Operating Hawaii: A Native’s Information to Staying Lively on Island Time

A Q&A with Oʻahu Runner ʻĀina Racoma

‘Āina Racoma following a marathon

When guests contact down in Hawaii, many dream of lengthy seashore days, sundown cocktails, and unplugging utterly. However for devoted runners, the query turns into: how do you keep lively in paradise with out falling into full-on trip sloth? We sat down with native runner ʻĀina Racoma, born and raised in Mililani on Oʻahu, to get his tackle working on O’ahu, how one can gas, and what makes working in Hawaii each stunning and brutal.

The place did you develop up, and the way did you get into working?

I grew up in Mililani, proper in central Oʻahu. I wasn’t into working at first—I performed baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. However after faculty, particularly throughout COVID, working was one of many solely issues you possibly can do. I began taking it critically round 2021, and that’s when it grew to become a part of my way of life.

What’s your working background like at the moment?

I ran my first official race in 2024. Honolulu and Carlsbad have been my favourite marathons to this point. I clocked a PR of three:25:56. One of many coolest moments was throughout the 2024 Honolulu Marathon—at mile 24 I discovered my good friend on the bottom, each of us off our purpose tempo. I helped him up and we completed collectively. That’s a reminiscence I’ll always remember.

Favourite locations to run on Oʻahu?

For lengthy runs, I like beginning on the Outrigger Canoe Club and heading into Hawai‘i Kai and again—about 20 miles. For mid-distance, the loop round Kapiʻolani Park and Diamond Head is tremendous fashionable and scenic. That’s type of the route in case you’re staying close to Waikīkī.

Any ideas for visiting runners coming from the mainland?

Undoubtedly hydrate. It’s sizzling and humid right here, particularly noon. Deliver electrolytes in a handheld bottle, and attempt to get your run completed early—like 5 AM early. As soon as the solar’s up, it’s intense.

Āina and buddies after the Honolulu Marathon

The place do you prefer to eat after a run?

The Sunrise Shack is my go-to. They’ve bought nice açai bowls and sandwiches, and it’s owned by my good friend Travis. If I’m craving one thing heartier, steak and eggs are my prime post-run breakfast. Zippy’s is all the time a neighborhood favourite, and for one thing a bit extra chill, I like Pioneer Saloon and South Shore Grill. For pho, it’s all the time Saigon on Waialae—we go there after run membership generally.

You talked about restoration is an enormous a part of your routine too. The place do you go?

Studio 7. It’s a distinction remedy studio began by my good friend, Austyn Shimkus. You get your personal room with an ice bathtub and sauna, plus purple mild, leg compression, and acupuncture. It’s legit, and he’s including chiropractic care too. It’s nice for restoration and simply hanging out with buddies.

In addition to working, what retains you lively?

Seashore volleyball is big for me—it’s good cardio and tremendous enjoyable. I additionally elevate weights at Outrigger to maintain a superb steadiness between power and endurance.

Favourite seashore on the island?

Kawela Bay on the North Shore. I grew up going there, and for my part, it beats the city seashores any day. Simply extra peaceable, extra private.

Favourite place to catch a dawn or sundown?

Dead Man’s Catwalk in Hawai‘i Kai has one of the best dawn view—straight over Waimānalo and Kailua. After which there’s Stairway to Heaven. It’s a must to take the authorized again method now, however the view from the highest is wild. Enjoyable reality: that’s really how I bought my identify. “ʻĀina” means “land.” My dad was driving dwelling from there when he bought impressed.

For sunsets, nothing beats the Outrigger. You’re proper on the water, nice meals, buddies—onerous to prime that. North Shore’s wonderful too. Sundown and barbecue? Doesn’t get higher.

Any remaining recommendation for runners visiting Hawaii?

Don’t really feel like it’s important to cease your routine right here—Hawaii really makes it higher. You may get your run in at dawn, hit the ocean, refuel with good meals, and spend the remainder of the day chilling or exploring. Simply respect the warmth, hydrate like loopy, and run early. Hawaii isn’t simply paradise—it’s the right coaching floor.

The publish Running Hawaii: A Local’s Guide to Staying Active on Island Time appeared first on Hawaii.com.

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