When you think of Hawaii, you probably picture white sand beaches, the sound of crashing waves, the smell of fresh pineapples and coconuts, and endless sun. If you go to Hawaii to run a marathon, make sure you take time to enjoy the island, the sights, and the culture.
Maui Oceanfront Marathon – Kihei
This race is fairly small and there is usually great support–even early in the morning! The course has many scenic areas and beaches so you will have plenty of visual beauty to keep you distracted from your burning legs. Let’s be honest, where else can you see breaching whales while running a marathon? Check it out here.
The Course
The entirety of the course is run on an asphalt road. It may get a little crowded at times because the shoulder of the road is only 4-6 feet. When running in Maui, don’t expect a pancake-flat race. The race starts at 97 feet in elevation and reaches its peak within a little over a half of a mile at 145 feet– all in all, this is not a huge elevation change, but there are a few places along the way that are at an 8% grade, so you will definitely be waking up your hamstrings.
Reviews
“I’ve been to all of these since 2009 except for one. Course director and volunteers do an amazing job. Don’t come expecting a flat, cool course without wind… because this Maui. What you will get, though, is the perfect backdrop to a marathon, top-notch organization and direction, enthusiastic volunteers on the course, and a frequent humpback breaching just over your left shoulder to encourage you to the finish line. We’ll keep coming back as long as Les and the team keep making it possible. Where else can you run with such breathtaking scenery and consistent weather.”-P.R., Marathonguide.com
“This is a great marathon. All that was under the control of the race director was done with perfection. The shuttle buses were on time. There were plenty of water stops which were staffed with enthusiastic young people. They made up for the lack of spectators. The stops had plenty of water, cliff bars, sports drinks, even nuts and raisins. The course ran along ocean cliffs. They were beautiful but runners were exposed to the full sun and Maui is warm and humid. But they even had cold towels to help out. I recommend the post race dinner cruise. We saw whales and had a chance to compare race experiences. All in all, this is on my list of must do marathons.”-Christopher Lee, Marathonguide.com
Big Island International Marathon, Hilo
The Big Island International Marathon will allow you to see absolutely incredible and breath-taking sights. While on the course, you will follow the coast along the Pacific Ocean, past exotic waterfalls, across narrow bridges, and on lava beaches. Hilo is one of the cooler parts of Hawaii, so you can breath easy knowing the temperature will be more suited to running than other parts of the Big Island. Get registered here.
The Course
Many runners have commented on the hills of the course and say that the first half, or even the first two-thirds of the race were constants climbs and descents but after the seemingly endless climbs, you will get a little break because the race is pretty flat from then on. The max elevation happens to be the starting elevation so be prepared for some serious downhill work.
Reviews
“I have run this marathon 5 times. This is one of my favorite marathons out of the 34 I have run and every year it gets better. It is VERY well organized. This year the marathon and half marathon sold out as well as the 5K. I believe the limit is 300 entries per race so be sure you don’t procrastinate too much if you are thinking of entering. The sights are amazing, especially the first 8 miles and the last 6. The waterfalls and ocean views are breathtaking. The advantage of this marathon over Honolulu is that you get to start as the sun is rising so you get the chance to enjoy the incredible scenery (rather than running half of it before the sun even rises). I also prefer the size of the marathon. There are plenty of volunteers on the course to offer drinks and cheer you on. And the post massage was incredible this year. I hope the same volunteers return next year. Thank you!”-Sally Marrack, Marathonguide.com
“Even under the trying conditions of wind and rain it would be difficult to find a course that can rival this one in spectacular scenery. The new version of the race is more challenging than previously, with mostly rolling hills for the first 15 miles which leave you staggered for the remaining 11. The wisest course of action is to enjoy the scenery for the first half and save your energy for the latter part. Wonderful race organizers who adapted as best they could to the conditions.” -Michael Georgi, Marathonguide.com
Kaua’i Marathon, Koloa
Kaua’i is the only location in Hawaii that has navigable rivers, has been called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and is home to the largest collection of Native Hawaiian Plants at the National Botanical Garden. The Kaua’i Marathon has seen runners from all walks of life and in all age groups. The youngest runner to complete the full marathon was 11 and the oldest runner was 78. The Kaua’i Marathon has been voted as the best marathon in Hawaii by runners. Register here.
