Maui Oceanfront Marathon 2026

Picture this: you're running 26.2 miles along one of the world's most beautiful coastlines, with the Pacific Ocean on your left, humpback whales breaching in the distance, and the West Maui Mountains rising to your right. The Maui Oceanfront Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, transforms this dream into reality for runners seeking a destination race that doubles as a tropical vacation. As the 18th annual edition and the official RRCA Hawaii State Marathon Championship, this point-to-point course from Wailea to Lahaina offers everything from seaside vistas to authentic Hawaiian culture, making it one of the most sought-after January marathons in North America.

Event Date and Race Weekend Schedule

Sunday, January 18, 2026: Race Day

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon takes place on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, specifically Sunday, January 18, 2026, offering mainland runners a three-day weekend travel opportunity. Race day features multiple distance options to accommodate runners of all levels:​

Marathon Start Times:

• 5:00 AM: Standard marathon start (required for competitive finishers)
• 4:00 AM: Early start option for runners needing extra time (up to 8 hours to finish by noon cutoff)

Additional Race Distances:

• Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• 6-Miler
• 5K (3.1 miles)
• Cookie Run (fun run for families)

All races start from The Shops at Wailea parking area at 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive in Wailea-Makena.​

Post-Race Celebrations

Sunday Evening: After Party Sunset Cocktail Dinner Cruise

• Departure from Ma'alaea Bay Harbor
• Whale watching on the Calypso catamaran
• Celebrate your finish with fellow runners while humpback whales put on their own show

Monday, January 19: Bonus After Party Cruise

• Second opportunity for sunset cocktail cruise
• Perfect recovery activity with gentle boat movement and ocean views​

The MLK weekend timing means many runners extend their stay through Monday, combining marathon achievement with island exploration during peak whale watching season.

The Course: 26.2 Miles of Oceanfront Beauty

Point-to-Point Route Overview

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon follows Highway 30 (Honoapiilani Highway) along Maui's southwest and west coasts, offering continuous ocean views punctuated by island landmarks:​

Start (Mile 0): The Shops at Wailea parking area in upscale Wailea

• Runners circle the shops complex before heading onto Wailea Iki Road
• First mile includes a south loop to Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel turnaround

Early Miles (1-13): Kihei Coastline

• Run through the oceanfront town of Kihei on South Kihei Road
• Pass numerous beach parks including Kamaole I, II, and III
• Cross Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge wetlands
• Turn left onto Highway 30 at mile 13 above Ma'alaea Bay

Mid-Course (13-20): Ma'alaea to Lahaina Stretch

• Climb the scenic Pali (cliff) section with elevation gain
• Most challenging terrain of the course
• Spectacular views of Ma'alaea Bay, Molokini Crater, and Kahoolawe Island
• Watch for whales breaching offshore during migration season

Final Miles (20-26.2): Approach to Launiupoko

• Gradual descent toward sea level
• Pass through outskirts of historic Lahaina town
• Finish line at Launiupoko Beach Park, just south of Lahaina
• Final 3 miles feature road closures for runner safety​

Course Challenges and Terrain

Elevation Profile:

Runners report approximately 2,800 feet of elevation gain according to GPS data, making this a moderately challenging marathon despite the coastal setting. The Pali climb in miles 13-18 represents the most significant sustained elevation gain.​

Surface:

The entire course runs on paved public roads (Highway 30 and connecting streets). Most miles feature wide shoulders separated from traffic by cones, though the race runs on open roads until the final miles.​

Weather Considerations:

• January temperatures typically range from 65-80°F
• Early morning start (5 AM) helps runners avoid peak heat
• Coastal breezes provide cooling but can create headwinds
• Occasional light rain showers are possible

Aid Stations:

The course features 19 fully-stocked aid stations positioned approximately every 1.5 miles, offering water, electrolyte drinks, and nutrition.​

Registration, Pricing, and Race Details

How to Register

Registration for Maui Oceanfront Marathon 2026 opened in spring 2025 through the official website at mauioceanfrontmarathon.com. While specific 2026 pricing hasn't been published, typical registration fees for island marathons range from $120-180 depending on registration period (early bird vs. regular vs. late).​

Registration Tips:

• Early registration ensures guaranteed race entry and lowest pricing
• Event t-shirts are included but must be registered by a specific cutoff date for size guarantee
• Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
• Virtual race options may be available for those unable to travel

Club Member Discounts:

Hawaii running club members (Valley Isle Road Runners, Mid Pacific Road Runners, Big Island Road Runners) typically receive 20-30% discounts on marathon and half marathon entries.​

Race Packet Pickup

Packet pickup typically occurs on Saturday, January 17 at The Shops at Wailea, allowing runners to collect bibs, timing chips, and race shirts while exploring the upscale shopping complex.

Why Run the Maui Oceanfront Marathon?

Scenic Beauty Unlike Any Other

Runner's World magazine named the Maui Marathon among the top 10 most scenic marathons in the nation, and the half marathon earned recognition as one of the "Best Jaw-Dropping, Breathtaking, I'm-Never-Going-Back-to-Work Running Trips to Take." When hills challenge your legs, you need only look left at the endless Pacific Ocean, coconut palms, and breaching humpback whales to remember why you came.​

Whale Watching While You Run

January coincides with peak humpback whale season in Maui. As you run the oceanfront course, watch for whale spouts, breaches, and tail slaps in the Au'au Channel. The marine mammal spectacle adds a dimension to your marathon experience that landlocked races simply cannot match.​

RRCA Hawaii State Championship

As the official Road Runners Club of America Hawaii State Marathon Championship, this race attracts competitive runners from across the Hawaiian Islands and the mainland, elevating the event's prestige while maintaining its welcoming community atmosphere.​

Community-Focused Nonprofit Event

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with proceeds benefiting local school teams, clubs, and Maui community organizations that volunteer to support the race. Your entry fee contributes directly to youth athletics and island nonprofit groups.​

Destination Race Experience

Unlike big-city marathons, Maui Oceanfront Marathon offers an intimate island experience where runners can easily combine race participation with vacation activities: snorkeling, beach time, whale watching tours, road to Hana adventures, and Hawaiian cultural experiences.

