Hāmākua 360
360 miles
56,000 gain
59,000 loss
200 hours
UPDATE
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inaugural event: FEB 2028
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UPDATE ✳︎ inaugural event: FEB 2028 ✳︎
In Hawaiian - hāmākua refers to the breath of God - symbolizing the wind that has shaped the physical and spiritual life of the Pacific peoples.
This wind is significant as it allowed early Polynesian explorers to navigate the ocean and bring rain to the islands.The Hāmākua Coast - loosely describes the region between Hilo and Waipiʻo - facing abundant rainfall due to the prevailing northeasterly tropical trade winds.
This produces steep erosional valleys and cliffs - with lush vegetation and lack of beaches this region contrasts sharply with most of the islandBrief History of Hawai’i
The Big Island
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the legendary navigator and Polynesian settlers arrived to the islands around 1,500 years ago - These early inhabitants navigated from the Marquesas Islands and established a thriving culture based on agriculture, fishing, and social organization
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of the Hawaiian Islands under Kamehameha I, in 1795, establishing the Kingdom of Hawaii - Kamehameha's reign marked a period of prosperity and cultural exchange, as the islands became a hub for trade and agriculture.
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through a blend of modern research and ancient tradition, the Big Island is a land of stunning beauty, isolation and active geology.
Designed by fire
We did not just map a route; we followed the temperament of Pele, the goddess of the volcano. She is the dual force of nature: the Destroyer and the Creator. This course mimics her spirit. It is designed to burn away the ego and exploit the slightest weakness in even the most elite athlete. But for those who endure the repeated crushing vertical gain, the reward is absolute: a journey of impossible contrasts, taking you from the snow-capped summits to the black sands of the coast.
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Starting mile 108
11.7 miles with +7,900 ft of gain
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Starting mile 168
12.2 miles with +8,200 ft gain
the Terrain
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Making up just 13% of the course. You can expect uneven cracked pavement of old abandoned roads littered with potholes. Watch for hazards.
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at 15% of the course, these areas are slippery mud, exposed roots surrounded in a deep foliage. Very technical, very slow. Use poles and have a poncho for trade-showers. Consider trail running sandals - to let the dawgs breath.
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17% of the trails are Jeep Roads / Forestry Roads. Unstable gravel full of deep ruts. Some sections are wide and runnable but footing can be challenging at speed.
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Packed smooth dirt trails making up 22% allow for much need time banking. They will be well-maintained and excellent for speed. Watch out for day hikers!
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at 33% of the course this terrain covers the single most ground. It is jagged, sharp and very uneven. Use high caution when passing these sections, deceptively runnable with zero forgiveness.
LEGENDARY FOOTING-GUARANTEED BLISTERS
This course is a war of surfaces. It does not just traverse an island; it spans eight spectrums of the Earth’s climate. You will run from the sun-baked-arid coast to the freezing, snow-capped summit of the Mauna Kea. You will move from the desolation of volcanic deserts to the claustrophobic density of the Hāmākua jungles. It is a course of extremes: blazing heat, freezing winds, humid rain, and technical terrain so varied that it eats shoes and destroys feet. Come prepared, or the ground will decide your DNF for you.
core breakdown
updates coming soon
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HQ
Hotel at Reeds Bay, Hilo
Across street from Airport
Near open air market
Start
Private Property, Volcano
Views of the lava fountain and lake at Volcano National Park
Finish
Tidal Pools, jacuzzi, food and much more!
