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Hawaiian Activities, Hawaiian Spots

Trail Running in Hawaii: Best Routes and Races on Each Island

Hawaii’s trail running scene comes with 151,000 AllTrails reviews averaging 4.3 stars — a solid sign that the islands deliver on dirt, coast, and volcano. I’ve pulled together the best routes and races across O’ahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kaua’i, with honest notes on what each one takes and where I’d swap for something else if time is tight.

More than 151,000 trail running reviews across Hawaii on AllTrails average 4.3 stars, making it one of the most-reviewed running destinations on the platform.

Emily’s Take

You can find a great trail run on any island, but the best mix of scenery, accessibility, and family-friendliness is on Maui’s Kapalua Coastal Trail and O’ahu’s ‘Aiea Loop. For a race, Maui’s XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is the standout — but you need to train for steep, technical terrain.

Spot	Best For	Standout Feature	Time Needed	Key Tip
Diamond Head Summit Trail	Short, steep climb with views	560-ft elevation gain in 0.8 miles	1–1.5 hours	Reserve entry online; lot fills by 8 a.m.
‘Aiea Loop Trail	Moderate rainforest loop	Views of Halawa Valley and southern O’ahu coast	2.5–3 hours	Muddy after rain — wear waterproof shoes
Ka’ena Point Trail	Coastal dirt run, permit required	Seabird sanctuary at the tip	2–3 hours	Obtain an off-road driving permit from DLNR if driving the last mile
Waihe’e Ridge Trail	Challenging ridge with lush scenery	4.8-star rating, 14,482 reviews	3–3.5 hours	Start before 7 a.m. to beat heat and crowds
Kapalua Coastal Trail	Easy coastal run, whale-watching season	Packed dirt and boardwalk, whale sightings Nov–Apr	1 hour (3.5-mile out-and-back)	Free parking at Kapalua Bay
Hoapili Trail to Hanamanioa Point Lighthouse	Moderate ocean views, rocky sections	Lighthouse and coastal cliffs	2–3 hours	Wear sturdy shoes — trail is uneven lava rock
Mauna Loa via Ainapo Trail	Ultra-distance, high elevation	Longest running trail in Hawaii (76.4 km)	8–12 hours (one-way)	Acclimatise to 3,822 m elevation gain; bring layers
Alii Drive	Flat road run, Ironman course	6.3 miles one-way, ocean views	1–2 hours	Run before 8 a.m. to avoid midday heat; sidewalk available
Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls	Rainforest waterfall run	Two waterfalls, tropical canopy	2–3 hours	Trailhead in Koke’e State Park; check road conditions
Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path	Paved, family-friendly	Longest coastal multi-use path in Hawai’i (9 miles)	1.5–3 hours	Bike rentals $20–40 half-day; start at Lydgate Beach Park

Each island has its own character underfoot. Below I break down the best routes and races island by island, with honest notes on what worked (and what didn’t) for Michael and the kids.

O’ahu: Diamond Head, Rainforest Loops, and the Honolulu Marathon

Diamond Head Summit Trail

Trail Run · O’ahu

A steep 1.6-mile round trip with 560 feet of elevation gain in just 0.8 miles. The summit views of Waikīkī and the Ko’olau Range are the payoff. Limitation: The trail is narrow and crowded after 8 a.m., and advance reservations are required at Diamond Head State Monument ($5 per person, $10 per vehicle). The parking lot fills early — if you can’t get a spot, the 7 a.m. shuttle from Koko Marina Center is a reliable backup.

‘Aiea Loop Trail

Trail Run · O’ahu

A 4.7-mile moderate loop through rainforest with views of Halawa Valley and the southern O’ahu coast. Limitation: Muddy sections after rain can make the trail slippery — waterproof shoes are a must. Lily and Ethan loved the bamboo groves, but the trail is narrow in spots, so we kept a close eye on them.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Ka’ena Point via Farrington Highway

Coastal Dirt Run · O’ahu

A 5.6-mile (9 km) out-and-back along a dirt road to the westernmost tip of O’ahu, where seabirds nest. The trail is flat and easy, but the last mile requires a permit if you’re driving. Limitation: No shade, and the afternoon sun is brutal. Start before 7 a.m. and carry plenty of water.

