The Honolulu Marathon, held annually in December every year, is one of the world’s largest and most iconic long-distance races. Established in 1973, it attracts thousands of participants from across the globe, drawn by its stunning course through Hawaii’s capital. Starting at Ala Moana Boulevard and finishing at Kapiolani Park, runners traverse scenic ocean views, lush tropical landscapes, and iconic landmarks like Diamond Head. Unlike many marathons, it welcomes all participants without time limits, making it a favorite for both elite athletes and recreational runners. The event embodies the Aloha spirit, blending endurance, camaraderie, and the breathtaking beauty of Oahu.
Honolulu Marathon
The Honolulu Marathon is scheduled to take place in December every year, in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is one of the largest marathons in the U.S., attracting runners from around the globe. Here’s a summary of key details:
Honolulu Marathon Event Details
- Start Time: The marathon begins at 5:00 AM HST. Participants must cross the start line by 5:30 AM.
- Start Location: Ala Moana Boulevard near Ala Moana Beach Park.
- Finish Line: Kapiolani Park, near Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
- Course Features: The scenic course passes through iconic locations, including Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and Hawaii Kai. The maximum elevation is 132 feet, offering a relatively flat run.
Honolulu Marathon Support Along the Course
- Aid Stations: Placed every 2-3 miles with water, Gatorade, and other refreshments.
- Medical Assistance: Available throughout the route.
- Sustainability Efforts: Participants are encouraged to keep the course clean by properly disposing of waste.
Honolulu Marathon Registration
Registration for the marathon is open online, with varying fees based on entry dates. Special events like the Start to Park 10K and the Kalakaua Merrie Mile are also part of the marathon weekend festivities.
Honolulu Marathon Viewing and Live streaming
The marathon will be streamed live on YouTube, starting at 4:50 AM HST for global viewers.
Honolulu Marathon Route
The Honolulu Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the United States, taking place annually in Honolulu, Hawaii, typically in December. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the marathon route:
Start Line:
- Location: The race begins at Ala Moana Boulevard, near Ala Moana Beach Park.
- Time: The marathon usually starts early in the morning, around 5:00 AM local time.
Route Overview:
The Honolulu Marathon route is a scenic, out-and-back course that runs through the streets of Honolulu, offering participants beautiful views of the ocean, beaches, and surrounding landscapes.
- Miles 1–2:
- Participants head west from the starting line along Ala Moana Boulevard.
- The first few miles run through the city’s business district, past the Ala Moana Center shopping mall.
- Miles 3–4:
- The route continues through Waikiki, with the Diamond Head crater visible in the distance.
- Runners pass through iconic streets like Kalakaua Avenue.
- Kapiolani Park is located near this stretch.
- Miles 5–6:
- The course continues along the coastline of Waikiki Beach, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
- The route turns northward near Fort DeRussy Beach Park and heads toward the Kahala area.
- Miles 7–9:
- Runners continue along Kalanianaole Highway, heading toward Hawaii Kai. This is one of the more scenic sections, with ocean views on the left side.
- Miles 10–12:
- Runners approach Aina Haina and move along the Hawaii Kai area.
- At this point, the course begins to get a little more challenging with inclines as participants approach the turnaround point.
- Mile 13:
- The halfway point marks the turnaround near Koko Head.
- Runners now head back toward Honolulu, retracing the route to the finish line.
- Miles 14–17:
- The return leg takes runners back along Kalanianaole Highway and through the scenic coastal roads of Hawaii Kai.
- Miles 18–21:
- Participants re-enter the city and head back to the more familiar streets of Waikiki.
- This part of the route can be challenging due to fatigue.
- Miles 22–24:
- Runners go through Ala Moana Boulevard again and pass by Ala Moana Beach Park.
- At this point, it’s a mental stretch, with the finish line approaching.
- Miles 25–26.2:
- The final portion takes participants along Kalakaua Avenue, offering a festive atmosphere as runners pass by spectators, hotels, and shops.
- The race finishes at Kapiolani Park, right near the base of Diamond Head, in a stunning finale.
Finish Line:
- Location: The finish line is located at Kapiolani Park, just outside the Hawaii Convention Center.
- Finish Time: The cutoff time for the Honolulu Marathon is 7 hours, which means you must finish the race by around 12:00 PM local time.
Key Features of the Marathon:
- Scenic Views: Runners enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Waikiki Beach, and the Diamond Head crater.
- Challenging Terrain: There are some hills in the later stages of the marathon, particularly near the turnaround point in Hawaii Kai.
- Weather: Honolulu’s tropical climate means warm temperatures (typically 70-80°F, or 21-27°C) with high humidity, so runners should be prepared for heat.
- Support Stations: The course is well-supported with water stations, medical stations, and energy gels placed throughout the route.
This marathon is known for its relaxed atmosphere, welcoming runners of all abilities, and the chance to run one of the most beautiful routes in the world!
