Running Trails in Kona, HI

Hawaii is one of the most scenic places on the planet. Its lush, green, volcanic mountains make for great trail running with many beautiful views. Kailua Kona runs a 60-mile stretch on the western side of the The Big Island of Hawaii. Kona hosts the most famous running event in the world, the Ironman Triathalon. If you need any more reason to run here, Kona is home to rain forests filled with interesting native plants, volcanoes, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and much history.

  1. Kilauea Iki Trail

    • The Kilauea Iki Trail passes a lava bed.

      The Kilauea Iki Trail is part of the Volcanoes National Park. This is a loop trail that can be started and ended along Crater Rim Drive in Kona, Hawaii. The trail is 4 miles of moderate difficulty, taking you through rolling hills over 3,000 feet above sea level. The Kilauea Iki takes you around the rim of the crater created by a 1959 volcanic eruption, and even brings you across a still steaming lava bed.

    Alii Drive

    • For those who want a longer run, the 13.7-mile run along Alii Drive will take you from Kailua Kona Bay to Keauhou Bay and back. As opposed to the mountainous Kilauea Iki Trail, this Alii Drive run takes you close to sea level and provides beautiful views of the ocean, allowing for stops at beach parks along the way. This run also takes you past the ancient temple of Ahuena Heiau, where Hawaiian kings used to keep watch over Kailua Bay.

    Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park

    • The name of this 20-acre park translates to the "Place of Refuge" and is regarded as one of the most interesting cultural sites in Hawaii. A fully restored ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary, the 1871 Trail is also in this park. The 2-mile loop takes you through Hawaiian history and natural beauty, and spits you out at the ancient abandoned village of Ki'ilae.

    The Hawaii Ironman Triathalon Run

    • A challenging course, the Ironman route takes you across much of Kona.

      For the serious runner, you haven't run Kona until you've experienced some or all of the Ironman course. At marathon length, this 26.2 miles takes you through much of Kona. Although it is a relatively flat course, the beating sun can often be harsh. Once you've finished the run, you can say you've experienced the course that has challenged some of the best athletes in the world.