Race: Honolulu Marathon

Held the second Sunday of December, the Honolulu Marathon draws 20,000+ runners from downtown past Diamond Head along the coast. Registration opens in spring. The course is mostly road, but it’s a bucket-list event if you want a flat, scenic marathon with a festive atmosphere.

Maui: Ridge Runs, Coastal Paths, and the XTERRA World Championship

Waihe’e Ridge Trail

Trail Run · Maui

A 4.3-mile (6.9 km) hard trail with 1,200+ feet of elevation gain, consistently rated 4.8 stars from over 14,000 reviews. The ridge-line views of the West Maui Mountains are spectacular. Limitation: The trail is exposed and can be dangerously hot by 10 a.m. We started at 6:30 a.m. and still felt the heat on the descent. Not suitable for young children due to steep drop-offs.

Kapalua Coastal Trail

Coastal Run · Maui

A 1.76-mile one-way packed dirt and boardwalk path from Kapalua Bay to D.T. Fleming Beach. During whale season (November–April), you can spot humpbacks from the trail. Limitation: The trail can get crowded with walkers after 9 a.m. Ethan managed the full out-and-back (3.5 miles) at age 7, but the boardwalk sections are narrow — keep kids close.

Hoapili Trail to Hanamanioa Point Lighthouse

Trail Run · Maui

A 3.4-mile (5.5 km) moderate trail along the coast with ocean views and rocky lava sections. The lighthouse at the end is a great photo stop. Limitation: The uneven lava rock is tough on ankles — wear trail shoes with good grip. No shade, so early morning is essential.

Race: XTERRA Trail Run World Championship

Held in December on Maui, this trail race winds through the Kapalua coastal and forest trails. It’s a technical, hilly course that draws top trail runners from around the world. If you’re not racing, you can still run the public trails during the rest of the year.

Big Island: Volcano Runs, Coast Roads, and Ironman Legacy

Mauna Loa via Ainapo Trail

Ultra Trail · Big Island

The longest running trail in Hawaii at 76.4 km (47.5 miles) with 3,822 m (12,539 ft) of elevation gain. This is a serious endurance challenge that requires acclimatisation and support. Limitation: Only for ultra-runners with experience at high altitude. The trail is remote and weather can change rapidly — cellular service is unreliable above 8,000 feet.

Alii Drive

Road Run · Big Island

A 6.3-mile one-way flat coastal road from Kailua-Kona to Keauhou, with a wide sidewalk and ocean views. It’s the site of the Ironman World Championship run course. Limitation: Not a trail — it’s a paved road with traffic, but it’s the best flat run on the Kona side. Michael and I did this as a recovery run after the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park trails.

Race: Kona Marathon

Held in June on the Kohala Coast, the Kona Marathon overlaps the Ironman run route. The course is hot and exposed — pre-dawn start helps. It’s a relatively small marathon (under 1,000 finishers) with a scenic but challenging out-and-back.

Kaua’i: Canyon Trails, Coastal Paths, and Waterfall Runs

Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls

Trail Run · Kaua’i

A 3.2-mile (5.1 km) moderate trail in Koke’e State Park that leads to two waterfalls through a tropical rainforest. The trail is well-maintained but can be slippery after rain. Limitation: The park entrance fee is $5 per person, and the road to the trailhead is winding — allow 30 minutes from Waimea town. Not suitable for running with a stroller due to roots and steps.

Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path

Paved Path · Kaua’i

The longest coastal multi-use path in Hawai’i at 9 miles one-way, paved and flat from Lydgate Beach Park to Kealia. Bike rentals are available in Kapa’a for $20–40 half-day. Limitation: It’s a shared path with cyclists and walkers, so early morning (before 7 a.m.) is best for uninterrupted running. Lily loved the beach access points for quick dips.

Waimea Canyon Road

Road Run · Kaua’i

A 19-mile grind climb from sea level to 3,400 feet at the Waimea Canyon lookout. The elevation gain is brutal, but the views of the canyon are unmatched. Limitation: This is a road with no shoulder in places — only for experienced runners comfortable with traffic. The descent is fast and steep, so watch your footing.

If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Hawaii’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare proximity to trailheads versus beach access.

Practical Tips for Trail Running in Hawaii

Choosing the Right Trail

Match the trail to your fitness and the conditions. The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a great family option — flat, short, and whale-watching season adds a bonus. For a tougher challenge, Waihe’e Ridge or Diamond Head deliver views but demand early starts. If you’re short on time, skip the long drives to remote trails like Ka’ena Point and stick to one of the easier loops.

