The 5 day Kona Spectator Experience is perfect for the spectator or athlete who has not qualified to race in Kona but still want to soak up all the action and explore the Big Island.
Want to watch the best show on earth? Then the Kona Spectator Experience is for you!
This tour is the ideal way for spectators to witness the spectacle of the IRONMAN World Championship. You will be treated like a VIP from the moment you arrive on the Big Island, and Tri Travel provide the best itinerary for spectators to soak up all the action and excitement of race week.
Tri Travel have been travelling to Kona for the Ironman for 20 years, so we know the best way to experience the biggest Ironman on the planet. Our team members enjoy the best accommodation close to all the action, they eat at the best restaurants, drink the best coffee and go to the best parties in Kona. Not only that, on race day, only Tri Travel tour members get to experience the Queen K in all her harsh glory out in the middle of the bike course. Our fully stocked Tri Travel tour bus takes spectators out to the most harsh and unforgiving part of the course to witness first hand what the athletes are experiencing, far away from the crowds in town who are awaiting the athletes’ return. Our colourful and loud tour group are a welcome sight for the athletes, too, who have been riding alone in the lava fields. This fan experience truly is the greatest way to witness this race, and it is unique to Tri Travel.
So if you want to fully experience this great race and everything that race week in Kona offers, then do it in style with Tri Travel.
Kona Accommodation
Tri Travel have been travelling to Kona for the IRONMAN World Championship for over 20 years. We work closely with many hotel partners in Kona to provide our athletes with a wide range of accommodation solutions for all budgets. We have secured the best race event hotel locations to suit all needs, and our experienced team are the experts in finding athletes their perfect race accommodation.
Seamless Travel Experience
Tri Travel make travelling to Kona as easy as possible. We take care of all the logistics of travelling to The Big Island, including making sure your bike and luggage are delivered to your hotel. Even if your bike doesn’t arrive on your flight, as often happens with Hawaii inter-island flights, our Tri Travel tour leaders arrange for your luggage to be delivered to your hotel, while you relax and settle in to your accommodation. All the logistics are taken care of so you have a seamless travelling experience, and arrive fresh and ready to begin your race week preparations.
Tour Inclusions
- 5-nights’ accommodation
- Opportunity to book group flights
- All airport transfers
- Meet and Greet at the airport
- Guided by experience tour leaders
- Tri Travel Welcome Dinner
- Tri Travel Celebration Breakfast
- Spectators, family/friends function
- Race Day Spectators bus
- Exclusive tour gifts and merchandise
- Access to massage services
- Years of memories for all tour members
Tri Travel offer a range of travel solutions, including pre and post race tours and travel, the best flight options and discounted travel insurance.
Visiting Kona
The west coast of Hawaii is known as the “Kona Side” and Kailua-Kona is the lively centre of it all. This historic seaside town sits in the middle of the Kona coast, and not too long ago Kona was a sleepy fishing village. Now, because of its central location and tropical weather it has transformed into a lively town that is the activity capital of the Big Island. It is the city on the Big Island that is best equipped for tourism, but still retains the ‘old Hawaii’ feel with none of the high rises or large shopping centres the Waikiki has.
There are many shops and markets selling locally produced items and there is a good offering of restaurants. Relax and look at the waves crashing over the black lava rocks while sipping from a cup of the world-famous Kona coffee, or have some freshly caught ahi (tuna) at one of the seaside restaurants.
Weather
The weather in Kona during the IRONMAN World Championship can only be described as HOT! Out on the bike course through the exposed lava fields, the wind can also be brutal, but in the township of Kona there is usually no wind at all. Visitors should pack light, summer clothes and leave their coats at home!
Visa
Australian visitors to the United States, for business or tourism, staying 90 days or less, do not need to obtain a visa. However an online travel authorisation needs to be obtained through ESTA, which is a quick, free internet application with authorisation received within a few minutes.
Getting there
All visitors to Kona arrive via Hawaiian inter-island flights. The Kona Airport is about 30 minutes from the township of Kona, and Tri Travel provide transfers for all of our tour members.
