Marathon Details - Maui Oceanfront Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > HI > Lahaina, Maui > Maui Oceanfront Marathon

Maui Oceanfront Marathon & Double Marathon, Half, 15K, 10K, 5K

Lahaina, Maui, HI USA

January 19, 2025

http://www.MauiOceanfrontMarathon.com

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Maui Oceanfront Marathon Details
Les Wright (10/25/15)

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon starts at Wailea, running north on the oceanfront through Kihei, the Kealia ponds, whale infested Maalaea Bay, the Pali, Papalaua beach, Olowalu beach, Launiupoko beach, Puamana Park and finishing at beachfront Kamehameha Iki Park at the south end of Old Lahaina Town.

This is a small town marathon without goody bags or an expo, run on the laid back island of Maui. The Marathon and Marathon Early Start is limited to 600 runners or walkers and the Half Marathon limited to 600; the 5K, 10K, and 15K are limited to 250 each. The run is on a wide shoulder of the road with the first 1.5 miles and the last mile closed to traffic. Otherwise you will run on the paved shoulder facing traffic on a two-lane road between Kihei and Lahaina. This is the only road between these areas and therefore cannot be closed.

The event invites the early birds (it sells out quickly) to take part in our post race dinner (booze and whale watching sunset cruise) on Sunday or Monday with the Ring Master and his crew.

Amenities include:

19 aid stations + the start and finish.
Finishers medals for all events
Mens and Womens cut Tech T-Shirts for all entrants
Designer race bib
5 year age division awards
Shuttle Buses to start lines
Early start for walkers
Time limit for the Marathon is Noon for all races. That is a 7:30-hour time limit for early start marathon; and 7 hour time limit for regular start marathoners

Other races include:

Early Start for marathoners who anticipate an over 6-hour finish.

Half Marathon: A flat and fast out and back oceanfront race.

15K: A flat and fast oceanfront point to point (9.3 miles) race starting at Papalaua Beach.

10K: A flat and fast out and back oceanfront race.

5K Race-Run-Walk: A flat and fast point to point will start 3.1 miles south of Lahaina on the ocean at Lone Palm Point and finish at the Marathon finish line in Old Lahaina Town.

Reasons to do the Maui Oceanfront Marathon:

A beautiful scenic course to plan your vacation around
No snow, no cold
January is the coolest and best running month in Hawaii
See whales and surfers on your left side
January is prime whale viewing season on Maui
The course is certified and is Boston Marathon qualifier.
Run with 10,000' Haleakala Volcano and the green West Maui Mountains on your right side.
The moon and sun will be at your back.

The Marathon Course:

The Marathon course starts at 236' above sea level in Wailea and is a rolling downhill run to sea level at 1.3 miles, then flat and sea level until mile 10. At 10 miles you run uphill to 11 miles to 157'. Downhill and rolling from 11 miles to sea level at about mile 17, then sea level and flat from 17 mile mark to the finish in Lahaina. (Mile 14 is 132', the Tunnel is at 16.7 miles and 106', 17 miles and the start of the 15K is sea level and flat and fast to the finish.)

The course has a short tunnel in the Pali and no bridges or overpasses or freeways.

The course is paved running north and varies being on the road, bike lane, sidewalk, or shoulder of the road facing traffic.

Hawaiian Music at the start and finish line and awards at Kamehameha Iki Park in Old Lahaina Town. Plan on a late breakfast or lunch with your supporters in Old Lahaina Town

Shuttle Buses available from Kaanapali, or Lahaina, to the start line at Wailea; and from the Wailea start line to the Half, 10K or 5K start lines.
Details at: www.RunMaui.com

Les Wright

You can contact the Ring Master at: runmaui@gmail.com
C- readers can call him at: 530-559-2261



