Valley to the Sea marathon is one of the newest organized road marathons in Hawaii, on the…read moreenchanting island of Maui, with the inaugural year being in 2015. I chose to run this one in 2016, as a means to increase my lifetime marathon/ultra count to get to the century mark (100). Sooner the better, cuz life is short like that. Over the years since 2007, I've run the Maui marathon or half in September and have known the race director from there. As it turns out, he is the race director for Valley to the Sea marathon as well. Valley to the Sea started out several years ago as a premiere half marathon event, starting out at Iao Valley state monument for 3 miles, and then travels down highway 30 south, then saddles on highway 310 still going south towards Kihei. It eventually finishes at the native Hawaiian Humpback Whale sanctuary. The marathon, in its 2nd year, starts at the humpback whale sanctuary and travels out of Kihei on highway 310 and goes north on highway 30, turn left into Iao Valley road and onward into Iao valley state park just to turn around. Then it's all about returning back to Kihei to the finish line and your rental car. At least that's what was in my mind when I was at mile 14. The overall experience here, as with all marathons, is a learning experience. Learning about yourself and how much can you endure at any point of time is a definitely a lesson that humbles the human spirit, while revolutionizes the will to seek out ways to ascertain the question as to how far does the human psyche will go to satisfy the big picture? I'm sure a lot of experienced ultra runners and IronMan competitors have done that and still continuing to do so, but for me, it's a personal and humbling experience to be able to do this thing for so long. Sure, I've done a lot of em already, but each one is different. This marathon was already a tough one, especially when you're already on Maui. Many areas of Maui that you need for a road race is generally on the state highway, at least the ones I've already done. A steady diet of hills and highway makes this one a most serious challenge indeed. It was really nice to be in Iao Valley though. The lush scenery plus the nice breeze on a light rain Saturday was quiet a gentle change from the dry and warm landscapes of highway 30 and highway 310. Valley to the Sea marathon is a small quaint race that draws participants to Maui from all areas of the globe. I met a few people doing the marathon from Suffolk, United Kingdom, Virginia, and Ohio. I also met up with friends here too, some just to nab Hawaii for their state quest. They all happened to be on vacation here and noticed the marathon. Usually, it's the other way around for many people who plan races around vacations, like me. :) For me, the nice change with Valley to the Sea marathon was venturing up north on highway 30 versus going west. More scenery and houses on the west end than going west. As anyone who's been to Maui, anything west of Ma'alea Harbor to Olawalu & Lahaina town is nothing but ocean front. Weather on race day was cool in the morning and breezy / warm midday. Aid stations were 2 miles apart, which was manned by local area high school students. They do manual timing here, where I assumed that only timing was recorded at the finish line when you crossed the mat. Didn't see any timing splits along the course, which meant that this road race was a smaller operation - to keep costs down and all that. The marathon field this year, 2016, stayed below 100 participants, myself included. The finisher medal has the shape of a whale tail, which was kind of cool and unique. The white lanyard with the race logo completed the weekend on Maui and still alive to tell the tale of 26.2 miles at the Valley to the Sea marathon. Would I recommend this race to y'all? If you enjoy a small race venue and love the hills, by all means, come on down for a destination race and escape from the ides of winter on the mainland. If you are a 50 stater marathoner or half marathoner, you can come on by and pick up HI here at Valley to the Sea. A lot of my friends who are marathon maniacs / 50 staters usually do Maui Ocean Front or Maui marathon in September, but give Balleu to the Sea a chance and you may be pleasantly surprised. This race is in its infant stages and will continue to grow and expand when the word gets out even more. Come on by and you won't be disappointed. It's Maui after all. If you're wondering what excuse you need to come to Maui, this race could be it. My experience here was as tiring as I could be. I've come to the realization that I don't care for running on a highway. Not for miles and miles at a time. Give me a month to blank it out and I'll be okay again. #84 lifetime marathon/ultra. 32nd marathon ran in HI. Run more! Support local! A #Yelp marathons

This past weekend was the inaugural South Maui Triathlon at Wailea. All I have to say is, you can't…read morebeat racing wetsuit free in 84 degree water! The bike consisted of 2 loops which were a little funny but allowed you to see and chear on teammates throughout the race. The run was out and back along the Kanapali hotel strip which created the same kind of atmosphere. It was not the most competitive of races with just under 300 competitors and it might not be worth the trip if you are a pro or elite racer, but, it is a fun race and it sure is nice to cross the finish line in paradise.

