Kauai Marathon

View on map
Sports & AdventurePoipu
Dates6 September 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceRunners pass hula dancers and taiko drum
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Kauai Marathon in Poipu

The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon is an annual road race held each September, starting and finishing in the resort community of Poipu on Kauai's south shore. Now over a decade old, it combines a certified race course along the island's coastline with cultural entertainment, a youth running program, and direct fundraising for Kauai nonprofit organizations.

The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon was built around a specific idea: that a destination road race could do more for its host community than simply bring in visitor spending for one weekend a year.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Runners pass hula dancers and taiko drum troupes stationed along the course rather than the usual mile-marker bands, part of an effort to fold Kauai culture directly into the race experience rather than treating it as scenery

02

The mystery stays covered

The course itself climbs through the historic Tunnel of Trees, a century-old canopy road, winds through misty Omao, and for half marathoners finishes through the oceanfront Kukui'ula Resort, while full marathoners continue out to Lawai and climb to sweeping ocean views atop Kalaheo before a long descent back to Poipu

03

The city starts moving

Beyond race day, the event runs a Youth Running Program that has reached more than 2,200 Kauai keiki over about a dozen years and has funneled more than 280,000 dollars directly to island nonprofit groups

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Hula dancers and taiko drum troupes perform at points along the course itself

Water and renewal

Living ritual

turning aid stations into brief cultural performances rather than plain water stops

The sacred route

Living ritual

a format distinct from most mainland marathons

The local code

Living ritual

The race weekend's Youth Running Program

Tradition 5

Living ritual

which has introduced thousands of Kauai children to running over more than a decade

Tradition 6

Living ritual

and the event's direct financial support for island nonprofit groups are treated as core parts of the event's identity

Tradition 7

Living ritual

not an afterthought to the race

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

6 September 2026

Getting around

Getting to Kauai Marathon works best when arrival and return routes are decided before the busiest part of the day.

What to wear

Lightweight, moisture-wicking running gear for a warm, humid Kauai morning that heats up quickly: singlet or tech shirt, shorts, and broken-in running shoes; spectators should wear...

Safety

Kauai Marathon is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Poipu, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map21.87 N, 159.45 WOpen in Google Maps

Poipu, HI

Nearest airportLIH — Lihue
TransportGetting to Kauai Marathon works best when arrival and return routes are decided before the busiest part of the day.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Poipu, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Poipu via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Poipu, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearLightweight, moisture-wicking running gear for a warm, humid Kauai morning that heats up quickly: singlet or tech shirt, shorts, and broken-in running shoes; spectators should wear breathable clothing, a wide-brim hat, and sunscreen, since much of the course runs along open coastal road with little shade.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Kauai Marathon?

Kauai Marathon is listed for 6 September 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Kauai Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Poipu, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Poipu, HI

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLthekauaimarathon.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates6 September 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Argungu Fishing Festival

Past edition: 11–14 February 2026

Argungu, Nigeria
Photo pending

Bay to Breakers

Past edition: 17 May 2026

San Francisco, United States
Photo pending

Daytona 500

Past edition: 15 February 2026

Daytona Beach, United States
Photo pending

Daytona Bike Week

Past edition: 27 February–8 March 2026

Daytona Beach, United States

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →