By Kai Ioh and KE TEAM Hawaii
Kai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in second home, resort, and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island.
Here in Kona, something just as adrenaline-pumping is happening: the Ironman World Championship.
And yes, it’s a big deal—even if you’re not into triathlons.
It’s that time of year again, when the normally laid-back town of Kailua-Kona transforms into a global stage of grit, glory, and Spandex/Lycra. This year's Ironman World Championship race is October 10th. So if you are in town, go to Alii Drive to catch some action. We already see plenty of triathlon training on the Big Island.
Kona in Full Athlete Mode
Every October, the town shifts. The air changes. Even our daily grocery runs to KTA come with the chance of bumping into an elite athlete, often unmistakable by their efficient, power-packed builds and focused gazes. You can’t miss them.
Last year, the Ironman was a women-only race, but you’d never guess it by the energy. Nearly 3,000 women triathletes from around the world landed in Kona, and you could feel it everywhere – from Alii Drive, Queen K Hwy to Kailua Bay. This year, it is a combined male-and-female race! That is exciting.
There’s a healthy kind of intensity floating through town during Ironman week. And honestly, it’s kind of inspiring.
Not Racing? You’ll Still Want to Watch This…
Even if you don’t care about triathlons (or even cardio in general), I highly recommend watching the race course preview videos. They showcase Hawaii Island so beautifully that even locals rediscover just how incredible this place is.
The sweeping shots of lava fields, the coastline around Hawi, the ocean sparkles off Queen K Highway—it’s enough to make anyone fall in love with the Big Island all over again. Worth a watch with your morning coffee.
Traffic Warnings (Yes, This Is Your Heads-Up)
Of course, with big events come big detours. The traffic closures are real—and very much a part of Ironman Week.
Aliʻi Drive near the King Kamehameha Hotel will be closed starting Thursday for race setup.
Saturday (race day) is essentially a full downtown shutdown. Plan accordingly.
Portions of the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway from Kona to Hāwī will also be closed at times, depending on the race schedule.
If you’re flying into Kona this weekend—or trying to get out—be aware: race-day traffic patterns can impact airport access. And the day after the race (Sunday), you’ll see bikes everywhere at the airport. It gets packed.
Your best strategy? Embrace Hawaiian time. Give yourself grace and a few extra hours.
You can check the official traffic advisory map HERE.
A Fun Local Tip: Go See the Setup
Even if you’re not watching the race itself, there’s something really special about seeing Aliʻi Drive transform. I like to stroll down there early in the morning or around sunset before the race. The bleachers, flags, and sponsor tents—it all builds this feeling of anticipation.
It's fun to watch families and supporters write messages on the road. There are many languages. There are quite a number of supporters visiting. It's great for the local economy too.
Ironman Day = Full Island Shutdown (Even for Real Estate Agents)
In real estate, we don’t usually stop, not even during the holidays. But Ironman Saturday? That’s our unofficial day off. Even clients in town understand they’ll be stuck at the hotel all day. It’s part of the tradition now: “No showings today — it’s Ironman!”
Yes, the traffic’s a hassle, and the reroutes can get frustrating. But once a year, Kona becomes something else—a global stage for challenge, perseverance, and community support. So I don't mind.
START of the race at the Kailua Pier
In our house, we’ve made it a tradition to wake up before sunrise on race day. We’ll head down to the waterfront, coffee in hand, and cheer on the athletes as they charge into the ocean. We park at the Safeway or at Hualalai Center and walk to Alii Drive. Be careful not to get trapped near Alii Drive. The road shuts down when triathletes return from the swim. I almost got trapped once. Don't park on the KTA side(north of Palani Rd). South of Palani Rd is generally fine.
It is magical to sit on a seawall and wait for the sun to come up, with thousands of people. It is a surreal moment if you know how sleepy typical Kona is. It is so beautiful and exciting at the same time. We get there around 6:15.
BIKE
We typically watch bikes at the HOT corner, the corner of Palani and Kuakini. The best time to watch a bike is in the morning when everyone is fresh! Probably around 8:00 - 10:00 am. Or you can follow the top professionals from Kailua Pier.
RUN
This is a no-brainer. I suggest going near the goal area to watch the run. The music, announcements, and energy are hard to describe in words.
We go see the finish line around 5:00 pm, then return after dark, after dinner at a restaurant on Alii Drive. The race goes on till midnight, and there will be plenty of runners in the evening. I recommend visiting the goal area during the day and in the evening. The winners come back around 2:30 pm. If you want to see TV crews and interviews, that is when you want to be. Although it will be extremely hot under the Hawaii sun.
If you’re lucky enough to be on the Big Island this week, soak it in. Watch the finish line. Cheer at mile markers. Or simply take a moment to feel the energy that only Kona, during Ironman week, can bring.
Here is a link to my post about the 2024 Ironman World Championship Race.
And the 2025 Race link.
See you at the finish line.
