The Maui Marathon announced last week its return to its West Maui for its April 27 race, a first since the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires destroyed much of historic Lahaina town.
The 55th edition of the 26.2-mile event will feature a down-and-back route along Honoapiilani Highway through the heart of still-recovering Lahaina. The start and finish for the marathon, half marathon and 10K courses will be at the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort.
Last year’s race was reduced to a half marathon and was relocated to Kahului, Maalaea and Waikapu just a handful of months after the fires in Lahaina and Kula caused the deaths of more than 100 people and damaged or destroyed thousands of structures.
“We are very pleased and honored to bring this prestigious event back to Kaanapali,” race director Jim Lynch said in a statement. “The wildfires of Lahaina and Kula were a tragic event for our island, so bringing back the Maui Marathon to the west side, we hope, will bring a sense of normalcy and help in the healing process. We appreciate the support from many involved to make this happen.”
Marathoners will set out at 5 a.m. and make the turn near Papalaua Wayside State Park. The mostly flat course sets up to be fast for the event that is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
The 5K route will not change from previous years. Parking for participants will be at the Lahaina Civic Center with shuttles offered to and from the start line.
Spectrum News witnessed the ongoing community recovery efforts in Lahaina during the 2024 Maui Invitational basketball tournament in November. Many structures along Honoapiilani Highway were destroyed and are now vacant plots. Front Street, meanwhile, remains closed for the foreseeable future.
The Westin Maui Resort and Spa will host a two-day marathon expo leading up to the race on April 25 and 26.
Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.
