COURSE / ENHANCEMENT
Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN's
Seven Shades of Enhancements
Starting from Kapiolani Park, heading uphill to Diamond Head Road to the lookout and back to Kapiolani Park. The course runs along the seaside with blue ocean stretches as far as the eye can see. With the magnificent view of Diamond Head, the ocean, palm trees, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a humpback whale splashing about.
In a full-fledged Ekiden race, runners are unable to cheer on other teammates as they only see the next runner to pass the sash. However, in our EKIDEN, since it’s a looped course, runners are able to cheer not only your teammates but other runners as well. Participants and spectators are welcomed to bring their own outdoor chairs and matts and enjoy the outdoors with your fellow running mates and make new friends.
One of our theme is an event “more than just running”. Many performers and entertainers will be a the event. In 2019, the Japanese idol group CY8ER, The JAL flight attendant cheer team JAL JETS, a prestigious cheer team of university students, and Japan local characters all came to add color to the event.
The Kids Challenge has been a popular category since it’s inauguration from the 5th EKIDEN. This 1mile challenge in which children and parents can participate together (if they wish). Child participants will receive a commemorative item and refreshments. The opportunity to interact with children of the same age from all over the world will surely be a memorable experience for the children.
Not too fond of running? Just want to experience the atmosphere of the event? Want to do something with you friends? Want to capture a photogenic view? The 5K Fun Run & Walk is your answer! Wither it’s a single entry or part of a overseas event such as graduation trip, honeymoon, family vacation, work travel, this category is not timed so you can take your time and fully enjoy the scenery at your own leisure pace, making it a memorable moment of your trip!
Our volunteers are the backbone of Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN! Volunteering gives you the opportunity to go behind the scenes on race day and support the runners before, during and after their run.
The Rainbow EKIDEN is a sister event of the Honolulu Festival, Hawaii's largest cultural exchange event. The world-class Nagaoka Fireworks will be launched on Waikiki Beach on the night of the Ekiden's finale. The day will also feature Hawaii's largest grand parade at Kalakaua Ave. before the fireworks. 
Aloha DANCE CONVENTION, Hawaii's largest dance competition, is held on the eve of EKIDEN at Hawaii Convention Center. 12 teams from Hawaii and Japan entered the 2019 competition, with guest dancers and an exhibition stage. A total of 254 dancers from 22 groups performed on stage.