Congrats to all those who one. Looks like there was some good EN Mojo and a few lottery spots. With the qualifiers in the mix should be a good size contingent this year in Kona.
I'm in!! I've barely been on my bike this year. Gotta change that. Any thoughts on staying at Waikoloa or Hapuna area instead of Kona proper? I'm trying to make a nice beach vacation out of it rather than staying in a condo in Kona town
It's nice out in Waikoloa. My wife and I stayed out there for out honeymoon 4 years ago and we made it out to the race to watch for a couple hours. It will not be that convenient for you or your family to get to the start finish but its doable.
We drove down the secondary highway (190  during the swim portion and had no issues. I can't say what it would be like race morning on the queen K but there are delays getting around. I don't even recall how traffic worked on the queen K while the race was on as we just avoided it and went on a scenic drive. Its about a 25 mile drive on the queen K and further on the secondary highway 45 minutes if I recall. You can park right on Palani road as you come in on the 190.
Just be aware not to leave anything in the rental car as there was one window smashed out as we pulled up at about 7:30.
It you want to be in the resort area away from the IM stuff this is the place to be, just be prepared for the logistics before and after the race, registration, bike check in etc. Are you going to participate in the underpants run? All this things will take you back in to Kona with added time.
My wife and I and her whole family stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa 15 years ago, and was the nicest hotel and experience I have ever been. It still is the gold standard. Now that I've lotteried in, we are all going back! Their rates actually seem reasonable online, even have good packages with airfare. WIll have to work out the details as per Gordon's post above re: getting around for all the pre/post race stuff. Maybe we can rent a minivan and carpool as team members.
ps as of now, planning on getting out there few days before and staying few days after, prob Tues Oct 4th to Thurs Oct 13th to do some sightseeing and have fun with the kids, especially see the volcano (been) and take a trip to Pearl Harbor (never been)
Comments
Jim Hansen!
Awesome! I missed that one!
He just had baby #2 about three weeks ago, he's probably sleeping.
Congrats to all those who one. Looks like there was some good EN Mojo and a few lottery spots. With the qualifiers in the mix should be a good size contingent this year in Kona.
Gordon
Ryan Howell, Olympia WA - Is that Yasko's other half?
Keith,
It's nice out in Waikoloa. My wife and I stayed out there for out honeymoon 4 years ago and we made it out to the race to watch for a couple hours. It will not be that convenient for you or your family to get to the start finish but its doable.
We drove down the secondary highway (190 
during the swim portion and had no issues. I can't say what it would be like race morning on the queen K but there are delays getting around. I don't even recall how traffic worked on the queen K while the race was on as we just avoided it and went on a scenic drive. Its about a 25 mile drive on the queen K and further on the secondary highway 45 minutes if I recall. You can park right on Palani road as you come in on the 190.
Just be aware not to leave anything in the rental car as there was one window smashed out as we pulled up at about 7:30.
It you want to be in the resort area away from the IM stuff this is the place to be, just be prepared for the logistics before and after the race, registration, bike check in etc. Are you going to participate in the underpants run? All this things will take you back in to Kona with added time.
Gordon
Congrats to all!! Can't wait to watch you all cross the line!