Support Dryland Forest Restoration
Support biocultural education, stewardship, and forest restoration
Run For the Dry Forest 2026
6:45am to Noon
Online registration opens on Monday, August 3th, 2026.
Saturday, October 17th is the 19th Annual Run for the Dry Forest.
Join us for the 19th annual Run for the Dry Forest at the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve! Featuring a 10K run, a 5K run/walk, and two keiki runs, this unique event offers the chance to explore a stunning landscape while directly supporting vital conservation efforts. Beyond the trails, enjoy outreach booths and a silent auction featuring amazing experiences and products generously donated by local businesses. It’s fun for the whole family!
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 5% of their previous coverage. Proceeds will be used for research and management at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a and adjacent Pu‘uanahulu.
Registration opens on Monday, August 3rd, 2026
Registration is required and there will be no race-day registration.
Sign up early, as prices will increase as race day approaches.
Every 5k & 10k runner will receive a race shirt with this year’s featured plant and a reusable cup.
Adults Registration Rates
Keiki Registration Rates (5k or 10k)
Race Options & Details
Race Map
No Pets Allowed
Do not bring pets to the event since there are endangered nēnē geese in the area: no dogs allowed.
Help us protect native wildlife! Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a is home to several species of endangered birds and many endangered plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Proceeds from the race events contribute to conservation efforts of these species.
This Year’s Featured Plant
Koʻokoʻolau - Bidens menziesii
Koʻokoʻolau is an endangered, perennial shrub in the sunflower family that is endemic to Hawaiʻi Island. Reaching 3 to 4 feet tall, it features thin, string-like leaves and beautiful yellow flowers. It is part of a highly diverse genus of around 20 endemic species that live from mauka to makai. Traditionally used for its medicinal properties, fresh Koʻokoʻolau leaves and flowers can be boiled to brew a healthy herbal tea.
Cupless event
The Run for the Dry Forest is a cupless event. In an effort to reduce waste, we will not be providing cups at aid stations along the trails. Instead we are including a collapsible, reusable race cup in each registration packet. We also recommend bringing your own hydration for the run!
Silent Auction, Outreach Booths, and more!
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, there will be a silent auction as well as door prizes for registered runners! We will also feature a variety of outreach and educational booths from organizations across the island. Explore the interpretive trails in Hauʻāina and try to spot this year’s featured plant!
If youʻd like to make a donation or learn more about the outreach booths, please contact us at napuuconservation@gmail.com.
If youʻd like to make a donation or learn more about the outreach booths, please contact us at napuuconservation@gmail.com.
Directions
From Kailua Kona:
Take the Māmalahoa highway (190) north past Makalei golf course. On the Māmalahoa highway, between the 21 and 22 mile marker, at the base of Puʻu Anahulu bluff, there is an entrance for the Forest Reserve on the mauka (uphill) side of the highway. Enter through the metal gate, it will open and close automatically as you approach. Then take the right-hand fork in the road up ~1.6 miles and follow the signs to the race parking area. Allow ~15 minutes to reach race headquarters from the main gate on the highway.
From Waimea:
Take the Māmalahoa highway (190) south past the Big Island Country Club. On the Māmalahoa highway, between the 21 and 22 mile marker, at the base of Puʻu Anahulu bluff, there is an entrance for the Forest Reserve on the mauka (uphill) side of the highway. Enter through the metal gate, it will open and close automatically as you approach. Then take the right-hand fork in the road up ~1.6 miles and follow the signs to the race parking area. Allow ~15 minutes to reach race headquarters from the main gate on the highway.
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).
Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers for race day! If you are interested you can reach out to us at napuuconservation@gmail.com or you can sign-up here: https://forms.gle/MNDNNXUA8x9NKRuPA.
In Partnership With
“The Run for the Dry Forest- Puʻuwaʻawaʻa” is a partnership between the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, the U.S. Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, the Hawai‘i Experimental Tropical Forest, the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, and the Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
