FAQs

  • Registration Fees (All Ages):

    • 5K INDIVIDUAL EMPRESS (SINGLE ENTRY)

      • February 1 - March 31 = $45

      • April 1 - 30 = $55

      • Friday, May 1 = $65 (Late Registration, IF available ONLINE ONLY until 3PM HST)

    • 5K SLAY MATES Fee (TEAM ENTRY / per person) - ENDS April 15

      • February 1 - March 31 = $35

      • April 1 - 15 = $45

    (Discount applied automatically at checkout when registering together.)

    Slay Mate team pricing is available until April 15, once it closes, standard pricing applies.

  • Finish Line Productions, Inc
    DBA Pacific Sport Events & Timing     applies a processing fee (7% + $0.50) to each transaction. This fee covers the costs of their secure credit card processing and the registration platform services, allowing BLOOM to dedicate more of our event funds directly to the BLOOM - EMPRESS 5K experience.

  • The BLOOM – EMPRESS 5K is a wāhine-centered event and welcomes all who identify as wāhine. Whether you run, jog, or walk, you belong here!

  • Yes. To support participant safety and event logistics, registration is intentionally limited. Registration will close once capacity is reached. We strongly encourage early online registration to guarantee your spot on the Sunset Start Line!

  • Your registration fee is an investment in an intentional race experience that celebrates Beauty in Motion.

    At BLOOM, we believe in "fewer, better things." Instead of traditional disposable "swag," your entry fee supports a more elevated and sustainable approach to Race Day:

    • The "Lei & Slay" Bundle: You will receive a curated collection of quality, functional goods designed for both race night and your daily life. We focus on items that serve a purpose!

    • The Lei Day x BLOOM Experience: Full access to the BLOOM - EMPRESS 5K night run / walk and the Kona Town Night Market at The BREWery Block. This includes a monitored course and a vibrant community celebration of "Lei Day."

    • Support for Local Makers: We support local small businesses and collaborators, ensuring your registration dollars directly impact our community.

    • Sustainability & Stewardship: We are committed to a zero-waste race experience. Your fee helps us implement the logistics required to host a beautiful event that leaves our ʻāina better than we found it.

    • Empowerment through Movement: Your participation funds a platform dedicated to the empowerment, health, and connection of wāhine in Hawai'i.

    In short: You are securing your spot in an event experience that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and the celebration of our community.

  • Registration available ON-LINE ONLY!

    REGISTRATION is NOW OPEN!

    Online registration CLOSES on Friday, May 1, at 3:00 PM (HST).

    Remember, registration is limited to ensure a safe and majestic experience for all!

  • Yes, for safety and insurance purposes, every EMPRESS participating must have a signed waiver on file.

    To keep things simple, we have streamlined the process so that one person can sign the digital waiver on behalf of both team members during the initial registration. If your teammate did not have a waiver signed during checkout, please look out for an email from our team with instructions on how they can complete their individual waiver prior to event day.

  • EMPRESSES may choose from the following Optional Keepsakes (while supplies last):

    • I RUN KONA TOWN – Official Race Tee (must be pre-ordered)

    • QUEEN RISING VIP BUNDLE (limited availability)

    Registered EMPRESSES receive priority access to all add-ons.

  • The QUEEN RISING VIP BUNDLE is an Optional, limited-availability Keepsake designed to elevate your BLOOM – EMPRESS 5K experience. This curated collection honors the strength and legacy of Hawaiʻi’s Mōʻī Wāhine and includes exclusive apparel, accessories, and VIP perks for race night.

    VIP Bundles are custom-curated in advance and are available only as a pre-event upgrade on “The Royal Goods” page.

  • No. QUEEN RISING VIP BUNDLES cannot be added to a registration on Race Day.
    VIP inventory is produced and allocated in advance to ensure quality and accuracy.

    If inventory remains after all registered EMPRESSES have been fulfilled, select VIP items may be made available for race-day retail purchase, separate from registration upgrades.

  • No. All QUEEN RISING VIP BUNDLE purchases are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable.

  • The deadline to add the QUEEN RISING VIP BUNDLE to your registration is April 10, 2026. Once the deadline passes or inventory sells out, no additional VIP upgrades will be released.

  • Registered EMPRESSES receive priority access to the QUEEN RISING VIP BUNDLE. Quantities are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • VIP bundles and Race Tees are custom-curated and produced in advance.

    IF inventory remains, select items may be available for race-day retail purchase, separate from registration upgrades.

  • Yes.

    • Official Race Tee pre-order deadline: March 20, 2026

    • Queen Rising VIP Bundle deadline: April 10, 2026

    These special Keepsakes must be purchased by these deadlines to guarantee availability.

