Race History

On Jan. 8, 2004 the World Triathlon Corporation announced the addition of a new triathlon on the Big Island. The inaugural race had all the standard details: date, distance, location, qualifying slots, etc. but there was one small problem – it needed a name.

In an effort to allow Hawaii’s residents to get involved, WTC devised a plan to hold a “Name the Race” contest.

After reading more than 170 entries from across the state, a submission from Sean “Peaman” Pagett stood out. Pagett, longtime Kona community volunteer, Ironman finisher and sponsor of the free Peaman race series, submitted the winning entry of Honu Triathlon and earned a weekend getaway at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows.

“It’s multi-faceted because I love turtles, they are appropriately fitting to the Mauna Lani area, which is well-known for the honu and their Turtle Independence Day. This turtle release program has become a treasured Big Island event,” Pagett said. “What better race mascot than the honu with its uniquely Hawaiian flair?”

The 2004 Honu Triathlon was an Olympic distance race that started at Hapuna Beach and finished at the beautiful Mauna Lani Bay Resort.

“We are extremely motivated to work with Ironman to showcase this exciting event. As the host resort, we are committed to ensuring an extraordinary experience for the athletes, spectators, guests and Big Island residents,” said Riley Saito, vice president for Mauna Lani Resort.

That year’s race provided qualifying slots to the 2004 Ironman Triathlon World Championship to Hawaii state athletes only. Now, the race is known as Rohto Ironman 70.3 Hawaii and is open to athletes from all over the world.

It is truly a world class event and the crown jewel of the Ironman 70.3 series, offering qualifying slots to both the Ironman World Championship in Kona and the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nev.

Honu Race Course

The Big Island is like no other place in the world. The largest and newest of the Hawaiian Islands, the land sparkles with vibrancy and abundance.

Madame Pele, the goddess of fire, continues to pour fiery hot lava over black sand beaches and into the sea. On the Kohala Coast however, Pele has ceded her powers to the people who live here, and passed on the duty to keep the island alive with excitement and activity.

Enter the 8th Annual Ironman 70.3 Hawaii. Approximately 1,600 triathletes will arrive to swim, bike and run Saturday, June 4 and the Big Island’s Kohala Coast will once again be exploding with action.

As the Kohala Coast currently lies dormant, casual beach goers play in the fine, white sand of the Hapuna Beach State Park. The lava strewn coastline sees only the occasional rider bent low over the aerobars, the lonely silhouette a harbinger of times to come.

The rich, immaculately manicured golf courses and the lush, wondrous landscape of the Mauna Lani Resort are subdued. This appearance of calm belies the preparations underway for one of the most spectacular, long- distance triathlon events in the world.

In just a few weeks’ time, the eruption will begin as athletes flow toward the water for the opportunity to have the race of their lives.

Newcomers and veterans alike will stand toe to toe as the Pacific Ocean beckons and a vision of Mount Haleakala, on neighboring Maui, dances in the distance.

If you are one of the throng, here’s what the Big Island has in store for you:

The 1.2 mile swim takes place through the luxurious, azure blue waters of Hapuna Bay. Swim with tropical fish, manta rays and honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtle, along with some of the world’s most experienced triathletes. Run over the fine white sand of the Hapuna Beach State Park to find your bike waiting under the glorious Hawaiian sun.

The 56 mile bike course highlights the toughest stretch of the Ford Ironman World Championship course. Along the Queen Kaahumanu Highway and up the rolling hills, take your chances to slip into Hawi and back to the fishing village of Kawaihae before the screaming winds race across the Kohalas toward the sea and find you in their crosshairs.

The lava here has cooled, but you feel the fire as you race back toward T2 on the grounds of The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii. No worries. The staff at The Orchid know how to help you get the most out of your time at their resort, whether you are lounging poolside or having the race of your life.

Put on your running shoes and take a tour past Hawaiian historical sites and across award- winning golf fairways. Through it all, the blue of the Pacific will be calling you, inviting you to immerse yourself once again after your triumphant step over the finish line.

The Ironman 70.3 Hawaii is blessed with the aloha of hundreds of volunteers who answer the call.

A similar call will welcome you to the Big Island, maybe for the first time, but certainly not the last.