If you look up the word “racecation” in the dictionary, you won’t find it. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary gives you 10 spell-check alternatives it thinks you might be looking for (recitation, resection, earth station, way station, restitution, recitativo, resignation, lace-curtain, recitative). Lace curtain? Really? Well, make no mistake. This may be a made up word, but for runners it’s a very real – and very important – thing.

A racecation is a trip or vacation in which the destination is chosen based on running a marathon. You can take awesome trips and explore the world, one race at a time. Racecations are an excellent way to experience new cities or to give you a reason to go back to your favorites.

Running the Kauai Marathon in Hawaii last month is something I will never forget. It was a racecation of a lifetime (albeit an unplanned one). According to runningintheusa.com, there are 7 marathons in Hawaii (8 if you count the big kahuna at the end of the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona). Many also offer half marathon and 5K distances as part of the races.

• The Maui Oceanfront Marathon (January)
• The Big Island International Marathon (March)
• The North Shore Marathon in Honolulu (April)
• The Kona Marathon (June)
• The Kauai Marathon (August) Read my race recap!
• The Maui Marathon & Half Marathon (September)
• The Honolulu Marathon (December)

If you are considering running one of these races or are a marathon maniac who still needs a Hawaii race, I would highly recommend the Kauai Marathon or a race in Maui. The terrain is tough and the temperatures can be hot and humid, but the scenery is truly unforgettable. If you decide to take a racecation to Hawaii, keep these things in mind:

• Treat your Hawaii race as a fun race. Go into it for the experience vs. a fast time or PR.
• Schedule your race at the beginning of your trip before you spend too much time in the sun and while the time change still has you up bright and early. If your race is in the middle of your trip, I have noted activities in this post that are more conducive to pre-race timing.
• Give yourself at least 5 days on the island of your choice (such as Kauai or Maui). If you have the means, spend several days at a second island after your race to maximize your experience.
• Rent a jeep anywhere you go. Hawaii is a place where you will want a car due to the beautiful drives and excursions in different parts of the island. Be sure to get one with a removable top. Don’t forget to look up at the stars when you’re driving at night. Incredible!

• Get the books Kauai Revealed and Maui Revealed to tell you everything you need to know about your trip and detailed recommendations on what to do, where to eat, beaches to explore, etc.
• Read more tips about how to have a successful racecation here.
• Get ready for a race celebration of a lifetime!

Speaking of race celebrations, today I’m sharing my tips on the best things to do in Kauai and Maui. I had the true blessing to stay in Kauai for 5 days and Maui for 4 days during my recent anniversary trip that turned into a racecation. These are hands-down, must-do activities if you find yourself racing in Hawaii.

Best Things to do in Kauai

Take a Helicopter Ride on Blue Hawaiian
The 55-minute helicopter ride around the entire island of Kauai was my favorite thing we did during our Hawaii vacation. I would recommend doing this as one of your first activities in Kauai to get a lay of the land and a great snapshot of all Kauai has to offer. Experts say Kauai is the best island for helicopter trips, although the other islands also offer them. On this adventure, you’ll see Jurassic Park Falls (yes, the one in the movie), Waimea Canyon (referred to as the Grand Canyon of Hawaii), the NaPali Coast, gorgeous beaches and other incredible spots you will only be able to see from the air. This is a great activity before a race because it requires no walking around or being on your feet. I took a non-drowsy Dramamine before the trip just to be safe, but I felt great the entire time. We didn’t experience any kind of turbulence, and the landing and take-off were perfectly smooth. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime!

Spend Time on the South and North Shore Beaches
On the south shore: The stretch of beaches from the Marriott Resort to the Sheraton Resort in Poipu are spectacular. Pretty sand beaches yield spectacular views of crashing waves and lava rock. Most of these areas are safe for swimming, although you must always be careful swimming in Hawaii due to the current and swells. Many people say the snorkeling by the Marriott is also nice.

