Fundraising athletic event supporting Hawai'i Island chapter of American Cancer Society; includes keiki dash, golf, tennis, and pickleball tournaments.
Run for Hope 10K & Run/Walk 5K Big Island 2025: Racing for a Cause in Paradise
The 27th annual Run for Hope returns to the pristine shores of the Big Island on Saturday, September 6, 2025, transforming the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Hualalai into a hub of athletic achievement and community spirit dedicated to fighting cancer. This beloved charity event combines the natural beauty of Hawaii's Kona-Kohala coast with a meaningful mission, bringing together runners, walkers, and supporters from across the islands and beyond to raise funds and awareness for cancer research while experiencing one of Hawaii's most scenic race venues.
Set against the backdrop of ancient lava flows, pristine beaches, and the majestic slopes of Hualalai volcano, this weekend celebration extends far beyond the Saturday morning races to include a Friday evening cultural and culinary celebration, making it a comprehensive destination event that showcases the best of Big Island hospitality while supporting a vital cause.
A Weekend of Purpose and Celebration
The Run for Hope weekend kicks off on Friday, September 5, with the spectacular Concert and Taste of Hawaii Island event beginning at 6:00 PM in the resort's stunning outdoor Hoku Amphitheater. This popular evening celebration features renowned Hawaii music artists Kala'e and Kalena performing against the backdrop of a Pacific sunset, while talented chefs from across Hawaii Island gather to present an extraordinary culinary showcase featuring the finest flavors and ingredients the island has to offer.
The Friday evening festivities include a highly anticipated silent auction featuring unique vacation packages and distinctive island gifts that have become legendary among regular attendees. Priced at $135 for adults in advance, $55 for children ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and under, this opening event sets the tone for a weekend that seamlessly blends serious charitable purpose with the relaxed elegance that defines Hawaii's luxury hospitality culture.
The Main Event: Saturday Morning Races
Saturday, September 6, brings the heart of the event with the 7:00 AM start of multiple race categories designed to accommodate participants of all ages and fitness levels. The scenic course winds through the beautifully manicured landscape of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, offering participants breathtaking views of the Kona coastline while challenging them across terrain that reflects the unique geological character of the Big Island.
Race Categories and Distances:
- Keiki Dash: A fun, short-distance run designed specifically for children
- 10K Run: A challenging 6.2-mile course for serious runners seeking a competitive distance
- 5K Run/Walk: A 3.1-mile option perfect for recreational athletes, families, and walkers
Registration opens at 6:30 AM, allowing participants time to check in, receive their race packets, and prepare mentally for their chosen challenge. Warm-up exercises begin at 6:45 AM, led by experienced fitness professionals who guide participants through proper preparation routines that help prevent injury while building excitement for the race ahead.
The $50 advance registration fee includes a distinctive logo t-shirt that serves as both a functional race garment and a lasting memento of participation in this meaningful event. For supporters who prefer to cheer rather than compete, a $30 breakfast option provides an opportunity to enjoy the morning festivities while supporting the runners and walkers taking on the course challenges.
Beyond Running: Additional Tournament Options
The Saturday schedule expands beyond running to include multiple tournament options that appeal to different athletic interests and social preferences. At 1:00 PM, the annual shotgun golf tournament takes place on the world-renowned Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualalai golf course, widely considered one of Hawaii's premier golfing experiences.
Golf tournament participation costs $325 per person or $1,100 for a complete foursome team, with the fee including refreshments and raffle prizes following the event. Unique sponsorship opportunities allow businesses or groups to sponsor individual golf holes, receiving custom signage and the opportunity to bring four players for a distinctive tournament experience that combines networking with charitable giving.
At 2:00 PM, tennis and pickleball enthusiasts can participate in fun round-robin tournaments at the Hualalai tennis pavilion, priced at $90 per person with registration beginning at 1:30 PM. These tournaments maintain the weekend's spirit of friendly competition while accommodating different skill levels and providing additional opportunities for participants to extend their involvement in the charitable weekend.
The Charitable Mission: Fighting Cancer in Hawaii
All funds raised during the Run for Hope weekend remain on Hawaii Island, supporting the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. This commitment to local impact ensures that participant contributions directly benefit cancer research, treatment programs, and patient support services that serve Big Island residents and their families facing cancer diagnoses.
The 27-year history of this event reflects a sustained community commitment to addressing cancer through both research funding and awareness-building activities that help reduce cancer incidence while improving treatment outcomes for those affected by the disease. The combination of athletic achievement with charitable giving creates a powerful platform for addressing one of Hawaii's most significant health challenges while building community connections that extend far beyond race day.