I would give the Bubble Run a zero if I could. The run was scheduled for February. The race…read moreorganizers changed the date to OCTOBER! Now they won't give me a refund saying it was nonrefundable. I'm sorry, you changed the date to 8 months later than originally agreed up on. I signed up because it was a date that I could attend, then you change the date to a new date that I can't, I should get my money back. Nevermind that they also changed the location twice. Don't sign up. They say it is free and it is not! Then they do whatever they want like your life revolves around their schedule and expect you to go with whatever they change to.

The event itself is cool but organisation is poor.I recommend it anyway. They should work better on…read morethe registration process.

I'm not a paddler but I know people who do and this place does a great job of assisting the…read morecommunity with a traditional sport. Outrigger canoe paddling is available for all ages and skills, with an annual membership. They hold races and events here and around the island. The location is central and convenient with pretty good facilities and free parking. Keiki are encouraged to learn paddling and traditional Hawaiian culture. This club has been around since the 1960's.

Hawaiian Canoe Club is an amazing organization that offers canoe tour experiences for visitors and…read morelocals interested in a guided tour of Kahului Harbor and a bit of fun in experiencing what a Hawaiian Canoe is. These guided tours help support the summer enrichment program for children. John M. Lake was a Commodore of Ma'alaea Boat and Fishing Club in 1960 when he organized Hawaiian Canoe Club with 25 other charter members of Hawaiian ancestry. Canoe racing using flat-bottom boats was added to the high-power boat races taking place between the two piers in Kahului Harbor Hawaiian Canoe Club now serves hundred of keiki every summer through the Hawaiian Kamali'i Summer Enrichment Program. Keiki learn Hawaiian culture, oli, mele, hula, protocol, traditional food preparation, religion, navigation, and receive training in character building, leadership, and ocean safety.

This was a 5k night run at Kualoa Ranch. Some people (probably because they didn't read the…read moreinstructions didn't register) didn't get a headlight. If you didn't have a light, it probably was a little more challenging as this was at night, hence the name "Nite Run." Right from the start one of our friends got injured as she didn't see the cattle guard and her foot went through the metal bars making a huge bump on her shin. What was messed up was that the other cattle guards were coned off to avoid them and to go around but not the first one. I felt bad for her but when she said she was going to suck it up and still do it I kicked some dirt on her and said see you at the finish line. I'm joking, I just kicked some dirt on her. Like I said the run was a 5k. It was for the most part on a dirt roadway. There was a pretty steep part that kind of kicked my butt. I thought I was going up Koko Head for a minute. Argh, Kill me now! lol They said there were supposed to be some kind of brain test or something as well as strength test which they had. I believe they went over the question and what the correct answer was supposed to be but what looked like a place they might have had someone asking you a question, there was no one, no one anywhere which was a little disappointing. Maybe next time they will have something. Another thing that was disappointing was that you didn't have to do the strength test and made it optional. One was you had to grab a sandbag (maybe around 10lbs) and carry it and go under a couple of beams. Next one was walking on rope (around 20'). It did get bottle necked as some people took forever to cross and when some fell they ran back and tried again. The wait time was around 12 minutes or so. They had at least 5 different lines. They also had another type of obstacle course... If you remember the movie Pretty Woman when they were on the Polo Field and the announcer says to "avoid the Steaming Divot." That's right, there were horse manure here and there that you had to hopscotch around. As most know Jurassic Park was filmed there and one part of the course you could hear dinosaurs in the background. Just thought that was cool of them. Maybe if one came out I would of ran faster. I heard that they ran out of some headlamps and t-shirts but was able to get more by the time people finished. Water stations were around the course. Free water, gatorade. At the end they brought out some free desserts. Had a couple of food vendors, music, Mc, and acrobatic act. Pretty fun event, especially when doing it with cool people.