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Volcano 18.5 mi
stash
Pahala 34.5 mi
intown / stash
Nahala 49.5 mi
intown / stash
South Point 65.2 mi
LUAU / stash / ohana / pacer / moe
Discovery Bay 82.9 mi
stash / pacer hike-in
Kahuku 99.4 mi
Ainapa 108 mi
GEAR CHECK / stash / pacer hike-in/ moe
Mauna Loa 119.7 mi
moe
Kookoolau 136.5 mi
stash / ohana / pacer
Solomon's 154.2 mi
Saddle 168.5 mi
GEAR CHECK / LUAU / stash / ohana / pacer / moe
Mauna Kea 180.7 mi
stash / ohana / pacer
Puukana 194.3 mi
Mana 210.3 mi
stash / pacer hike-in
Spencer Beach 232.3 mi
LUAU / stash / ohana / pacer / moe
Hawi 251.4 mi
intown / stash / ohana / pacer
Puu Nani 266.1 mi
stash / pacer
Waipio Valley 281.4 mi
stash / pacer hike-in / moe
Honoka’a 294.7 mi
intown / stash / ohana / pacer / moe
Laupahoehoe 314.1 mi
intown / stash / ohana / pacer / moe
Ninole 331.7 mi
intown / stash / ohana / pacer / moe
Botanical 346.9 mi
stash
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Stash (drop-bag) – 18
Pacer – 12
4 hike-in
Moe (sleep) – 11
Ohana (crew) – 8
Longest Gap – 22 miles
Shortest Gap – 8.6 miles
Misc
intown – 7
remote - 15
LUAU– 3
Gain and Loss (ft) by section
001-100mi: 11,035↑ 4,257↓
101-200mi: 21,044↑ 23,437↓
201-300mi: 14,342↑ 22,568↓
301-360mi: 9,663↑ 7,354↓
the Grub
Forget the industrial gels and stale bars. Hāmākua 360 is a race fueled by the Aina.
We have designed an Island-First Nutrition Plan that serves as a 360-mile tasting menu of Hawaii’s best. Our aid stations are stocked with locally sourced essentials—think Parker Ranch beef, fresh-caught poke, sweet Hawaiian pork, and mineral-rich local fruits like pineapple guava and coconut.
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The Hāmākua Staples: Every station features 100% Hawaiian Coffee, Parker Ranch grass fed beef, bottomless fruit smoothies, and hot breakfast options served 24/7.
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At South Point, Saddle Road, and Honoka’a, enjoy full-service meals catered by local partners.
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In 7 historic communities (including Hawi and Honoka'a), use your race bib voucher to grab hot food and supplies from local markets and cafes.
Dietary Inclusivity is Our Standard We believe everyone deserves to feast. That’s why Robust Vegan & Gluten-Free options are not an afterthought—they are a defining characteristic of every single aid station. From smoked jackfruit sliders to poi and gluten-free musubi, we have the fuel to keep every runner moving.
The spoils of war
Awards & Recovery
We honor your journey with gifts from the ‘āina (land). No mass production. Every award is handcrafted from native woods by local artisans—vessels of Mana earned through suffering.
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Carved Koa Buckle
Ancient warrior wood. No two grains are alike.
Kukui Nut Lei
Hand-painted with native Hibiscus an artist then paints your official time on the center nut at the finish line.
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A 22-inch hand-carved spear. Like the ‘Ōhi‘a tree, this wood is heavy and resilient—a warrior’s tool for a warrior’s effort.
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Top 3 M/F - The ultimate symbol of Hawaiian endurance; The Solid Koa Surfboard.
1st: 3ft Board
2nd: 2ft Board
3rd: 1ft Board
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A massive 12-inch carved hook. Represents the strength to hold on when everyone else has let go.
THE DECOMPRESSION PROTOCOL
"The Final Aid Station"
The race ends at the finish line, but the recovery begins immediately. We know the last thing you want to do after 360 miles is handle logistics. Your entry fee includes your recovery:
The Sanctuary: One night at our partner hotel (less than 1 mile from the airport).
Water Therapy: Soak your battered legs in natural tidal pools or the jacuzzi.
The Fuel: Full breakfast included the next morning. Eat until the shaking stops.
You earn the buckle on the trail. You deserve breakfast in bed.
