FAQ — EPIC565

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

  • The event begins on Kauai, so you should plan to fly into Lihue Airport (LIH) no later than Saturday morning. We will host a Meet & Greet social on Saturday afternoon, followed by the mandatory Pre-Event Briefing and bike checks on Sunday morning.

    If you would like additional time to acclimate to the time zone, weather, or riding conditions, we recommend arriving earlier.

    The event concludes on Hawaiʻi Island (the “Big Island”), and we recommend departing from Kailua-Kona International Airport (KOA).

    The EPIC565 concludes with a celebration brunch on Saturday, so we recommend booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or later. If you must depart on Friday, please schedule an evening or red-eye flight so you can still participate in the Friday afternoon awards celebration.

  • Athletes and crew will travel between islands via inter-island flights arranged by the event. While subject to change, historically two flights are on larger commercial aircraft, and two flights are private charters.

    Charter flights are typically operated on small aircraft to Molokaʻi and Maui.

  • Each athlete is limited to three (3) checked items total, which includes:

    • One bike box

    • Two additional pieces of luggage (e.g., suitcase, bin, or wheel case)

    Crew members should plan for carry-on luggage only.

    If you are bringing crew, you will be provided the option of a fourth checked item: a cooler.

    For your flights to and from Hawaiʻi for the event, baggage policies depend on your airline and your frequent flyer status. Please consult your airline directly for details.

    For inter-island flights, we often use small charter aircraft. These aircraft typically charge for checked baggage, and overhead bin space is very limited or non-existent. Carry-on space will be tight.

    Crew members are strongly encouraged to use backpacks or duffel bags. Hard-shell roller bags will not fit on most inter-island aircraft.

    We strongly encourage all participants to pack light. A detailed packing list for athletes and crew will be provided closer to the event.

    All baggage-related fees are the responsibility of the athlete. While private charters are typically luggage-inclusive, commercial flight buyouts are not.

  • While athletes are free to choose where they stay, EPIC5 will provide recommended accommodations for each island, and in some cases, group lodging rates may be available.

    Athletes traveling without crew may choose to stay solo or share accommodations with another athlete to split costs.

  • Each athlete and their crew should plan to rent a crew support vehicle on each island, upon arrival. We will provide rental car recommendations and, when available, discount codes.

  • We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. EPIC565 represents a significant investment of time and money, and travel insurance—including “cancel for any reason” coverage—helps protect that investment.

    Separately, medical and evacuation insurance is essential. In the event of illness, injury, or emergency during the event, this coverage ensures you can receive appropriate care without incurring significant financial burden. Many travel insurance policies include coverage for endurance events such as EPIC565; be sure to insure the full value of your trip when selecting coverage.

ABOUT THE EPIC565

  • Each event day is scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM. Depending on how much preparation time you require, athletes should expect to wake between 4:00–4:30 AM to pack up and get ready.

    Athletes are responsible for arriving at the designated daily start location on time. Prior to the start, EPIC5 staff will conduct a mandatory daily briefing, covering the course, conditions, and any safety or logistical updates.

    The daily cutoff time is 3:00 PM, allowing sufficient time for post-stage logistics and travel to the airport for the inter-island flight.

  • Although there are no timing mats at the start, finish, or along the course, each athlete is timed daily by EPIC5 staff in accordance with USAT regulations. A GPS tracking/timing device is required for all participants.

    EPIC5 does not recognize traditional race placings (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd). Instead, we recognize finishers and participants only. EPIC5 is a challenge, not a race, and athletes are encouraged to pace themselves with the goal of completing each day safely and sustainably, rather than racing at maximum intensity.

  • Swim: We make every effort to host open-water ocean swims whenever possible. However, if ocean conditions are unsafe (or if there are any other variables that prevent us from having an open water swim) then we reserve the right to move the swim to a pool. Daily start times are intentionally early to maximize the likelihood of calm water conditions.

    Bike: Bike courses typically feature approximately 2,000–3,000 feet of total elevation gain per day. Actual and perceived difficulty can vary significantly depending on weather conditions, including wind and heat.

    Run: Run courses generally include less than 500 feet of elevation gain per day. As with the bike, weather conditions can greatly influence the overall difficulty.

  • Mornings can feel cool or even chilly, especially with early start times. As the day progresses, temperatures often rise into the mid-80s, and island humidity can make conditions feel significantly warmer.

    On clear days, heat exposure can feel intense, while cloud cover can make conditions more comfortable. Hawaiʻi’s diverse geography creates numerous microclimates, so athletes may experience a wide range of conditions in a single day.

    In short, plan for everything: cool temperatures, wind, rain, sun, heat, and humidity. Nothing is guaranteed, and adaptability is key.

  • Yes. Each athlete is required to have two (2) crew members for EPIC565.

    Your crew plays a critical role in your success and safety by providing:

    • Real-time navigation support

    • On-course aid and nutrition assistance

    • Logistical and mechanical support

    • General day-to-day and moment-to-moment assistance

    If you encounter challenges securing crew members, EPIC5 may be able to help connect you with volunteer support for part or all of the event. Please note that all associated expenses for crew members remain the responsibility of the athlete.

  • EPIC565 is a highly curated event hosted in a uniquely special environment. Because the event takes place on open roads and shared-use pathways, we intentionally limit participant numbers to minimize impact on the local communities and environments we visit.

    Additionally, several of our inter-island flights—particularly chartered aircraft—have strict limitations on passenger count and cargo capacity, including bikes and luggage. Keeping the field small ensures a smoother, safer, and more respectful experience for everyone involved.

  • All registered athletes will receive a detailed packing list prior to the event. Due to strict baggage limitations on inter-island flights, both athletes and crew are strongly encouraged to pack as lightly as possible.

  • If you’re unsure whether you can do all five triathlons on your own but would be interested in completing it as a part of a relay team, please reach out to EPIC5 via our contact us form.