When Martin Luther King Jr. weekend arrives on Saturday, January 17, 2026, runners from across the Pacific and mainland will gather at Wai Kai in Ewa Beach for the 4th annual Akahai 5K, 10K & Half Marathon, one of Oahu's most scenic and runner-friendly race experiences. Hosted by Aloha Racing, this flat and fast course showcases breathtaking views of Hoakalei Country Club, Ernie Els' championship golf course (home to the LPGA LOTTE Championship), and Oahu's stunning Leeward Coast at Nimitz Beach. Whether you're a competitive runner chasing a personal record on sea-level terrain, a casual jogger seeking a tropical destination race, or a visitor looking to combine fitness with an island vacation, Akahai delivers the perfect blend of athletic challenge, natural beauty, and authentic Hawaiian hospitality.
Confirmed Date, Times, and Race Schedule
Saturday, January 17, 2026 Race Day
Location: Wai Kai, 91-1621 Keone'ula Boulevard, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Volunteer Check-In: 5:00 AM
Race Day Packet Pick-Up Opens: 5:30 AM (photo ID required)
Race Start Times:
- Half Marathon: 7:00 AM (packet pick-up closes 6:45 AM)
- 10K: 7:15 AM (packet pick-up closes 7:00 AM)
- 5K: 7:30 AM (packet pick-up closes 7:15 AM)
Awards Ceremonies:
- 5K Awards: 8:15 AM
- 10K Awards: 8:45 AM
- Half Marathon Awards: 9:45 AM
Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Ka Makana Swim Club, 91-1410 Keone'ula Boulevard, Ewa Beach
Services: Early packet pick-up and walk-up registration (photo ID required)
Early packet pick-up helps you avoid race morning lines and allows more time for pre-race preparation and breakfast.
Course Details: Flat, Fast, and Scenic
The Routes
All three distances start and finish at Wai Kai, the emerging resort destination in Ewa Beach that's transforming Oahu's west coast. The courses are designed for speed with minimal elevation change, making Akahai ideal for personal records and Boston Marathon qualifiers.
5K Course (3.1 miles):
- Out-and-back route
- Views of Hoakalei Country Club and golf course
- Returns the same path to finish line
- Perfect for first-time racers and families
10K Course (6.2 miles):
- Extends through Hoakalei development
- Left turn onto Geiger Road
- Turnaround point just over 0.5 miles on Geiger
- Returns to Wai Kai finish
- Coastal views and resort scenery
Half Marathon Course (13.1 miles):
- Full extension of 10K route plus additional out-and-back
- Continues to Coral Sea Road
- Straightaway surrounded by natural island beauty
- Breathtaking Leeward Coast ocean views
- Scenic turnaround before return to finish
- Fast, flat terrain ideal for PR attempts
Why Runners Love This Course
- Flat and Fast: Minimal elevation change makes it PR-friendly
- Scenic Beauty: Ocean views, golf course vistas, and resort architecture
- Well-Supported: Multiple aid stations with water and electrolytes
- Safe: Course marshals and traffic control throughout
- January Weather: Typically 70-75°F at start, warming to low 80s
Registration and Pricing
Entry Fees (Including Processing Fees)
5K: $43.40 (includes $3.40 processing fee)
10K: $64.60 (includes $4.60 processing fee)
Half Marathon: $96.40 (includes $6.40 processing fee)
How to Register
- Online: RunSignup.com or aloharacing.com (recommended)
- Early In-Person: Thursday, January 15 at Ka Makana Swim Club
- Race Day: Walk-up registration available (subject to capacity)
What's Included
- Official race bib and timing chip
- Finisher medal for all distances
- Post-race refreshments
- Awards ceremony participation
- Professional chip timing results
- Race photos (typically available for purchase)
- Access to vendor expo and prize giveaways
The Meaning of Akahai
The race name "Akahai" carries deep cultural significance. In Hawaiian, "akahai" means kindness, gentleness, and tenderness. It's one of the five fundamental values in the Hawaiian code of conduct known as the Aloha Spirit. By naming the race Akahai, organizers honor Hawaiian values while welcoming runners with warmth and hospitality that extends beyond competition to create an inclusive, supportive environment for athletes of all levels.
This commitment to the aloha spirit is evident in everything from the friendly volunteers to the post-race celebrations, making Akahai more than just a race but a cultural experience.
Race Weekend Experience
Why MLK Weekend?
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend makes Akahai particularly attractive for:
- Mainland Runners: Three-day weekend allows travel without using vacation days
- Destination Racers: Combine race with 3-4 day Oahu vacation
- Family Trips: Kids are out of school, making it family-friendly
- Weather: January offers perfect running conditions (70s-80s, minimal rain)
- Whale Watching: Peak humpback whale season in Hawaiian waters
Pairing with Other January Oahu Events
Saturday, January 17 is a busy day on Oahu. Consider combining Akahai with:
- Polynesian Bowl: High school all-star football (Friday, Jan 16)
- ʻOnipaʻa Peace March: Cultural commemoration (Friday, Jan 16)
- TransPacific Volleyball Championships: Youth volleyball (Jan 16-19)
- Oahu Tattoo Expo: Body art festival (Jan 16-18)
Multiple events create a vibrant island atmosphere during MLK weekend.
