Ironman 70.3 Hawaii

It's that time of year again - every June, the Fairmont Orchid Hotel in Mauna Lani Resort is the host venue for Ironman 70.3 Hawaii.

Mauna Lani Resort, Kohala Coast, Island of Hawaii

Also known as "Honu 70.3" (nicknamed after the Hawaiian green sea turtle), the race claims that athletes can " Swim with the Honu, ride on the IRONMAN World Championship bike course, and run in a vacationer's paradise."

If you haven't been here yet, let us tell you that the claims are true!

The swim is at beautiful white sand Hapuna Beach and athletes frequently see honu turtles during the first leg of the event. Hapuna is often mentioned as one of the best beaches in the US for it's clear blue water and white sand.

Lots of Ironman athletes hit Hapuna beach for practice swims before the 70.3. If it's a calm day even the tiny keiki enjoy it. Don't be fooled though - this beach can get waves!

The bike course leaves Hapuna and travels south to Mauna Lani Resort, then heads north on the iconic Queen K highway to Hawi, the bike turn-around for the full Ironman course. Long straight climbs and descents make this a challenging ride where you can feel like you're standing still, or conversely that you're flying down the Queen K.

Even the pros are likely to skip the full disc wheels due to the winds. This race has hosted many famous pros, including 2012 when Lance Armstrong won, just 2 weeks before being banned from international triathlon racing by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

The Kama'kani winds can add an extra bike course challenge. The bike finish into the Fairmont passes right by Hale O' Honu'ea at the Fairways Mauna Lani making spectating easy from within the Mauna Lani resort.

The run course through Mauna Lani resort is a mix of road, golf course paths, and grassy fairways on the Francis H. I'i Brown golf course. Not much change in altitude, so the biggest challenge is the heat and sun. There are are shady spots along the run course for spectators to cheer for the athletes.

The finish line at the Fairmont Orchid has plenty of food for post-race athletes, and local vendors with offerings for spectators too. The best part, you are right at the ocean in case you need to dip in and cool off!

Finishing strong and looking forward to a post-race cooling dip in the beautiful blue ocean.

Looking for a place to stay for your dream triathlon vacation on the Big Island? Hale O' Honu'ea is ideally situated just 1/2 mile from the Fairmont Orchid Hotel (race central for Ironman 70.3 Hawaii). Just 25 miles north of Kona, we're also a great location for a training trip, as you can ride out our door and hit the Queen K highway and ride as much or as little of the Ironman bike course as your training plan calls for.

Don't pay Vrbo or Airbnb service fees (or inflated Airbnb rates now that Abnb is pushing their 14% fee onto owners). Book to stay with us direct at our 2BR townhouse Hale O' Honu'ea and save 3-20% (that's a lot of shave ice, the cost of shipping your bike, or even your 70.3 race entry!)

Hale O' Honu'ea at the Fairways Mauna Lani - Puako

Townhome in Puako. Hale O' Honu'ea: Stay in this beautifully furnished 2 bedroom townhome, with polished granite and stainless steel gourmet kitchen, 2 1/2 baths and 1 car garage and relax in over 16...

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