Browse · JAL Honolulu Marathon
Sun, Dec 13 · 2026Honolulu, HISince 1973

JAL Honolulu Marathon

A pre-dawn fireworks start launches runners through downtown history, Waikiki, and twice around Diamond Head, finishing in Kapiolani Park as the morning heat rises. Open to all with no time limit and no qualifying standard required.

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JAL HONOLULU · US
JAL Honolulu
SUN, DEC 13
2026
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The course.

660 ft total gain
Total ascent
660 ft
Total descent
660 ft
Net elevation
0 ft
Highest point
132 ft
Lowest point
3 ft
Course shape
Out and back
Same route, both directions

The Honolulu Marathon starts at sea level on Ala Moana Boulevard under a fireworks display at 5 AM, looping west through downtown before turning east through Waikiki. Near mile 7-9, runners circle Diamond Head crater, the first notable climb, peaking at 132 ft. The course then flattens onto Kalanianaole Highway for a long, straight out-and-back to Hawaii Kai, turning at mile 17.4. The return trip re-encounters Diamond Head near mile 24, a harder climb on tired legs. Finish drops into Kapiolani Park. Cumulative gain is 641 ft, modest in absolute terms, but the real challenge is tropical heat and humidity rising into the 80s°F by mid-race, with no shade on the coastal highway. Congestion in the first 3-5 miles is significant given the open, uncapped field.

Field size~22kBQ rate5%
DIFFICULTYROLLINGPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

Race-day weather.

10-year median
Low
67°F
High
81°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 4560°80°
What to expect

Mid-December in Honolulu means tropical conditions even at the 5am start: lows in the upper 60s, climbing past 80°F by mid-morning. Humidity is typically 70 to 80 percent. Trade winds along the Kalanianaole Highway out-and-back are a defining factor.

Entry.

OPEN

Open registration. There is no official time limit on the marathon and no field cap. Most international runners (particularly the large Japanese contingent) register through tour package operators. The race is famous for welcoming first-timers, walkers, and run-walkers; everyone who starts is welcome to finish.

Register on race site

Logistics.

For runners travelling in
Closest airport

HNL, 8 mi from the start.

From the community.

3 videos · YouTube
Honolulu Marathon 2024: fly over the marathon course! Video of the race path.
Go&Race
Honolulu Marathon 2025: 3D Video Course Map | 42.2 km - Honolulu
Go&Race
Honolulu Marathon Weekend *full vlog*
Isabelle Jensen

Race history.

Since 1973

Founded in 1973 by Dr. Jack Scaff and Dr. Jim Barahal as a community fitness event, Honolulu grew from 167 finishers to one of the largest marathons in the world in the 1990s when Japanese running tourism took off. It is consistently the most international US marathon by participant share.

First run in 1973. Roughly 22,000 finishers in a recent edition.

Course records
Men2:07:59 · Titus Ekiru (2019)
Women2:22:15 · Brigid Kosgei (2017)

Frequently asked.

7 questions