Maui Ocean Center to host 15th annual 5K fundraiser for local schools
MAALAEA (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Maui Ocean Center will host its 15th annual 5K run Sunday, March 1, with proceeds supporting local schools that raised a record $72,000 last year.
The event, scheduled from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., features multiple running events. Each will start and end at the center, located at 192 Maalea Road near Wailuku.
“The competition is heating up, and upcountry schools are leading the pack,” said Maui 5K co-founder Arlene Emerson. “So far, Kula Elementary has 59 participants while Makawao Elementary and Carden Academy are tied with 51 each.”
Registration details
Online registration is open until 6 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26.
Registration for the timed 5K run costs $45.
The untimed 5K run will also start and end at the center and costs $40 to register. Age group awards will not be included.
The youth 5K timed run is open to runners 17 years old or younger. Runners may qualify for age group awards. It costs $30 to register.
Runners ages 5 to 17 can also participate in the untimed 5K Run/Walk. Registration costs $30.
All ages are welcome to participate in the untimed 1-mile Run/Walk, which starts at the Maui Ocean Center and runs around the Maalea Triangle. Registration costs $35.
The youth 1-mile walk, open to runners ages 5 to 17, is also untimed. Registration costs $25.
Strollers are welcome for the 5K run or 1-mile walk as long as they are accompanied by a registered participant.
The stroller participant must be 4 years old or younger. Registration costs $10.
Those who cannot attend the event in person can complete a virtual 5K or 1-mile Run/Walk. Participants can follow their own route and post their finish times from March 1 to 6.
Registration ends on Feb. 24 at 11:59 p.m. and costs $45.
Runners and walkers can indicate which school they’d like to support on their registration form.
Record funds raised in 2025
Last year, about 1,200 Maui residents and visitors participated in the Maui 5K, raising a record $72,000.
The top five schools with the most participants were Pomaikai Elementary School, Carden Academy of Maui, Kula Elementary School, Baldwin High School, and Maui High School.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
