King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort to Serve as Official Ironman Hotel for Next 5 Years

King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort and Ironman announced today, Thursday, Sept. 8 that the property will serve as the official headquarter hotel for the VinFast Ironman World Championship and for the next five years, through 2026.

The beachfront resort adjacent to the iconic Kailua Pier, marks the location of the start of the race and has been the locale for participant athletes, fans and travelers hoping to get a glimpse of the top endurance athletes in the world.

Since the inception of the world-renowned Ironman races in 1978, the Ironman World Championship has historically been held only in Hawai‘i, and specifically on Kailua-Kona since 1981 — with the exception of the 2021 race — held in May 2022 in St. George, Utah following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Returning home to Kona, 2022 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathletes will begin their 140.6-mile journey in professional and age-defined groups, departing on Oct. 6 and 8, embarking on the ultimate test of strength, grit and heart.

“We’re honored King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort has been named the official headquarter hotel for the Ironman World Championship for the next five years,” said hotel General Manager Edward Braunlich. “The location of the property holds such rich culture and important history for Hawai‘i and having the iconic race and world’s most elite athletes return to the main stage of Kona underscores the true spirit of aloha we hold so dear here at Kona Beach Resort.”

King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort sits on 13 beachfront acres adjacent to the Kailua Pier. The resort will be providing macronutrient rich foods to athletes, pre- and post-race, as well as festive libations for those that wish to partake in post-race celebrations.