The course is all downhill except for a few gently rolling uphill sections at the beginning and end of the course. During the first 3 miles, the course is along Highway 11 as it passes through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and then enters the community of Volcano. For the first 15 miles the course is surrounded by a mixture of original Hawaiian hapu‘u & ??hi?a rainforest, residential and agricultural land.
The start offers spectacular views of Hawai‘i’s highest volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, and during the first few miles runners will experience the dawn chorus of many Hawaiian endemic birds that may include the Apapane, Hawai‘i Amakihi, I‘iwi (all three are Hawaiian Honeycreepers), Oma‘o (Hawaiian Thrush), and Hawai‘i Elepaio (a monarch flycatcher). As you run, keep your eyes open for the Nene (Hawaiian Goose) and the ‘Io (Hawaiian Hawk), both endangered Hawaiian endemic species. After Volcano at Mile 4.36, the race continues downhill along Highway 11 until Mile 26.06 when runners turn left onto Stainback Hwy to finish in front of the Boy Scouts of America – Aloha Council, Kilauea Camp.
Temperature averages and calculations are taken from halfway down the course due to the significant temperature changes (cooler at the start) as the course elevation drops.
How does the Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon Rank?
The Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon was the 333rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 341st largest in 2023.
Last year 41.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 50.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon the 11th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 6th highest percentage in 2023.
Its Course Score of 107.62 ranks it as the 1st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Hawaii.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon a PR Score of 105.75. This PR Score ranks it as the 3rd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Hawaii.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 4029 feet (1228m) Min Elevation: 356 feet (108m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon
View available accomodations around the Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon in 4:06:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.
