HalfRuns
2026 Kauai Half Marathon (17th Annual)

2026 Kauai Half Marathon (17th Annual)

Kauai Half Marathon: a lush island run from Poipu Beach.

Race Date

Sep 6, 2026

Location

Poipu Beach, Kauai, HI

Standout74

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Location
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell Supported

Course

Scenic RouteExposed

The Experience

The Kauai Half Marathon, part of the Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon weekend, is a celebration of the Garden Island's stunning landscapes. Starting at Poipu Beach on the sunny south shore, the course winds through coastal roads and past tropical foliage, with views of the Pacific and distant mountains. Though the exact route varies, the race is known for its challenging hills and the ever-present Hawaiian sun—organizers provide 9,500 pounds of ice and 1,600 gallons of water along the course to help runners beat the heat.

With about 1,500 finishers each year, the race draws runners from roughly 45 states, and around 17% return for another go. The event has been held since 2009, now in its 14th edition. The half marathon is a point-to-point or loop course on paved roads, featuring rolling hills that demand respect. The finish area at Poipu Beach offers a festive atmosphere, with food, music, and the chance to dip in the ocean. Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply soaking in the aloha spirit, this race delivers a uniquely Hawaiian experience.

Race-provided description

2026 Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon

Sunday, September 6, 2026

 

Day(s)

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Hour(s)

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Minute(s)

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Second(s)

Photo Credit: Jo Evans

Fun Race Facts

[image: https://thekauaimarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waves.png]

Age demographics

Oldest Full- 78 Youngest Full- 16 Oldest Half-94 Youngest Half- 8

[image: https://thekauaimarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waves.png]

Pounds of Ice

on the course on race day 9,500 pounds

[image: https://thekauaimarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waves.png]

Gallons of water

on course on race day 1,600 gallons

Photo Credit: Mike Coots

Kaua’i

The Garden Island

[image: https://thekauaimarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waves.png]

Fun Fact

Kaua‘i has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii.

[image: https://thekauaimarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waves.png]

Geography

Home to Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”

[image: https://thekauaimarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waves.png]

F

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Poipu Beach, Kauai, HI

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Coastal, Mountain

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Quality Score

Standout74
Methodology
Heritage20/20

14 years running

Size15/15

~1,513 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty17/20

17% returning runners

Course & details2/15

limited extras

National draw10/10

runners from 45 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:06:52

Weather0/10

typical high 84°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

73°

Afternoon (High)

84°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.1"

Precipitation

14 mph

Wind

72%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the 2026 Kauai Half Marathon (17th Annual)?

The 2026 Kauai Half Marathon (17th Annual) is held on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Where does the 2026 Kauai Half Marathon (17th Annual) take place?

It takes place in Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii.

What distances does the 2026 Kauai Half Marathon (17th Annual) offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the 2026 Kauai Half Marathon (17th Annual) course flat and good for a PR?

The 2026 Kauai Half Marathon (17th Annual) is a rolling hills, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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