Kona bound 6/21-25 then Maui
Howdy kids,
For those of you who know Kona, I have never been there. I am going to be doing a run focused block while there. Can you knowledgeable people please recommend run routes and special things to do. We will be staying at the Kona World Mark.
Thank you for any advice.
Jacklyn 
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Jacklyn, we are in Kona now, leaving tomorrow. I did Honu (Hawaii 70.3) last week. You can run on Ali'i Drive right in front of your condo. You may may want to head south to miss some of the walking traffic closer to the Ironman race start area in Kailua. You can run as far as you want along the coast. Beautiful views. If you go more than about 5 miles south, you encounter a monster hill of more than a mile at 7%. But you're an EN Ironman, right?!
You could also head north on Ali'i, past the Ironman start line, go up Palani Rd. (3 blocks of hills) to the Queen K and run north (left) towards the Energy Lab. There's a nice wide shoulder. Bring a visor or running hat, a way to carry hydration and nutrition, and don't be stingy with your sunscreen.
Have a great trip.
Bob,
Thank you! I can't wait. No i am not an IM YET! But I will take your hill climbing challenge. Sounds like fun.
Sorry your coming home.
~ Jacklyn
I will literally be I Kona the week before you, leaving for home the 21st!
We are staying 5mi south of the IM pier on Ali'i drive. Running along Ali'i drive is fabulous-my runs will be to the pier and back since I don't have anything longer planned. I've never run long enough in Kona though to go as far south as Bob has! Be prepared for humidity. Bring a microfiber towel to cool your neck.
As for activities, if you are a snorkler (or diver) the manta ray night dive is a must. Most of the dive outfits do it but recommend Jacks dive Locker (my step son works for them) or Big Island Divers. It's variable, sometimes no mantas show, sometimes 40! Also, the drive to volcanos national park and an evening up Manta Kea to the observatories if you are into astronomy (bring a jacket-it's cold up there).
None of the beaches along ali'i drive are that great. Our two favorites we drive north to. One is just past the airport (turn left when veterans cemetary is on your right) and the other is 30 mi north called hapuna beach-worth the drive. Also you can follow the I'm bike route going north and take the road to Havi and back.
Have a great trip.
Betsy
Betsy,
Oh man!
I have a secret hope that someone from the Haus will be there. So Close. Thank you. We have trying to figure out who to go snorkel with. The mantas will be awesome. We do have plans to drive to the observatory one night. Thanks for the micro fiber advice. Had not thought of that!
Have a safe trip home.
Jacklyn
Also, best burger on the planet is Village burger at Parker Ranch
If you call Jack's dive Locker, ask for Chrissy and tell her I told you to call
They are located in coconut Grove on the south end of Kailua
Betsy,
Thank you soooo much. My hubs is totally excited to find the burger place. He's more of a meat and potatoes sort. We are so excited. My daughter can't wait to do the manta ray's. Thank you again.
Jacklyn