Best Time to Run

Run before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Midday heat indices can exceed 100°F on exposed roads, especially on the Big Island’s Kona side. On Maui, the trade winds make morning runs more comfortable, but the wind can be strong on ridges. During whale season (November–April), the Kapalua Coastal Trail and other coastal routes offer extra motivation.

Permits and Parking

Diamond Head requires advance reservations. Ka’ena Point needs an off-road driving permit from DLNR if you plan to drive the last mile. Most other trails have free parking but fill by 7:30 a.m. on weekends. The Komoot guide to Hawaii running trails has parking specifics for each route.

Gear and Safety

Carry water on any run longer than 30 minutes. The humidity can sneak up on you — even a short 5K can feel like 10K. Waterproof shoes are a good idea for rainforest trails like ‘Aiea Loop and Canyon Trail. For navigation, a GPS watch like the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar handles the multi-day battery and has offline maps for remote trails. For music, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 stay secure during runs and have excellent ambient mode for hearing traffic.

Heads up: some links here are affiliate links — costs you nothing extra, earns us a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Watch out for

Exposed trails on all islands can hit dangerous heat levels by 10 a.m. If you’re on a ridge or lava field without shade, turn back by 9 a.m. or carry 2 litres of water per person.

Before You Go: Trail Running in Hawaii Questions Answered

Do I need a permit for every trail?

No. Only Diamond Head and Ka’ena Point require permits. Most state park trails (like ‘Aiea Loop, Waihe’e Ridge, and Canyon Trail) are free, though some have parking fees. Check the state parks website for current conditions.

What’s the best trail for a family with kids?

Kapalua Coastal Trail on Maui is flat, short, and has whale sightings in season. Ke Ala Hele Makalae on Kaua’i is paved and 9 miles long, so you can turn around at any point. Both have beach access for a post-run swim.

Can I run on the beach?

Yes, but firm sand is rare. Baldwin Beach to Paia on Maui offers a 2-mile firm sand stretch, but most beaches have soft sand that’s tough on legs. The best option is a multi-use path like the ones listed above.

What’s the biggest downside of trail running in Hawaii?

Heat and humidity. Even a 5-mile run can feel exhausting if you’re not acclimatised. Plan your run for the coolest part of the day, and accept that you’ll be slower than usual. Also, many trails are rooty and muddy after rain — ankle injuries are common.

Running Hawaii’s Trails: A Different Pace for Seeing the Islands

Covering ground on foot slows you down just enough to notice the ironwood scent, the way the light shifts through a bamboo grove, or the sudden arc of a humpback’s tail offshore. Trail running in Hawaii isn’t just about the miles — it’s about the moments between breaths. For more on the islands’ landscapes, take a look at our guide to Hawaii’s most scenic drives — a different pace, but the same sense of discovery.

References

Hawaii-Guide.com. “Best Running & Cycling Routes in Hawaii.” Hawaii-Guide, 2023. ↗

AllTrails. “Best Running Trails in Hawaii.” AllTrails, 2024. ↗

Komoot. “Running Trails in Hawaii.” Komoot, 2024. ↗

For more island-specific ideas, our budget island-hopping guide covers how to hop between islands without breaking the bank, and the best beaches for sunset page points you to post-run recovery spots. If you’re interested in the volcanic terrain we run on, the lava chambers article dives into what lies beneath the trails.

Explore Places to Stay

Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.

Emily Carter

I’m Emily Carter, a travel writer who’s on the road most of the year—sometimes with my husband Michael and our kids, Lily and Ethan, and other times traveling solo so I can focus closely on one place. When you travel with me through my writing, you’ll notice I move slowly, walking local streets, stopping at markets, and paying attention to how a place really feels once you’re there.When I’m traveling with my family, I’m always thinking about what will work well for you if you have kids, and what often gets overlooked. When I’m on my own, I spend more time in neighborhoods, along coastal paths, or in historic areas where daily life unfolds naturally. I focus on practical details, everyday food, and real experiences, so you know what you’ll actually see, hear, and experience when you arrive.

And oh, I may earn a small commission from affiliate links, which helps support the site at no extra cost to you. Thanks for the support!

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