| Important Note | | Introduction | | About the Author | | How to use this Guide |
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Important Author's Note Throughout this guide you will see the words runners, running, run, etc. While these words are all forms of the action verb run, please note that here they are used loosely. In writing this book we have redefined this verb to cover all forms of recreational forward motion that one would do in the name of good fun and health. So if you are not a "runner," according to the traditional definition of the word, please join us anyway. The information in this guide applies to you, whether you run, walk, skip, hop or somersault. Be warned that cartwheels are not recommended on some of the trails, and if you are doing the backwards moonwalk, watch for traffic and don't step over the pali. Enjoy your "run." Introduction Aloha and welcome to Hawaii! If you are reading this guide then you likely have some interest in either running or in Hawaii. The goal of this guide is to help you combine both of these interests into a great run in paradise. If you are a Hawaii resident, or are planning to visit the islands, this guide will help you take advantage of the many great resources that are available to runners. Whether you wish to join 30,000 other runners by participating in one of Hawaii's great running events such as the Honolulu Marathon or the Great Aloha Run, or you are simply looking for a scenic running route while on vacation, this guide is for you. In these pages you will discover some of Hawaii's most popular routes. You will find information on running clubs, stores, and organizations who are always more than willing to talk about their upcoming runs or lead you on their favorite routes. You will also find tips to help you stay safe and healthy so you can enjoy the endless number of runs that Hawaii has to offer. From the perfect, year-round weather to some of the world's biggest and best organized running events, the Aloha State has it all. About the Author I was fortunate enough to live and run in Hawaii for several years, however, I was not a runner when he moved there. I had taken up running on numerous previous occasions, but for one reason or another I always returned to a sedentary lifestyle. Running in Hawaii changed all of that. I found myself in a place with clean air, ideal weather, and an exceptional running community that works hard to support each other and help keep running fun. Through several of the local running clubs, the numerous races, and my great running friends, I found the support and camaraderie necessary to make running a lifestyle rather than a seasonal pastime. During my stay in Hawaii, I traveled to all of the frequently visited neighbor islands, and ran many of the races that those islands have to offer. During 1995 I averaged more than one race every other weekend. I regret that as a runner I was forced to choose between so many great events. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. For me this meant that I could not live and run in Hawaii forever. My stay in Hawaii was less than four years, and there are races I never ran, trails my feet never trod upon, and many great running friends I never had the opportunity to meet. However, through running, racing, and my work with several of the running clubs and organizations, I did make many wonderful friends and contacts, all of which I present to you in this guide. Whether you are staying in Hawaii for one week, one year, or forever, let this guide help you get the most out of your running vacation. How to use this guide This guide is not designed to be the sole-source of Hawaii running information. Rather, it is designed to point you in the right direction, and help you find out all you need to make your running vacation as fulfilling as possible. As with all guides like this one, some of the information may be outdated by the time you read it. However, the intent is to provide you with enough information that if one contact happens to become outdated, others can provide the assistance you need. Most of the resources listed herein are long standing members of the running community and will be there for many years to come. The Running Room, a local retail store, has been in business in the same neighborhood since 1977. The Mid-Pacific Road Runner's Club has been going strong for over 30 years. The Honolulu Marathon Association has been providing one of the world's greatest and largest marathons since 1975. And the list goes on and on. Sure, some of the resources discussed here will go away someday, but you can bet on the fact that others will pick up where they left off. The routes that are included in this guide are only a portion of what Hawaii has to offer. These routes have been chosen because of their popularity with the runners who have helped research and write this guide. Almost all of these routes are encompassed in some of the worlds most popular and biggest races. The Honolulu Marathon and the Great Aloha Run combine to route 60,000 runners over some of these roads every year. The marathon portion of the Ironman Triathlon has been included due to its national recognition and popularity (even though it is hot and brutal, as many Ironman participants will tell you). Kapiolani Park is a cornerstone in the running community. It's where the Honolulu Marathon Association holds their Sunday training runs in preparation for their big event, and also serves as the marathon finish line. The military bases, although restricted in most cases, provide excellent routes with little traffic. There are some also some great trail runs included herein. Tantalus is a tough loop through a beautiful rainforest. This loop offers some of the best views of Diamond Head, as well as the rest of the island. Maunawili, below the Pali Lookout, is a less strenuous (but no less beautiful) trail that is suitable for any skill level. No matter which trail or route you choose, this guide can help you in many ways. The following information is provided for each route: Distance The approximated distance of the suggested route (in miles). Environment This section covers any special information that you must know before running this route. Safety information such as traffic or weather related warnings will be included herein. This section will let you know about the availability of water and/or restrooms. To get there from Honolulu This section will give you detailed driving instructions. It is always recommended that you consult a map before setting out to find a particular route, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Suggested route Here you will be guided along the suggested route. You will be guided through intersections, told where to turn, when to look for landmarks, etc. These directions, along with the accompanying map will help keep you on track. This section will also list any alternate routes that will help you decrease the difficulty, increase the distance, or best of all, increase the fun. Notes Here is where any special bits of information will be listed. Points of interest, local folklore, etc. will be explained in an attempt to make your run a little more interesting. There will also be some blank space after each notes section where you can write in any comments you have about the run. Direction or route changes, notes about that special overview or landmark that you want to remember, or anything you wish to annotate about the particular route can be written here. Please enjoy running in Hawaii. Be safe, and have fun! |
| © Neal Jamison, 1998 All rights reserved. |
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