    • Standard Sizing for Wāhine

    • Shirt sizes are locked at checkout

    • Sizes offered: XS–2XL

    • If you require a size larger than 2XL, please complete your registration and email us promptly after checkout at aloha@lydia8.org with your request

    • Special size requests are subject to availability and production timelines

    Late size changes cannot be accommodated.

  • In-person registration on Race Day may be available, but is strictly subject to the number of entries already received. To prevent overcrowding and maintain the highest safety standards, we will close registration once our capacity is reached. We highly encourage you to register online in advance to guarantee your spot on the starting line!

  • We truly wish we could accommodate every change in life's plans. However, to ensure we can provide the best possible experience and security for all our participants, all entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.

    We understand that unexpected things happen—illness, injury, or family obligations can arise. Please know that your registration fee goes directly toward the high costs of securing the course, providing your "crowning" gear, and supporting the community event that brings us all together. If you are unable to join us on the road, we still encourage you to come to the Kona Town Night Market to celebrate the spirit of the evening with your sisters!

  • Yes. The BLOOM - EMPRESS 5K will proceed rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, safety-based modifications may be made.

  • We welcome wāhine of all ages!

    Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a young keiki enjoying the cool evening air, BLOOM is designed for every generation of our community.

    We encourage mothers, daughters, and kūpuna to join together in this royal celebration.

  • The royal procession begins and ends at The BREWery Block.

    Our EMPRESSES will depart from the main stage area as the twilight takes hold and return to the vibrant heart of the Kona Town Night Market. This "full circle" journey ensures you are never far from the celebration!

    While our EMPRESSES are out claiming the night, we invite the whole ‘ohana to stay and bask in the glow of the kingdom. Enjoy our Makai Mākeke, feast on ‘ONO food, and immerse yourself in local CULTURE and LIVE MUSIC. It’s the perfect royal atmosphere to wait for the moment you can LEI your favorite EMPRESS as she returns to the Kona Town Night Market.

  • Check-in and festivities begin at 4:00 PM.

    The official race start is a "rough start" as we await the sunsetting on Kona Town—we expect to send our EMPRESSES off at approximately 6:45 PM to ensure the most beautiful backdrop for your journey.

  • The finish line celebration continues at the FREE, all-ages Kona Town Night Market, featuring live music, food vendors, and local makers. EMPRESSES are encouraged to stay and enjoy the full Lei Day x BLOOM festivities.

  • Because this is a celebration of beauty rather than a traditional race, our finish line stays open to welcome every participant back to the kingdom.

    However, you won't want to linger too long on the course! We encourage all wāhine to return to The BREW Block by 8:00 PM for a special headliner surprise on the main stage that you won't want to miss.

    The night market festivities will continue until the royal gates close at 9:00 PM.

  • The BLOOM - EMPRESS 5K is a royal 3.1-mile (5 kilometer) journey. This glow-lit pilgrimage is designed to be achievable for every EMPRESS, whether you are gliding through the "Glow Zones" at a run or enjoying a twilight stroll with your sisters.

    Safety: Please stay within the coned lanes; while the roads are managed, they remain open to local traffic.

  • Your peace of mind is our priority as you reclaim the night. The route is fully monitored and secured by dedicated Police Officers and our attentive "Royal Guard" course guides at every turn. High-visibility Aid Stations are positioned along the path to provide hydration and support, ensuring you are cared for from the first step to the last. Run with confidence knowing the community is standing guard for you.

  • No. This is a non-competitive, community-focused run/walk designed to celebrate womanhood, sisterhood, well-being, and fun. There is no official timing or awards.

  • You must bring a valid photo ID in order to pick up your RACE TEE, Lei & Slay Bundle and/or QUEEN RISING VIP BUNDLE.

    Bundle pickup is at The BREWery Block 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday, 5/1.

    BLOOM Bundles can also be picked up by ʻohana or friends with verified participant information.

    BLOOM will not be responsible for lost bundles picked up on their behalf.

  • If bundles remain after all registered EMPRESSES are fulfilled, they may be available for public purchase on Race Day.

  • In our commitment to be mindful of our impact on the ʻāina, BLOOM does not offer shirt exchanges. To practice sustainability and minimize waste, we order only the specific quantities and sizes requested by our wāhine during the registration process.

    Guaranteed Sizing To ensure you have the perfect fit for your royal run, please complete your registration and shirt selection by March 20th. Registrations and shirt orders completed by this date are guaranteed the selected size. After March 20th, remaining shirts and specific sizes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

    Important Details for our EMPRESSES:

    • Our event shirts are a women’s style cut, which may fit differently than standard unisex tees.

    • Optional Purchase: Please remember that the Official Race Tee is an OPTIONAL KEEPSAKE and is not included in the base registration fee.

