Run for the Dry Forest 2026 — Kailua Kona, HI

Date
October 17, 2026
Location
Kailua Kona, HI
Venue
71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd
Start Time
7:45 AM
Sunrise
6:18 AM
Entry Fee
$40.00 – $65.00
Events
5k, 10k
Includes
T-Shirt
Run for the Dry Forest supports conservation and restoration of dry forests in Hawai‘i. Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a contains some of the few remaining patches of dry forest, and was once considered the most botanically rich forest in Hawai‘i. Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a contains 8 endangered birds and at least 40 rare plants, of which 22 are listed as endangered or proposed for listing. Ongoing research is exploring how to mitigate current threats to the forest, which include wildfire, invasives, and introduced ungulates. Please note: - **Dogs are NOT allowed** at Pu'uwa'awa'a to protect the native wildlife. Please keep your pets at home. - **This is a cupless event** . Unnecessary waste and trash is something we are working to eliminate at events. As an organization dedicated to maintaining a clean race and doing our part to keep our trails beautiful and pristine, just like last year, we will be going cupless. This means we are eliminating the use of disposable cups at all our races - Runners will instead receive a reusable HydraPak SpeedCup for use on and off the course, but please bring your cup from past years and help our environment.

Course & Travel Notes

Run for the Dry Forest takes place at just 39 feet of elevation in Kailua Kona, so altitude won't be a pacing concern on race day. The sun rises at 6:19 AM, giving you time to settle in before the 7:45 AM start, and you can expect typical October weather with highs around 85°F and lows near 72°F. Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) is conveniently located 7.4 miles from the venue, making for an easy transfer to the race.

⛰️ 39 ft elevation☀️ Typically 85°F / 72°F✈️ Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) — 7.4 mi

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Kailua Kona, HI. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.

Run for the Dry Forest 2026 — Kailua Kona, HI

Race day is approaching. Hotels fill up fast.

--Days
:
--Hours
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
Book a hotel for race weekend

Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for October 17.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Kailua Kona, HI. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Run for the Dry Forest 2026 — Kailua Kona, HI?

Run for the Dry Forest 2026 — Kailua Kona, HI takes place on October 17, 2026. The race is held in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.

Where is Run for the Dry Forest 2026 — Kailua Kona, HI held?

Run for the Dry Forest 2026 — Kailua Kona, HI is held at 71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.

Where can I find hotels near Run for the Dry Forest 2026 — Kailua Kona, HI?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Kailua Kona. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.