Honolulu Marathon Course
The Honolulu Marathon is a scenic 26.2-mile (42.195 km) race held annually on the second Sunday of December in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is renowned for its tropical setting, welcoming atmosphere, and the Aloha spirit, making it a popular choice for both seasoned runners and first-time marathoners.
Course Overview
Start Line: Ala Moana Boulevard near Ala Moana Beach Park
Finish Line: Kapiolani Park, adjacent to Waikiki Beach
Elevation Gain: Approximately 641 feet (196 meters)
Highest Point: 124 feet (38 meters) near mile 9
Course Highlights by Mile
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Miles 0–3: Begin along Ala Moana Boulevard, passing through downtown Honolulu, including landmarks like the Aloha Tower and Iolani Palace.
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Miles 4–5: Transition into Waikiki, running along Kalakaua Avenue with views of Waikiki Beach and the iconic Diamond Head crater.
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Miles 6–10: Continue through the upscale Kahala neighborhood, featuring tree-lined streets and ocean vistas.
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Miles 11–18: Head east on Kalanianaole Highway toward Hawaii Kai, an out-and-back segment offering ocean views and gentle rolling hills.
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Miles 19–24: Return along Kalanianaole Highway, passing beach parks and residential areas, with a detour through the Waialae Country Club area.
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Miles 25–26: Approach Diamond Head again, passing the Diamond Head Lighthouse and Cliffs surfing spot, before entering Kapiolani Park.
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Final Stretch: Run along Kalakaua Avenue through Kapiolani Park to the finish line near the Waikiki Aquarium.
Course Features
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Terrain: Mostly flat with short uphill grades around Diamond Head. The highest point is 124 feet above sea level near mile 9.
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Scenery: Offers spectacular ocean views alongside world-famous Waikiki Beach, and the Diamond Head and Koko Head volcanic craters.
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Support: Aid stations are placed every 2–3 miles, providing water, sports drinks, and medical assistance. Honey Stinger Gels are available at two aid stations at 14km and 28km.
Event Details
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Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
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Start Time: 5:00 AM HST
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No Time Limit: The finish line remains open until the last participant crosses, embodying the Aloha spirit.
Honolulu Marathon Sponsors
The Honolulu Marathon, one of the largest marathons in the United States, enjoys support from a diverse group of sponsors, including title sponsors, apparel partners, and official supporters. Here’s an overview of key sponsors associated with the event:
Title Sponsor
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Japan Airlines (JAL): Serving as the title sponsor since 1985, JAL is integral to the marathon’s identity, often branding it as the “JAL Honolulu Marathon.”
Apparel Partners
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Mizuno: In 2020, Mizuno became a supporting sponsor, providing finisher, commemorative, and volunteer shirts, as well as selling official merchandise at the Honolulu Marathon Expo.
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Descente: From 2017, Descente has been the official apparel sponsor, supplying technical sports shirts to all finishers and volunteers, and offering exclusive apparel at the Expo.
Official Supporters
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Sato Pharmaceutical: Serving as an official supporting sponsor, Sato Pharmaceutical has been assisting runners for over a decade. They provide Satohap Spray Stations where runners can access external analgesic sprays to aid in their performance.
Media Partners
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Hawaii News Now: As the official media partner, Hawaii News Now broadcasts the marathon live, offering comprehensive coverage of the event.
Charity Partners
The marathon collaborates with various official charity partners, allowing participants to run and fundraise for causes such as cancer research, autism research, and more.
Last year main sponsor is Japan Airlines. Other sponsors are given below.
Key sponsors for the 2024 event include:
- Mizuno: This global sportswear company is a major apparel sponsor, providing finisher shirts and official merchandise at the Marathon Expo. Mizuno has a long-standing partnership with the event, aiming to boost its brand in the running market.
- SGC: A high-end gold manufacturer from Japan, SGC is enhancing the marathon experience by creating exclusive finisher medals, including real gold medals for the top place finishers, marking a first for the event.
- Other supporting partners include various local and international brands involved in the marathon’s operations, community engagement, and merchandise sales
FAQs
- When is the Honolulu Marathon held?
The Honolulu Marathon typically takes place on the second Sunday of December every year. It is one of the largest marathons in the world and attracts thousands of participants. - How long is the Honolulu Marathon?
The marathon course is 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers), which is the standard distance for marathons. Participants can also choose to run a 5K race or the marathon relay. - What is the time limit for the marathon?
The Honolulu Marathon has a generous time limit of 8 hours, which gives participants plenty of time to finish the race, even at a slower pace. - Is the Honolulu Marathon suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Honolulu Marathon is considered beginner-friendly. The course is relatively flat with some scenic views, and the event emphasizes participation over competition. Many runners, including first-timers, choose this race for its festive atmosphere. - Do I need to qualify to run in the Honolulu Marathon?
No, there are no qualification standards for the Honolulu Marathon. It is open to anyone who registers, regardless of experience level.