For one week each October, Kona transforms into the center of the triathlon universe. Athletes, families, and fans arrive from all corners of the globe, turning Ali’i Drive into a living postcard of swim-bike-run culture. Whether you are racing, supporting, or just soaking it in, Kona race week is about more than Saturday’s showdown. It is a festival of tradition, culture, and community. Here is your guide to making the most of it.
The Schedule
Saturday October 4
- 7:00 am – The Official Ironman Store (Store 2) opens in front of the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort. Open daily 7 am to 4 pm, last day Oct. 11.
- 9:00 am – The main Ironman Store opens in the KBR parking lot. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm, last day Oct. 11.
- 7:30 am – Kona Town Fun Run, starting at Hale Halawai Park on Ali i Drive. General entry is $37.97US. A friendly way to shake out your legs and join the community vibe.
- 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Street Eats, a Kailua Village food truck festival with island flavors. A good place for both athletes and families to refuel.
Sunday October 5
- 7:00 am – Ho ala Swim, Kamakahonu Beach. This 3.8 km ocean swim follows the exact course of race day. While general entry is sold out, you can still watch from the shore as professionals and age-groupers alike test themselves in Kailua Bay.
Monday October 6
- 7:00 am to 10:00 am – AG1 Live Aloha Coffee Boat. Runs Monday through Thursday. Swim out into Kailua Bay, climb aboard, and enjoy coffee with a view.
- 7:00 am to 12:00 pm – Active Release Techniques at KBR Honu’s Lawn. Celebrating 30 years at Kona, ART offers free treatments from a team of 60 healthcare professionals led by founder Dr. Leahy.
- 8:00 am – Breakfast With Bob begins at Huggo’s on the Rocks. The legendary daily talk show with Bob Babbitt features pro interviews and race chatter. Follow @babbittville on Instagram for the schedule.
- 8:00 am to 11:00 am – Feisty Triathlon Pop-Up Shop at the Kona Canoe Club. Browse gear and meet the Feisty team, open daily through Friday morning.
- 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Heroes of Hawaii at the KBR Lu au Grounds. A free cultural event featuring music, hula, traditional arts, wellness, and a chance to meet Ironman legends.
Tuesday October 7
- 7:00 am to 10:00 am – AG1 Live Aloha Coffee Boat continues.
- 9:00 am to 3:30 pm – IRONKIDS Keiki Dip-n-Dash registration at KBR Canoe Landing. For children ages 2–14. General entry $16.28 US.
- 9:00 am – Canadian Kona Breakfast with Lisa Bentley, sponsored by Asics, at the Kona Canoe Club. Begin with a shake-out run, followed by a light continental breakfast. Collect your custom Asics Kona 2025 t-shirt and enjoy a pep talk from Lisa. RSVP by emailing info@AnUnlikelyChampion.com.
- 4:00 pm – IRONKIDS Keiki Dip-n-Dash at Ka ahumanu Place. A fun, non-competitive swim-run for kids that captures the spirit of the week.
- 5:00 pm – Parade of Nations. Athletes gather at 4:00 pm at the King Kamehameha Beach Resort and parade down Ali i Drive to Hale Halawai. A colorful march of flags and national pride.
Wednesday October 8
- 6:45 am – Feisty Triathlon and Salty Bears Racing Shakeout Run with Mirinda Carfrae. Meet at the Kona Canoe Club for an easy jog with the Feisty community.
- 7:00 am to 10:00 am – AG1 Live Aloha Coffee Boat continues.
- 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – Athlete Check-in at KBR Ballrooms 2, 3, and 4. Collect bibs, chips, and race packets.
- 9:00 am – Race Briefing (English) at the KBR Lu au Grounds.
- 10:00 am – Race Briefing (French) at the KBR Lu au Grounds.
- 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Running Workshop led by renowned movement specialist Lawrence van Lingen held at the Royal Kona Resort. (He has personally worked with eight triathlon world champions!) Registration required in advance – see @lawrencevanlingen link in bio.
Thursday October 9
- 7:00 am to 10:00 am – Final day of the AG1 Live Aloha Coffee Boat.
- 7:15 am – Athletes gather at the KBR back parking lot for the Underpants Run.
- 7:30 am – Underpants Run. General entry $30 US. The 1.5 to 2 mile route on Ali i Drive began in 1998 as a playful protest against triathletes in Speedos. Today it is a charity “fun-raiser” supporting the Kona community via the IRONMAN Foundation. Family friendly reminder: no nudity allowed.
- 9:00 am – Feisty Triathlon Live Show and Brunch at the Kona Canoe Club with guest Daniela Ryf. RSVP required via Feisty Triathlon.
- 4:15 pm – Pro Tri News (PTN) Live Show Kona presented by WYN. Location: Canyon’s House of Champions, Lava Java Balcony. Expect race analysis and athlete interviews.
- 6:00 pm – E Komo Mai Banquet at the KBR parking lot. “E Komo Mai” means “please come in” or “welcome.” A night of IRONMAN history, inspiring stories, and Hawaiian culture. Tickets included with VIP packages.
- 8:00 pm – Race Briefing (English) at the KBR parking lot.
Friday October 10
- 11:00 am to 6:00 pm – Professional Athlete Bike Check-in at the Bike Compound, Kailua Pier. A chance to see the world’s best roll their bikes into transition.
- 11:30 am – Age Group Bike, Helmet, and Gear Check-in. Kailua Pier fills with athletes and becomes one of the most photographed scenes of the week.
Saturday October 11 – Race Day (Kailua Pier)
- 4:30 am – Swim Check-in and Body Marking. The pier is buzzing before dawn.
- 6:25 am – Professional Women’s Start.
- 6:27 am – Physically Challenged / Intellectual Disability and Handcycle Women Start.
- 6:40 am – First Wave of Age Group Athletes. The cannon fires, and the long day begins.
- 11:00 pm – Magic Hour Final Finishers Spectator Celebration at the Finish Line. One of the most emotional traditions of Kona, cheering home the final athletes under the lights.
Sunday October 12
- 6:00 pm – Banquet of Champions at the KBR Parking Lot. General entry $35 US for children ages 6–12, $65 US for adults. Celebrate the week and honor the top 5 age-group finishers and the top 10 professionals.
- Time TBD – Feisty Triathlon x Hoka Post-Race Panel. A special event of reflections, storytelling, and athlete guests. RSVP required via Feisty Triathlon.
Final Word
Kona race week is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Between sunrise swims, cultural celebrations, parades, banquets, and the spectacle of race day, there is something for everyone – athletes, families, and fans. Leave space in your schedule to wander Ali’i Drive, grab an acai bowl, or cheer a stranger into the finish chute. The magic of Kona is found in the moments you do not plan.
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