70.3 Hawaii

How could it not be?  No matter what, in the end you're on a vacation in Hawaii, and just so happen to be racing there as well.

I was there in 2009 and 2011.  It is a great experience and definitely worth doing.  The race reports are a good place to start to get some particulars on the course.

The bike course is on the middle part of the championship route and includes the climb to Hawi.  I remember the first time I pulled onto the highway for a practice ride before the event and I got his shiver through my body as I felt the specialness of this place.  The run is very different though as it winds around the resort area with much of it on and around a golf course.  The swim alone is worth going there for.  The water is crystal clear and you can see all kinds of fish, coral, sand formations as you are swimming.

We stayed at the Fairmont Orchid which was the host of the race.  The finish line and after events were on their grounds.  It was really nice to just walk back to the room after the event.  We extended our stay there for a week and laid around the pool and beach.  The family really loved it.  Some of the pros were staying there and it was kind of interesting to rub shoulders.

I would love to go back again someday as it was one of the funnest things I've ever done.

it's a well run event. will be my fourth time there this year.

last year was a real challenge due to the windy conditions.

recommend a condo in Mauna Lani area, or if nothing available, lots in Waikoloa, but that requires a bit of logistical planning < this is what I am doing.

msg me if you need any info.

Thanks for the info, planning for 2014.  just wanted to start planning.  any of you rent bikes?

http://bikeworkskona.com/

They rent all kinds of road bikes, tri bikes, mtbs.  Good shop, and good people working there. 

Have fun at Honu (which means Sea Turtle by the way ). 

I kind of forgot about the size of the race.  It's a mass start with the first turn buoy being very congested.  Prepare for contact.