With the men’s 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, now less than a week away, IRONMAN is reminding athletes and fans of its ‘Live Aloha’ initiative. This is about being mindful guests on the Big Island of Hawai’i, showing respect for the local community and environment.
Created in accordance with Hawai`i Tourism Authority’s Destination Management Action Plan for responsible tourism, Live Aloha is IRONMAN’s permanent reminder that the IRONMAN World Championship and the land, culture, and host communities of Hawaiʻi are intertwined. As such, all those in Kona are seen as responsible for treating the land and community as if it were their own home.
To keep athletes and residents safe over race week, key points are highlighted below on training route safety and the Live Aloha initiative to help ensure the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship is a positive experience for everyone, athletes and the community.
Training while on the island
As the roads get busier leading into race day, the safety of all is of paramount importance. To ensure all road users remain safe, and to reduce the impact on the local community, guidelines for locations to avoid have been mapped out and are requested to be followed.
Specifically, athletes should not ride on the roads south of Kona town. These roads are narrow and lack a hard shoulder on which cyclists can ride. The lengthy traffic delays caused by the inability to pass cyclists on these narrow roads also creates inconvenience for the local community, and can become a danger for athletes and drivers.
For athlete safety and consistent with the Live Aloha initiative and the Pono Pledge, athletes are asked to refrain from cycling on these portions of Hwy 190/Palani Rd, Hwy 180/Old Mamalahoa, HWY 11/ Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy, and Hwy 160/ Napoopoo Rd.
For those supporting athletes who are training on the course, riding against traffic is against the law, and all traffic laws while on the Island must be followed. If training with an athlete who is running, all must refrain from riding against the traffic.
A dedicated Kokua (‘help’) Patrol team will also be monitoring certain cycling routes on the island to ensure all athletes are abiding by the guidelines and being respectful of one another and the community, as well as providing any necessary support.
Cyclist safety
Kona is the heart of the race, where athletes from around the globe head to test their limits. IRONMAN adds that competitors, visitors, and residents all play a part in ensuring safe conditions, especially when it comes to bike safety on the roads, and should keep the following in mind:
- Cyclists, stay aware of your surroundings. Kona’s roads can get busy, and it’s important to always ride with caution. Follow the designated race routes and obey all traffic signals.
- Always ride in dedicated bike lanes and stop at the stop signs and lights. Remember, cyclists have the same responsibilities in following local traffic laws as vehicles.
- Please ride single file at all times.
- For community members, whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or driving through town, be extra vigilant. Watch for cyclists, especially at intersections and crosswalks. Give them the space they need to navigate safely and always drive with Aloha.
Live Aloha
The 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship `Ohana recognizes that all must ‘tread lightly’ when visiting Hawai`i, respecting the people, the places and the culture. IRONMAN encourages all those attending, visiting, and participating in the event to adhere to this Live Aloha ethos throughout their visit to the island.
Live Aloha also encourages all people to be pono (righteous) on Hawai`i Island by taking the Pono Pledge. As described by Larry Lindsey Kauanoe Kimura, Grandfather of Hawaiian Language Revitalization, “Pono extends beyond its many English translations.
“To live pono is to be in perfect harmony with all things and to be aligned with your custodial relationship with the planet and its inhabitants.”
Tips to Live Aloha while visiting Hawai`i:
- Aloha spirit: Embrace the lessons of peace, kindness, compassion, and responsibility that come with being in the presence of and sharing the essence of life.
- Take time to greet locals who are sharing their home with us.
- Be mindful and courteous on the road during practice runs and rides.
- Obey all traffic and cycling laws.
- Love of the land: Mālama (care for) land and sea.
- Use mineral-based sunscreen only.
- Leave a place better than you found it.
- Observe, learn, and understand: This island is one of rich history. Take pause to learn of the peoples who have inhabited Hawai`i for centuries.
- Tour Hawai`i Island’s historical sites.
- Learn about the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai`i Authority (NELHA) and make note of the numerous sites along the race course.
- Admire the work of local artists and artisans at galleries like Donkey Mill Art Center.
- Book yourself seats at a lū`au for an immersive experience of local cuisine and Polynesian performances.
- Support the local business community and take a moment to soak in each place you visit.
- Honor the culture: Immerse yourself in local and Native Hawaiian customs that make up the island’s unique culture.
- Take a deep breath and relax. The pace of life is slower on the Island; don’t waste time trying to force things.
- Aloha is a lifestyle, a reciprocal value centered on kindness and respect. You give it without expectation of something in return.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from locals and Native Hawaiians.
- Admire and respect the beauty: Mindfully seek wonder, but not wander where one does not belong.
- While the Island of Hawai`i is filled with opportunities for adventure, be aware of and comply with all county ordinances and state laws.
- The landscape of Hawai`i is remarkable. Do not remove any plants, sand, or rocks from their original habitat.
- Do not approach or touch wildlife.
www.ironman.com/im-world-championship-2024
