Join-In Sports Events
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Join-In Sports in Hawaiʻi
Most people come to Hawaiʻi for a relaxing, laid-back vacation. But others come here to complete in some of the toughest, most prestigious sporting events in the world. Each winter, the waters between Maui and Molokaʻi are filled with competitive canoe teams and stand-up paddleboarders for events like the Maui SUP Cup and Pailolo Challenge. If you visit the Island of Hawaiʻi in the fall, you’ll spot scores of athletes training for the famous IRONMAN Triathlon along the arid roads of the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway of the Kohala Coast. Whatever your sport or specialty, there are many ways you can join the fun – and friendly competition – on your trip to Hawaiʻi.
Take a look at some of the major participatory sports in Hawaiʻi, then explore individual events by island:
Stand-Up Paddleboarding/SUP
Hawaiʻi is credited with being the birthplace of modern stand-up paddleboarding, and the clear, calm waters of the Hawaiian Islands make the perfect meeting ground for recreational SUP and world-class competition alike.
Maui & Molokaʻi
Canoe Races
Canoes have been an important sport (and mode of transport) in Hawaiʻi ever since our first settlers sailed here almost 2,000 years ago. Today, canoe clubs from around the globe descend on Hawaiʻi to put their strength and teamwork to the test at a number of prestigious outrigger events.
Maui
Molokaʻi
Island of Hawaiʻi
Running
With courses that wind through unbelievably scenic spots like Lēʻahi (Lēʻahi Head) and Poʻipū Beach, it’s no wonder Hawaiʻi’s marathons are among the most popular and well-attended in the world. Some highlighted races include the Kona Marathon and Volcano Rain Forest Run. So, lace up your running shoes and see if you can go the distance.
Kauaʻi
Oʻahu
Maui
Island of Hawaiʻi
- Kona Marathon
- Volcano Rain Forest Run
- Powerman Hawaiʻi Duathlon
- Revel Kulia Marathon and Half Marathon
Multisport Racing
Some of the most iconic and physically demanding multisport races call the Hawaiian Islands home. Join the thousands of elite athletes who come to compete in races like IRONMAN and the XTERRA World Championship.
Maui
Island of Hawaiʻi
Event Spotlight
IRONMAN Triathlon
More than 2,000 elite athletes train year-round to compete in the legendary IRONMAN Triathlon, which takes place on the Island of Hawaiʻi’s breathtaking Kona Coast.
MoreQueen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Races
Established in 1977, world’s largest long-distance canoe race welcomes paddlers from as far away as New Zealand, Japan and Florida each Labor Day weekend.
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