Honolulu Marathon 2026: Date, Course, Registration, Spectator Spots
Honolulu Marathon 2026: The Basics
The Honolulu Marathon is held on the second Sunday of December — in 2026, that is December 13. It is consistently one of the largest marathons in the world by finisher count, typically drawing 25,000-30,000 runners from across Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, and especially Japan, which sends the largest international contingent of any race outside Japan itself.
The race is famously welcoming to all ability levels. There is no cutoff time — runners, walkers, and everyone in between can participate. The last finishers often cross the line eight or nine hours after the leaders. That spirit of inclusion has made Honolulu one of the most beloved marathons in the world.
Course Overview
- Start: Ala Moana Boulevard, near the Hawaii Convention Center, at 5:00am (pre-dawn start to beat the heat)
- Miles 1-3: Through downtown Honolulu, past Aloha Tower and the harbor
- Miles 4-8: Along Diamond Head Road, with the famous crater on the left and the Pacific Ocean on the right — the most scenic stretch of any marathon in America
- Miles 9-13: Through Hawaii Kai and Aina Haina, residential neighborhoods with enthusiastic local spectators
- Miles 14-20: The turnaround and return along Kalanianaole Highway
- Miles 21-26.2: Back through Waikiki and the finish line at Kapiolani Park, in the shadow of Diamond Head
Registration
Registration for the 2026 Honolulu Marathon typically opens in January and closes when capacity is reached — usually by October. Early registration offers the lowest entry fees. The race is organized by the Honolulu Marathon Association; register at honolulumarathon.org. There is also a 10K race on race weekend for those who want the race experience without the full marathon distance.
Best Spectator Spots
- Ala Moana Boulevard start area: Witness the pre-dawn fireworks that send 28,000 runners into the Honolulu night at 5am — unlike anything you have seen
- Diamond Head Road (miles 4-8): The most scenic stretch; set up near the lighthouse for photos with the crater behind the runners
- Kahala Avenue: Quieter neighborhood stretch with strong local support; residents often set up informal water stations
- Kapiolani Park finish area: Festive atmosphere all day long as runners finish across a 9-hour window; free to enter the park
What Runners Should Know
- Heat and humidity: Even in December, Honolulu is warm. The pre-dawn start mitigates this, but late finishers will run in full sun and 75°F+ temperatures. Train accordingly.
- The Japan factor: Roughly a third of the field flies in from Japan. You will see organized running clubs traveling together and incredible levels of preparation and enthusiasm.
- Expo: The race expo at the Hawaii Convention Center runs the three days before the race. Worth attending — Hawaii-made gear, local food vendors, and the energy of 28,000 runners converging on one place.
- Post-race celebration: Kapiolani Park fills with finisher tents, food, music, and the sweet relief of people who just ran 26.2 miles in paradise. Stick around.
Accommodation Tips
Book accommodations in Waikiki as early as possible — marathon weekend is one of the highest-demand weekends of the year. Hotels along Kalakaua Avenue put you walking distance from the finish area. If you are running, consider staying close to the start area (the Ala Moana end of Waikiki) to minimize the pre-5am logistics.
The **Honolulu Marathon** is the second-largest marathon in the U.S. by finisher count (behind only NYC), and the only marathon in the world where you start in the dark, watch the sun rise over Diamond Head, and finish next to a 100-foot banyan tree.Looking for things to do in Oahu? Browse upcoming Oahu events →
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