Overview
The Kauai Marathon draws approximately 319 finishers each September on a scenic coastal road in Poipu, United States. Kauai's premier marathon combines Garden Isle scenery with a challenging hilly coastal course each Labor Day weekend. The course tours Kauai's south-shore cliffs, coastal roads, and tropical resort neighborhoods. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Kauai Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Kauai Marathon 2026 race day
The next Kauai Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 250 m of climbing on a hilly with notable climbs layout.
Kauai Marathon course route
The Kauai Marathon covers varied scenic coastal road terrain. Starts and finishes in the Poipu resort area on Kauai's south shore. The course tours Kauai's south-shore cliffs, coastal roads, and tropical resort neighborhoods. Hilly with notable climbs.
Kauai Marathon elevation profile
The Kauai Marathon course is hilly with notable climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 250 metres of climbing and 200 metres of descent, with a net climb of 50 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
Kauai Marathon is typically held in September. Registration opens through https://thekauaimarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Kauai Marathon elevation profile?
- The Kauai Marathon has 250 metres of total climbing and 200 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is hilly with notable climbs, with 50 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Kauai Marathon?
- The Kauai Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course the Kauai Marathon is a scenic coastal road through Poipu.
- What time does the Kauai Marathon start?
- The 2026 Kauai Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on thekauaimarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Kauai Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in the Poipu resort area on Kauai's south shore. Updated course maps are published at https://thekauaimarathon.com/ each year.
- When is the Kauai Marathon and how do I register?
- Kauai Marathon is typically held in September. Registration opens through https://thekauaimarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Kauai Marathon course flat?
- The course includes hilly with notable climbs. Study the official course profile at https://thekauaimarathon.com/ before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Kauai Marathon pass?
- The route tours Poipu, south-shore cliffs, and Kauai's tropical coastal roads.
- What weather should runners expect at Kauai Marathon?
- Warm September mornings on Kauai's south shore with tropical humidity.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.