Kona Marathon
Kailua-Kona, United States of America · Saturday 4 July 2026
RoadFull Marathon
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kailua-Kona sits on the leeward side of the island where the volcanic landscape meets the Pacific Ocean. The town has the feel of an old Hawaiian coastal village, with a slower pace than most mainland communities. The backdrop is dramatic, with dark lava fields and Mauna Kea rising in the distance, while the ocean provides a constant presence. It's a place where you'll notice the heat and humidity, even in July when conditions can feel intense. The course is refreshingly straightforward for those seeking a simpler running experience. It's essentially flat from start to finish with only gentle rolling sections, nothing that demands much tactical thinking about pacing or energy management. Runners will spend most of the race on road surfaces, moving through or along the edges of Kona's quiet neighborhoods and along stretches that take in ocean views. The real challenge here won't be the terrain but rather the heat and sun exposure, which are substantial in Hawaii during summer. What you get is a chance to run a marathon where the landscape is beautiful but doesn't fight you, leaving you to focus entirely on the effort itself.
Difficulty Calculator
h
:m
:s
Adjusted Time
3:52:32
Time difference: -7.5 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain0m
Elevation High0m
Elevation Low0m
Kona Marathon 2026 Course Analysis
Kona Marathon is a full marathon held in Kailua-Kona, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 4 July 2026. The course is run on road surface with 0m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 0m above sea level.
Elevation Profile
This is a very flat course with only 0m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 0m to 0m above sea level — a 0m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Surface Type: Road
Kona Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
How Difficult Is Kona Marathon?
Our difficulty rating for Kona Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Kona Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
Other Marathons in United States of America
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
Virginia Beach, United States of America
Road82m gainMar 2025
Charlottesville Marathon
Charlottesville, United States of America
Road0m gainApr 2025
Martian Invasion of Races
Dearborn, United States of America
Road119m gainApr 2025
Wenatchee Marathon
Wenatchee, United States of America
Road0m gainApr 2025
Eisenhower Marathon
Abilene, United States of America
Road133m gainApr 2025