On the north shore: There are many beautiful beaches on the north shore. In addition to Ke’e Beach at the beginning of the NaPali Coast (which is a great place to post up after a coastal hike), others that are worth checking out include: Tunnels Beach (great for snorkeling), Hanalei Bay, Secrets Beach and Queens Bath.

Must-have beach gear:
For both Kauai and Maui, here are a few beach items that saved the day:

• Pack a beach bag in your suitcase. You can lay it flat on the bottom of your suitcase. Having this was a lifesaver not only for all our beach trips and pool days, but also for brining with us in our jeep on hikes and drives to store all our extra clothes, sun screen, etc.
• Athleta Wick-It Adjustable Coverup: I purchased this in black on sale at my local Athleta store several weeks before our trip, and I swear this is my favorite thing I packed. I wore it days on end and got several compliments on it while on the island. What I love about it is that the long sleeves provide great protection from the sun when you’ve had enough, and it is just cute. It is long enough to go to lunch in or wear around a beach town but light enough to not make you hot in warm conditions. Major thumbs up on this. It is my new favorite beach item.

• Lots of sunscreen: I absolutely love the Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 30 sunscreen both in the tube and spray. I use the Neutrogena Sport SPF 70 on my face. After nearly 10 days in Hawaii and LOTS of time in the sun, I never got sunburned once thanks to this sunscreen. I also used the spray before my marathon. The sun was really beating down on us but it kept me protected.
• A visor/hat – this is a must-have! You’ll also definitely want one while driving around in an open-air jeep or convertible.
• Sunglasses (duh!)

Hike the Kalalau Trail on the NaPali Coast
The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile, challenging trail along Kauai’s breathtaking NaPali Coast – famous for its gorgeous cliffs and waterfalls. You have to have a permit to go past the 2-mile marker. I would recommend hiking the 8-mile round trip to Hanakapi’ai Falls. It is a challenging hike but the payoff is spectacular.

Hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, which will bring you to the stunning Hanakapi’ai Beach. This is not a place you can swim due to the current and swells, but it is a breathtaking view and gorgeous for photos.

Instead of continuing along the Kalalau Trail, take the path that leads 2 additional miles to the falls. Toward the end, you will be “ready to get there” and a little tired, but you will eventually come to a 500-foot waterfall and cold pool that you can swim in. You can swim all the way under and into the falls. It is beyond words. The water is extremely cold, so be prepared.

This is definitely something you want to do AFTER your race once your soreness subsides or on the second day of your trip if your race is at the end of your trip. If you are really sore after the race, this will be painful due to the challenging downhill sections, so be aware. This is located about a 90-minute drive from resorts on the south shore, so leave early. Hiking is better in the morning with less foot traffic. It gets more crowded the later it gets.

What to bring on your hike:

• Bug spray: There are a good bit of ants during the first part of the hike and a number of flies due to the passion fruit that fall from the trees.
• CamelBak: This is a MUST for this hike. Although 8 miles might not sound like a lot, it will take you between 4 to 6 hours depending on how often you stop and staying hydrated is key. I LOVE my Aurora CamelBak. It holds 70 ounces and is also perfect to store snacks and other small items without being cumbersome or heavy. Mr. rUnladylike uses the Rim Runner CamelBak that is more like a traditional backpack. It holds 100 ounces of water and can store extra clothes, a towel, etc. Be sure to pack snacks and eat them when you get to the falls. You’ll need some nourishment after the first 2+ hours of the hike.
• Towel: Bring one towel to share with your hiking partner if you plan to swim in the falls (and you should). You will be really cold when you get out, so keep this in mind.
• Wear your bathing suit underneath your hiking clothes so you can swim when you get to the falls.
• If you can fit them, you may consider bringing some water shoes for swimming in the falls. The rocks are really slippery, but this isn’t a must.
• Keep a cooler of food and beer in your car/jeep for after the hike. The hike starts at Ke’e Beach, and it is SUCH a treat to lie on the beach and swim in the ocean with a beer after 5 hours of hiking.

Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise on Captain Andy’s Southern or Northern Star
Captain Andy takes you out for a 4-hour boat ride and dinner cruise along the west shore and up through the NaPali Coast. The boat is beautiful and the views are awesome.

The meal that was served was very good. When you board they provide a delicious mixed juice and fresh pineapple. Once you get to the coast, the bar is open and dinner consists of several salads, shrimp, beef, potatoes and vegetables, along with a small cheesecake for dessert. Although our ride was very smooth, people are known to get a little seasick on this cruise, so be sure to take Dramamine or Bonine before the trip. It is windy, so wear something that is a little warmer. I’d recommend pants over a dress (wear a long dress if you wear one and bring a shawl or wrap, ladies). You will also be barefoot on the boat. Rain is very possible (it rained on us during our trip), but it created the most beautiful rainbow! We also saw 3 schools of dolphins and 2 sea turtles up close and personal.

Have Dinner during Sunset at the Beach House
The Beach House on the south shore is a restaurant renowned for its gorgeous sunset views. Reservations are a must, and be sure to arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to soak in the experience.

Tables by the window are best, but the servers schedule your meal to arrive so you have time before and/or after to go out on the lawn to watch the sun set and take pictures. It is worth paying the professional photographer to take a photo of you and email you the high-res digital file for $20 since smart phones don’t take very good ones against the lit-up sky.

The views and atmosphere were better than the food, but the menu is good and you will be satisfied. Another cheaper alternative is to come with your own picnic and drinks and sit on the lawn outside the restaurant for the views and a beautiful evening. You can also watch the surfers riding the waves when the surf is good (which it was when we were there). This is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion.

Thing we didn’t get a chance to do but will next time:

• Enjoy happy hour and see the sunset at the St. Regis in Princeville.
• Hike in the Waimea Canyon and stop at the Kalalu Lookout for breathtaking views.

Where to stay: South Shore (Poipu)
I would highly recommend staying on the south shore of Kauai. The Kauai Marathon starts in Poipu and it is a vibrant and fun part of the island with beautiful beaches and good restaurants. My choice for hotel accommodations would be Koa Kea.

This is a smaller, boutique hotel that gets every detail right. From their delicious Red Salt restaurant to the gorgeous pool, grounds and views, I loved every minute here. Rooms are not cheap, so be on the lookout for good deals on luxurylink.com, which is where Mr. rUnladylike and I always find good deals on high-end hotels. An alternative to Koa Kea is the Grand Hyatt, just a mile down the road. Also flanking Koa Kea are the Marriott and Sheraton resorts, which could also be an option.

Be sure to factor into your itinerary at least 2 days to just relax at your resort by the pool with a fun fruity drink and chill at the beach. Because Hawaii offers so many adventurous activities, it’s easy to overschedule yourself. This is a place you want to soak in, so don’t forget to also schedule relaxation time where you’re staying.

Where to eat: Beach House (south shore), Red Salt (south shore), BarAcuda (north shore)

Best Things to do in Maui

Drive the Road to Hana
The road to Hana is about a 100-mile trip around the island of Maui on a one-lane road with insanely beautiful views. Leave early, as you don’t want to get caught on any parts of the road at night. The road boasts more than 600 turns (including many hairpin turns), so it is a drive that takes an entire day. The first part is very curvy but manageable. If you go all the way around the island, including the south shore (which we did and recommend), there are some areas where you are holding your breath. The roads are rougher in some parts and there is very limited visibility around turns, with the road only being wide enough for 1 car in some areas. It is a thrilling ride though! The book Maui Revealed will give you turn by turn recommendations on where to stop. Be sure to wear your bathing suit under your clothes and bring a change of clothes so you can spontaneously swim in various beaches and ponds.