The Course
This course offers absolute spectacles to the runners. En-route, the runners will be privileged to see the beautiful beaches, volcanic mountains, and lush tropical rain forests. The course starts at 48 feet in elevation and reaches a max elevation of 851 feet around mile 16. The elevation is constantly changing during this race so be prepared for the burn!
Reviews
“I’ve run the Kauai marathon 3x previously, so 2014 is #4. The course is a continuous windy uphill climb that can not be underestimated. Be prepared to train for serious hills and the heat will beat you up. Temperatures were at an all time high this year, but usually it’s not. The Kauai marathon course features the lush scenery of south Kauai, with rural communities and scenic landscapes. Very well managed and nice finisher’s medal.”-E.L., Marathonguide.com
“The organizers, volunteers, police, spectators were incredible..Above and beyond. I had so much fun. Everyone was so supportive, I could not quit smiling even on the hills! Challenging course, keeps me coming back for more. This was my 3rd Kauai Marathon and I will run it again next year. Mahalo” -Louis LaFratta, Marathonguide.com
Honolulu Marathon
If you’re looking for a marathon in December but aren’t too interested in running in ice and snow, you may want to consider running the Honolulu Marathon. When you run the Honolulu Marathon, you have the opportunity to choose from a variety of charities to support such as: The Australian Cancer Research Foundation, Children’s Tumor Foundation, and Beyondblue. Check it out here.
The Course
The race starts on Ala Moana Boulevard which, in Hawaiian, means “path by the ocean.” The marathon takes runners through downtown Honolulu, along the harbor, by the historic Aloha Tower, through Chinatown, by Iolani Palace, and around the Honolulu Zoo. The course starts at 15 feet elevation and reaches its max elevation around mile 10 at 131 feet. There is a total gain of 643 feet.
Reviews
“The marathon was totally fun but brace yourself for a pretty warm and humid run. The Japanese spectators were really enthusiastic and I don’t think I would have made it without them. Don’t expect a PR, but expect a good time. Get yourself a mai tai at the finish line.”-O.M., Marathonguide.com
“They say you never forget your first marathon. What a week to remember, starting with perfect weather every day. The 66 degrees, no wind, no humidity is the perfect weather for me. I ran 4 seconds off my training pace and if things got a little tough, I just looked around and realized I was running in December in Hawaii. The fans we very supportive and Honolulu was great. They really made you feel at home and not like another tourist trap.”-Bob Bender, Marathonguide.com
Kona Marathon
The Kona Marathon is ranked among the best marathons in Hawaii by TripAdvisor and has recently entered into a partnership with Sister Marathon Peace Initiative which strives to promote world peace and goodwill through marathons. Check it out here.
The Course
The Kona Marathon features some gentle hills. The course starts at 38 feet in elevation and reaches a max elevation of 125 feet at 11 miles. The course has constant ups and downs, but nothing too serious as long as you train for it! Several runners have mentioned the challenges that come with the end of this race. The last part of the race takes place on lava rock or gravel (about 100 meters worth). If you aren’t surefooted, you may have to slow down because the rocks are pretty jagged and can leave some painful souvenirs if you aren’t careful.
Reviews
“This should not be a tough race, but the heat makes it tougher than you might think. The people do an excellent job with the race, the aid stations, and control of the course. And the finish line is wonderful with a great announcer. The only bad think about the course is that you are out there in the sun without any shade for a long time, but hey, you are running in Hawai’i”-C.C., Marathonguide.com
“The Kona Marathon is a tough, inspirational race in a fantastic place! The course follows much of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship course and it’s The Big Island, so you gotta love it! The organization, water stops, and traffic control are very good. The weather is H-O-T – it’s Hawaii in June after all – but we packed our Endurolyte capsules, hat, sunscreen and glasses, and we enjoyed it. At the finish we were met by an elderly lady who kissed my sweaty cheek and thanked me for coming as she hung a beautiful shell necklace and medal around my neck. This marathon is one of my favorites.”-K.P., Marathonguide.com