enjoyed it. The place had a small kitchen, washer/dryer and nice view of the ocean. Stayed there in '96 and our condo was over run with cockroaches. At night when you turned on the kitchen light, roaches were running every which way. Another drawback is you have to drive to everything.
I stayed at the Kona Bali Kai in '91 and enjoyed it. The place had a small kitchen, washer/dryer and nice view of the ocean. Stayed there in '96 and our condo was over run with cockroaches. At night when you turned on the kitchen light, roaches were running every which way. Another drawback is you have to drive to everything.
