The 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon 2026 takes place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. Runners will follow a scenic out-and-back route along Aliʻi Drive, taking in Pacific Ocean views, lava-rock coastline, and the warm early-morning light of the Kona Coast before celebrating with a well-earned cup of coffee.
The event includes both a 13.1-mile half marathon and a 5K, making it one of the most welcoming ways to combine fitness, travel, and Kona coffee culture. Held during the 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, the race gives visitors a chance to experience the Big Island at sunrise, then spend the rest of the day exploring farm tours, music, food, and community celebrations.
"The event includes both a 13.1-mile half marathon and a 5K, making it one of the most welcoming ways to combine fitness, travel, and Kona coffee culture."
The Story of the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon
Celebrating Kona's Coffee Heritage and Coastal Beauty
The 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon is an annual road race in Kailua-Kona that celebrates the island’s famous coffee-growing heritage and spectacular coastal scenery. The event is not designed only for elite runners. It welcomes runners, joggers, walkers, local residents, visiting athletes, and first-time race participants. The half marathon offers a meaningful endurance challenge, while the 5K gives more people a chance to participate in the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival weekend.
Participants run along the historic Aliʻi Drive coastline before reaching the dramatic turnaround area known locally as the Pit at the End of the World.
The race experience includes:
- A scenic Kona Coast route
- Ocean views along Aliʻi Drive
- A half marathon distance of 13.1 miles
- A 5K option
- An early-morning start
- Kona coffee celebration energy
- Festival-weekend atmosphere
- Finish-line coffee
- Local runner and visitor participation
- A chance to explore Historic Kailua Village
- Access to the wider Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
The 2026 Experience
Confirmed Date and Event Details
The confirmed date for the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon 2026 is Saturday, November 14, 2026. The race takes place during the final weekend of the 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, which runs from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 15, 2026.
Confirmed race details:
- Event name: 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon 2026
- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
- Half marathon start time: 6:00 a.m.
- 5K start time: 6:15 a.m.
- Start and finish: Coconut Grove Marketplace
- Start and finish address: 75-5809 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740
- Half marathon distance: 13.1 miles
- 5K distance: 3.1 miles
- Course format: Out and back
- Festival connection: Kona Coffee Cultural Festival weekend
- Best for: Runners, walkers, coffee lovers, families, fitness travellers, and Big Island visitors
Into the Scenic Kailua-Kona
Why Run in This Coastal Paradise?
Kailua-Kona is one of the most scenic places to run in Hawaiʻi. The town sits on the west coast of the Big Island, where volcanic landscapes meet the Pacific Ocean. Aliʻi Drive is a historic coastal route lined with oceanfront homes, beach parks, resorts, restaurants, and sites connected to Hawaiian history. During the race, runners experience the Kona Coast from a completely different perspective than they would from a car.
The half marathon route offers:
- Pacific Ocean views
- Coastal lava-rock landscapes
- Warm sunrise light
- Historic Aliʻi Drive
- A chance to run near Kailua Bay
- A dramatic turnaround at the Pit
- Support from fellow runners
- A Kona coffee-themed finish
- A memorable way to begin festival weekend
"Kailua-Kona is one of the most scenic places to run in Hawaiʻi."
The Half Marathon Course
Running Along the Kona Coast
The 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon follows an out-and-back course along Aliʻi Drive. Runners start at Coconut Grove Marketplace, continue south along the coast, and turn around at the Pit, also known as the End of the World. The exact course map, traffic controls, aid-station locations, and road closures should be confirmed before race weekend. Routes can change due to roadwork, public safety needs, or weather conditions.
What runners can expect:
- Paved road running
- Coastal views
- Open sun exposure
- Warm temperatures
- Humidity
- Morning breezes
- A gradual mix of rolling terrain
- Support stations
- A scenic turnaround point
- An oceanfront finish area
The 5K Option
A Shorter Distance with Big Rewards
The 5K begins at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The shorter distance is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy Kona’s race-day atmosphere without committing to a half marathon. It is also a great option for families, runners recovering from travel, casual joggers, and coffee festival visitors who want to start the day with movement.
