The Aloha spirit is everywhere which made this race so fun. For those who love running along the ocean (literally along some areas of the course 3 feet away!) then this is for you!

The first half of the marathon was spectacular especially with all the whales jumping out of the water. The second half leaves a lot to be desired because it is far less scenic, there are almost no spectators, relatively little shade from the intense sun and the runners' share of the road narrows considerably (you share the road with the traffic).

The hills in the course are tough, especially since you don't realize how much energy you're expending because you're so caught up in the beautiful view. Be very aware of your pace on the hills. It was surprisingly arid, so hydration has to be carefully monitored.

It's a marathon that every runner should do once. Of course, moving it from March (the milder whale season) to September (much warmer and no whales) will make it less desireable.

Location, location, location! This is a wonderful destination marathon, and the scenery can't be beat. The carboload 2 days before is not to be missed! Good food, great entertainment, and gorgeous ocean views of whales. The 5K the preceding day is a fun warm-up with about 600 entrants, plus a nice souvenir tshirt to bring home. Lots of participants from Japan made it interesting. However, don't expect to run any fast times on this course. About 2700 registrants in 2001 for the marathon. It's a huge Team in Training event with all that implies -- lots of participants at all fitness and speed levels. There are some wicked hills at the 8-10 mile mark which don't seem so tough at the time but drain your energy for the later race. Miles 11-22 or so are flat, seaside, with majestic surf views but very little breeze. In 2001 it was HOT and TOUGH -- over 84 degrees and everyone that finished (only 79% of registrants) must have managed their hydration and effort level extremely carefully. (Frankly, I probably would have dropped out too if I had less experience and grit.) Aid stations were plentiful and well-staffed with enthusiastic personnel, and several included entertainment (hula girls, Japanese drummers, etc.) Actual spectators were non-existent, however -- shoppers in Lahaina seemed indifferent to runners. Tshirts only for finishers -- if you want extras, buy in advance because they were not available afterward. Great followup by organizers with handsome bound results booklet, finishers certificate and photos available the morning after. This is a wonderful marathon for the traveling/recreational runner that welcomes a challenge!

This is a great race for those runners that are visiting or live in Hawaii. Maui is much more beautiful than Oahu (Waikiki and Diamond Head is located on Oahu) and is where the Hawaiians go for a vacation from the hectic pace of civilization. Race starts fairly early from a shopping mall parking lot to avoid the sun which, of course, always shines in Hawaii. First half of the marathon begins in the dark and is run along sugar cane fields. It is relatively flat but the scenery that the Maui marathon is famous for does not occur until the second half of the run. You are usually assisted by a nice tailwind to help you along until you reach around 11 miles. The only real hill is located as you near the shoreline at mile 11. But it only lasts a few miles. Being early in the race and aware that it exists will enable you to conquer it but not before expending a modest amount of effort. A tunnel will signal the end of the uphill section and also signal the beginning of the second half of the marathon. From that point you are treated to a gentle downhill and level route to the finish line. Crowd support is sparse except for a detour onto the town of Lahina and at the finish line. Since the entire route is open to vehicle traffic (this is a major route from the different locations on the island) you can have friends and family meet you as many times and at almost any location on the route. They will probably be the only crowd support you will receive except as noted above. The only other faces you will see are those of the volunteers at the well placed and adequate aid stations. This is an excellent race for those that do not require crowd support to help carry them to the finish. This is a small intimate marathon that would be adversely affected if the numbers get to large. Thankfully the marathon organizers limit the field which allows the marathoner a good shot at a PR in Paradise. If you like the hoopla and confusion of large scale marathons, run the Honolulu Marathon but if you want a nice personal race with just you and the course, definitely do Maui.

EARLY START BUT SUN RISE IS GREAT. COURSE HAS HILLS, BUT A 6 MILE DOWNHILL AT START IS HELPFULL. PASTA FEED IS THE BEST I EVER HAD, A REAL PLUS. AND, WE SAW LOTS OF WHALES!

From a novice runner's point of view...
The scenery was fantastic, but it was rural and there were few spectators. Also I have a slow pace and most refreshments were depleted by the time I reached the aid stations.