Recently did the "Nite Run" at Kualua Ranch. I have to say, I LOVED it! It was not only fun (at…read morenight! Headlamps! Costume contest! Obstacles! Cows mooing LOL!) BUT it was pretty tough!! After doing the Glow Hawaii Run the night before (easy, shorter than advertised) it was nice to be able to really push myself and race. The trail was mostly dirt road but there were areas that were gravel road, grassy areas,etc. Started up a hill, did an obstacle, more killer hill, followed by another hill. Didn't expect that! Race was also longer than a 5k, didn't expect that either LOL! ;) There were a few cow patties and cattle gates so just trying not to break an ankle kept me really paying attention to where my feet were LOL. The whole set up was great. Great food venders, plenty of potties, easy packet pickup and we parked pretty close to the race area so heading back to the car was easy if you needed to put stuff away. NO FEE for parking. Loved that too. So many races make you park far away, pay for parking, pay to "store" your stuff they give you at the race,etc. I loved that I didn't feel nickel and dimed for this event. I purchased it as a Living Social deal and it was easy-peasy to get my tshirt, headlamp and number. LOVED that we were all chipped, gave me more incentive to run and try to get a decent time. They did run out of headlamps w/batteries (LOL) but we got there early so we got ones w/batteries. I'd definitely do this race again. I can't wait until they plan another one!!

Kona marathon has nowhere near the potential of the Kona Ironman Triathlon, which is on a whole…read moredifferent level, and different race. So far, I have competed in and completed the full marathon (26.2 mi) and the half marathon (13.1 mi), which I highly recommend the half marathon because it keeps you in the touristy areas instead of running on what seems forever along Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. All races, the full marathon, half marathon, quarter marathon, and 5k coincide together, so prepare yourself to merge with other runners as you head towards the finish line. As I share this review, 2012 Kona marathon was my sixth of the nineteen marathons I have completed. And, 2014 Kona half marathon was the nineteenth half marathon of the twenty-two half marathons I have completed. Both remind me of a few of my worst experiences as a runner because of its boring out-and-back course, and my terrible half marathon experience where I nearly had to wait until the completion of a different race to receive my 3rd place overall award for the half marathon because of technical difficulties with their system. Go figure! A bit of advice, if you choose to run its full marathon preserve your energy along Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway because by the time you hit it, the heat has sat in, plus course support has dwindled, which could be a good or bad thing. With that, I recommend letting your mind wander in-between mile 9 to mile 17; keeping hydrated, plus carrying your own water source, even though they have water stops along the course. Bringing your own water source will keep you fueled at your own pace. Other than everything I have mentioned, the 3rd place overall award for the half marathon, t-shirts and finishers medal for both the full and half marathon were amazing. Thomas G

Effective 2015, the Kona marathon had entirely moved its location from Kailua-Kona northbound to…read moreWaikoloa. Hence, the update to the Kona marathon from me. There are critics including myself that they should rename the Kona marathon because the race course isn't in Kailua-Kona proper anymore, but in a totally different area. I guess they keep the Kona marathon as a purely marketing standpoint. With that said, I learned about the Kona marathon course revamping in mid 2014 and decided to sign up for the marathon the following year. I was curious as to how much of an upgrade it was. Or wasn't. I came to find out on race morning that it wasn't what I expected it to be. While the course showcased majority of the Waikoloa hotel complex, it wasn't really a course designed for runners. At least that's what I think. I ended up falling short of my goal of finishing 26.2 miles and just logged 18 before calling it quits. The overall experience was average, although it could have been heaps better if the weather had cooperated. The course was poorly designed, especially when all you had to work with was Highway 19 and the roads inside the Waikoloa complex. I guess it was easier and cheaper to close traffic for a marathon. The course time limit was shortened to 8 hours, instead of the usual 9 hours and the course itself had a lot more timing apparatus split points along the way, not like before. The weather was wicked hot, especially on the highway 19, where a total of 12 miles were needed and being on that highway with nothing to look at and the traffic zooming past you was really boring and taxing, especially when you have to put out a race of 26.2 miles. Most of my friends who downgraded from the full distance to the half distance were happy. I should have listened and have gotten a half marathon finisher medal and an official time. Instead, I logged 18 miles and nothing to show for it. Oh well. It is what it is. Congrats to all finishers. As aforementioned before, the Kona marathon moved everything up north to the Waikoloa beach hotel resort complex. I thought that this change of venue was pretty good, until I was on that course on race morning in June. I stayed at the host hotel this time around with a friend of mine, the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The expo itself was open air, along with packet pick up - which was held in an air conditioned conference room on hotel property. I was in and out of there within an hour and met up with friends. The race bibs were standard and colored, depending on what race distance you were doing. I believe this year 2015 red was the marathon and green was the half. The race fees were kind of steep, pricing at least $85 for the early birds and climbing as much as $150 for race day registration. For the price of a destination race, it was worth the price, if you were coming from outside of Hawaii. Then again, cheaper the better is what is best. The course was basically 2 loops around the Waikoloa village hotel complex of about 6 miles a piece, then a 15 mile out and back sections of Queen K Highway before entering back into the hotel complex to finish up the last 10km. The start and finish was near the Queen's shops. Plenty of parking for those who need it. The course itself had plenty of timing splits, so you can't really cheat. The weather was obscenely hot, to the point where I just called it quits. It's frustrating and annoying at the same time. I'm glad that all of my friends who tied the line at the start finished their respected distances. The aid stations were adequate enough and the course support were kind of lacking. Still, it's for those who want to run a marathon in Kona / Waikoloa. If I come back to this one, it'll have to be the half. 13.1 miles! 3.0 solid, but made worse by the heat. Support local! C

