Hawaii is a hospitable state where you can go surfing, swimming, and tanning under the sun. But runners adore it for its many interesting running events for every taste. It is an unbelievable experience when you run and observe the scenic landscape.
We have chosen the best Hawaii runs to make the selection easy if you want to run in this sunny state.
Thematic Hawaii Races
1. FL-WR Walk/Run for Literacy
This annual April Hawaii race in Waikoloa Village has a noble purpose – to engender a love of reading.
Friends of the Library Waikoloa Region (a non-profit community service organization) provide an ongoing supply of books to the Community using a Bookmobile. They help people to get books and plan their own libraries. The organizing committee raises money for their purpose by holding this race.
Each year the race gathers about 500 runners from all over the state looking to run or walk a 5k in Hawaii. The price is $20 for adults ($30 with race day registration) and $10 for children under 12.
Register and participate in this incredible run if you like reading and want to help make this activity a habit for more people.
2. Great Aloha Run
This Hawaii run event is an oldie but a goodie. It was the first big Hawaiian race with 12,000 registered runners. Runner’s World Magazine declared The Great Aloha Run one of the top “100 Great Road Races” in the USA.
The event takes place in Honolulu in February. Each year it gathers from 5,000 to 10,000 participants who run 8.1miles. There are divisions for elites, age groups, wheelchair and hand-cycle competitors, Sounds of Freedom, and those just wanting to walk the course with friends and socialize along the way in the Back of the Pack.
The price is from $35 to $40, depending on your age. There is also an option to register with a team.
5K Races in Hawaii
3. Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run
If you prefer running 5k or 10k distances, come to Koloa in November. Here you can participate in an annual run from Old Koloa Sugar Mill. This event has a twenty-year history and attracts more than 500 runners each year.
Runners can choose from 5k, 10k, and half-marathon courses. The price starts from $40 for early birds, then it grows.
Don’t forget about the party after the finish line – Hawaiian hospitality is legendary!
4. Mana Honua 5K & 10K
How about visiting one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii? We recommend you participate in this July run in Honolulu. The race gathers about 500 people each year.
Run 1 mile, 5k, or 10k, and have lots of fun at the summer festival after crossing the finish line! The festival starts before sunset and includes good music, tasty food, and other exciting activities to make this day unforgettable.
Don’t miss the Mana Honua run. Register, and prepare to be challenged!
5. Maui 5K
This is another Hawaii 5k that takes place in Kula in March. It has a noble purpose – the proceeds from the event are donated to the school chosen by each runner during online registration.
Each year more than 500 participants come to run or walk 1mi or 5k and help schools to develop. The price you pay for participation is $25.
If you like not only running but helping to make this world better, don’t miss this race!
Trail Running and Running with Obstacles
6. Hawaii Kai Ultra Run – Kalama Valley
This running event is a big challenge for your body and soul. You can participate in a half-marathon, 30k, marathon, 50k, 50 mi, 100k, or 100 miles. This Hawaii race challenges runners to take on new distances with the support and camaraderie of other participants.
If you like such races, come to Honolulu each half of the year as this event takes place twice a year: in winter and summer.
Registration opens shortly before the race – check the official site for news and prices.
7. Hawaii Spartan Trifecta Event Weekend
The Spartan Trifecta is for endurance runners looking for a challenging course – it is a real Sparta! Take your friends and family to participate together – it will be a lot of fun: getting down in the dirt, chasing up a mountain, climbing the walls, and many others.
The race takes place in Waikāne at the end of summer. This running weekend is extremely popular – more than 5000 runners come to challenge themselves each year.
The course is located in the Hawaiian jungle, home to some of the craziest climbs and descents in all Spartan racing. Here you can run the 5k Sprint, Super 10k, and Beast 21k. The best challenge is to participate in all three races over the weekend. The price is from $119 to $194, depending on your chosen course.
By the way, the Spartan Trifecta ranch has been the location for many movies, including “Jurassic Park” and “Jumanji.” It means that you and your family will have a lot of fun there after crossing the finish line.
