HI Running

Rice Park, Kula, HI

I feel I am very fortunate to live in a place like Hawai'i where the climate is pretty darn consistent from day-to-day. I read posts about runners facing thunderstorms, snow, extreme heat, and cold and am awed by how tough some runners are and part of me just wants to return to the mainland and get some of those runs in. I know, it sounds funny. I want to give up "paradise" to battle crazy weather. But I see it this way, running in the uncomfortable makes you appreciate the comfortable a bit more.

And even though the weather here may be pretty consistent there are up's and down's, trades coming and going, and the presence or absence of cane smoke. And the routes can each bring their own uniqueness to a run. With that in mind, I am dedicating this page to running in Hawai'i, with a focus on Maui. You can return to it to scout out local running routes and I will be adding my list of favorite local races. Use it as a resource if you live in Hawai'i or are visiting or use it as a way to take a virtual run somewhere new.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or leave a comment below.

An overview of running in Hawai'i: This post includes a simple map of O'ahu and Maui with running spots labeled. Each running spot has a brief description. I will continue to add more information on specific routes over time.

Favorite Running Spots:

Kahului, HI

Upcountry - Run Kula : If you start at the Kula Long's and head up to almost the end of Thomspon Road and complete the out-and-back you can get a good 20 mile run in. You can easily adjust your start, turnaround, and end points to get a run distance that suits your needs. You can read about this route HERE.

Central Maui - Kahului: It isn't the most scenic place on island but I do love that there are sidewalks that you can run on. Personally, I don't run here that often but I have when I wanted to do an outside gym loop once or twice. It is pretty for a city and I do see lots of others out running this stretch.

{more to be coming soon}

Favorite Hawai'i Races:
My top four races in Hawaii - read about them HERE. This review was written on 8/9/12.

• Run for the Whales - 1st Saturday in February, Maui
• Wahine Half Marathon - tends to be April, O'ahu {this race was discontinued at the end of 2012}
• Kaua'i Marathon - September, Kaua'i
• Maui Marathon  - September, Maui

I will add more race recommendations as I find new "gems".