While Hawaii is a short flight for those in California, it’s often more of a bucket list destination race for the rest of the world. So if you’ve been eyeing those lush green islands and wondering about the best Hawaii marathons, we did the research (and the running) for you.
Between our own coaching team and extensive athlete roster we’ve had a lot of experience with Hawaii runs. They are stunning and so many are designed to be approachable for all paces.
Of course the big thing we remind everyone is that it will likely be humid and warm!! If you’ve been training through the dead of a cold winter, this is going to feel tougher because your body hasn’t adapted. That being said, we can vouch for them being worth it.
#1. Maui Oceanfront Marathon
When: January
Where: Maui
Size: more than 1,000
Total Elevation Change: 230-260 feet
Unique Features: The oceanfront path allows for potential humpback whale sightings, since January-March is whale season in Maui.
This is a point-to-point marathon that’s run almost entirely along the island’s scenic oceanfront highways. It’s mostly paved and flat, with a few gently rolling sections that will give you a bit of a challenge.
Maui’s weather in January is typically warm and tropical, but the race offers an early 5 a.m. start so runners (and walkers) can avoid the heat of the day.
The race begins at the Shops at Wailea in south Maui and finishes at Launiupoko Beach Park near Lahaina. There are other options as well, like a half-marathon, 6-miler, and 5K, so if you want more choices or have running friends who might like to come along, it’s great to have options!
The views along the way are stunning, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the West Maui mountains on the other. The small field means a community feel and the ability to offer things like unique custom finisher medals and t-shirts, but you will want to register early if you want in.
This is a certified course and offers plenty of community-run aid stations – and like we said up top, don’t forget to search the ocean for humpback whales!
Demman1024 says there wasn’t anything not to love about his experience!
The marathon starts at 5 a.m., which is great to try to beat the heat. It is quite hilly! Better plan on that in your training. When the hills get tough, look to your left at the ocean and just keep repeating โIโm in Maui, this is beautiful!โ
The aide stations were all great. Many of them had people that would be out to greet you before you arrived telling you what would be available at that particular aide station.
They donโt have gels so bring your own. They did have snacks at all the aide stations but I brought my own gels and didnโt want to โtry anything new on race dayโ but it was there if you wanted it. Water and Gatorade available at all aide stations.
We used reusable cups, which I thought would be a hassle but it was fine and you didnโt need to worry about throwing a cup in a trash bin. It smashed up pretty flat and I stuffed it in my running bra with no issues.
The race start at The Shops at Wailea was great. Get there by 4:30 a.m. and use the flushing, clean bathrooms! It was great! Luckily I didnโt have to use any of the porta potties but there were many along the course.
The medal is beautiful! I like that the full marathoners got a bigger medal with a different color ribbon. The race shirts are awesome too!
Race director, Les, is a hoot! He keeps you updated on all things race related. Donโt worry about anything!We did the Whale Watching Dinner Cruise with Les and many other runners with their families which was amazing!
Sign up as soon as he sends the email out because it fills up fast!!
#2. Mainly Marathons Aloha Series
When: January
Where: Kauai
Size: fewer than 100 per day
Total Elevation Change: Less than 50 feet
Unique Features: Along with the island’s unique scenery, this event is special because it gives you the opportunity to run multiple race formats over 4 consecutive days.
The Mainly Marathons series is unique because they offer a 5K & 10K, a half marathon, a full marathon, and a 50K on 4 consecutive days. Runners can choose to do one, all, or something in between and will receive medals for each or all they complete.
The courses are run on paved, off-road trails that wind through tropical gardens and along the oceanfront at Kapaa Beach Park. Elevation changes are mild, since you’re mostly traversing parkland or coastal paths.
This event offers a unique challenge for marathoners, and the medal offered to those who complete all four races is a special treat.
Bioprofsd had a really great time!
I ran the 50K on day 3 of the Mainly Marathons Aloha series in 2019. The course consisted of an out and back that was a total of 2.2 miles.
The 50K runners had to do this 14 times plus one shorter out and back to bring the total up to 31 miles. The out and back was along a concrete bike path that ran along adjacent to the shoreline at Kapaโa Beach Park on Kauai, HI.
It might sound boring to have to run this 14 times, but the scenery was beautiful and there were all kinds of tourists and locals to watch, along with many species of birds.
Some of the birds that I was able to identify included Zebra Doves, which were everywhere, a small, chestnut brown, bird called the Black-headed Mannikin, Red-crested Cardinal, a species of shorebird that I wasnโt able to identify, Common Mynas, Cattle Egrets, and one Albatross.