Half-Marathons in Hawaii
8. Hapalua Hawaii’s Half-marathon
Hawaii is famous for its many marathons and half-marathons – there are plenty to choose from. If that’s the type of Hawaii run you are looking for, the Hapalua Hawaii’s Half-marathon is perfect for you. The event is held in April in Waimea each year.
The race attracts from 5000 to 10000 runners from all over the country, making it one of the biggest Hawaiian half-marathons.
Pre-registration is currently open. By pre-registering, you are guaranteed to get your ticket with a big discount.
After crossing the finish line, you can have a good time – the organizing committee provides tasty food, drinks, and different activities.
9. Ka’ū Coffee Trail Runs
Do you like coffee? Do you like running through coffee fields and macadamia nut groves? If such a possibility attracts your attention, consider Ka’ū Coffee Trail Runs. It takes part in September in Pahala. Each year about 500 runners come to try their luck in this southernmost race in the USA.
Here you can run 5k, 10k, or a half-marathon. The price for participation starts from $50-$150 till September 15 and then grows – hurry to register!
10. Val Nolasco Half-Marathon
Let’s move on to running events in Honolulu. This Hawaii half-marathon takes place in November and gathers about 1000 runners yearly.
If you like park runs, this race will please you. Here, you will run through many beautiful parks with scenic nature.
The price is $55 for early birds; then it increases to $85.
Marathons in Hawaii
11. 100% Pure Kona Coffee Marathon
This is another running event for those who like coffee – after crossing the finish line, you will get a free cup of coffee!
The race takes place in Kailua-Kona in November and offers a half-marathon and marathon. 100% Pure Kona Coffee Marathon is very popular among skilled runners because the course is very comfortable – you run the scenic coast of Kailua-Kona down Ali’i Drive to the infamous “Pit” at the “End of the World.”
The price for participation is $90 and $100. Registration is currently open.
12. Kauai Marathon
When it comes to marathons in Hawaii, the Kawuai Marathon is among the most popular with elite runners as it is a Boston Qualifier. It is also one of the most beautiful running events in the world, as you can only see such beauty in Kauai. So, this race is a great way to combine a unique experience and vacation.
More than 1000 runners come to Koloa each September to run a half-marathon or marathon, hoping to get qualification for Boston. The price is $145 for the half-marathon and $245 for the marathon.
After running and observing spectacular mountain views, you cross one of the most beautiful finish lines on the seashore. Of course, there will be a grand celebration after the finish – don’t miss it!
13. Maui Oceanfront Marathon
This is another Hawaii marathon that is a Boston Qualifier. It takes place in January in Lahaina and brings together 1000 to 5000 participants each year.
You can choose from a 5k, 10k, 15k, half-marathon, or marathon. While running, you’ll observe the seashore, mountain landscapes, and beautiful nature all around.
The price is from $65 to $140, depending on the type of race.
14. Kona Marathon
Kona Marathon takes part in June in Kailua-Kona. It is one of the most popular races in Hawaii, as it gathers about 5000 runners each year.
The distinguishing characteristic of the Kona Marathon is that it was voted the number one marathon in Hawaii by TripAdvisor. They “looked at every state in the US and picked the best marathon to go to.”
You can run a 5k, half-marathon, or marathon. The Kona Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The price for participation is not currently known, but you can check the official site for updates.
15. Big Island International Marathon
This international running event takes place in March in Hilo. It is one of the races in Hawaii that can boast a scenic course and an extensive choice of distances.
Here you can run 2 miles, 5k, 10k, a half-marathon, and a marathon. Like the previous ones, Big Island International Marathon is also a Boston Qualifier.
The price for participation is from $40 to $110. There will be tasty food and drinks after the finish line.
It doesn’t matter if you are a skilled runner or a beginner; volunteers are available along the course to help you if you need it.
Wrap Up
Hawaii is famous for its hospitality and beauty. It boasts many running events for every taste. If you want to run in a beautiful place and enjoy a great vacation, choose a race from our list, register, and prepare to be challenged.