Tri Travel are the Hawaii experts and we offer a range of travel solutions, including pre and post race tours and travel, the best flight options and discounted travel insurance.
IRONMAN Course
Tri Travel conduct comprehensive course orientations for the swim, bike and run so that athletes are familiar with the course layout, key points and landmarks. With over 20 years experience on this course, our Tri Travel experts provide valuable information, tips and advice to our tour members, including the Hawi turnaround, the Energy Lab and of course, key points along the famous Queen K.
Swim
Without a doubt, the mass swim start is the most emotionally charged start in the sport, thanks to TV helicopters, enthusiastic spectators and the sun rising over Mt. Hualalai. Currents can be a factor, so a few pre-race practice swims in the bay are advised. Water temperature in Kailua Bay is typically around 26 Degrees or 79 F.
Bike
As cyclists make their way north along the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, from Kailua-Kona to the turnaround in Hawi, they can be exposed to intense trade winds that buffet much of the exposed western and northern coast of the Big Island. The winds vary in intensity from steady to heavy blasts that can blow cyclists across the road. For this reason, disc wheels are not permitted. Winds may subside during the gradual climb to Hawi but pick up again as athletes make their way to T2. CAUTION: The Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway is under construction. Use caution and awareness of traffic transitions, message boards, barricades, steel plates and delineators along the highway.
Run
After an out and back trip through the crowds of Kona town and Alii Drive, runners head up Palani Road to the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and the challenges that await on it. Their destination is the infamous Natural Energy Laboratory Hawai`i Authority (NELHA), with this year’s course featuring more miles in NELHA than ever before. After a return trip on on the highway all that’s left is a victory lap through Kona town and the excitement of the finish line.
IRONMAN Event Week
Race week in Kona is exciting, and full of different activities for athletes and their families. Our experienced Tri Travel team make sure that our tour members don’t miss anything, and our comprehensive itinerary covers all the functions and events during the lead up to race day. All of the transfers to the functions and events are included, and tour members can choose to partake in as much or as little of the itinerary as they wish.
Athlete Guide
Event Schedule
Becoming part of one of our tours instantly gives you a family, and that's the way we operate. We support, encourage and stand beside you for every step leading up to when you step into the water.
What's Included?
Accommodation
Our location and race knowledge allows us to secure some of the best accommodation covering all budgets.
Full transport and Logistics
From the moment we meet and greet you at the airport, through the tour experience. We provide the best quality transport and logistics.
Recovery
Access to Tri Travel massage therapist.
Race Week Event Access
Transport and reserved seating to the welcome dinner and presentation night.
Chill Zone
Full access to the Tri Travel House, which is a great spot on Alii Drive for our team to relax - it's also a perfect spot for spectators to watch the race.
Merchandise Pack
Our tour members have exclusive merchandise packs - other IRONMAN athletes often offer to buy it!
Detailed Itinerary
It's nice to have some structure and plan, especially when you're about to do the race of your life! Don't miss out on any of the functions and activities in Kona.
Highly experienced team
All experienced tour leaders are there to deliver an awesome experience. Nothing's too much to ask.
Tri Travel Functions
Our group breakfasts and dinners are always a laugh and some fun. Get to know other like-minded athletes and their families.
Extras
Pre and Post Travel
Looking to holiday before or after the race? We provide full travel solutions and options.
Flights
Let Tri Travel find the best flight options.
Travel Insurance
Through our partners we offer discounted travel insurance.
The Tri Travel Difference
The little things that make your experience unique with us.
- Create life time friends
Connect with like-minded athletes. Who knows, we might have another marriage proposal on your tour! - Money can’t buy experience
This is often a once in a life time experience for you and your entourage. We make sure you make the most of your time at the event. - No limits, no judgements
Ask all the questions you need to prepare yourself for the race. We have all the answers. - Network with the Pros
We have hand selected the best for you. They are here to support your race. - Jokes are for free
We have fun on our tours, and you’ll take away memories that last a lifetime.
Or call us on 1800 225 022
