Runners love the Hawaiian Islands due to the mild temperatures, tropical tradewinds, and a variety of running options from the beach to mountain trails. There are numerous marathons held each year throughout Hawaii and also ultra-marathons, half marathons, and triathlons.
Oahu
Oahu’s major marathon is the Honolulu Marathon, but also popular are the Great Aloha Run as well as an endurance race in Manoa Valley that is known as the Hurt 100 long distance endurance race.
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The Honolulu Marathon draws about 20,000 runners from all part of the globe. The event has been held annually since 1973 and has continued to grow in popularity over the years. The marathon starts at Ala Moana Beach Park and goes around Diamond Head before returning to Kapiolani Park Bandstand.
The Honolulu Triathlon begins at Ala Moana Beach Park, and is part of the Annual Honolulu Triathlon Festival of Sports. The 8th annual Honolulu Triathlon takes place on May 15, 2011. The event attracts more than one thousands participants from many different countries.
The Tinman Triathlon takes place in Waikiki in July and includes an 800 meter ocean swim, 40-kilometer bike ride, and 10 kilometer swim, finishing in Kapiolani Park.
Maui
The Maui Marathon is held in the Kahului-Kaanapali Area. Other popular runs on Maui include the Run to the Sun Ultra-Marathon that climbs 10,000-foot Haleakala Volcano (36 miles), and also the Maui Surf and Sand Half Marathon which is held in Lahaina. The Maui Marathon starts in Kahului and ends at Whalers Village in Kaanapali Resort.
Please consider our Lahaina vacation rentals for your stay on Maui.
Big Island
The Kona Marathon takes place on the west coast of the Big Island in Kailua-Kona. The Kona Marathon takes place in June and the course goes from the Keauhou Beach Resort and includes Alii Drive in Kona Town.
The Big Island also hosts the Volcano Marathon which takes place in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in July. Also taking place in the park is the Lavaman Triathlon.
The Hilo Marathon goes by the name Big Island International Marathon. The race takes place every March on a course that runs from Pepeekeo to Hilo.
Come watch the Ironman Triathlon, stay in one of our Kona vacation rentals.
The most famous sporting event on the Big Island, and indeed in all of Hawaii, is the Ironman Triathlon which is held each year in October in Kailua-Kona. Competitors complete a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon.
Kauai
The first Kauai Marathon took place in 2009, and the 2010 race is scheduled for September 5. Runner’s World Magazine has just designated the Kauai Marathon as their August/September “Race of the Month.”
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The Kauai Marathon begins in the popular coastal resort area of Poipu on the island’s south shore. The marathon course goes through the famous Tree Tunnel and climbs into Kalaheo where there are great ocean and mountain views. When it is done everyone attends a Sheraton Kauai Resort beach party.