Travel Planning for Runners
Getting to Oahu
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu is approximately 15-20 miles from Ewa Beach, about 25-35 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Ground Transportation:
- Rental car (recommended for race access)
- Uber/Lyft to Ewa Beach ($25-40 from airport)
- Hotel shuttle (check with accommodation)
Where to Stay
Ewa Beach Area (Closest to Race):
- Limited hotel options but convenient race morning
- Vacation rentals and Airbnb available
- Quiet, residential feel away from tourist crowds
Ko Olina Resort (10 minutes west):
- Luxury resorts including Aulani Disney Resort, Four Seasons
- Beautiful lagoon beaches
- Higher price point but resort amenities
- Easy drive to Ewa Beach start line
Waikiki (30-40 minutes east):
- Widest hotel selection (budget to luxury)
- Iconic beach, dining, nightlife
- Requires early morning drive to race
- Best for combining race with Oahu tourism
Airport Area:
- Budget-friendly options
- 20-minute drive to Ewa Beach
- Less scenic but convenient for short stays
Race Morning Logistics
- Leave by 5:45 AM if staying in Waikiki (allow traffic buffer)
- Parking: Free at Wai Kai venue (arrive by 6:00 AM for best spots)
- Breakfast: Eat 2-3 hours before your start time
- Hydration: Bring water for pre-race and post-race
- Clothing: Light running gear; mornings can be slightly cool, warms quickly
What to Pack and Prepare
Race Day Essentials
- Photo ID (required for packet pick-up)
- Confirmation email (digital or printed)
- Running gear (shorts, singlet, sports bra)
- Running shoes (broken-in, not new)
- Race belt or bib pins (often provided with packet)
- Sunscreen (reef-safe, required by Hawaii law)
- Sunglasses and hat for sun protection
- Water bottle for before and after
- Post-race change of clothes
- Cash for food trucks and vendors
Training Considerations
Flat Course Benefits:
- Less leg fatigue than hilly courses
- Faster finish times
- Good for testing speed work
Heat Preparation:
- If coming from cold climates, arrive 2-3 days early for acclimatization
- Train in warmer conditions if possible
- Practice hydration strategy for tropical heat
- Start conservatively to avoid early burnout
Post-Race Activities and Recovery
Immediate Post-Race
- Awards ceremonies for top finishers and age group winners
- Prize giveaways and raffle drawings
- Vendor expo and sponsor booths
- Photo opportunities with backdrop and medals
- Food trucks and refreshments
Recovery and Vacation Extension
Beach Time:
- Ko Olina Lagoons (10 minutes away)
- Nimitz Beach (visible from course)
- Waikiki Beach (if staying east)
Gentle Activities:
- Snorkeling at Electric Beach or Ko Olina
- Whale watching tours (peak season)
- Spa treatments for muscle recovery
- Pearl Harbor historic sites
Adventure Options:
- North Shore surf watching
- Hiking Diamond Head or Manoa Falls
- Road trip to Haleiwa town
- Sunset sail off Waikiki
Why Choose Akahai for Your Destination Race
Unique Advantages
Scenic Beauty Without Hills: Unlike many coastal races, Akahai delivers ocean views on flat terrain, making it PR-friendly without sacrificing scenery.
Growing Resort Destination: Wai Kai and Hoakalei are transforming Ewa Beach into a premier resort area, offering modern amenities with authentic local flavor.
Intimate Scale: At approximately 1,000-2,000 participants across three distances, Akahai avoids the overwhelm of mega-marathons while maintaining professional organization.
Cultural Connection: The emphasis on Hawaiian values (akahai/kindness) and aloha spirit creates genuine warmth often missing in mainland races.
Perfect Timing: MLK weekend + January weather + whale season = ideal vacation race opportunity.
Call to Action: Register for Paradise
The Akahai 5K, 10K & Half Marathon 2026 offers more than a finish line. It delivers an experience that fuses athletic achievement with island beauty, personal records with Pacific sunrises, and competitive spirit with Hawaiian kindness. Whether you're chasing that elusive PR on a flat, fast course, running your first race in paradise, or simply seeking a compelling reason to visit Oahu in January, registration is open now at RunSignup.com and aloharacing.com.
Lock in your spot for Saturday, January 17, book your Oahu accommodation, and start training for the islands. When the gun fires at Wai Kai and you run past championship golf courses with the Leeward Coast sparkling in morning light, you'll understand why destination races in Hawaii aren't just about the miles but the memories created along the way.
The course is waiting. The ocean views are calling. Your island PR awaits.
Verified Information at a Glance
Event Category: Destination running race with multiple distance options
Official Name: Akahai 5K, 10K & Half Marathon (4th Annual)
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026 (MLK Weekend)
Location: Wai Kai, 91-1621 Keone'ula Boulevard, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Start Times:
- Half Marathon: 7:00 AM
- 10K: 7:15 AM
- 5K: 7:30 AM
Entry Fees:
- 5K: $43.40 (includes $3.40 fee)
- 10K: $64.60 (includes $4.60 fee)
- Half Marathon: $96.40 (includes $6.40 fee)
Course Type: Out-and-back, flat and fast, paved roads
Highlights:
- Views of Hoakalei Country Club and Ernie Els golf course
- Oahu Leeward Coast ocean views
- Nimitz Beach scenery
- Minimal elevation change (PR-friendly)
Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up: Thursday, January 15, 4:30-6:30 PM at Ka Makana Swim Club, 91-1410 Keone'ula Blvd
Race Day Schedule:
- 5:00 AM: Volunteer check-in
- 5:30 AM: Packet pick-up opens
- 8:15 AM: 5K awards
- 8:45 AM: 10K awards
- 9:45 AM: Half Marathon awards
Registration: RunSignup.com, aloharacing.com, or walk-up (subject to capacity)
Organizer: Aloha Racing
What's Included: Race bib, timing chip, finisher medal, refreshments, awards ceremony
Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL), approximately 25-35 minutes from venue
Meaning: "Akahai" means kindness/gentleness in Hawaiian, reflecting aloha spirit values
All dates, times, pricing, and course details confirmed through official Aloha Racing event page and registration platforms.