I only gave the race a 4 out of 5, because I would prefer to run longer loops. Also, I gave the race production a 4 out of 5 because I didnโt feel that the aid station was up to their usual standards, probably because they couldnโt bring their usual caravan of trailers with them to Hawaii, and so didnโt have their โLooney Lunchboxโ kitchen.
I thought that they could have ordered pizza from a local restaurant or other local food to supplement the snacks that were offered. They also ran out of t-shirts in my size because of an unexpected high number of runners that signed up for the 5K on the days of the races.
I hope Iโm not coming off as being too critical, because Iโm just trying to tell it as it was.
I really had a good time, and met a lot of really nice friends. One of the runners even let me use their shower because I was flying out the same day as my race so I could be back at work on Monday.
If I could, I would give the race an overall rating as 4.5 and would do it again if I ever have the chance to go back.
#3.ย Big Island International Marathon
When: March
Where: Hilo, Big Island
Size: fewer than 200 for marathon, 1,000 across all races
Total Elevation Change: 300 feet
Unique Features: Since this race follows Hilo’s “old coast,” you’ll really feel like you’re running in Hawaii, not just in another road race.
This out and back course starts and finishes at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on the waterfront. It follows historic coastal roads and winds through some scenic town stretches along the way, offering a kind of varied tropical scenery that’s pure Hawaii.
You’ll catch views of the ocean, the rainforest, macadamia nut farms, and even some waterfall glimpses along the way.
The race is small, with under 200 participants in the full marathon and under 1,000 entrants for all race weekend events combined. If you’re not up for a full marathon, you can run a half, a 5K, or a handful of other options.
The course isn’t flat, with some small hills or rolling sections, but overall it isn’t the most challenging terrain.
Plenty of aid stations throughout will make you feel supported, and you’ll get a fun medal and t-shirt at the end if you’ve registered early enough.
Runner s.pavao had nothing bad to say, and kept their review short and sweet!
Awesome event. Well organized.
A must do!!
Race director is a true professional who makes every effort to make everyoneโs experience memorable.
Itโs Hawaii at its very best.
#4. Maui Marathon
When: April
Where: Kฤสปanapali, West Maui
Size: fewer than 400 for marathon, 2,200 across all races
Total Elevation Change: 150-200 feet
Unique Features: This race is the longest consecutively held running event in Hawaii and the oldest marathon west of the Mississippi River.
This out and back, scenic marathon was established in 1971, making it one of the oldest in the United States.
It starts and finishes near the beach at Kฤสปanapali, and offers great views and gently rolling terrain before turning around near Papalaua Wayside State Park.
Runners are treated to a coastal breeze and ocean vistas, but the path is paved, making this a fast and flat race that could offer the opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon in the process.
The race has also been recognized byย Runner’s World as one of the Top 10 Most Scenic Marathons in the US.
This race has a lot of appeal for destination runners, so you’re bound to make new friends and find community among the international field.
Participant jrmzelda definitely recommends this race:
Start: 5AM is great to avoid the sun for the first couple hours.
Aid stations: Great. There were plenty (17 or 18 I think). Gels were offered at a few near the end. I like the collapsible cup they offered (although I brought a reusable squeeze bottle so that I could carry a little more volume).
Packet Pickup: No issues. Offering previous year tech shirts for a major discount is awesome.
Parking and shuttles: as advertised and adequate!
Communications: Lots of emails prior to the race with useful information.
Course: Aside from a few tight stretches, the shoulder is adequate for the number of runners (~300 for the marathon). More than that and it might be an issue. A small improvement would be to make the course match the Maui Oceanfront one so that it hugs the water the entire way, but I didnโt mind running the interior part that much overall.
#5. Honolulu Marathon
When: December
Where: Honolulu
Size: 40,000+
Total Elevation Change:ย 500 feet
Unique Features: There is no required finish time or qualifying time, so anyone who wants to participate by walking, running, etc, receives a medal at the end.
This scenic marathon begins and ends at Ala Moana Beach Park. Along the way you’ll visit many iconic Honolulu landmarks as well as some neighborhoods and historic buildings. Most notable among these landmarks are Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head crater loop.
The terrain is mostly flat, though the Diamond Head hill is short but fairly notable.
The non-existent entry requirements mean this race is popular with first-timers, and this is one of the largest marathons in the States.
Fireworks often accompany the dark (and early) start, and you’ll want to be prepared for humid, tropical weather and a crowded start.
