On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the 44th Annual Ha‘ena to Hanalei Run, hosted by the Hanalei Canoe Club, invites runners to one of the world’s most breathtaking road routes on Kaua‘i’s North Shore – now with a brand-new half marathon option. What began as a modest fundraiser to support Hawaiian canoe paddling has evolved into a community staple combining scenic charm and cultural purpose.
Runners departing at 6:30 AM HST from Hanalei Pier will take an out-and-back half marathon to Ke‘e Beach (Ha‘ena State Park), tracing the dramatic coastal highway and one-lane bridges. The route offers panoramic ocean vistas, verdant cliffs, and taro fields, with the rare reward of reliving the scenic stretch on the return leg. Runners in the original 8‑mile race begin earlier and finish at the same spot, enabling half participants to dive deeper into the route’s raw beauty.
Support is seamless: free shuttle service sends runners to the start (Hanalei Pier) by 5:15 AM, and aid stations appear along the coast. Additional logistical convenience includes Friday packet pickup at the canoe club and early-morning beginning-of-day assistance.
Post-race celebrations feature a pancake breakfast for participants and free refreshments, plus a festive awards ceremony at Hanalei Pier . Notably, the event is a key fundraiser: proceeds support youth paddling programs, canoe upkeep, and cultural outreach.
A beloved local fixture, the Ha‘ena to Hanalei Run combines half marathon training, awe-inspiring coastal scenery, communal spirit, and cultural legacy into a uniquely Hawaiian endurance event—one that feels both epic and deeply rooted in aloha.
Why You’ll Love It
- Twice the scenery: You’ll experience Kaua‘i’s rugged coast both ways on the half marathon route.
- Cultural impact: Fundraiser supporting Hawaiian canoe paddling and youth programs.
- Easy logistics: Shuttle service, packet pick-up, balanced start times.
- Aloha atmosphere: Laid-back North Shore charm with island hospitality.
- Universal appeal: Suitable for serious racers and casual runners alike.