Before this year, I quickly dismissed any invitations to running events. And when I say quickly, I…read moremean I wouldn't even consider it. But now that my daughter is 8, I like to look for active and fun events we can do together. The Color Run caught my interest because it was a fun run and not timed so we could take our time walking. She had been exposed to a mini-Color Run at her Summer Fun program so she was excited about it. On race day, we found parking easily near the event out in Kapolei. The race was well organized and they sent participants in waves with runners on the left and walkers on the right to avoid being overcrowded. The course is marked with 4 color stations (blue, pink, orange and yellow) with a water station before the last color. But if you have kids in your group, definitely bring your own water. We learned our 8 year old girls got very whiny when hot. The girls immediately perked up when running through the color stations where volunteers would motivate you with high fives and douse you with color powder. At the finish line, they passed out packets of color powder and our shiny medals. The girls had the best time at the end of the event throwing powder EVERYWHERE. This was probably the least exciting part for me as I learned at the orange station that there is such a thing as throwing too much color. Totally worth it though! Especially when my daughter thanked me for taking her because she had so much fun.

Yelp 365 Challenge x 2 #248/365…read more FUN RUN! How can you give it any less especially when it's all about family, friends, co-workers, or individuals running around being doused with different colors? I love the fact that they did some adjustments to the run from last year. Last year, there were no wave starts. This year there were different starting times. At first, I thought there wouldn't be that much runners considering there was the Run or Dye in September but there were quite a lot of people that showed up. Last year, I ran on my own but this year-my kids and sisters joined in on the fun. Unfortunately for my nephew, he refused to run thinking it was "uncool" but my sister showed him the videos that she took prior, during and after the run with his cousins having fun (sucks to be him). The Color Run also teamed up again with Ocean Lotus, which is a great cause. The course was the same as last year! As for me and my family? We were happy unicorns and have already made plans to do this again next year. Few tips: 1) This is a fun run-so there IS NO TIMING. If you are in for timing, sign up for other races that aren't fun runs 2) Have a fun attitude! 3) Get your family and friends to all go as a team! It's fun and way better than running on your own!

