Hawaii's Endurance Hub
When it comes to triathlon, the Big Island—and Kona specifically—is hallowed ground. Since 1981, Kailua-Kona has served as the iconic host of the IRONMAN™ World Championship, drawing the world’s top endurance athletes to its rugged lava fields and warm Pacific waters each October.
While Kona’s triathlon community may seem modest in size compared to larger metropolitan areas, its impact is anything but. Per capita, Kona likely ranks among the most triathlon-active communities on the planet. Take a drive down Ali‘i Drive or the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, and you’re almost guaranteed to see athletes cycling, running, or swimming at any time of day.
The Kona-Kohala Coast is world-renowned for its high-quality triathlon events and deeply rooted community support. Whether you're a seasoned IRONMAN veteran, a first-time participant, or simply curious about the sport, the Big Island offers numerous ways to get involved—through racing, volunteering, or spectating.
Below, you'll find a list of upcoming triathlon and multi-sport events happening on the Big Island, along with links to learn more and get involved.
► Penn, back in the day... IRONMAN™ 70.3 Hawaii - 2010
Big Island Triathlon Events
IRONMAN™ World Championships
OCTOBER | 2.4-mi Swim | 112-mi Bike | 26.2-mi Run
By qualification or “lottery” only. Athletes begin this iconic Big Island triathlon with a 2.4-mile swim in Kailua Bay, followed by a grueling 112-mile out & back bike ride to the northern tip of the Big Island (Hawi), and finishes with a brutally hot marathon (26.2-miles) that culminates in front of thousands of cheering spectators along Kailua-Kona’s Alii Drive. One of the best parts of the event is being able to cheer on many of your fellow neighbors who might be competing. There are also many volunteer opportunities providing behind-the-scenes insights and front-row seats to the action.
IRONMAN™ 70.3 Hawaii
JUNE | 1.2-mi Swim | 56-mi Bike | 13.1-mi Run
An incredible Big Island triathlon held along the sunny Kohala Coast, hosted by the Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani Resort. The 1.2-mile ocean swim takes place at the beautiful Mauna Lani Resort, followed by a bike ride to Hawi and back (the challenging part of the World Championship segment), finishing with a brutally hot and demanding run, part of which is on the golf course. This event attracts some of the best elite amateurs in the world as it is one of the only half distances offering qualifying slots for the full IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Check the event website for details as slot allotments fluctuate year to year.
LAVAMAN™ Triathlon
MARCH/APRIL | .93-mi Swim | 24.8-mi Bike | 6.2-mi
RunHawaii’s premier Olympic distance triathlon is none other than Lavaman Waikoloa. This popular Big Island triathlon features a 1.5K Swim, 40K Bike, and 10K Run. The swim starts off at Anaeho’omalu Bay at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, followed by an out & back bike on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, and finishes with a toasty run on varied terrain – including lava fields and sand.
PEAMAN Biathlon Series
MONTHLY* - TBD | Featuring 10+ Events Annually
Peaman Biathlon events have been a Kailua-Kona fixture for over three decades. Events feature free, fun, family-oriented swims in Kailua Bay, followed by a short run on Alii Drive. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, participants range from beginners to professional athletes, with various divisions to choose from. Relays and kid-specific “Pea-Wea” options are available too.