About this event
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 MarathonCelebrating Kona's Coffee Heritage and Coastal BeautyThe 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 routeOcean views along Aliʻi DriveA half marathon distance of 13.1 milesA 5K optionAn early-morning startKona coffee celebration energyFestival-weekend atmosphereFinish-line coffeeLocal runner and visitor participationA chance to explore Historic Kailua VillageAccess to the wider Kona Coffee Cultural FestivalThe 2026 ExperienceConfirmed Date and Event DetailsThe 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 2026Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi IslandHalf marathon start time: 6:00 a.m.5K start time: 6:15 a.m.Start and finish: Coconut Grove MarketplaceStart and finish address: 75-5809 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740Half marathon distance: 13.1 miles5K distance: 3.1 milesCourse format: Out and backFestival connection: Kona Coffee Cultural Festival weekendBest for: Runners, walkers, coffee lovers, families, fitness travellers, and Big Island visitorsInto the Scenic Kailua-KonaWhy 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 viewsCoastal lava-rock landscapesWarm sunrise lightHistoric Aliʻi DriveA chance to run near Kailua BayA dramatic turnaround at the PitSupport from fellow runnersA Kona coffee-themed finishA memorable way to begin festival weekend"Kailua-Kona is one of the most scenic places to run in Hawaiʻi."The Half Marathon CourseRunning Along the Kona CoastThe 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 runningCoastal viewsOpen sun exposureWarm temperaturesHumidityMorning breezesA gradual mix of rolling terrainSupport stationsA scenic turnaround pointAn oceanfront finish areaThe 5K OptionA Shorter Distance with Big RewardsThe 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 distanceEnjoy early-morning Kona sceneryCelebrate with finish-line coffeeJoin friends or family in the festival weekendExperience the excitement of race dayHave time left for farm tours, breakfast, and cultural eventsSupport the local race communityKona Coffee and Race WeekendImmerse Yourself in Cultural FestivitiesThe 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 tastingsHolualoa Coffee and Art StrollFarm toursCoffee-picking activitiesRecipe contestsCoffee artCultural performancesHawaiian musicThe Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Ho‘olaule‘aLocal food vendorsCoffee product shoppingA Taste of Kona Grand Finale on Sunday, November 15"This makes race weekend especially rewarding for fitness travellers."Training for the Kona CoastPrepare for the ChallengeA 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 increasesOne longer run each weekEasy recovery runsStrength trainingMobility workHydration practiceRuns in warmer conditions where possibleNutrition planningRest daysRace-pace workoutsComfortable long-run shoesA 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 HumidityConquer the Kona ClimateKona 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 runsUsing electrolyte drinks when neededTraining in breathable clothingTesting your race-day breakfastAvoiding new shoes or gear on race dayRunning early in the morning when possibleLearning your body’s warning signsSlowing down if conditions become difficultWhat to Pack for Race DayBe Ready for the Early StartBring your race essentials the night before. Early starts are much easier when everything is ready. Race-day packing list:Running shoes already broken inMoisture-wicking socksLightweight running clothesHat or visorSunglassesSunscreenRace bib and safety pinsWatch or phone, if preferredHydration belt or handheld bottleEnergy gels or snacks you have tested in trainingElectrolytesAnti-chafing balmLight layer for the pre-race waitDry clothes for after the raceSandals or recovery shoesPhoto identificationHotel keySmall towelReusable water bottleRegistration and PricingSecure Your Spot EarlyRegistration 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 RegistrationPrice Tiers for Early Birds and LatecomersMarch 1 to March 14: $70March 15 to August 1: $100 general registration, $90 kamaʻāina and veteran registrationAugust 2 to September 26: $110 general registration, $100 kamaʻāina and veteran registrationSeptember 27 to November 8: $120 general registrationRace-day late registration: $1305K RegistrationAffordable Entry for AllMarch 1 to March 14: $25March 15 to August 1: $40 general registration, $35 kamaʻāina and veteran registrationAugust 2 to September 26: $45 general registration, $40 kamaʻāina and veteran registrationSeptember 27 to November 8: $50 general registrationRace-day late registration: $60Race-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 PreparationGet Ready for Race DayFinal 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 locationPickup hoursBib-collection requirementsRace-day parking planGear-check availabilityCourse mapAid-station locationsMedical-support informationCutoff timesWeather alertsRoad closuresShuttle 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 MarathonAccommodation Options for Every TravelerBook accommodation for Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, 2026, or longer if you want to attend more Kona Coffee Cultural Festival events.Kailua-KonaBest for:Start and finish-line accessAliʻi Drive restaurantsHistoric Kailua VillageShopping and servicesFestival activitiesOceanfront accommodationKeauhouBest for:Resort staysSnorkellingQuieter eveningsAccess to Kahaluʻu Beach ParkA Taste of Kona Grand Finale at Outrigger Kona Resort & SpaHolualoaBest for:Coffee-country viewsFarm toursArt galleriesCooler elevationA quieter local atmosphereCaptain CookBest for:Coffee farmsRural sceneryKealakekua Bay accessA slower-paced South Kona experienceChoose 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 RaceCelebrate and RecoverFinishing a half marathon deserves a memorable recovery day.Visit the Kona Coffee Ho‘olaule‘aThe 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 ParkKahaluʻu 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 TourVisit 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 FinaleOn 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 HōnaunauExplore 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 IslandHonoring the Land and CommunityRunning in Hawaiʻi is a privilege. The island’s landscapes are culturally significant, environmentally sensitive, and home to local communities.Stay on the official race courseRespect road closures and volunteersAvoid litteringUse reusable bottles where possibleDo not enter private propertyThank local volunteersFollow instructions from medical staffKeep music volume low if using headphonesRespect sacred and historic sitesSupport local businessesTreat the coastline and ocean with careUse reef-safe sunscreen for post-race water activitiesFrequently Asked QuestionsThe Things People Always Want to KnowWhen 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 GlanceEvent name: 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon 2026Event category: Road race, running, coffee culture and fitness eventConfirmed date: Saturday, November 14, 2026Half marathon start: 6:00 a.m.5K start: 6:15 a.m.Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi IslandStart and finish venue: Coconut Grove MarketplaceAddress: 75-5809 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740Distances: Half marathon, 13.1 miles, and 5K, 3.1 milesCourse format: Out and back along Aliʻi DriveHalf marathon pricing: $70 early registration, increasing to $130 for race-day late registration if space remains5K pricing: $25 early registration, increasing to $60 for race-day late registration if space remainsFestival connection: Held during the 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, November 6 to 15, 2026Best for: Runners, walkers, coffee lovers, fitness travellers, families and Hawaiʻi Island visitorsMake 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.```