Valley To the Sea Half Marathon & 5K/10K 2026

Event Overview: Valley To the Sea Half Marathon & 5K/10K 2026

The Valley To the Sea Half Marathon & 5K/10K 2026 is confirmed for Saturday, March 14, 2026 on the island of Maui, Hawaiʻi. The half marathon course runs from ʻĪao Valley Needle (Wailuku) to the Maui Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (Kīhei). With ocean views, a net-downhill feel, and a finish-line beach vibe, it’s one of Maui’s most scenic race days for runners who want a true “valley to the sea” island experience.

The Valley To the Sea Half Marathon & 5K/10K is promoted as a signature Maui event with “spectacular views,” blending competition and fun with a finish at the Humpback Whale Sanctuary in Kīhei. The official race site paints the picture clearly: you start in the lush mountain setting near ʻĪao Valley, then run toward the coast where the ocean surrounds you at the finish. It’s a natural fit for destination runners because it combines two Maui identities in one morning, the green valley of Wailuku and the bright shoreline of South Maui.

If you’re building a Hawaii race-cation, this event is also timed perfectly for whale season vibes, since the finish location is at the Maui humpback whale sanctuary area and March is still within Hawaii’s peak humpback season window.

Key Event Details: Dates, Locations, and Courses

Verified Date and Main Location

Active.com lists the event date as March 14, 2026, and confirms the main location at the Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary, 726 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753.

Half Marathon Course

The half marathon course is a point-to-point race: Start: Iao Valley Needle and Finish: Humpback Whale Sanctuary, Kihei. The official race information page reinforces the same key course structure, describing the half marathon as “ʻĪao Valley in Wailuku to the Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary in Kihei.”

Race Distances and Start Times

The Valley To the Sea race day is designed so different runner types can join the same island weekend. Active.com confirms the options include:

• Half Marathon (point-to-point from ʻĪao Valley Needle to Kīhei).
• 10K (starts and finishes at the Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary in Kīhei).
• 5K (starts and finishes at the Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary in Kīhei).

Start Times

For start times, Active.com lists:

• Half Marathon: 6:30am @ Iao Needle State Park.
• 5K/10K: 6:30am (new time) at the Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary in Kīhei.

Those early starts are typical for Maui, helping runners beat the heat and catch gorgeous sunrise light as the island wakes up.

The Course Experience: Maui's Scenic Run

This race is often described as scenic and motivating, and the official race info page notes the half marathon route is “flat and down hill” with only 5–7% uphill. Active.com adds that the courses are known for ocean views, and that the race ends at one of Maui’s most beautiful beach areas near the sanctuary. In other words, it’s a great choice if you want a personal-best friendly profile but still want the destination-runner magic of changing landscapes.

Half Marathon Start: ʻĪao Valley Needle (Wailuku)

The half marathon start is listed as ʻĪao Valley Needle, which gives the event its “valley” character and puts you at a dramatic natural landmark before you even begin. Starting in Wailuku also makes it easy to explore Central Maui before or after race weekend.

Race Finish: Maui Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (Kīhei)

Active.com lists the finish and 5K/10K start/finish at the Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary in Kīhei with the full address at 726 South Kihei Road. Finishing in Kīhei is a major perk for travelers because you’re already in South Maui, close to beaches and post-race food options.

Tickets and Pricing: Registration and Entry Fees

Active.com provides verified registration pricing by category, including both “regular” and discounted pricing shown on the listing:

• 5K: $40.00 (shown discounted to $35.00).
• 10K: $70.00 (shown discounted to $60.00).
• Half Marathon: $95.00 (shown discounted to $75.00).
• Half Marathon (Hawaii Residents): $75.00 (shown discounted to $60.00).
• Virtual 5K: $45.00.
• Virtual Half Marathon: $65.00.

Active.com also notes that if you can’t make it in person, virtual entries are offered and the organizers will mail out your bib, medal, and shirt.

Race Day Essentials: Packet Pickup, Awards, and Logistics

Packet Pickup

The official race information page confirms mandatory race packet pickup and states packets containing race number, T-shirts, and other items will be available at the Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary. It lists packet pickup timing as Friday 13th, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, and advises bringing your confirmation number and ID. It also explains that packets are generally not issued on race day unless it’s the 5K and/or 10K, with exceptions requiring prior approval, and it notes half marathon packets left will be brought to the start.

Awards

For awards, the official race info page confirms:

• 5K/10K: top three place awards for each age division plus finisher medals.
• Half marathon: medals for all finishers plus age division awards for the top three places.

Shuttle and Logistics for Visitors

The official race homepage notes that participants can sign up for the shuttle to the start line by emailing the organizers. Since the half marathon is point-to-point, shuttle planning is one of the most important logistics to sort out early, especially if you’re visiting Maui without a rental car or you’re staying in Kīhei/Wailea.

Make it a Maui Race Weekend

Because the finish area is in Kīhei, many travelers choose to stay in South Maui for easy post-race recovery. Active.com describes the event as ending when you cross the finish line with live entertainment, snacks, and awards, which fits a relaxed beach-day vibe after your run. If you have extra days, pairing race weekend with a sunrise beach walk, a casual snorkel day, or a drive through Central Maui makes the trip feel complete.

Run Valley To the Sea in 2026

Valley To the Sea Half Marathon & 5K/10K 2026 is confirmed for March 14, 2026 on Maui, with the half marathon starting at ʻĪao Valley Needle in Wailuku and finishing at the Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary in Kīhei. With early start times, verified distance options, and pricing that includes both in-person and virtual entries, it’s an accessible island event for runners chasing scenery as much as speed. If Maui is calling, lace up, plan your shuttle and packet pickup, and come experience the rare joy of running from rainforest valley air all the way to the warm sea breeze of South Maui.

Verified Information At a Glance

• Event Name: Valley To the Sea Half Marathon & 5K/10K 2026
• Event Category: Road running race (Half Marathon, 10K, 5K; virtual options available)
• Island/State: Maui, Hawaiʻi, USA
• Confirmed Race Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
• Half Marathon Course (confirmed): Start at ʻĪao Valley Needle (Wailuku); Finish at Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary (Kīhei)
• 5K/10K Course (confirmed): Start and finish at Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary, Kīhei
• Confirmed start time (Half Marathon): 6:30am at Iao Needle State Park
• Confirmed start time (5K/10K): 6:30am (new time)
• Confirmed main venue address: Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary, 726 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
• Verified entry fees (selected categories): Half Marathon $95.00 (shown $75.00), 10K $70.00 (shown $60.00), 5K $40.00 (shown $35.00), GA Virtual 5K $45.00, Virtual Half $65.00, Hawaii Resident Half $75.00 (shown $60.00)
• Packet pickup (confirmed): Friday 13th, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM at Maui Humpback Whale Sanctuary; ID and confirmation number required
• Awards (confirmed): Finisher medals for half marathon; 5K/10K finisher medals and top-3 age division awards; half marathon top-3 age division awards