Kona is qualification-only and costs roughly $1,500 before flights or lodging. We start with 3.86 km in Kailua Bay, then ride 180 km through exposed lava fields where heat and crosswinds punish bad pacing before the marathon reaches the Energy Lab. October temperatures can climb from 23 to 31 degrees with little shade. The setting is famous, but the honest draw is measuring ourselves against the field under brutal conditions.
Better info coming — we're still verifying 6 fields on this race.
Why we'd pick it
- The 1500 m climbing estimate is useful for planning, not a verified pacing number.
- You'll need a qualifying time to get in.
- A non-racing partner gets a real weekend here — 5/5.
- Race day usually sits 23–31°C, about 20% chance of rain.
The course
The day starts with a 3.86 km swim from Kailua Pier, then sends us 180 km north on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway to Hawi through exposed lava fields, heat, and crosswinds. The marathon returns to Aliʻi Drive after the Energy Lab. Shade is scarce, the wind changes quickly, and accumulated bike effort makes the final 42.2 km more survival than sightseeing.
