United States
Honolulu Marathon 2026
Sunday 13 December 2026 · confirmed date
51 days to go
Key facts
- Race day
- Sunday 13 December 2026
- Confirmed by the organisers
- Start
- 05:00
- local time
- Course
- Rolling · Point to point
- Ala Moana Boulevard, by Ala Moana Beach Park to Kapiolani Park, Waikiki
- Course record, men
- 2:07:59
- Titus Ekiru, 2019
- Course record, women
- 2:22:15
- Brigid Kosgei, 2017
- First held
- 1973
The race
About the Honolulu Marathon
The Honolulu Marathon has started in the dark on the second Sunday of December since 1973. Sponsored by Japan Airlines, it is one of the largest marathons in the United States, and a large share of its runners come from Japan, which gives race week a festive, bilingual feel.
Its defining rule is a generous one: there is no time limit, so walkers and first-timers finish alongside experienced runners. The trade-off is tropical weather and a few real climbs around Diamond Head. It suits runners who want a destination race with a relaxed atmosphere more than a fast time, and anyone who likes the idea of watching the sun rise over Waikiki mid-race.
Course
The Honolulu Marathon course
The race starts at 5:00 on Ala Moana Boulevard and heads west into downtown in the dark, past Aloha Tower, Chinatown and Iolani Palace, before turning back past Ala Moana Center and along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Between roughly miles 6 and 9 the course climbs around Diamond Head, the first real test.
From Kahala the route follows Kalanianaole Highway east to Hawaii Kai, loops past Koko Head and returns the same way, with the sun up and the heat building. This long highway out-and-back is where pacing pays off. A final pass around Diamond Head brings you down Kalakaua Avenue to the finish in Kapiolani Park.
Race-day weather
Usually around 20-23°C and humid at the 5:00 start, warming toward 27°C by late morning, with passing showers possible.
Train
Training for the Honolulu Marathon 2027
Under twelve weeks to go is short for a marathon block, so these dates count down to the edition after, on Sunday 12 December 2027.
| Plan | Starts on |
|---|---|
| 24 weeks | Monday 28 June 2027 |
| 20 weeks | Monday 26 July 2027 |
| 16 weeks | Monday 23 August 2027 |
| 12 weeks | Monday 20 September 2027 |
For this course
Most of your build falls in autumn, so add heat and humidity where you can in the final six weeks: a few long runs in the warmest part of the day, or indoor sessions with extra layers. Practise drinking at every aid station, since sweat losses climb quickly once the sun is up, and include hill repeats for the Diamond Head climbs. From Europe the time difference is large, so arrive several days early. The 3:00 alarm will feel like early afternoon to a body still on European time.
See the marathon pace chart or a sample sub-4 plan.
Print a pace band for the Honolulu Marathon, with the race clock at every kilometre.
Entry
How to get a place
Entry is open to everyone: there is no ballot and no qualifying time, and registration stays open until shortly before race week. Registration is split by residency (Hawaii, US mainland and Canada, international), and runners living in Japan register through the race's dedicated Japanese website.
Every marathon lottery date for 2027 → Which marathons have no lottery? →Organised by Honolulu Marathon Association
Official websiteQuestions
Frequently asked
When is the Honolulu Marathon 2026?
The Honolulu Marathon 2026 is on Sunday 13 December 2026. The organisers have confirmed the date.
When should I start training for the Honolulu Marathon?
Count back from race day: a 16-week plan for the 2027 edition starts on 23 August 2027, a 20-week plan on 26 July 2027. Most runners need 16 to 20 weeks; 12 is the shortest block worth doing.
Is there a time limit at the Honolulu Marathon?
No. The organisers keep the finish open for everyone, which is why many walkers and first-time marathoners choose this race.
Is the Honolulu Marathon hard?
Heat, humidity and the climbs around Diamond Head make it slower than a cool, flat city marathon. Most runners aim for an even effort rather than a personal best.
How do I enter the Honolulu Marathon?
Registration is open to everyone online, with no lottery or qualifying time, and usually stays open until shortly before race week.
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