Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon

Hawai‘i Bird Conservation Marathon

Head to Big Island for a challenging course in support of an environmental cause, raising funds to help preserve the archipelago’s rare birds. The start is set in the heights above Volcano, where the cool mountain air accompanies the opening miles amid dense tropical vegetation.

The route stands out for a sustained downhill stretch along Stainback Highway, dropping nearly 1,200 meters in elevation down to the coast. The road—heavily shaded and surrounded by ironwood forests and giant ferns—offers a wild, peaceful setting without the crowds of major events. Limited to a small number of participants to protect the site, the race is run exclusively over the classic marathon distance.