    By ordering only what is needed, we ensure no excess materials go to waste. We appreciate your kōkua in helping us keep our footprint small and our impact meaningful!

  • YES! Every EMPRESS deserves a solid foundation. Whether you are transitioning from the couch to the 5K finish line or looking to shave seconds off your sunset sprint, we are building a training program just for you.

  • Yes—with intention.

    Most BLOOM merchandise, including the Lei & Slay Bundles, QUEEN RISING VIP BUNDLE, and the I RUN KONA TOWN – Official Race Tee of EMPRESS, are pre-order items and must be secured by their deadlines to guarantee availability.

    On race day, we will offer a limited release of the EMPRESS 24/7/365 tee, created exclusively for the BLOOM – EMPRESS 5K.

    Only 100 shirts will be available and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

    Additional merchandise availability on race day will be extremely limited and dependent on remaining inventory after all registered EMPRESSES have been fulfilled.

  • Have a question that wasn't answered in our royal decrees? Whether you're interested in becoming a sponsor, volunteering as part of our "Royal Guard," or simply need a bit of guidance on your journey to the finish line, our team is here to help.

    For all inquiries regarding the BLOOM - EMPRESS 5K or the Kona Town Night Market, please reach out to our event coordinators at:

    Email: aloha@lydia8.org and / or konatownnightmarket@gmail.com

    Please allow 48 hours for our team to respond as we prepare the kingdom for your arrival. For the fastest answers, be sure to check our FAQ section above!

    Stay in the Glow: Don't miss a single beat of the festivities. Join the movement and be the first to hear about route reveals, merchandise drops, and special announcements.

    • Follow the Journey: @bloomwahine @konatownnightmarket

    • Official Hashtags: #BloomEmpress5K #KonaTownNightMarket #BeautyInMotion #KonaNightRun #LeiDayKona

  • Yes. The BLOOM – EMPRESS 5K is a FUNdraiser for Lydia8, a Hawaiʻi-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

    The Kona Town Night Market is a FUNdraiser for ʻEwalu Industries.

  • YES and we are STOKED!

    We are centralizing everything! By hosting the Start and Finish line at the Kona Town Night Market, we’ve made it easy for your ʻohana and friends to cheer you on, grab a bite to eat, and celebrate your achievement without ever leaving the block.

    The Kona Town Night Market theme for May 2nd is Lei Day x BLOOM!

    From 1pm - 9pm, the Makai Lot will be filled with local vendors, cultural performances and FOOD!

    Follow @KonaTownNightMarket on Instagram for all the latest updates!

    • Photo ID: Required for Check-In (and for the Beer Garden if you're an EMPRESS of age).

    • Hydration: Help us be a Zero-Waste event and BYOWB (Bring Your Own Water Bottle!

    • Royal Flare: Glitter (biodegradable only!), floral leis, and glowing accessories are highly encouraged.

    • Card/Digital Pay: Most vendors at the Makai Mākeke are cashless or prefer digital payments.

  • The race begins and ends at The KONA TOWN NIGHT MARKET at The BREWery Block (Makai Lot).

    Entry & Security:

    • Access: Entry to the main festival area is via Pawai Place.

    • Clear Bag Policy: To ensure a safe "Royal Jubilee," the Kona Town Night Market encourages clear bags. Bags and water vessels will be subject to screening.

    • Check-In: Look for the BLOOM - EMPRESS tents near the entrance of the Makai Lot.

  • To ensure a smooth arrival for all our EMPRESSES and guests, official event parking is located at Tony Honda Kona.

    • Location: 75-5608 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

    • Arrival Tip: Please follow the directions of our "Royal Guard" (Traffic Volunteers) as you enter. We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before the race start to secure your spot and avoid congestion!

    Please be advised that parking is strictly prohibited on Pawai Place.

    • Why? Pawai Place serves as the official Start and Finish Line for the BLOOM - EMPRESSES course. For the safety of our runners, walkers, and volunteers, this area must remain completely clear of vehicles.

    • Enforcement: This policy will be strictly enforced. Any unauthorized vehicles parked on Pawai Place will be towed at the owner's expense.

  • To ensure the safety of all participants and the preservation of our environment, please note that strollers and pets are NOT permitted on the course. The route traverses uneven sidewalks and road surfaces and sensitive bio-secure areas that are not suitable for wheels or animals. We appreciate your kōkua in helping us protect our ʻāina and maintain a safe path for every EMPRESS.

  • Not a runner or walker but still want to be part of the magic? We would love your kōkua! The BLOOM - EMPRESS 5K is seeking volunteers to join our "Royal Guard" and help bring this event to life. Whether it's staffing a water station, assisting with registration, or cheering on our participants, your support makes the celebration possible. Please email us to get involved.

    Mahalo for considering being a part of our team!