FAQ

1. Will the Lavaman April 4, 2027 be the same course as the previous Lavaman? yes.
2. What is the schedule for packet pickup?  Packet pick-up will be Friday, April 2 from 10 am - 4pm and Saturday, April 3 from 10am – 3pm. Athletes must pick up their packet during that time.  Family and friends are able to pick up another athletes packet with a copy of the athletes ID and a written or electronic note from the athlete.
3. Are bike rentals available? Yes, Road Bike rentals through our sponsor BikeWorks are available locally in the Waikoloa Resort and Kailua-Kona. Lavaman bike reservations open January 2026. Reserve a bike early because sizes and quantities are limited. Contact Bikeworks Beach & Sports 808-886-5000 and/or Bike Works Kona 808-326-2453 or reserve online at Bike works Beach & Sports: https://bikeworkshawaii.com/rent or Bike Works Kona: https://www.bikeworkskona.com/bike-rentals-kona/
   *Please note, bikes may not be rented more than 90 days in advance.
4. Transition Area… Can a family member/friend help me get set up before the race? The Area is a secured and only identified athletes with wristband are able to enter prior, during, and after the race.
5. If I am unable to compete on Race Day or not able to complete the course, what must I do? Please notify a Lavaman Race Official ASAP and text your bib number to 801-550-2194. We must make sure every Athlete is accounted for! Your entry is not transferable!
6. Can I wear a wetsuit, goggles/facemask and use a snorkel? Wet suits can be worn however there are water temperature restrictions in order to be able to qualify in your age group for awards. Please check the USA Triathlon Guidelines. Currently wetsuits are legal based on water temperature. Goggles and face masks are allowed. Snorkels require an exemption, Fins and paddles are not allowed. Refer to the Course Rules in the drop down menu.
7. Will I be able to get air in my tires on Race morning? Typically tires can lose air overnight. Do your best to have your bike Race ready, but there will be Bike Tech support and sufficient bike pumps at the Transition Area in the Morning to assist you if needed.
8. Is there a water stop on the Bike course? There is not a water station on the bike course. Be sure you have adequate water for the duration of the ride. There is water & Gatorade available in transition.
9. Will the bike course be closed to motorists? You will share the road with vehicles. Vehicle traffic is controlled within the Resort area. The Highway portion will have vehicles on it. For your safety you must ride completely on the wide shoulder and not cross over the white line. Please follow the rules of the road and follow the direction of Course Marshals and Police.
10. If I have a problem with my bike on the course what are my options? If you can, fix it, or you can wait for one of the Bike Tech Teams to come by and give you some assistance. Be sure your bike is in good working order. If in doubt, take to your local bike shop and have it inspected and repaired before the race! All riders should carry a tire repair kit.
11. Is there a recommended type of running shoe? Footwear is a very important aspect of your race. The Lavaman Run Course is through all type of terrain including gravel, Lava rock, corral and sand.   A shoe with All-terrain type tread is good for traction.
12. Will there be Hydration Stations on the run course? There will be 6 Aid stations along the run Course. Water, Ice, and Gatorade. GU gels and Coke will be provided at some of the aid stations.
13. Where can I find additional Race Course information? The “Course” tab has the course overvew and rules for each segment of the race.
14. Are Disc wheels allowed: Yes.

1. Discounts for Veterans: There is a discounted entry fee for veterans and active duty service members. Proof must be provided at Packet Pick-up or the difference will be charged. This is for the Competitor only and not for family members. Although the Lavaman does not grant refunds, an exception may be made for Veterans being unable to compete due to Active Duty Service.
2. Kama’aina Rates: Kama’aina Individual Competitors will receive a discounted entry fee.  Proof of residence will be required at Packet Pick-up. Hawaii Driver’s License, State ID, or a current utility bill in your name with a Hawaii address.
3. Registration Inclusions: Race entry, Dri-Tech custom race shirt, Finisher hat, race bag, silicone swim cap, bike frame & helmet #’s, transition bag with #, finisher medal, awards, & “The Best Party in Triathlon” beach BBQ.
4. Additional Fees for Athletes: USAT one-day license fee if you are not already a member, chronotrack service fee & taxes.
5. USAT Insurance; All participants are covered by the USAT Event Sanctioning Insurance for injuries incurred during the race. You can read the extent of this coverage by going to the USATriathlon.org. This coverage is for what your own insurance may not cover.
6. Travel Insurance; Please make sure to read the full Lavaman Refund Policy on the Lavaman Website and you will be required to accept this policy when you register. To help cover yourself in case of an illness, injury, job change, etc. you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance offered at check out. This is 3rdparty insurance not provided by Lavaman.
7. Event Cancellation: Although Lavaman is covered for event cancellation in the case of Natural Disaster, weather, etc. but this coverage, nor any coverage we could find covers COVID or any pandemic.  In the event of any future cancellations, we will as we have done this past two years, try and provide as many alternatives as we can to accommodate athletes in future races. Again, please read the Refund Policy to better understand these options, as once again you are agreeing to these policies when you register.

1. What time does transition open? Transition opens at 5:30am. 

2. Where do I pick up my timing chip? Timing chips are picked up outside of transition, on the way to the swim start, AFTER racking your bike. Please make sure your timing chip number matches your wristband number.