Runner jonoringading thought the vibes were immaculate:
It rained for the 2 mile walk to the start, but then let up for 16 miles, we got to see the elites finishing as they ran down diamond head, a mile from the finish.
It got hot for about 15 minutes, then the breeze picked up. As we were on the way back from koko head, it really started pouring, but not too windy and not cold, so actually enjoyable.
They even had Malasadas left for the slower runners?
The medal is now sponsored by SGC, and it is really nice. The quality of the shirts was also really good this year.
We signed up again for 2026, best vibe!!
#6. Kauai Marathon
When: September
Where: Poipu / Koloa
Size: fewer than 300
Total Elevation Change: 2,100+ feet
Unique Features: This is a small race that offers more of a challenge as far as the course, without sacrificing any of the island’s scenic beauty.
The Kauai Marathon is considered one of the most scenic marathons in the States, and with its 2,100+ feet of elevation gain, it’s also a great challenge.
You’ll be treated to the “Garden Island’s” ocean vistas, rainforests, lush valleys, and “Tunnel of Trees,” a section that no runner who has been there will ever forget.
The organizers also supply cultural elements like hula performers and rhythmic Taiko drummers to add to the Hawaiian experience.
The race begins in Poipu on Kauai’s sunny south shore and winds along the coastline, offering views of no only the beaches, but rugged volcanic peaks and rainforests as well.
The full marathon takes runners to the top of Kalaheo before descending gradually back into Poipu. There, you’ll get a t-shirt, a unique medal, and be able to enjoy food and more entertainment as part of the finisher celebration.
Runner hangling.he says this was a beautiful and unique marathon:
This is not a flat, fast marathon. With a total elevation gain of about 635 meters, the course demands patience and strength.
Long climbs and rolling hills are constant companions, and they add a layer of difficulty that requires smart pacing from the very beginning.
Combine that with temperatures ranging from 24โ30ยฐC and humidity around 80%, and you have a race that tests both physical endurance and mental resilience.
The heat and humidity are no joke โ hydration and fueling strategies make a huge difference here.
One thing that helped was the weather on race day: although it was sunny, the direct sun exposure only lasted about an hour.
Much of the time after sunrise, clouds rolled in and gave much-needed relief, which made the challenging conditions at least somewhat manageable.
Early in the course, running through the famous Tree Tunnel is breathtaking โ the canopy of greenery creates a natural gateway that feels almost ceremonial for the runners.
The race organization is solid. From volunteers at aid stations to the locals cheering on the sidelines, you feel welcomed and encouraged the whole way.
That warmth makes a tough course feel more rewarding.
BONUS: โOhiโa Lehua Half Marathon
When: July
Where: The Big Island
Size: 100-500
Total Elevation Change: 500 feet
Unique Features: Running along a volcano’s forested ridges will give participants views of volcanic terrain and mountain peaks not common for most.
The สปOhiสปa Lehua Half Marathon is not only scenic, but is also moderately challenging for a half marathon. It’s run in Volcano, HI, and blends road racing with Hawaii’s natural beauty.
The race begins and ends in Volcano Village, near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The course is typically cool and shrouded in mist and shade from the tree canopy.
This course is super unique, and one you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.
The race’s official website interviewed Summer Corke, the winner of the 2023 half marathon, and she had great tips to share about the half marathon.
My favorite part of this race was getting that long downhill recovery after pushing hard up the hill. It felt like a breeze letting gravity just take me down. The views were also amazing and there were even some cows along the way.
Pacing wise, I recommend keeping an easier pace for the first half in order to not die out on the hill. When you start coming down the hill at the turnaround is when you want to start picking up the pace and finish strong.
The day before the race I was sure to stay hydrated, eat lots of carbs, and get a good nightโs rest.
I recommend eating one gel mid-way through the race and caffeine run gum is also a big help. During the race, I would stop at every aid station and alternate between Gatorade and water.
Have a long sleeve or jacket before the start of the race because itโs chilly in the morning. I think just running in a tank and comfortable shorts is best for running long races like these. Even though Volcano is chilly, you will eventually get warm.
I recommend getting to the race 20-30 minutes before start time to ensure bathroom and warm up time. Also make sure to properly stretch and do some warmup drills prior to the race so your body gets properly warmed up.
Just have fun and donโt forget to smile as youโre running! Bring some friends and family to cheer you on!
There’s nothing quite like running in paradise, and with all of these marathon days on offer, Hawaii is a great choice for your next destination!
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