Ironman World Championship with Big Island Guide The Ironman World Championship is Hawaii’s 41st time hosting the event. Held annually in Kailua-Kona since 1981, the Ironman World Championship is considered the ultimate physical, mental, and emotional test of strength, resilience, and endurance in the world. The world’s best triathletes gather in Kona Hawaii each October to compete in this challenging and strenuous athletic competition.