HONOLULU (KHON2) — If you’re thinking about running the Great Aloha Run next year, KHON2 is here to tell you to go for it. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

We signed up, prepared and participated in the 41st annual Great Aloha run and we can confirm it’s ke kukini me ke aloha pau‘ole (the race with compassionate love).

The 8.15-mile trek from Downtown Honolulu to Aloha Stadium may seem daunting, but once you cross the start line and finish the first mile it’s smooth sailing from there.

Even though we can’t quite paint a picture of the full Great Aloha Run experience, we’ve compiled five things you should know on how to prepare and what to expect on race day.

Start putting walking and running miles on your body

If getting active and participating in the Great Aloha Run is part of your New Year’s resolutions, the last thing you want to do is run it without experience, especially if you’re a beginner runner.

As soon as you sign up for the race, start getting your body used to walking, jogging or running for long periods of time.

Trust us. Walking just one or two miles a day to get your body moving can make a world of a difference when race day arrives.

Running on pavement vs running on a treadmill

If this is your first race ever and you have only ever ran on the treadmill, this is your sign to hit the pavement as soon as possible because it’s a whole different ball game.

While the treadmill helps keep your pace accountable, you should get used to keeping the pace on your own by running outside around your neighborhood, at a local park or wherever is most convenient for you.

Some of KHON2’s favorite running spots are Diamond Head, Kapiolani Park, Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park.

Runners Route Kapiolani and Aiea

Finding the perfect running or walking shoes is key to succeeding in the Great Aloha Run. From Hokas to Asics to New Balance, locally run specialty store Runners Route is the perfect place to get sized and fitted for shoes.

Each employee at Runners Route is equipped to recommend shoes for you based on preferences, comfort and issues you may notice when you run and walk.

KHON2 snagged a pair of shoes at their Aiea location the day before the race (not usually recommended) but with lots of assistance and four pairs of shoes later, we found our perfect fit and noticed significant performance improvements while running the race.

You are more capable than you think

We’ll be honest. On the day of the race, there were some thoughts of “I can’t do this,” “Eight miles is more than I thought” and “What if I can’t finish.”

The reality is, you never know what you, your mind or your body is capable of until you give it a try. It’s all mental.

KHON2 ran the first mile and a half and that alone felt like a huge accomplishment. Once we crossed the finish line, a wave of emotions hit from shock to pride in what we just accomplished.

Great Aloha Run ambiance, experience

We don’t want to give too much away, but everyone participating in next year’s Great Aloha Run can expect mass amounts of support and lively activities along the way.

From Watanabe Floral gifting roses to performances from Kamehameha Schools band, there were plenty of experiences to be part of.

Spectators also joined in on the fun, creating signs, posters and more to encourage runners in their journey.

Running the Great Aloha Run was more than earning a medal and a finisher t-shirt. It’s a fun and thrilling experience for everyone of all ages and abilities to participate in while giving back to the Hawaii community.

In 2025, the 41st Great Aloha Run raised more than $20 million for 130 organizations.

So if this is something you want to be part of in 2026, lace up those running or walking shoes and get moving!