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Reviews

Course 4.0

Organization 3.9

Spectators 3.1

Write a review

Number of comments: 65 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

S. F. from Colorado (3/2/2019) "A Perfect Picture and The Very Best Race Director!" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran 59 marathons and this one was my last one on US soil and I can honestly say Les is the very best race director. He made this event even more perfect than just running with a full moon and roosters for the first half and watching whales on the second half. Flat and stunning course. Older runners could start earlier, which greatly help deal with the heat. Highly recommend! Les, keep up what you are doing!
D. G. from Michigan (2/8/2018) "Train for the heat and darkness" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Marathon #33 on course #27. It is Hawaii, so train for a hot race. Also, do some training runs with a headlamp, since the first half is run in the dark. A+ race director in terms of communication, organization and humor. Probably the best choice for this state if you are a 50-stater. The pre-race festivities at the start line were great, and the aid stations were the best that I've experienced.
R. H. from Boise ID (1/28/2018) "small but fun" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Maui Oceanfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 5th MOM and once again enjoyed it... well as much as you can for a marathon. Course is along side the main road but that is to be expected for a island...duh... Les does a great job of keeping everyone informed and to any last minute changes. This year he added a early start for the over 65 crowd. Will be there next year. If you do the marathon make sure you sign up for the after marathon dinner cruise. It is well worth it.
C. D. from FL (1/22/2018) "Beautiful course..great organization" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Small marathon but very well run..early start helps beat the heat. It is hilly, I'm from Florida but had no problems..race director does a great job communicating.
J. J. from Wisconsin (1/21/2018) "Warm but well worth it" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 It's Hawaii so it's going to be warm. Early start for 55+ is wonderful as you can beat a little bit of the sun and you are eligible for age group award. RD is a great guy. Good communications. Packet pick up at Pioneer Inn went smooth. Great volunteers. Low key race so don't expect thousands of spectators-more like a handful at the finish. Bad part is oncoming traffic as you are on a fairly narrow shoulder but just be careful. Headlamp a must as it is dark for first 10+ miles; drop box provided about halfway and you retrieve lamp at finish area. Water stops well manned and enthusiastic, and generally they welcome you by calling out your name. Several shorter distances offered for family to participate in. Buses provided from Whalers Village and Lahaina to start. Multiple massage tables at finish and short wait. Age group awards started with senior groups and worked down which was great as participants/family stayed to watch. RD also recognized 50 Staters who used race for final state. Medal,shirt and age group award very nice. Marathon #178 for me and second Hawaii-I recommend this one.
K. M. from Toronto, Canada (1/20/2018) "Fantastic Experience" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Course is fairly flat with hills only during the first mile and between 14 to 11 miles to go. Regular start is early enough to avoid the hottest time of the day. Organization is excellent. Race director seems to have everything that could go wrong covered (except for maybe a missile impact on the course-we were lucky it was only an e-mail threat). This year there was a detour because a bridge was out. Race director made this detour a fun experience and I thought he actually made the course more enjoyable. Past finishers agreed with me. I loved this detour section. Race bibs and finisher medals were collector items. The finisher's medal was very well made. The popular Hawaiian artist Michael Stark who designed the race bib and t-shirts signed mine too. 50 state finishers received a large unique finisher medal, bib #50 and front line position at the start. Race director's e-mails entitled NAG from MOM are so entertaining to read. All participants are divided into A, B or C participants based on how they filled out their application and preparation for race and tours. Go to the bib pick up early. They had some great race gear that was quickly sold out. Fantastic experience!!!
