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 half marathon, make sure you take time to enjoy the island, the sights, and the culture.
Maui Oceanfront Marathon – Kihei
Maui is one of Hawaii’s most sought after destinations. While running this course, you will be treated to the spectacles of whales, surfers, palm trees, the West Maui Mountains, and the salty ocean breeze. The average temperatures for January in Maui range between 64 and 82 degrees. Check it out here.
The Course
The Maui Oceanfront Half Marathon allows racers to run along the ocean on paved roads. The course is described as fast and fairly flat with the exception of a few rolling hills. The course for the half marathoners is an out-and-back which the runners will cover twice. The race starts and finishes on Front Street of Lahaina. The half marathon and the full marathon share a finishing line. Please keep in mind that while the full marathon and the 5k are open to walkers, the half marathon is for runners ONLY, so do not plan on this being your first rodeo.
Credit: Halfmarathons.net
Reviews
“This was the race we chose to check Hawaii off our fifty state quest, based on comments from previous years and the perfect timing for our Hawaii vacation. So much fun. January is whale season and wonderful time to be in Maui. Although we didn’t see any whales on the course, many other runners did and the course is beautiful in and of itself! 5am start necessitates head lamp, but keeps the temperature reasonable. Aid station volunteers were wonderful. Only improvement I can suggest is post race. There was not enough water for even mid-pack finishers and I never found other drinks – would have appreciated some electrolyte drink and/or chocolate milk. ‘Snacks’ were not appealing: no bagels or bananas. That said, still highly recommend. And attend the cruise that evening if possible – that’s when we saw our whales :)”-B.J., Marathonguide.com
“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.”- Christopher Lee, Marathonguide.com
Big Island International Half Marathon, Hilo
According to Halfmarathons.net, “this race features some of the most beautiful natural scenery runners are likely to encounter at any major race anywhere in the world.” From some of the sights around the area, this might just be true! Hilo is located on Hawaii’s Big Island and the race will take runners near the volcanoes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. March is a rainy season in Hilo with an average of 14 inches of rain during the month. The average temperatures during this time range between 65 and 79 degrees. Get registered here.
The Course
The course starts on the bayfront area in Hilo and and follows an out-and-back route along the bay. The course follows the Bayfront Highway for the most part, so the course is paved. The course reaches a max elevation of nearly 225 feet a couple times and hits its lowest elevation of 3 feet several times as well. The course is constantly changing in elevation, but many of the changes are rather gradual so it shouldn’t prove too challenging.
Credit: Halfmarathons.net
Reviews
“Race organization is good, from packet pickup to finish line. The volunteers make this race. They are enthusiastic, helpful and still cheering when the stragglers come through. The traffic support crew makes you feel safe. There is nothing negative about this race except the course itself. The first 8 miles are superb. Running through the rainforest on back roads up and down hills is awesome. The views along the ocean are beautiful. Once you pass the finish line and go through Hilo Bay and Banyon Drive, the course is blazing and repetitive. The post-race food is abundant and includes cold beer and soda. Award recipients stand on a podium and are presented with medals by the local kids in Hawaiian-style grass skirts. The race director, Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph, does an excellent job with this event. He works hard to make it a success.”-P.F., Marathonguide.com
“There really are no words to describe the beauty of this race. You are in Hawaii. The course was harder than I had anticipated, but part of the problem is that it is hard to stay focused. You are constantly looking at the beauty of the course and area. This was my first time to Hawaii and I would recommend this race to everyone who has a desire to compete and see the big island. Memories for a liftetime. Thank you!!”-Terry Fowler, Marathonguide.com
The Hapalula-Hawaii’s Half Marathon-Honolulu
The Hapalua Half is an opportunity for half marathoners to race against some of the best athletes in the U.S. This race is unique because of it’s use of “Chasers” to make the race more interesting. During the race, a group of the best runners across the state, called Team Hawaii, are given a head start on the Makau and Muindi Teams who are the “Chasers.” It is the Chasers jobs to catch and pass every member of Team Hawaii. If you choose to run this race, you do not have to participate in the Chaser game, but it does add another unique dynamic to this race. Register here.
The Course
During the Hapalua Half, runners will follow an out-and-back course along the Waikiki shoreline and Honolulu Harbor. Since the race takes place at sea level, the elevation stay relatively low with the lowest point around 1 foot above sea level and the highest point on the race just under 200 feet.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“The Hapalua is a 13.1 mile course that starts from the Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki, then travels through Waikiki and Ward, and then snakes around downtown to make your return to Waikiki, and last you face the daunting Monsarrat Ave. hill. A few days before the race, The Hapalua holds a packet pickup event (this year’s was at The Convention Center). Surprisingly, the packet pickup event was REALLY organized and the process was quick. Remember to bring your credit card though… there’s lots of Hapalua memorabilia for purchase at this event.”-Nina H., yelp.com
“This is one of my favorite Half Marathons in Hawaii. It’s unique! It is also the most unique out of everyone that I have ever ran. What makes Hapalua a cool run is the chase. I’ve never participated in the chase, but I’m sure if I would’ve stayed in Hawaii I could’ve made the team. The chase puts Hawaii’s elite runners against some of the worlds elite, and it’s very cool to see the build up. Prior to the chase; these elite runners do a short run with the local Hawaii runners; giving them the chance to see that their normal, which is pretty cool : )”-Thomas G., yelp.com
Paul Mitchell XTERRA Gunstock Trails Half Marathon
If you were dropped off at Gunstock Ranch, you would probably think you had landed in Wyoming or perhaps Texas–but Hawaii would probably NOT be your first guess. Gunstock Ranch is definitely not stereotypical Hawaii. However, if you want to experience Hawaii as a “Paniolo” or Hawaiian Cowboy, then Gunstock will provide that opportunity. Given that this race takes place in October, it is a great practice race for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship which takes place in December. Check it out here.
The Course
The Paul Mitchell XTERRA Gunstock Half Marathon is considered “challenging” and offers wonderful views for runners. This is a loop course with a couple out and back sections along the way. The max elevation for this course is around 400 feet while the minimum is close to 40 feet. As will all trail runs, the terrain will provide its own challenges in the form of dirt, rocks, and sand. Do not expect to set a new PR if this is your first trail race. Trail races have their own rewards–which don’t usually include your best time.
Credit: Garmin
Reviews
“This race was gorgeous, friendly, well organized, well marked but the absolute best part was the stirring start: listening to our national anthem while a paniolo rode his horse across a hilltop, waving the Stars & Stripes!”- Tracy Aloha, Facebook.com
“This was hands down one of the best run races I’ve had the privilege of running in! Incredibly awesome people, well placed water and aid stations, beautiful and challenging course, and the best people. My friend was able to register the day of, I switched from the 5k to the half; we were both asked at the end our opinions, if it was well marked, etc. never got lost and my friend only once, but only because he wasn’t looking up from the ground, lol.”-Andrea Taylor, Facebook.com