BIG Island Miles
If you are relocating to Kona and running is an integral part of your everyday life, be prepared for a bit of initial shock. Running in Kona comes with a few challenges you will have to learn to deal with. Kona’s breathtaking beauty is not one of them, of course.
What to Know
A lack of dedicated running paths is a big issue. The majority of runners and walkers rely on Alii Drive, the Queen’s Lei Trail Path along Ane Keohokalole Highway, and Walua Road for their daily fix. Pine Trees Beach and Kaloko Trails are also great options for running in Kona, but both require a car trip. In fact, unless you live directly near any of these Kona running spots, you will likely have to drive to your starting point.
Learn to beat the heat! Plan on early morning and evening runs to avoid Kona’s heat, humidity, and intense UV rays. Forget about your midday run…seriously.
Holy Hills! There is a reason most Kona homes enjoy gorgeous ocean and sunset views; it is called Hualalai Mountain. Almost all of Kona is built on its slope, which is great for most everything – except for your car’s brakes, and if you are a runner, your knees.
Big Island Running, Beyond Kona
Depending on how far you are willing to drive, you will be pleased to know there are many exceptional and downright epic areas for all types of running near Kona, including road running, trail running, and running paths.
The Kohala Coast offers several good options, particularly Waikoloa Beach Resort and Mauna Lani Resort, which is especially notable for its flat and pedestrian-friendly roads. Waimea is great too, both because of the cooler weather and its beautiful rural roads.
For the ultimate Big Island running experience, there is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – a jackpot for running enthusiasts located 2 hours from Kailua-Kona. For more information on these trails and others, check out the Big Island Hiking section.
Kona Marathon
KONA | JUNE
Featuring the Big Island’s largest marathon - a family-friendly event featuring a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, and 5K. The race features a scenic new course along picturesque Alii Drive, with the Royal Kona Resort and Spa as the host hotel. Held in June, this coastal course is as beautiful as it is challenging—expect heat, humidity, and unforgettable ocean views. A popular “runcation” destination, the event attracts participants from around the world.
Run for the Hops
KONA | MARCH
A fun, family-friendly 10K and 5K run/walk benefiting PATH programs and initiatives, including Safe Routes to School, Bike Education, and Safe Streets Advocacy. The annual event is typically held in March, coinciding with the Kona Brewers Festival, a three-day festive celebration. The run starts and finishes on the street fronting the BMW of Hawaii dealership, featuring a course zig-zagging through Kona’s Old Industrial area, and is known to attract a competitive local field.
Mac-A-Thon
HONAUNAU | APRIL
The Mac-A-Thon is the Big Island’s oldest annual 10K & 5K race, benefiting and organized by the Keoua Canoe Club. The out and back course is held on the undulating single-lane Old Government Road fronting Honaunau Bay and is held annually on Easter Eve. For many, the event is a perpetual tradition spanning several generations and is well-known for its famous post-race Mac-Nut Pancake Breakfast served to all participants.
The PATH RUN
KONA | OCTOBER
The PATH (People's Advocacy for Trails Hawaii) 10K and 5K run, as well as the Keiki Dash, attract a competitive field from around the world and are typically held the week leading up to the IRONMAN World Championships, starting and finishing at Hale Halawai in Kailua-Kona. The PATH Run helps to support the PATH Bike and Safety Education program, which educates more than 1,000 students and adults on bike safety each year.
Pure Kona Half
KONA | NOVEMBER
The 100% Pure Kona Coffee Events feature a half-marathon and a 5K run held in Kona on scenic Alii Drive along the coastline. The course is mostly flat with a few short hills along the way, most notably the “The Pit” located at the turnaround in Keauhou, which can be a real leg-snapper. Starting and finishing at Coconut Grove Marketplace, participants will enjoy plenty of 100% Kona Coffee to help fuel their day.
Run for Hope
HUALALAI RESORT | SEPT
Benefiting cancer research in Hawaii, the Run for Hope at Hualalai Resort is a long-standing Big Island charity event featuring a 10K & 5K run/walk held annually at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The course has a lot of character and beauty, including sections of the golf course and meandering pathways throughout the resort. The run is part of a weekend of fun with additional options for spectacular dining and golf events as well.
Run For the Dry Forrest
PUUANAHULU | OCTOBER
A beautiful and challenging trail running event held at Puuwaawaa, located 20 minutes from Kailua-Kona in the area of Puuanahulu. The Run for the Dry Forest features a 10k & 5k run and/or walk, and a fun ½ mile run for kids. Proceeds benefit the conservation of Puuwaawaa’s unique and endangered wildlife, most notably several species of birds and plants found nowhere else on earth. An off-grid Kona running event not to miss!
Hearts and Trails
PUUANAHULU | FEBRUARY
Another beautiful Kona trail running event – but just for females, featuring 3-mile and 5-mile runs. This is a great chance to explore the natural wonders of Puuanahulu on foot. Hosted at the Makani Golf Club, proceeds benefit the nearby Puuwaawaa Dry Forest Reserve. This hilly course traverses through exposed ranchlands and parts of the golf course, boasting sweeping views of the Kohala Coast.