Recommended Lodging – EPIC5 Challenge Hawaii
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 can be especially helpful for the islands where we stay 2+ nights (Kauai, Oahu, Big Island/Kona). Be sure to keep in mind distance from the finish. Time is precious given the extremely long days, and it’s really helpful to be able to get some rest as close to the finish line as possible.
Kauai
Arrival: Your choice but we recommend by Saturday, 4 May
Depart: Monday, 6 May
Our start is at Hanalei Pier on the North Shore. We recommend staying in Princeville, which has over 2 dozen condominium complexes and is about a 5-7 minute drive to the start. There are a few hotels in the area, but we suggest staying in a condo so that you have a full kitchen with ability to prepare & fuel properly before event. Most also have washer/dryers so that you can start the event with a clean batch of clothes.
- Kauai Vacation Rentals by Country Brokers – 808-639-2436 or hanalei88@aol.com, ask for Liz and let her know you’re with EPIC5. No minimum night stay. Liz is a wonderful local resident & resource, and has partnered with EPIC5 since the very beginning.
- Ahh Aloha Kauai Vacation Condos, be sure to let them know you’re with EPIC5 for a 10% discount (put in notes, email reservations@ahhaloha.com or call +1-866-922-5642).
Most of the Ahh Aloha units require a 3 night stay, they may be flexible if you need less & inquire.
Ahh has a wide selection of size & price options. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have. - VRBO or AirBnb are an option as well, especially if you’re arriving Saturday and only staying on Kauai 2 nights.
Oahu
Arrival: Monday, 6 May
Depart: Wednesday, 8 May
Our swim start is at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu. Our run finish is nearby Kapiolani Park, also in Honolulu but at the other end. We recommend staying near the finish area, which is the same area as T2, and nearby where much of the run will take place. Ideally in the neighborhood near Monsarrat Ave & Paki Ave, or the area just north-east of there.
Molokai
Arrival: Wednesday, 8 May
Depart: Thursday, 9 May
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. We recommend that everyone stay at Hotel Molokai.
Coin operated washing machines on property, as well as a restaurant.
Call +1-877-553-5347 or email jthoene@hotelmolokai.com and ask for the EPIC5 rate.
3 room types:
(1) Triple (Deluxe) with 1 king + 2 twins
(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: We often have some athletes go all night on Day 3, typically one 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.
Maui
Arrival: Thursday, 9 May
Depart: Friday, 10 May
We recommend the 2 bedroom units at the Aston at the Maui Banyan Condos: 3 beds (typically king, queen/queen) + sofabed, full kitchen, washer/dryer in unit. Since we are only in Maui briefly, we do not recommend AirBNB & VRBO rentals which have high cleaning fees even if only one night.
About a quarter mile from our start, T1/T2 and finish, the run passes our condo complex on the way out headed south, and again about midpoint. The bike passes by as well but only towards the beginning and end. If enough crew members, this is a good day to have someone take some rest time at the condo during the bike (maybe someone else during the run) – and do some food prep and laundry. We’re in Kihei where there are decent food & grocery options nearby.
Aston at the Maui Banyan Condos
Note: We do NOT have a group block, but there are lots of discounted rate options – kamaaina (local, if someone in your group is a Hawaii resident), senior (50+), military, AAA, corporate employee.
Kona
Arrival: Friday, 10 May
Depart: your choice – most will fly out Sunday, 12 May
We recommend staying nearby “the Pier”. This is right where the King Kam hotel is, and just like the Ironman World Championships start, transition & finish, this locale shall too be our start, transition & finish. The bike route starts/end at the pier but does not go by during course. Our run will go by the pier at midpoint.
The Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha hotel (“King Kam hotel”) is very conveniently located directly next to the pier. There’s an ABC store in the lobby for light groceries, as well as restaurants and grocery stores nearby.
NOTE: The first night, most will see very little of the lodging, though a great place to unload and store extra luggage, rest, potty, etc. If planning to get several rooms at the hotel, may want to think about how many you’ll actually need on night one.
Recommended: Kona Airbnb, Kona VRBO
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel – more $$ but super conveniently located