D. C. from Kentucky, USA (6/1/2017) "Maui + ocean + January...running on shoulder :(" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Maui is beautiful and you run along the ocean the whole time (see whales, I saw a monk seal resting, etc.) BUT the entire race is along side the highway so much of it is run on the shoulder of the road which is NOT closed. Would have liked an earlier start-have run other HI races and would not recommend this one over other HI races like Kauai unless you live on the island. It is relatively FLAT though.
A. B. from Boston area, MA (3/8/2017) "Excellent choice for Hawaii" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my choice for my Hawaii marathon on my 50 state quest and based on all of my research it was the best choice. Pros: -I saw whales in the ocean along the route and even a seal on the beach -Excellent pre-race communication and very detailed web site -Beautiful course!! -Nice pre-race ceremony with the locals -Plenty of aid stations with enthusiastic volunteers -Beautiful shirt and medal -Early start to beat the heat -Good traffic control -Plenty of food at the finish -Runners-only cruise was awesome (saw lots of whales) Concerns: -Race started a little late due to the special ceremony. For a marathon, especially one in the heat, I expect an on-time start. -Finish area was being taken down as I finished even though I was 15 minutes before the time limit. I didn't get to use the mister and that was disappointing. -Camber in the road was tough on the body -Fair amount of rolling hills in the middle of the race when it got hot and there was no shade -If you want to park in the lot that is literally right next to the start and leave your car there, it costs a fair amount of money I stayed in Kihei which I found to be very convenient. I was only a few miles to the start. If I were to do it again I would stay in Kihei again. A lot of people stay in Lahaina where the finish is, but I found Kihei an overall better location-especially in terms of beaches. Next year they are offering an even earlier start so there will be a longer time limit. I wish that had been offered this year. Overall, I had a FANTASTIC trip to Maui and I am VERY glad I chose this marathon for my Hawaii marathon. I would absolutely go back and do the half again (I'm not doing any more marathons when I'm done with the 50) because it was well-organized and a very scenic course.
R. H. from United States (1/21/2017) "Not a easy marathon" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Maui Oceanfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you are expecting Maui Oceanfront Marathon to be Chicago or Boston you will be disappointed. If you like a small well run marathon that is a tough course this if for you. Many whales and I even saw a seal on the beach as we were running. 19 or 20 water stations and it has good local support. The race starts early to beat the heat but it will still be hot when you finish. See you again next year
P. R. from S. Carolina (2/7/2016) "wonderful marathon" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Maui Oceanfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've been to all of these since 2009 except for one. Course director and volunteers do an amazing job. Don't come expecting a flat, cool course without wind... because this Maui. What you will get, though, is the perfect backdrop to a marathon, top-notch organization and direction, enthusiastic volunteers on the course, and a frequent humpback breaching just over your left shoulder to encourage you to the finish line. We'll keep coming back as long as Les and the team keep making it possible. Where else can you run with such breathtaking scenery and consistent weather.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

