Races Marathon · Poipu, USA
Kauai Marathon
Kauai Marathon is a hilly marathon in Poipu, USA, held each September. From Poipu the route passes the Tunnel of Trees, then the marathon turns inland to Lawai and climbs toward Kalaheo. A long descent follows. A 2016 local report called the climb endless. Early September in south Kauai is hot and humid, typically 22 to 31°C, though the 06:00 start is cooler. Poipu's hills change the plan itself: expect hill repetitions and long runs that rehearse the course's shape.
Page rebuilt 2026-11-14 · race facts not independently verified — confirm dates and entries on the official race site
When
September
next: Sunday 5 September 2027
Course
hilly
Marathon
Conditions
Early September in south Kauai is hot and humid, typically 22 to 31°C, though the 06:00 start is cooler.
Racing this course well
From Poipu the route passes the Tunnel of Trees, then the marathon turns inland to Lawai and climbs toward Kalaheo. A long descent follows. A 2016 local report called the climb endless.
Poipu's hills change the plan itself: expect hill repetitions and long runs that rehearse the course's shape.
Getting a place
- How you get in
- Open entry: first come, first served
Official Kauai Marathon site →Checked November 2026
Race day
- Next race
- Sunday 5 September 2027
- Start time
- 06:00
- Time limit
- 7 hours
- Also on the day
- half-marathon
The course in numbers
The marathon and half share the first 11 miles (18 km). The full course then climbs through Lawai towards Kalaheo, with several false summits, before descending gradually.
Worth knowing
- Marathoners who have not reached mile 11 by 08:50 are rerouted to the half marathon finish.
Pick your goal for Poipu
Pace charts, weekly structure and timelines for the most common marathon goals:
The date shown is the one the organiser has announced. Change it if yours differs.
Build your training around Kauai Marathon.
RunV works backwards from race day to today. Your plan adapts when life interrupts, and you approve every change. It does not adapt to this specific course — the pacing guidance above is where the course knowledge is.
Everything above stays free and complete — this is an optional next step, not a paywall.
Asked often
- When is the Kauai Marathon?
- The next Kauai Marathon is on Sunday 5 September 2027 in Poipu, USA. It is held each September.
- Is the Kauai Marathon course flat?
- From Poipu the route passes the Tunnel of Trees, then the marathon turns inland to Lawai and climbs toward Kalaheo. A long descent follows. A 2016 local report called the climb endless.
- How do I enter the Kauai Marathon?
- Open entry: first come, first served.
- How should I train for the Kauai Marathon?
- Train specifically for Poipu — terrain, conditions, goal pace — and let the plan flex around real life. With RunV Premium you can adapt your plan to fit your week.
Not sure what to target? Predict your marathon time from a recent race →
More marathon races
Supplements research for this distance
Build for Poipu — around your actual life
RunV engineers your block backwards from race day in September — and adapts it when training doesn't go to script. You approve every change.