Yelp 365 Challenge #122/365…read more After the Great Aloha Run, I had the insane idea to sign up for another run...the 15th Annual Ford Island Bridge Run, which is only 6.2 miles. I figure I would train on the days that I don't attend TRX classes by running around my neighborhood. However, there are times when plans don't go according to your agenda especially for me. And I have that type of personality where it grates on my nerves and it will gnaw at me for days afterwards. For instance, the past three weeks-I haven't been up to par in health. In fact, my coughing is still here but not as bad as before. I've only returned to TRX classes last Thursday. So, for me to expect to do my best on race day...I was setting myself up to having too much of high expectations. Nevertheless, I still got up early plus I was using my running clothes--so all I had to do was put on my contacts, brush my hair, and brush my teeth. Drove to the stadium but the gates weren't open yet, so I drove to SackNSave to pick up bananas and water. Parked in the Aloha Stadium overflow parking lot and ate a banana (I should have ate more as well as whole wheat bread but I didn't). Drank some water and by 6:15, I decided to walk across to Richardson Field and waited with the rest of the runners/walkers to be instructed to line up at the start line. I stretched... Observed... Took pics of my shoes and surroundings... Waved hi to a few co-workers and silently prayed while reminding myself to pace myself. 7:00AM (It begins) Ran slowly on the bridge....first HILL (I HATE HILLS) Off the bridge and rounded the corner to the first mile marker and noticing in the far distance...the runners that were ELITE RUNNERS passing the four / five mile MARKER. And this is what happened... I allowed discouragement to set in...(bad thing for me to do) By the three mile marker...my stomach started burning because I burned up that LITTLE APPLE BANANA, which I had to slow my run down to where I decided to walk for my body to adjust. However, I was allowing myself to notice other people especially walkers pass by me. So, I started jogging really slow. This is when the sun came out from the clouds and blast me with its rays (good thing I had a bottle water). Another thing that slowed me down, (my fault!) was the fact that I was taking in all the historic building surroundings as well as making a note to go to Pacific Aviation to check out the planes! The water stations were at perfect intervals but it was luke warm water. However, thank you to the volunteers who were quickly handing out waters and cheering us on. As we rounded the last circle before heading back to the bridge, I noticed that some cars were impatient and attempting to drive in the midst of runners (boo!) Finally, the bridge loomed ahead and at first I was jog/walking behind other walkers before realizing that I am able to run around them. There were the camera people waiting to take pictures but um...NO, I was actually becoming grouchy because I swear...I hate hills. I had to run the hills on the bridge...then I had to run up the hill to round the corner to get to Richardson Field. I was not a happy person because I allowed discouragement to get the better of me. I was that irritated at everything, that I decided to sprint it just to get it over and done with. The finishing time on the clock was 1:43:36, however, official time was 1:43:00 (I made it under two hours, thank God). But, like a petulant child after accomplishing something, I just headed to the table that was offering water and gatorade. I grabbed my bottles and watched the awards ceremony. Megan Clark (my trainer) at SOHI Fitness placed THIRD for OVERALL WOMEN in this event. How cool is that? Plus, the trophies were koa wood (I think). There was some entertainment afterwards but I didn't stay. I chose to pick up my grandson and rest for the remainder of the day. Overall experience, it was a good run. It would have been a BETTER RUN if I did the following: 1) Eat a little more before the race 2) Understand that because I was just getting over being sick...my timing will be all right 3) Don't look ahead to see the elite runners and get discouraged because after all, I am running for me and no one else... 4) To remember to take my inhaler before stepping out of the car 5) TO HAVE FUN Will I do this one again next year? I think so.

What a fun event! Parking was a bit of a headache so next year I'd go a little earlier. Weather…read morelooked dreary but ended up being just perfect; a little sunny then overcast. The run takes you through all the historical buildings; by the bowfin, behind the air museum and down and around the runway back up and through the renovated living quarters. Everyone was so lighthearted and friendly which made the run really fun. The best thing, though, were the snacks at the end of the run. After making the tredge back up&over the bridge, meadow gold trucks were waiting to pass out popsicles, milk, yogurt &cottage cheese. What a treat. I'd definitely do this run again.

Yes, you got a t-shirt, hat, and food after the race, but there was nothing given for finishing the…read morerace if you want to call it that. 400 m swim, 12 mi bike, 3.2 mi run. The water temperature was perfect! But the current was wicked! So wicked that swimmers were offered a tow and allowed to finish the race! According to the rules, that's grounds for cheating. If the current was impossible, a decision should have been made to reroute the course or not count the swim towards final completion time. After I finished, I asked a person in charge at the end about getting towed and I was told that if a person looks like they won't place, then they allowed towing! Really??? Also, waiting for the police to clear the road so that you may enter and exit Kamehameha Highway for the bike ride, skews your time. The road was scattered with gravel and broken glass, no one bothered to sweep it before the "race". And the run, although pleasant through the wooded areas, also took you across sand and rocky coral beach. A nice way to end up with a sprained ankle. By the way, the announcer said "its a beginner race" and obviously doesn't take into account how majority of people wouldn't ever attempt a triathlon! If you won't give out a metal for trying, then at least give us some credit! If you want to do a REAL triathlon, don't do the Haleiwa Triathlon! Do the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Triathlon. Not only do you get a completion metal, you are competing against a lot of hard core military athletes that will put you through the test. And Kaneohe Bay is much calmer than Haleiwa during high surf advisories!

