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.
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.
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!
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!)
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The Fairways is a gated community of town homes in Mauna Lani Resort. Here at Hale O' Honu'ea, we have a keyless entry lock. You will receive the gate code as well as your personal front door entry code 7-14 days prior to check-in, after your final payment is received. You will also receive a pdf guide with your full check-in instructions for easy printing or saving to your mobile device during your stay.
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Many of the mainland flights land before our check-in time. This is the perfect opportunity to head down to Kona for lunch (if you're flight is really early) or shop for your vacation supplies. For any of these recommendations we suggest you check their current hours on the web. Keep in mind that groceries and sundries generally cost more than on the mainland, and that the state of Hawaii has banned the use of plastic bags. Hale O' Honu'ea provides a supply of reusable cloth
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Some would argue that Ironman put Hawaii on the map, but there are many other multi-sport events offered on the Big Island. We have events all year for the traveling athlete to experience. Here's just a few for the month of March:
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