Lodging – 10 Year Event
With our more recent events, we have moved towards house rentals via Airbnb or VRBO instead of hotel. It is often more cost effective than multiple hotel rooms, and also allows the athlete & crew teams to stay together. Having a kitchen + washer/dryer (most of the time) can be especially helpful for the islands where we stay 2+ nights. We recommend renting from AirBnb Super Hosts if able, and reading the refund policy carefully.
With that said, there are some situations where it’s more cost effective or convenient to stay at a hotel together, especially when it’s the same location as the start/finish and transitions.
Oahu
Arrival: Sunday, 8 May (before dinner if possible)
Depart: Wednesday, 11 May
RECOMMEND: AirBnB type (or Embassy Suites? TBD)
Because we fly out on a night flight on day 2, the order for both Day 1 & 2 will be run, swim, bike. This will allow us to start in the early hours of the morning before the sun comes up.
Day 1 will start in Kailua and finish at Kapiolani Park.
Day 2 will start and end at Kapiolani Park.
We recommend staying near the finish area, Kapiolani Park or Waikiki. Ideally in the neighborhood near Monsarrat Ave & Paki Ave. If in Waikiki, the closer towards the end near the zoo the better. Rates for 3 nights, 5 people, 3-5 beds, range from about $1000-$1500 as of May 2021.
Kauai
Arrival (classic): Wednesday 11 May (before dinner if possible)
Arrival (deca): Wednesday 11 May
Depart: Saturday 14 May
RECOMMEND: Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue (contract pending)
Group rate: $249/night
Day 1 will start & end in Lihue at the host hotel, with a southside island tour.
Day 2 will start on the North Shore and end in Lihue at the host hotel, 2 miles from the airport.
For the deca folks, we recommend you stay at the host hotel. It is very close by the airport for an easy commute after our Day 2 evening flight, and Day 3 will start, end and transition at the host hotel.
For the classic folks, you have the option of staying either on the north shore in the Princeville area (2 miles from swim start), or at the host hotel . Kapaa area would also work well. We do recommend at the very least, the host hotel for the last night (May 13tth) since that is where you’ll finish the run, and we fly out early the next morning. Otherwise you’re adding an extra 1.5 hours of drive time.
- Classic folks north shore option – VRBOor AirBnb are great options option, you can find several condos. As of May 2021, rates are in the $800-$1500 range for a 2-3 bed condo on the east side for 3 nights.
Maui
Arrival: Saturday, 14 May
Depart: Sunday, 15 May.
RECOMMEND: Days Inn (contract to be confirmed)
Group Rate: TBD
Athlete + 2 crew will be departing on a chartered boat from the harbor in Lahaina (north west). The other 1-2 crew will fly to Molokai for a rest day, as well as to prepare (pickup groceries), and get the Molokai rental car. This is necessary since the athlete will be arriving at the Molokai pier, and will need to be picked up (no rental cars at pier).
AirBnb – Kihei area. As of May 2021, 2-3 bed condos run about $400-600.
Lanai
Arrival: Sunday 15 May
Depart: Monday, 16 May
RECOMMEND: Camping or Hotel Lanai
Given the limited resources, there are a few options. Remember, you only need lodging for the athlete + 2 crew.
A small boutique hotel right on course. A bit pricy, though only night.
Camping
We are working to secure a limited number of camping spots, as well as tent/sleeping bag packages for those who are interested.
Molokai
Arrival:
Sunday 15 May, 1 crew (classic), 2 crew (deca)
Monday 16 May, athlete + 2 crew
Depart: Tuesday, 17 May
RECOMMEND: Hotel Molokai
Group Rate: $185/night
5 mins from our start at Cooke Memorial Pool and the only hotel on island. Conveniently, Hotel Molokai is the location for T2 & the finish. Additionally, the bike passes the hotel 3x, and the run passes it twice. Coin operated washing machines on property, as well as a restaurant & fabulous ice machine.
Call +1-877-553-5347 and ask for Michael Drew, or email mdrew@hotelmolokai.com and be sure and tell them you want to be in the EPIC5 room block.
3 room types:
(1) Triple (Deluxe) with 1 king + 2 twins – LIMITED (book now)
(2) Double with 2 full beds
(3) Single with 1 full bed (no singles in our block though if you request & available, they will certainly accommodate)
Limited rooms available, we have a block but they often sell out, so book early.
NOTE: Typically a triple deluxe per team is sufficient, since horizontal space (even if shared) is enough, but may need to add an extra room if a larger crew and/or faster athlete.
Molokai Shores is the other option nearby. They are a condo complex, individually owned. You can often find rentals on AirBnb or VRBO. These are slightly larger and may include a kitchen, washer/dryer (not all units).
Kona
Arrival: Tuesday, 17 May
Depart: most will fly out after our final brunch on Saturday, 21 May
RECOMMEND: King Kamehameha Marriott Courtyard
Group rate is $219/night up to 4 people (2 queen beds)
We recommend staying nearby “the Pier” at the Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha hotel (“King Kam hotel”) . Just like the Ironman World Championships start, transition & finish, this locale shall too be our start, transition & finish. There’s an ABC store in the lobby for light groceries, as well as a smoothie cafe, restaurants and grocery stores nearby.
NOTE: During the event, most will see very little of the lodging, though a great place to unload and store extra luggage, rest, bathroom, etc. If planning to get several rooms at the hotel, may want to think about how many you’ll actually need during the event vs post event.
You may instead opt to stay in a house or condo. We suggest in the town of Kailua-Kona.