Training for Maui's Course

Preparing for Island Conditions

Hill Training: The Pali climb demands respect. Incorporate sustained hill repeats and long climbs into your training to prepare for the miles 13-18 elevation gain.​

Heat Acclimation: Even with a 5 AM start, January in Maui brings warmth and humidity unfamiliar to many mainland winter runners. Practice running in warmer conditions or overdress during training to simulate tropical heat.

Open Road Running: Since much of the course runs on public roads with traffic, train on similar surfaces and practice maintaining focus despite passing vehicles.

Hydration Strategy: Dial in your hydration and nutrition plan using the 19 aid stations. The ocean views can distract from maintaining consistent fueling.

Travel Planning and Lodging

Where to Stay

Wailea (Start Area):

• Luxury resorts including Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, Fairmont Kea Lani
• Walk to start line from many properties
• Upscale dining and shopping at The Shops at Wailea
• High-end accommodation with premium pricing

Kihei (Mid-Course):

• Budget-friendly condos and vacation rentals
• Family-oriented beach town atmosphere
• Easy access to start via short drive
• Lower cost than Wailea or Ka'anapali

Lahaina/Ka'anapali (Finish Area):

• Historic whaling village charm
• Resort options at Ka'anapali Beach
• Convenient for post-race celebration
• Requires shuttle or crew pickup from finish line

Ma'alaea (Central Location):

• Midpoint between start and finish
• Harbor area with restaurants
• Departure point for post-race sunset cruises

Getting to Maui

Kahului Airport (OGG): Maui's main airport, approximately 30 minutes from Wailea start and 45 minutes from Lahaina finish.

Rental Car: Essential for most runners to reach start line, explore island, and manage race logistics. Book early for MLK weekend.

Race Transportation: Runners finishing at Launiupoko Beach need crew pickup or must arrange shuttle back to start area hotels. Plan logistics carefully.

What to Do Beyond the Race

Race Weekend Activities

Friday/Saturday:

• Attend packet pickup at The Shops at Wailea
• Easy shakeout run along Wailea Beach Walk
• Carb-load at Kihei or Wailea restaurants
• Sunset at Wailea Beach or Makena Big Beach

Monday Recovery:

• Post-race sunset whale watching cruise
• Gentle snorkeling at Molokini Crater or Turtle Town
• Spa treatments and massage
• Beach lounging and celebration dining

Extended Vacation Options

Road to Hana: Full-day adventure to Maui's windward coast waterfalls and bamboo forests

Haleakalā National Park: Sunrise at 10,023-foot summit or hiking in volcanic crater

Snorkeling: Molokini Crater, Honolua Bay, or Coral Gardens

Cultural Experiences: Old Lahaina Luau, Maui Ocean Center, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm

Call to Action: Register for Paradise

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon 2026 offers more than a finish line and medal. It delivers an experience that fuses athletic accomplishment with island beauty, whale watching with road racing, and personal achievement with Hawaiian hospitality. Whether you're chasing a Boston qualifier, running your first marathon, or simply seeking an unforgettable destination race, the oceanfront course from Wailea to Lahaina promises memories that extend far beyond 26.2 miles.

Registration is open now at mauioceanfrontmarathon.com. Lock in your spot for Sunday, January 18, 2026, then book your flight to Kahului, reserve your ocean-view accommodation, and start training for the hills. When you round that final turn at Launiupoko Beach Park with the Pacific Ocean beside you and the West Maui Mountains at your back, you'll understand why runners return year after year to this island paradise race.

The ocean is calling. Will you answer?

Verified Information at a Glance

Event Category: Destination marathon and running event on Maui, Hawaii

Official Name: Maui Oceanfront Marathon (18th Annual Edition, RRCA Hawaii State Marathon Championship)​

Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026 (Martin Luther King Jr. weekend)​

Start Times:

• Marathon: 5:00 AM (competitive start) and 4:00 AM (extended time option, 8-hour limit to noon cutoff)​
• Half Marathon, 6-Miler, 5K: Times published closer to race date

Start Location: The Shops at Wailea parking area, 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea-Makena, HI 96753​

Finish Location: Launiupoko Beach Park, south of Lahaina on Highway 30​

Course Type: Point-to-point oceanfront route on paved public roads

Distance Options:

• Marathon (26.2 miles)
• Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• 6-Miler
• 5K (3.1 miles)
• Cookie Run (fun run)​

Course Highlights:

• Continuous ocean views along southwest and west Maui coastline
• 19 aid stations throughout course​
• Approximately 2,800 feet elevation gain​
• Peak whale watching season during race
• Scenic Pali (cliff) section miles 13-18

Post-Race Events:

• Sunday After Party: Sunset cocktail dinner cruise with whales, Ma'alaea Bay​
• Monday After Party: Second cruise option​

Organization: 501(c)(3) nonprofit benefiting Maui school teams and community groups​

Registration: mauioceanfrontmarathon.com (entry fees non-refundable and non-transferable)​

Airport: Kahului Airport (OGG), approximately 30-45 minutes from race area

All dates, times, locations, and event details confirmed through official Maui Oceanfront Marathon website and event resources.​