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Honolulu Marathon

The annual Honolulu Marathon takes place on the second Sunday in December. The race is extremely popular due to its exotic location in tropical Hawaii and for its scenic route through the streets of Waikiki, around the iconic Diamond Head volcano and through the beautiful neighbourhoods of Kahala and Hawaii Kai. The marathon enjoys a relatively flat course and generally fine weather conditions and doesn’t have a time limit. Everyone gets to finish, which is why the event is just as popular with first timers as it is with the veteran runners.

The Honolulu Marathon is the third largest marathon in the US, attracting around 30,000 participants each December. It is unique, in that there is no limit on the number of participants and there is no cut off time, therefore attracting both fast runners as well as walkers.

Events

Marathon 
10km Walk
The Kalakuau Merrie Mile (Sat)

The Course

The Honolulu Marathon's scenic course includes spectacular ocean views alongside world famous Waikiki Beach as well as Diamond Head and Koko Head volcanic craters. The course is mostly flat apart for short uphill grades around Diamond Head. The Honolulu Marathon starts on Ala Moana Boulevard (the Ala Moana Beach Park). The finish line is near the Kapiolani Park, Honolulu. The course also takes in iconic landmarks such as the historic Aloha Tower, Chinatown, the gilded statue of King Kamehameha, the Sheraton Moana Surfrider (Waikiki's oldest hotel built in 1901), the statue of Duke Kahanamoku and Honolulu Zoo.

   Click here to view the course map.

Race Packs

Registered runners must pick up their race packs, which include the running bib number and timing chip. Bring valid ID to the packet pickup. Participants must pick up their own race packs. You are not able to pick up a race pack for a friend or family member.

Expo

The Honolulu Marathon Expo is free and open to the public. The expo is located at:

Hawaii Convention Center, Kamehameha Hall
1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

Honolulu Marathon Expo dates and times:
Thu          9:00am – 6:00pm
Fri            9:00am – 7:00pm
Sat           9:00am – 5:00pm

There is a free shuttle to the Honolulu Marathon Expo running from Waikiki. Stops include:

  • Duke Kahanamaoku Statue (Kalakaua Avenue)
  • DFS (Royal Hawaiian Ave)
  • Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel (Kalia Road heading towards Waikiki)
  • Honolulu Marathon Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center
  • THU 9am-6pm; FRI 9am-7pm: SAT 9am-5pm

Luau/Concert:  All-You-Can-Eat Buffet. Hawaiian Entertainment and Concert

Friday
4:00pm Dinner
4:30-8:45pm Hawaiian Entertainment followed by a concert

Location
Waikiki Shell, 2805 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu

Tickets
Available for purchase by Race entrants only.Tickets may be purchased at the Expo. 

Start/Finish Location

Time:       5:00am
Start:       Ala Moana Boulevard/Queen Street Extension
Finish:     Kapiolani Park
The start area is within walking distance of most hotels in Waikiki and is 1.2 miles from the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Transport to the Start Line

A FREE bus service to the starting line will depart from the Honolulu Zoo parking lot on Kapahulu Ave, beginning at 2:00am. The last bus will leave at 4:00am.

Time Limit

There is no time limit – all participants are allowed to finish.

Aid Stations

There are 16 Aid Stations located along the course, manned by 2,300, serving water, sports drink and providing professional medical assistance. The first Aid Station is located at approximately 2.5 miles (3.5K) from the start, then every 2 to 3 miles (3K to 4.8K) thereafter. To keep aid stations from being congested, continue to the last table and please keep moving. Misting stations will also be available on the course.

Sponges are handed out at the aid stations from mile 10. Try to keep one sponge to reuse instead of getting a new one. Powerbar Gels are also handed out from mile 10.

Timing System

Timing detectors will be placed at the starting line, half marathon, and at the finish line. Other detectors may be placed at random locations.Your timing chip is embedded in your race number. 

Courtesy

Stay within the coned lanes to ensure your safety as well as provide runners coming along the opposite direction with a clear path.

iPods and Audio Devices

Permitted.

Medal & Finishers’ Shirt

The Honolulu Marathon finishers’ shirt and medal are collect at Kapiolani Park on Race Day. Look for the Finisher T-shirt Tent after you exit the finish area to pick up your t-shirt and medal.

Finishers Certificate

Finisher certificates will be available for pickup at Kapiolani Park on Monday, December 9 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To facilitate pickup, please bring your runner number. Certificates not picked up on the day following the marathon are mailed in February.

Weather Conditions

Precautions should be taken against heat and humidity; temperatures at the start will generally be in the mid 60s (Fahrenheit) and climb to the low 80s (Fahrenheit) by 10:00am.

2024 Honolulu Marathon Itinerary

From airport transfers on arrival to the day you depart we can assist with all your travel arrangements. Nothing to do but sit back, enjoy the tropical lifestyle …… and run a marathon! Our tour packages remain flexible to suit your needs, the duration of your stay and the type of accommodation you prefer. 

If you would like to extend your trip, just let us know and we’ll take care of everything for you, whether you just want to linger on and enjoy Waikiki or would like to explore the islands, further afield, RunFun Travel can assist with all your plans. Arrival/departure days are flexible.

Hawaii is serviced by a range of airline carriers with plenty of available flights. 

Thu 5 December

Arrive Honolulu 
Hotel check in and relaxing afternoon and evening

Fri 6 December

Explore Waikiki
Marathon Expo
Optional Luau Dinner (please enquire)

Sat 7 December

At leisure
Optional: Marathon Expo, Sightseeing Tours

Sun 8 December

Marathon race day!

Mon 9 December

Free day for rest and recovery
Take an optional tour or just chill on Waikiki Beach!

Tue 10 December

Transfer to airport for departure…. or
Continue your exotic stay in Hawaii, on any one of the islands of your choice.

2024 Honolulu Marathon Entry and Accommodation Packages  

Tailored packages to suit your stay, accommodation type and preferences. From budget options through to 5* luxury, we can organiser your Guarateed Entry and Accommodation Package for the Honlulu Marathon so your stay in Honolulu will be one to remember. 

Included

  • Guaranteed entry to the Honolulu Marathon
  • Finishers’ shirt and medal
  • Accommodation of your choosing
  • Breakfast daily (optional and dependent on accommodation choice)
  • Packages Also Available with alternate accommodation options, please enquire

Excluded

Booking

A non-refundable payment of $500 is required to secure your Honolulu Marathon package.

* International travellers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are now subject to enhanced security requirements and will be required to pay an administrative fee. Details can be obtained from the ESTA website.

OPTIONAL TOURS

Here at RunFun Travel we can also arrange optional tours for you, please enquire.

If you would like to extend your trip, just let us know and we’ll take care of everything for you. Whether you just want to linger on and enjoy Waikiki or you would like to explore the islands, further afield, RunFun Travel can assist with all your plans.

Hawaii is serviced by a range of airline carriers with plenty of available flights. 

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