3. Will there be a post-race banquet this year? Yes, there will be a beach barbecue buffet, live music and Liquid Aloha from Kona Brewing Company.

4. How will I know where to go on race day? Please refer to our schedule of events on our website under the ATHLETE tab on our website.

5. What time will my swim start? The swim will start at 7am.

6. When can I pick up my bike after the race? Bikes may be picked up from transtion startingat 11:30am, NO EXCEPTIONS. Please plan accordingly. Attempting to remove you bike before 11:30am will result in a DQ. Bikes must be picked up by 2:30pm

7. Can I purchase banquet tickets for my family? Additional banquet tickets are available for purchase during registration, can be added to your registration after the fact, or can be purchased at packet pick up.  The cost is $78+ tax. We will also accept cash at the entrance to the banquet.

Should you have any additional questions about rules or safety please email [email protected]

1. What type of relay teams are there? We offer 2 person and 3 person relay teams in the Triathlon and 2 person relay teams in the Duathlon.
2. What are the categories? Male, Female, Mixed, Youth, Kupuna (combined ages must be over 200).
3. How does the relay team work? Each person on the team will compete in one or two of the disciplines?. The team will receive one timing chip that will be transfered in the relay corral next to the transition area. The timing chip is past once the athlete is finished with their leg. For example: The swimmer will hand the biker the timing chip in the corral. The biker will put on the timing chip and ride. They will then rack their bike and then go to the relay corral to transfer the chip to the runner.
4. Does each team member need to register? Yes, each team member needs to register themselves and pay the registration fee.
5. What do team members recieve? Each team member will have their own packet and will receive a wristband, shirt, finisher medal and hat, bag, and all race material. And of course a ticket to the “Best Party in Triathlon”
6. Can we all cross the finish line together? Yes, and we encourage it!

• HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGE:  The Hilton Waikoloa Village is our Presenting Sponsor and Host Hotel and has been for 24 years. There is a special Lavaman Room Block at a substantially discounted price to their published rates. There is also a partial waiver of the Resort Fee for those who would like. We recommend that you contact and reserve your room as early as possible as the rooms are limited. You should use the link on the Lavaman Website which will go directly to our discounted block. If there are not longer rooms in that block, please let us know as we may be able to purchase a larger block.
• MARRIOTT WAIKOLOA: This year we have added a special block of rooms for Lavaman Athletes at the Marriott Waikoloa. The Marriott is located next to the finish line and within walking distance to the transition in the morning. Refer to the Travel tab for the link to the Marriott room block. If there are not longer rooms in that block, please let us know as we may be able to purchase a larger block.
• RENTAL CARS: Rental cars on the island go fast. Book your vehicle early.

See more information on our Accommodations page.

Interested in Volunteering? Plese visit our volunteer page here: https://www.lavamantriathlon.com/SUPPORTERS/

All volunteers receive a t shirt, lunch and Aloha from all the Lavaman participants.

We offer donations to non profit and youth groups of 12 or more. If you would like more infomation on bringing a group to volunteer, please reach out to Amy Laboda at [email protected].

The Lavaman Heath and Fitness Expo takes place on April 3 & April 4 at the Hiton Waikoloa Village.This where athletes will pick up their race packets and attend the in person athlete briefing. 

We will have sponsor and vendor booths and our Merchandise tent.

We offer $5 parking. You can park in the main lot and pick up a validation at the expo. 

For more detailed information regaring the Expo, please visit:

https://www.lavamantriathlon.com/expo/

1. Can I pick up my athletes packet ?- Yes. with a copy of his/her ID and a note (written or text message). 

2. Can I help my athlete in Transition? - For safety reasons, only athletes are allowed in transition.

3. Where are the best places to see my athlete? - You can watch your athlete on the beach at the swim start and finish, then within the resort on Waikoloa Beach Drive. (There is no spectating on the highway). There are many spost along the run, however, if you want to see your athlete at the finish, you shold choose a spot on the run course close enough to get to the finish line.

4. Where can I find food and drink during the race? - The Kings Shops and Queens Marketplace both have several options for food and are easily walkable from the race venue. There is a Starbucks, Island Gourmet Market, which has everything you need on race day, as well as a food court and many restaurants. You can see what is available here: 

Queens' Marketplace: https://www.queensmarketplace.com
King's Shops: https://kingsshops.com
Lava Lava Beach Club is located at the Finish Line. It is a full service restaurant and bar on the beach and a long time parnter of Lavaman. Athletes who finish can get free beer at Lava Lava if they choose to sit with their families. https://www.lavalavabeachclub.com/bigisland

5. Can I purchase extra banquet tickets - Yes. Extra banquet tickets can be purchased in advance via registration or onsite at the Expo

6. Where can I park? Race parking is available at the Lava Field beginning at 5am. If you park on the lava field you cannot leave until Noon. If you need to leave before noon, please park at the Queens' Market rear parking lot.

6. Is there merchandise available? - Yes, Lavaman has a merchandise store open during Expo hours. Any remaining items after the expo, will be for sale at the finish line.