HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - An unmistakable buzz can be felt throughout Kailua-Kona during race week of the Ironman World Championship.

Economically, the international race brings in roughly $10 million into local businesses and Hawaii County.

“The hotels are all packed. They hire extra staff to accommodate the extra visitors we have, trying to get a reservation in one of the Kona restaurants,” Hawaii County managing director Bill Brilhante told Hawaii News Now. “And it even goes as far away as Waimea or South Kona, Captain Cook area, that whole area is just inundated with visitors.”

It’s not just the Big Island that benefits from the large-scale event, as visitors are likely to island hop before heading home.

“Our understanding is the travelers spend up to upwards of 10 days or more on

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