1. Waikiki Beach along Kalakaua Ave. People love to run in Waikiki because of its stunning ocean views and its lush vegetation. The stretch combines a very lively beachfront with iconic sights like Diamond Head and the Duke Kahanamoku statue.
Massive banyan trees offer relief from the sun, and wide, well-maintained sidewalks make for easy, flat pacing.
2. Ala Moana Beach Park. This 2.5-mile loop provides a safe, car-free environment from early morning through sunset. You'll enjoy panoramic views of the surf, Diamond Head, and the Honolulu skyline.
If you'd like to add variety and a cool breeze to your route, the Magic Island extension is perfect for that.
There's plenty of parking, rest stations, and water fountains. In addition, it's frequently populated by other runners who will be glad to let you join them on their run (and will be glad to shoot videos of you as well). Sunrise is normally around 6:00 am, and plenty of people are out and about at the park at that time. If you do the entire loop twice, you'll get in about 7 miles.
Both routes have a great feel. They're beautiful, safe, and clean. Plus we're talking smoking-free. One day I got in a 9-mile run at Ala Moana, then a surfing session in at Waikiki. I don't know how I did it, but I think I busted a new record for steps that day.
Does Garmin count paddling strokes? Lol!