For the first time since 2019, the Hapalua half marathon was held on Sunday, April 10th, 2022, on the island of Oʻahu. Starting at the Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki, more than 4,800 people gathered as the sun rose to participate in the long-awaited return of Hawaiʻi’s premier half marathon. The course passes through downtown Honolulu, back through Waikiki before wrapping around Diamond Head, and finishing at Kapiolani Park. Mauna Loa eagerly awaited participants at the finishers festival where we celebrated their completion of the 13.1-mile course.

In the elite format of the marathon, The Chase, some of the best professional runners in the world compete against the best local runners from Hawaiʻi. Team Hawaiʻi consists of 19 runners from the Big Island, Maui, and Oʻahu. The professionals are given a disadvantage of 7 to 23 minutes against Team Hawai'i and chase our local runners down to the finish line.

After crossing the finish line, runners received their finisher medals, ate freshly made malasadas, enjoyed pineapple juice, and listened to local live music. At the Mauna Loa tent, our team passed out Hawaiian Sea Salt Mini Mauna, stickers, and magnets to the thousands of participants. "The energy was amazing! I think everyone was excited to be back after a three-year hiatus and we're so happy to have been a part of it - out here supporting our local community," said Katie Natori, Marketing Specialist at Mauna Loa. As part of the awards ceremony, President and CEO of Hawaiian Host Group, Ed Schultz, was on hand to congratulate first place female and male runners, Sharon Lokedi and Ed Cheserek. Mauna Loa awarded Lokedi and Cheserek with a Mauna Loa Gift Set. Each gift set features eight of our most popular items in one ready-to-gift box.

Mauna Loa is proud to serve as a sponsor of Hapalua. As part of our mission to see Hawaiʻi flourish, it is important that we support the Honolulu Marathon Association and their marathon events that focus on the health benefits that are associated with recreational long-distance running.

Missed the marathon or not in Hawai‘i? From now until May 12th, you can run in the virtual Hapalua (5k, 10k, and half-marathon.) All virtual runners (even those in Japan!) will receive a gift package with race swag and some Mauna Loa.

Images Courtesy of the Honolulu Marathon Association