Kona Traffic and Parking?

JeremyBehler

How easy/hard is it to get around in Kona during race week?  My mother will be joining and doesn't get around real well so trying to determine if we need to be right near that action of if we'd be able to drive in and find parking nearby.

tim cronk

I prefer to be walking distance to everything at all my races.... I found KONA to be no different... Spent 2 years 1 mile away from the pier and last year I spent at the Holiday Inn Express .25 miles from the pier... I would go back to HIE..... I still rented a car to get out on the QK for biking etc.... But to answer your question it is very easy to get in and out , parking etc not too bad... I just like convenience and less stress! Your spectators will thank you on race day if they can walk back to the room for a break 4-5 times thru your day :-)

Al Truscott

Posted By Jeremy Behler on 19 Feb 2016 05:07 PM

How easy/hard is it to get around in Kona during race week?  My mother will be joining and doesn't get around real well so trying to determine if we need to be right near that action of if we'd be able to drive in and find parking nearby.

There are a few other things to consider in deciding where to lodge race week in Kona. Some rambling thoughts:

• "Downtown" Kona, with the pier as Ground Zero, is a real honky-tonky, tourist-trap-py kind of place. Primarily focused nowadays on the daily cruise ship unloading, so within a mile or so of the pier (where they off load, and where the race is centered), there are a lot of so-so reatuaruants and places to buy stuff. To the immediate north is the primary commercial district for residents; to the immediate south is Ali'i Dr, 7 miles of primarily condos on the shore, along with surfing spots for locals, ending at Keauhou, an upper scale resort area centered on the Sheraton.
• Traffic is clogged everywhere 5-10 miles north and south of the pier. You just have to resign yourself to not being able to avoid it. As to parking if you are not housed in the immediate area - eventually you can find something, but it will probably involve a 10-20 minute walk if you are heading for more than one place.
• Like Tim, I have my own favorite place to stay, and go back to it in part because I know the ropes from there. It is, however, about a 1.2 mile walk to the pier. 
• Last year, I got TWO places to stay, considering that my sister/bro-in-law were there. (1) Got my old stand=by on the shore next to the Royal Kona for two weeks; (2) Got a room at the Holiday Inn for Wed-Sun. The price difference? $225 for a one bedroom condo vs $4XX for the hotel. But it gave us two places to crash/park, etc.
• Last year, Patrick had his Kona Camp at Keauhou, which included a van service to take folks down to the pier as needed. Don't know if he's doing that again this year, but it would make things real easy, with friendly faces, a ready-made crew, and first class support.
• Another option would be to stay 17 miles north at Waikoloa, an upscale resort community with hotels and LARGE (2-3 bedroom) spacious condos, a great swimming beach, running paths, and immediate access to the Queen K race route for riding. Then, Thursday or so, snag a room at the Holiday Inn or the Royal Kona or the King K host hotel right at the pier, and drive in for the duration. Race morning, your crew could show up there at 0530 and encamp for the day.

If you're serious about the race, stay out of town. The hype and buzz the final week, Saturday onwards, is overpowering at times. If you want the full experience, stay in town and enjoy the show. 

Mariah Bridges

If you stay with the EN crew we have a van to take you everywhere....... next topic!

Juan Vergara

Pretend to be back sometime In the future and Holiday Inn or equivalent is a non brainier for me (and most importantly, for my wife!!!).

Dave Tallo

Also, there's a $1 shuttle that that travels from Keauhou, along Ali'i, and into the downtown area. When the downtown roads get shut down for the race, it takes a minor detour. But it is a very reliable way to get into the action without the hassle of driving.

But I would agree with the others ... Holiday Inn is a good bet.

scott dinhofer

I am not sure where i stand on this having been there only once. Part of doing Kona or spectating as a triathlete & a dreamer, is the aura and experience. What all calls buzz and etc, might be what you need to enjoy the week. Can always go back to the room & chill and there are many places outside of Ali'i drive right near downtown to get away from crowds until really the last day or two. It is tourist trappy, but in a Hawaiian cute kind of a way.

that Said, I did stay out of town and mostly found spots by driving around the same tried & true spots. I think al's Idea of getting two places is a good one as well. I'd also be curious as to what JW and others who have stayed at the King K hotel have to say..