18th Annual Run for the Dry Forest

The Run for the Dry Forest at Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve is a 10km run, 5km run/walk and 1/4-mile keiki fun run. You can choose to run or walk a 5km course (suitable for most people) or do a 10km run (an “extreme trail running experience” featuring a 1200 ft elevation gain in the first 3 miles). There is also a free, non-competitive 1/4-mile keiki fun run on flat surfaces (parents are welcome to join the kids). There will be environmental educational booths to explore and interpretive trails to stroll along.

It’s fun for the whole family.

Race Options:

• 10K Run: An “extreme trail running experience” with a challenging 1200 ft. elevation gain in the first 3 miles – perfect for experienced runners.

• 5K Run/Walk: A scenic course suitable for all fitness levels and jogging strollers.

• 1/4-Mile Keiki Run: A fun and easy dash for kids and parents.

Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a is a State-managed area that is one of very few intact examples of a Hawaiian dryland forest. Global estimates show tropical dry forests have been reduced to less than 10% of their previous coverage. Proceeds will be used for research and management at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a and adjacent Pu‘u Anahulu.

Staggered registration rates are as follows:

Adults

• August 5th – August 31st: Early Bird rate – $40.
• September 1st to October 12th: General Admission rate – $45
• October 13th – 17th: Race Week rate – $65

Keiki running the 5k or 10k

• September 1st to October 12th:  General Admission – $25
• October 13th – 17th:  Race Week Rate – $30

This year we are going to continue to go cupless! In an effort to reduce waste, we are including a collapsible, reusable race cup in each registration packet

Registration is required, and we encourage you to sign up early as prices will increase closer to race day. Please note, there will be no same-day registration. To learn more and to register please go to: https://www.akakaforests.org/events/2025-run-for-the-dry-forest

Directions

From Kailua Kona:

Take the Māmalahoa highway (190) north past Makalei golf course. After the 22 mile marker, and just before ascending the bluff to Pu‘u Anahulu, watch for the Forest Reserve entrance on the mauka (uphill) side. Enter through the metal gate and close behind you, take the right-hand fork in the road up ~1.6 miles and follow the signs to the race parking area. Allow ~35 minutes to reach the highway entrance from Kailua Kona, and 45 more minutes to reach race headquarters.

From Waimea:

Take the Māmalahoa highway (190) south past the Big Island Country Club. After the 21 mile marker and just after descending the bluff, watch for the Forest Reserve entrance on the mauka (uphill) side. Enter through the metal gate and close behind you, take the right-hand fork in the road up ~1.6 miles and follow the signs to the race parking area. Allow ~35 minutes to reach the highway entrance from Waimea, and 45 more minutes to reach race headquarters.

Parking

There will be parking in a large mowed field near the race start/finish ~2 miles up from the main highway gate. Bring your race gear and walk down to the registration and start/finish area (about a 5~10 minute walk).

Weʻre also always looking for volunteers! Learn more and sign-up here: https://forms.gle/ZUkh7ajkBFLWM7Ms5