The 5K lets participants:
- Run or walk a manageable distance
- Enjoy early-morning Kona scenery
- Celebrate with finish-line coffee
- Join friends or family in the festival weekend
- Experience the excitement of race day
- Have time left for farm tours, breakfast, and cultural events
- Support the local race community
Kona Coffee and Race Weekend
Immerse Yourself in Cultural Festivities
The half marathon takes place during the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, a ten-day event celebrating Kona coffee farms, cultural traditions, food, music, art, and community history. This makes race weekend especially rewarding for fitness travellers. You can run a coastal race in the morning, then spend the afternoon learning how Kona coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, and brewed.
Festival experiences around race weekend include:
- Kona coffee tastings
- Holualoa Coffee and Art Stroll
- Farm tours
- Coffee-picking activities
- Recipe contests
- Coffee art
- Cultural performances
- Hawaiian music
- The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Ho‘olaule‘a
- Local food vendors
- Coffee product shopping
- A Taste of Kona Grand Finale on Sunday, November 15
"This makes race weekend especially rewarding for fitness travellers."
Training for the Kona Coast
Prepare for the Challenge
A half marathon is a serious endurance event, especially when travel, warm weather, and unfamiliar terrain are involved. Start training well in advance of November 2026. A sensible training plan should include:
- Gradual weekly mileage increases
- One longer run each week
- Easy recovery runs
- Strength training
- Mobility work
- Hydration practice
- Runs in warmer conditions where possible
- Nutrition planning
- Rest days
- Race-pace workouts
- Comfortable long-run shoes
- A strategy for hills or rolling roads
"A half marathon is a serious endurance event, especially when travel, warm weather, and unfamiliar terrain are involved."
Train for Heat and Humidity
Conquer the Kona Climate
Kona mornings can be pleasant, but temperatures rise quickly after sunrise. Humidity and direct sun can make a familiar pace feel harder than expected. Prepare by:
- Practising hydration during long runs
- Using electrolyte drinks when needed
- Training in breathable clothing
- Testing your race-day breakfast
- Avoiding new shoes or gear on race day
- Running early in the morning when possible
- Learning your body’s warning signs
- Slowing down if conditions become difficult
What to Pack for Race Day
Be Ready for the Early Start
Bring your race essentials the night before. Early starts are much easier when everything is ready. Race-day packing list:
- Running shoes already broken in
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Lightweight running clothes
- Hat or visor
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Race bib and safety pins
- Watch or phone, if preferred
- Hydration belt or handheld bottle
- Energy gels or snacks you have tested in training
- Electrolytes
- Anti-chafing balm
- Light layer for the pre-race wait
- Dry clothes for after the race
- Sandals or recovery shoes
- Photo identification
- Hotel key
- Small towel
- Reusable water bottle
Registration and Pricing
Secure Your Spot Early
Registration prices for the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon 2026 increase as race day approaches. Registering early is the best way to secure the lowest price.
Half Marathon Registration
Price Tiers for Early Birds and Latecomers
- March 1 to March 14: $70
- March 15 to August 1: $100 general registration, $90 kamaʻāina and veteran registration
- August 2 to September 26: $110 general registration, $100 kamaʻāina and veteran registration
- September 27 to November 8: $120 general registration
- Race-day late registration: $130
5K Registration
Affordable Entry for All
- March 1 to March 14: $25
- March 15 to August 1: $40 general registration, $35 kamaʻāina and veteran registration
- August 2 to September 26: $45 general registration, $40 kamaʻāina and veteran registration
- September 27 to November 8: $50 general registration
- Race-day late registration: $60
Race-day registration is available only if space remains. Do not rely on late registration if you are travelling specifically for the event.
Packet Pickup and Race Preparation
Get Ready for Race Day
Final 2026 packet-pickup details should be confirmed through official race communications. In previous years, packet pickup has been held at Coconut Grove Marketplace in Kailua-Kona on the Friday before race day. Participants should confirm:
- Packet-pickup location
- Pickup hours
- Bib-collection requirements
- Race-day parking plan
- Gear-check availability
- Course map
- Aid-station locations
- Medical-support information
- Cutoff times
- Weather alerts
- Road closures
- Shuttle arrangements, if any
"Arrive in Kona at least one or two days before the race. This gives you time to adjust to the time zone, pick up your race packet, hydrate, and avoid pre-race travel stress."
Where to Stay for the Kona Coffee Half Marathon
Accommodation Options for Every Traveler
Book accommodation for Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, 2026, or longer if you want to attend more Kona Coffee Cultural Festival events.
