Hotels in Kona, Hawaii Gear Up for IRONMAN 70.3 on June 1, 2013

KAILUA-KONA, HI--(Marketwired - May 7, 2013) - This summer kicks off two of the biggest events to take over Kona: the IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii and the IRONMAN World Championship. On June 1, 2013, athletes will compete in the former for one of only 28 qualifying spots in the latter, and guests of the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel will have a front-row seat to all the action.

While IRONMAN 70.3 Hawai'i is sold out, guests of this hotel near Kona Airport can still take part in the excitement by cheering on athletes as they compete in the challenging qualifying competition. Athletes will start with a swim at Hapuna Beach State Park, followed by a bike race that travels along the Queen Ka'ahumanu and Akoni Pule highways and into the tiny town of Hawi, taking them through black lava fields and past historic temples. They'll then finish off the race with a run through golf greens and past petroglyph fields.

The 28 winners from this competition will go on to the 35^th annual IRONMAN World Championship, for which this Hawaii beachfront hotel is the proud Official Headquarter Hotel. On October 12, 2013, nearly 1,800 athletes will set out on a grueling 140.6-mile journey, starting with a 2.4-mile swim at Kailua Bay. Afterward, they'll put the pedal to the metal in a 112-mile bike race before taking on the 26.2-mile marathon. Athletes will not only battle each other but the elements, which include scorching 95-degree temperatures and crosswinds of 45 miles per hour.

About the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
When the beautiful beaches of Hawaii are right outside, it'd be hard to imagine spending much time indoors. At the oceanfront Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, however, guests get treated to the best of both worlds, with a bounty of natural beauty just steps away and a property that anticipates their every need. Located near Honokohau Marina and Kaloko-Honokohau National Park, this modern beach hotel offers comfortable, spacious accommodations with a flat-screen cable TV, high-speed Internet access, luxurious bed linens, a large desk, refrigerator and coffeemaker with delicious Kona coffee. Traveling solo and want to meet new people, or just looking for a place to work, relax, mingle or dine in the company of others? This Kona International Airport hotel features a state-of-the-art lobby with flexible seating areas, free Wi-Fi and GoBoard technology offering the latest news and weather information. To enjoy some of the sunshine, head to the outdoor pool, or work on health goals in the fitness center. Days can be spent exploring historic Kailua Village and Hulihe'e Palace; in the evening, take a sunset cruise from Kailua Kona Pier. Minutes from cruise terminals and close to Kona International Airport, this Kailua Village hotel is a smart choice for meetings, weddings and events and offers 20,000 square feet of flexible event space. Dining includes fresh fare and good vibes at Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille and authentic Polynesian cuisine and live performances at the Island Breeze Luau.