The Setting: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai provides an extraordinary venue that elevates the Run for Hope experience far beyond typical charity races. Located on the exclusive Kona-Kohala coast, the resort occupies a stunning stretch of black lava coastline interspersed with pristine white sand beaches and ancient Hawaiian fishponds that create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world.
The resort's commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation aligns perfectly with the Run for Hope mission, creating synergies between luxury hospitality and community service that enhance both the participant experience and the event's charitable impact. The manicured grounds provide safe, scenic racing terrain while the resort's amenities ensure that participants and their families can extend their Big Island experience beyond the weekend's organized activities.
Travel Planning and Logistics
Getting to the Big Island: Kona International Airport provides excellent connectivity from the mainland United States and other Hawaiian islands, with major airlines offering direct flights from key West Coast cities. The airport's proximity to the Kona-Kohala coast makes transportation to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai convenient via rental car, taxi, or resort shuttle services.
Accommodation Options: While Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers the ultimate luxury experience for participants wanting to stay on-site, the Kona area provides diverse lodging options from vacation rentals to boutique hotels that accommodate different budgets while maintaining easy access to race venues and Big Island attractions.
Weather Considerations: September represents an ideal time for outdoor activities on the Big Island, with comfortable temperatures averaging in the low 80s Fahrenheit and trade winds providing natural cooling. Morning race conditions typically feature pleasant temperatures and calm winds that create optimal racing conditions while afternoon activities benefit from the same stable weather patterns.
Registration and Preparation
Registration for all weekend events can be completed online at active.com or by calling 808-325-8000 to request forms via email. The online registration deadline for Friday's Concert and Taste of Hawaii Island event is September 4 at 4:00 PM, while Saturday's running events and tournaments must be registered by September 5 at 12:00 PM.
Training Recommendations: The 10K distance requires moderate preparation for recreational runners, with training programs typically spanning 6-8 weeks of gradually increasing mileage. The 5K run/walk option accommodates varying fitness levels, making it accessible to participants who prefer shorter distances or walking portions of the course.
Course Preparation: The resort's manicured landscape provides generally flat terrain with gentle elevation changes that challenge participants without creating extreme difficulty. The scenic nature of the course often distracts from physical exertion, though participants should prepare for warm, humid conditions typical of tropical coastal environments.
Cultural Significance and Community Impact
The Run for Hope represents more than athletic competition or charitable fundraising; it embodies the Hawaiian concept of ohana (family) by bringing together diverse communities in support of a common cause that affects all families regardless of background or economic status. The event's integration of Hawaiian music, local cuisine, and island hospitality creates authentic cultural experiences that educate participants about Big Island traditions while building lasting connections between visitors and residents.
The economic impact extends throughout the Kona community through hotel bookings, restaurant visits, retail purchases, and service utilization that support local businesses while demonstrating how well-designed charitable events can serve multiple community development objectives simultaneously. This comprehensive impact model has helped establish Run for Hope as a cornerstone event in the Big Island's annual calendar.
Health and Wellness Focus
Beyond the immediate charitable benefits, Run for Hope promotes health and wellness throughout the Big Island community by encouraging physical activity, demonstrating the connection between fitness and disease prevention, and providing accessible entry points for people beginning or maintaining active lifestyles. The multiple distance options ensure that participants can challenge themselves appropriately while building confidence for future athletic endeavors.
The event's emphasis on fun and community rather than elite competition creates a welcoming environment where first-time racers feel comfortable participating alongside experienced athletes, fostering inclusive attitudes toward fitness that benefit individual health outcomes and community wellness culture.
Environmental Stewardship
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai's commitment to environmental protection aligns with growing awareness of sustainability issues within event management and travel industries. The resort's conservation programs, renewable energy initiatives, and waste reduction efforts provide models for responsible event hosting that minimize environmental impact while maximizing positive community outcomes.
Participants often extend their Big Island stays to explore volcanic landscapes, marine protected areas, and cultural sites that demonstrate Hawaii's unique environmental heritage while building appreciation for conservation efforts that protect these resources for future generations.
The 27th annual Run for Hope weekend represents an extraordinary opportunity to combine athletic achievement with meaningful charitable contribution while experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness that make Hawaii's Big Island a world-class destination. Whether you're drawn by the competitive challenge of the 10K, the accessible appeal of the 5K run/walk, the family fun of the Keiki Dash, or simply the opportunity to support cancer research in paradise, this event offers experiences that will create lasting memories while making a real difference in the fight against cancer. Register online at active.com or call 808-325-8000, plan your September Big Island getaway around this inspiring weekend, and prepare to discover why Run for Hope has become one of Hawaii's most beloved charity events that perfectly balances athletic achievement with community service in one of the Pacific's most spectacular settings.