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S. F. from Colorado (3/2/2019) "A Perfect Picture and The Very Best Race Director!" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran 59 marathons and this one was my last one on US soil and I can honestly say Les is the very best race director. He made this event even more perfect than just running with a full moon and roosters for the first half and watching whales on the second half. Flat and stunning course. Older runners could start earlier, which greatly help deal with the heat. Highly recommend! Les, keep up what you are doing!
D. G. from Michigan (2/8/2018) "Train for the heat and darkness" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Marathon #33 on course #27. It is Hawaii, so train for a hot race. Also, do some training runs with a headlamp, since the first half is run in the dark. A+ race director in terms of communication, organization and humor. Probably the best choice for this state if you are a 50-stater. The pre-race festivities at the start line were great, and the aid stations were the best that I've experienced.
R. H. from Boise ID (1/28/2018) "small but fun" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Maui Oceanfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 5th MOM and once again enjoyed it... well as much as you can for a marathon. Course is along side the main road but that is to be expected for a island...duh... Les does a great job of keeping everyone informed and to any last minute changes. This year he added a early start for the over 65 crowd. Will be there next year. If you do the marathon make sure you sign up for the after marathon dinner cruise. It is well worth it.
C. D. from FL (1/22/2018) "Beautiful course..great organization" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Small marathon but very well run..early start helps beat the heat. It is hilly, I'm from Florida but had no problems..race director does a great job communicating.
J. J. from Wisconsin (1/21/2018) "Warm but well worth it" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 It's Hawaii so it's going to be warm. Early start for 55+ is wonderful as you can beat a little bit of the sun and you are eligible for age group award. RD is a great guy. Good communications. Packet pick up at Pioneer Inn went smooth. Great volunteers. Low key race so don't expect thousands of spectators-more like a handful at the finish. Bad part is oncoming traffic as you are on a fairly narrow shoulder but just be careful. Headlamp a must as it is dark for first 10+ miles; drop box provided about halfway and you retrieve lamp at finish area. Water stops well manned and enthusiastic, and generally they welcome you by calling out your name. Several shorter distances offered for family to participate in. Buses provided from Whalers Village and Lahaina to start. Multiple massage tables at finish and short wait. Age group awards started with senior groups and worked down which was great as participants/family stayed to watch. RD also recognized 50 Staters who used race for final state. Medal,shirt and age group award very nice. Marathon #178 for me and second Hawaii-I recommend this one.
K. M. from Toronto, Canada (1/20/2018) "Fantastic Experience" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Course is fairly flat with hills only during the first mile and between 14 to 11 miles to go. Regular start is early enough to avoid the hottest time of the day. Organization is excellent. Race director seems to have everything that could go wrong covered (except for maybe a missile impact on the course-we were lucky it was only an e-mail threat). This year there was a detour because a bridge was out. Race director made this detour a fun experience and I thought he actually made the course more enjoyable. Past finishers agreed with me. I loved this detour section. Race bibs and finisher medals were collector items. The finisher's medal was very well made. The popular Hawaiian artist Michael Stark who designed the race bib and t-shirts signed mine too. 50 state finishers received a large unique finisher medal, bib #50 and front line position at the start. Race director's e-mails entitled NAG from MOM are so entertaining to read. All participants are divided into A, B or C participants based on how they filled out their application and preparation for race and tours. Go to the bib pick up early. They had some great race gear that was quickly sold out. Fantastic experience!!!
D. C. from Kentucky, USA (6/1/2017) "Maui + ocean + January...running on shoulder :(" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Maui is beautiful and you run along the ocean the whole time (see whales, I saw a monk seal resting, etc.) BUT the entire race is along side the highway so much of it is run on the shoulder of the road which is NOT closed. Would have liked an earlier start-have run other HI races and would not recommend this one over other HI races like Kauai unless you live on the island. It is relatively FLAT though.
A. B. from Boston area, MA (3/8/2017) "Excellent choice for Hawaii" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my choice for my Hawaii marathon on my 50 state quest and based on all of my research it was the best choice. Pros: -I saw whales in the ocean along the route and even a seal on the beach -Excellent pre-race communication and very detailed web site -Beautiful course!! -Nice pre-race ceremony with the locals -Plenty of aid stations with enthusiastic volunteers -Beautiful shirt and medal -Early start to beat the heat -Good traffic control -Plenty of food at the finish -Runners-only cruise was awesome (saw lots of whales) Concerns: -Race started a little late due to the special ceremony. For a marathon, especially one in the heat, I expect an on-time start. -Finish area was being taken down as I finished even though I was 15 minutes before the time limit. I didn't get to use the mister and that was disappointing. -Camber in the road was tough on the body -Fair amount of rolling hills in the middle of the race when it got hot and there was no shade -If you want to park in the lot that is literally right next to the start and leave your car there, it costs a fair amount of money I stayed in Kihei which I found to be very convenient. I was only a few miles to the start. If I were to do it again I would stay in Kihei again. A lot of people stay in Lahaina where the finish is, but I found Kihei an overall better location-especially in terms of beaches. Next year they are offering an even earlier start so there will be a longer time limit. I wish that had been offered this year. Overall, I had a FANTASTIC trip to Maui and I am VERY glad I chose this marathon for my Hawaii marathon. I would absolutely go back and do the half again (I'm not doing any more marathons when I'm done with the 50) because it was well-organized and a very scenic course.
R. H. from United States (1/21/2017) "Not a easy marathon" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Maui Oceanfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you are expecting Maui Oceanfront Marathon to be Chicago or Boston you will be disappointed. If you like a small well run marathon that is a tough course this if for you. Many whales and I even saw a seal on the beach as we were running. 19 or 20 water stations and it has good local support. The race starts early to beat the heat but it will still be hot when you finish. See you again next year
P. R. from S. Carolina (2/7/2016) "wonderful marathon" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Maui Oceanfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've been to all of these since 2009 except for one. Course director and volunteers do an amazing job. Don't come expecting a flat, cool course without wind... because this Maui. What you will get, though, is the perfect backdrop to a marathon, top-notch organization and direction, enthusiastic volunteers on the course, and a frequent humpback breaching just over your left shoulder to encourage you to the finish line. We'll keep coming back as long as Les and the team keep making it possible. Where else can you run with such breathtaking scenery and consistent weather.

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Marathon Details - Maui Oceanfront Marathon