The Return: Do not fear
DNF Protocols & Logistics
In our house, DNF does not mean "Did Not Finish." It means "Do Not Fear." It means you do not fear the start line, and you do not fear the decision to stop when the trail told you it was time. The Island decides who finishes; we just facilitate the journey. If your race ends early, you are still Ohana. We don't leave family on the side of the trail.
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By the time you drop, you might be hallucinating shadow people and you definitely smell like a sulfur vent. We’ve got you.
The Escort: Volunteers will guide you or get you-with some time- from the aid station to public island transit, if not a remote location. No thinking required.
The Ride: They transport you safely back to Race HQ or to a stop where your crew can meet you.
Ohana Coordination: We handle the logistics; your crew handles the hugs. They can meet us at HQ or the nearest access point.
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Stopping does not always mean stopping. Some aid stations are deep in the backcountry. There are no helicopters-there are no Ubers. If you drop, non-medically, at a remote location, you must hike out on your own two feet to reach the extraction point.
The "Volunteer Brah" Rule: If you drop at Mauna Loa or Pu’ukana for non-medical reasons... congratulations! You are now a volunteer until the station closes. Grab a spatula.
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(Mile 99.4)
If you reach the Kahuku Aid Station before dropping, you walk away with more than blisters:
The Unpainted Lei: A raw, unpolished Kukui Nut Lei. It symbolizes a journey started but not completed. A badge of honor, not failure.
The Return Ticket: A 25% Discount on a future registration. Because we know the unfinished business will eat at you, and we want you back to paint that lei.
Rest up. Recover. The Island will be here when you are ready.
GPX.the guide. the book.
NOT FOR PROFIT. FOR THE 'ĀINA.
We are guests on this island. To honor the Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian people) and the land that hosts us, the Hāmākua 360 operates as a strictly non-commercial stewardship project.
The Pledge: DNF Endurance guarantees that 100% of net proceeds are donated directly to Native Hawaiian-owned trusts, conservation charities, and local community causes. We maintain full financial transparency to ensure every dollar serves the preservation of the culture and the land.
The Inaugural 2028
For our maiden voyage around the Big Island, we are keeping our footprint small and the caliber of athlete high. The inaugural Hāmākua 360 is an Invitational Event.
We will hand-select a small field of endurance athletes to test this course.
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To be considered for this event, your mana must be strong and completion of at least one of the following:
100 Mile w/ 21,000ft + Gain: It better be brutal.
A 200+ Mile Footrace: Verified official finish.
A Multi-Day Expedition Event: Comparable multi-stage or continuous effort event (72+ hours).
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For those willing to jump in if an invited runner drops. If a spot opens, you may receive the call weeks—or even days—before the conch is blown.
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To stand on this start line, you must prove your mana.
READ THE GUIDE
STUDY THE BOOK. (wrong dates - 2028 course pending)
Do not click this linkuntil you are ready to be honest. We don't want your resume; we want your Why.
Ey’ if you have any questions before you take the leap, talk story with us: hamakua360@dnfendurance.com
Aloha Runners, We are charging forward with full excitement to bring the Hamakua 360 to life.
However, we operate with deep respect for three forces: The Hawaiian People, the Public Land of Hawai’i and the Volcano herself.
The Permit Process: Honoring the Rules. We are currently working with local officials to secure all necessary permits. This event is designed with the highest honor and respect for the 'Aina (land) and the guidance of the authorities. We do not cut corners; we follow the process to ensure this race is sustainable for the island.
The Wait-List Status: Until the final ink is dry on our approvals, registration will remain a Wait-List. This ensures that we do not take your commitment for granted until we can guarantee the experience.
The Pele Factor Please remember: Though this is our ideal course, Volcanoes have their own schedule. We respect the temperament of Pele above all else. If the land decides to shift,ie, alt starting point.
The "No-Risk" Guarantee: If your plans change for any reason, up until 1/26/27, or this event is cancelled for any reason, all registered runners will receive a FULL REFUND.