1.5 mile run on an angled beach in four inch sand. GRUELING!…read more Other than that, this was a quick sprint tri to get ready for the Honolulu Tri in May. 500m swim, 12mi bike, 3mi run. Free shirt, free hat, free sticker, free mini pack, free water bottle. Food after finishing had all sorts of fruits, muffins, and drinks. Also included some good live music, acoustic style. This was my first time doing this one. It was fairly organized, had police blocking off roads, and there were volunteers throughout the course cheering/handing out refreshments. It's definitely a good beginner tri for those starting out.

Revel Kulia Marathon and half marathon is in its 2nd year, having started on the Big Island in…read more2019. After hearing rave reviews about the course, I decided to sign up for the half marathon in 2020 and see what its all about. The Revel race series is known for its downhill courses throughout the mainland United States. Downhill race courses helps runners run faster and produce faster race performance finish times on the half marathon and marathon, which makes it attractive for goal seekers and individuals who want to qualify for the Boston and or New York City marathons. With that said, downhill routes are tough on the legs and doing it running down the side of Mauna Kea was a challenging prospect as well. With that said, Revel Kulia marathon and half marathon seemed like the race to do. However, prices for entry is a bit steep, running about at least $125 for both distances. I suspect this will be the price point going forward if they continue on in Waikoloa. Registration is done online months before race weekend, so you can use your major credit card to sign up. You probably could sign up at the expo but the price for entry will be steep. Race weekend basically consists of packet pick up at the host hotel the day before and getting to the race shuttles before they depart for the start. There are two separate race shuttles departing at separate time slots to two different locations. For me, it was 4:30am - 5:30am for the half. It was 4:00am - 5:00am for the marathon. The overall experience here at the 2020 Revel Kulia marathon and half marathon was quite interesting. Since the start for both half marathon and marathon started on Mauna Kea, it was high enough to have temperatures in the lower 50's F. It was fine for me, however, the wind was fierce that morning on the mountain, so I was basically hyperventilating until my body got a handle on things. It was bad. I can only imagine what it was like higher up with the marathoners. Both distances started at 6:30am, where it was dark enough to trip over something you can't see. The staging area was basically 10 port-o-johns and an industrial light in a paved lot. We had to walk maybe 50 yards onto Waikoloa Road to the start, where there was a race banner and a timing station to record the start of the race that morning. The race field was small and intimate, fielding less than 1,000 runners in both distances. It was nice to see friends speed down Waikoloa road doing the marathon distance while I ran my own race, trying to get to the finish and shower before hotel check out. The finish line was staged next to the Queen's Shops, which was ideal for everyone. You can get food and drinks there within reach of the finish. I did enjoy the fact that there was a big REVEL sign at the finish area, as well as a big 26.2 and 13.1 sign to take photos of. I certainly did my part in taking photos with that, celebrating my 52nd half marathon finish that morning. Revel knows how to throw a run party. The downhill course and the scenic views of Mauna Kea and Waikoloa Village was nice to see while running down Waikoloa Road on a Saturday morning in January. There was no fanfare at the start of the half marathon, although there was plenty of entertainment and excitement at the finish line. After taking photos and gathering my sanity, my legs started to feel better from all that downhill running and moving down a mountain road. It was the first time that they moved the finish line area next to the Queen's shops. During their inaugural race, they had it somewhere along Waikoloa road and finisher's had to be bussed back to a safer location. I personally liked the finish location. It was the same location used by the Kona marathon, which is held annually in late June. For the most part though, it was another excuse to travel for me to run. It was nice to check out a new race that I previously haven't done and the Revel race series is popular. If downhill running, possible BQ's, and PR's are your goals, consider the Revel Kulia marathon or half marathon. If you are a 50 stater (marathon or half) wanting to add Hawaii to your list, check this race out. The finisher medal is pretty solid. 4.0 stars for the overall experience. 2.5 stars for race morning. I knew it was going to be cold but the wind made it worse till I got a handle on things. 4.0 stars for the expo. 4.0 stars for the course and finish line area. Thanks to the volunteers! Run more! Support local! B