Kailua-Kona
Best for:
- Start and finish-line access
- Aliʻi Drive restaurants
- Historic Kailua Village
- Shopping and services
- Festival activities
- Oceanfront accommodation
Keauhou
Best for:
- Resort stays
- Snorkelling
- Quieter evenings
- Access to Kahaluʻu Beach Park
- A Taste of Kona Grand Finale at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Holualoa
Best for:
- Coffee-country views
- Farm tours
- Art galleries
- Cooler elevation
- A quieter local atmosphere
Captain Cook
Best for:
- Coffee farms
- Rural scenery
- Kealakekua Bay access
- A slower-paced South Kona experience
Choose Kailua-Kona if race convenience is your priority. Choose Holualoa or Captain Cook if you want to spend additional time exploring Kona coffee farms.
Things to Do After the Race
Celebrate and Recover
Finishing a half marathon deserves a memorable recovery day.
Visit the Kona Coffee Ho‘olaule‘a
The festival Ho‘olaule‘a takes place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, making it an easy post-race stop for food, music, coffee, and community celebration.
Recover at Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Kahaluʻu Beach Park is a popular snorkelling spot near Keauhou. If you swim after the race, keep it gentle and focus on hydration and recovery.
Enjoy a Coffee Farm Tour
Visit a Kona coffee farm on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Walking among coffee trees and tasting fresh roasts is a rewarding way to understand the crop celebrated by the race.
Attend A Taste of Kona Grand Finale
On Sunday, November 15, 2026, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival ends with A Taste of Kona Grand Finale at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou. The adults-only evening includes chef-created food stations, live music, dancing, and a silent auction. It is an excellent way to cap a race weekend.
Visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Explore this important National Historical Park south of Kailua-Kona to learn about Hawaiian history and sacred places. Respect all site rules and cultural protocols.
Respectful Running on Hawaiʻi Island
Honoring the Land and Community
Running in Hawaiʻi is a privilege. The island’s landscapes are culturally significant, environmentally sensitive, and home to local communities.
- Stay on the official race course
- Respect road closures and volunteers
- Avoid littering
- Use reusable bottles where possible
- Do not enter private property
- Thank local volunteers
- Follow instructions from medical staff
- Keep music volume low if using headphones
- Respect sacred and historic sites
- Support local businesses
- Treat the coastline and ocean with care
- Use reef-safe sunscreen for post-race water activities
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon 2026?
The race takes place on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
What time does the Kona Coffee Half Marathon start?
The half marathon starts at 6:00 a.m. The 5K begins at 6:15 a.m.
Where does the race start and finish?
Both races start and finish at Coconut Grove Marketplace, 75-5809 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740.
How long is the Kona Coffee Half Marathon?
The half marathon is 13.1 miles. A 5K option of 3.1 miles is also available.
How much does the Kona Coffee Half Marathon cost?
Half marathon registration starts at $70 during the earliest registration period and rises to $130 for race-day late registration, if space remains. Prices vary by registration date.
Is there a 5K at the Kona Coffee Half Marathon?
Yes. The 5K begins at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
What is the Kona Coffee Half Marathon course like?
The race follows an out-and-back route along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona, offering Pacific Ocean views and a turnaround near the Pit at the End of the World.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event name: 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon 2026
- Event category: Road race, running, coffee culture and fitness event
- Confirmed date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Half marathon start: 6:00 a.m.
- 5K start: 6:15 a.m.
- Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
- Start and finish venue: Coconut Grove Marketplace
- Address: 75-5809 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740
- Distances: Half marathon, 13.1 miles, and 5K, 3.1 miles
- Course format: Out and back along Aliʻi Drive
- Half marathon pricing: $70 early registration, increasing to $130 for race-day late registration if space remains
- 5K pricing: $25 early registration, increasing to $60 for race-day late registration if space remains
- Festival connection: Held during the 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, November 6 to 15, 2026
- Best for: Runners, walkers, coffee lovers, fitness travellers, families and Hawaiʻi Island visitors
Make Saturday, November 14, 2026 your Kona Coast race day. Run with the sunrise along Aliʻi Drive, finish with the Pacific at your side, and celebrate every mile with the coffee culture, island warmth, and unforgettable energy of Hawaiʻi Island.
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