These were our favorite highlights of the drive and stops to make:

• Chaing’s Pond: Just before mile 17 there is a pull-out on the right and a bridge. There is a 75-foot path on the left side of the bridge that leads to a beautiful pond that you can swim in.

• Halfway to Hana: Just past the 17-mile marker, stop at the little roadside store and buy a mini loaf of banana bread for $6. You won’t regret it. I’d show you a photo but we ate it too fast.
• Waianapanapa Park: Just past mile 32, make the left turn toward this park. This was one of my favorite stops of the drive. It leads to a black sand beach that is just stunning. Spend time swimming in the ocean and going inside the cave.

• Check out the red sand beach in Hana.

• Bring a picnic lunch to eat at one of the beaches. If that isn’t possible, you can get a decent meal with a beautiful view at Hana Ranch Restaurant (I had the fish tacos here).
• Spend time on Hamoa Beach. This beach is amazing. It is incredible for bodysurfing and boogie boarding. This is a must-stop.

• Seven Sacred Pools: In Halekala National Park, you can take a half-mile round trip hike to this amazing destination. You can swim and see more gorgeous waterfalls. This is definitely worth your time and a stop. Note that there is a $10 per car entry fee into the park.

• There is a winery called Tedeshi Winery just past mile marker 15 toward the end of the drive. Apparently they have pineapple wine here. We really wanted to stop here, but it was closed by the time we got that far around the island (closes at 5:30 p.m.).
• Pull over on the west part of the island as the sun is setting to watch it in all its beauty.

Go sailing and snorkeling with Paragon Sailing
We enjoy excursions that are smaller and limited to fewer people. Snorkel to Molokai via Paragon Sailing if you want a smaller boat experience. There were only 8 of us on our 5-hour sailing trip, and these guys really know how to sail. The food doesn’t compare to some of the larger boats, but you’ll be glad you’re on this one when you see people packed in like sardines on other boats on the water. Being on the boat and sailing was probably better than the actual snorkeling, but we did get to see many beautiful fish. The water was pretty calm and the day was gorgeous.

Have Blueberry & Pineapple Mojitos at the Four Seasons in Wailea
Trust me, just do this. These are 2 of the best drinks I have ever had. They are especially good while sitting at the bar at Ferraro’s and watching the sunset.

Have Dinner in Kihei at Three’s Bar and Grill
If you want to get away from expensive resort food for a while and have a great dinner, try Three’s Bar and Grill in Kihei. We had an amazing meal here. The place is owned by 3 friends and surfers and the menu reflects their distinct backgrounds: one is Hawaiian, one is from California and one is from Texas. The sushi (Hawaii) is awesome and so are the burgers (Texas). There’s a California flair as well to round out the locations. The chips and salsa they bring out when you arrive are delicious. They are a mix of tortilla chips, taro chips and purple sweet potato chips, and the salsa is spot on. It is a great place to have a beer and relax after a day in the sun. We ate here on our way home from our Hana drive.

Thing we didn’t get a chance to do but will next time:

• Hike or Bike Haleakala Crater
• Eat at Mama’s Fish House

Where to stay: Wailea
I would highly recommend staying in the resort area of Wailea. This is just a gorgeous place with beautiful beaches and a high-end feel. The resorts are stunning. My choice for hotel accommodations would be the Four Seasons Maui.

This is the only 5-star resort on the island and it is just incredible. You are going to fork over a lot of cash to stay here but it is worth every penny. The service is so good it is ridiculous. The pool is gorgeous, and you must spend time at the adult-only serenity pool. Just trust me on that.

When you arrive, someone escorts you inside and gives you leis, cold washcloths and ginger lemonade. At the pool, people come around and offer you cold wash cloths, frozen pineapple, aloe and popsicles. I imagine this place is what heaven is like.

Where do you want to go on your next racecation? Have you ever been to Hawaii? If so, what are the best things to do in Kauai or Maui from your perspective?