Big Island during Ironman (not intentionally)

[mentalbreak]

TUG saved the day again! Another thread alerted me to the fact that Ironman Kona is Sat 12 Oct.

We picked up an RCI exchange for this week at Kingsland since it happens to be our anniversary. Booked our flights on miles a few weeks ago but wondered why these dates were so expensive.

Had not checked rental cars yet but secured that tonight (phew!). The consolation prize was that all cars were within +/- $20, so we have reserved a “fun” vehicle.

Our exchange covers all except our first night (which is the night before the race).
Would you;
1) pick up that night at the Hilton on rewards points; or
2) land KOA at 2:00 pm and head over to Volcano National Park (thinking crater view room at the Volcano House - other recommendations welcome)?
3) other - again recommendations welcome

Thanks again TUGgers!
~mb

 

[daventrina]

We also unintentionally ended up arriving the day of IronMan. While it made securing a reasonable rental car a bit of a challenge (fortunately we started booking cars many months out and were eventually able to find a good rate) it turned out to be a better experience than we expected. It was worth the additional challenge to watch the end of the race (once anyways)...
So ... either
Head to Volcano area
Or
Hang out in Kona and watch the end of the race
Or
Hide out up north
...
Depends on your interest in being there for IronMan.
As you are going to be there anyways - may be worth experiencing the race