I’m looking for the best spectator plan for my friends and family at Kona. What are the best spots for them to watch the race? Parking/road closure issues? Etc. Thanks!
You have to get to the swim start early for a good spot or you will be 8-10 people deep. The bike portion has a great section going up and down palani (sp) where the athletes are showcased around town before heading out to Hawi.
The run has a hot corner as well where you can see your friend/family 2-3 times. The swim start/finish line to the hot corner is just over a quarter mile so, not a lot of walking(also, the swim start to the hill on Palani is also about a quarter mile away). And of course there is Alii at the finish. There is info regarding all these spots floating around all week prior to the race. Or just ask someone, they will be more than happy to help.
Since I’m close to turning pro as a Kona spectator, I’ll give you some advice. Get to the swim early, spots along the sea wall fill up real early. Try going out towards the Kona Inn, slightly different view of the swim start and there’s a good, little coffee shop in the center. For the bike, head to the Hot Corner, Kuakini Hwy and Palani. You should be able to see your racer four times in less than an hour. After that, go get breakfast, go back to the hotel, watch the race on the internet, take a nap, whatever. I prefer the cinnamon rolls and wireless at Lava Java ; ) Not to mention the ST celebrities like Paulo, Uncle Phil, Herbert, ironclm, and Slowman. There are a ton of options on the run. With my bike, I wait near the mile 1 marker on Ali’i then head down towards the turn around, riding ahead. Then it’s over to Palani Hill. (There’s a Jamba Juice in the shopping center) If you don’t have a bike, then I would suggest somewhere along Ali’i, Kuakini, or Hualalai because you can see your racer twice along these sections. Get something cold to drink and head to the finish line, which is crazy crowded. If it’s their first time, four things to consider…1) DO NOT miss the swim start! One of the greatest spectacles in all of sports. 2) Lots of dead time on the bike and run, so plan accordingly. 3) It will get extremely hot during the day, so drink a lot and find shade when possible. 4) Wear lots of sunscreen.
Seriously consider driving up to Hawi (bike turnaround), after watching the swim. It’s a drive (go through Waimea), but very worthwhile. It breaks up the day, gets you out of the madness at Kona and will be a huge boost to your racer. Hawi town is really in to the race, but not very many people go up there so you have excellent front row seats to watch the mid portion of the bike. Once you’ve seen your racer, you have time to get back to town and catch all the Ironman racing you’ll need. Nice little eateries there too. The other option for getting out of Kona is to go to the Kawaihaie corner. It’s closer and you can see riders twice, but there isn’t the same ambience as Hawi. Your sort of stuck on the side of the Hwy. Go to Hawi IMHO.
I have a condo on Alii Drive, in the Alii Cove complex. Just walk into town early, and watch.
Unfortunately, I won’t be there this year to watch, as we rented it out and I didn’t have enough vacation.
One overlooked spot on the run is 100 meters above the Starbucks on Palani Drive. You are slightly less than 2 K from the finish. There are shade trees. Great views of the leaders going up hill ( some better than others) and coming home for the finish with a charge (some better than others) By 5:00 P.M. the crowds have almost completely cleared out and you will have a great view of 10:00- 10:30 finishers as well as quite a few folks who are just on their way out to the Queen K. This is a great spot to share encouragement to those make their way to the finish as well as a smile and good word for those facing a long and dark run. Because you are close to the Starbucks you can run in for something hot or cold and also access your WiFi for race updates.
One overlooked spot on the run is 100 meters above the Starbucks on Palani Drive. You are slightly less than 2 K from the finish. There are shade trees. Great views of the leaders going up hill ( some better than others) and coming home for the finish with a charge (some better than others) By 5:00 P.M. the crowds have almost completely cleared out and you will have a great view of 10:00- 10:30 finishers as well as quite a few folks who are just on their way out to the Queen K. This is a great spot to share encouragement to those make their way to the finish as well as a smile and good word for those facing a long and dark run. Because you are close to the Starbucks you can run in for something hot or cold and also access your WiFi for race updates.
Listen to Kagmusha, he knows his stuff – this was a nice place to see you last year!
Oh…that Starbucks!
Nothing worse than stumbling down Palani and having the guys at the aid station offering “water-gatorade-gel” when all I really wanted was a mocha frappucino!
I asked, but nobody was willing to share!
This was the spot where I most appreciated the encouragement. The athletes can see the jumbo-tron and hear Mike Reilly, but still have to turn and go a mile around the block. The mental pain and physical anguish from the steep downhill can make it the most brutal moment of the day.
G
I asked, but nobody was willing to share!
If I had a frappacino I’d glady give it over to an athlete in need. I could always go buy another.