Honolulu Marathon
Run a marathon in paradise, starting under the stars and finishing on the beach.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Second Sunday of December
42.195 km
140 m
~30,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- Pre-dawn start with fireworks display
- Diamond Head crater climb and sunrise
- Coastal views along Kalanianaole Highway
- Hawaii Kai turnaround
- Kapiolani Park finish near Waikiki Beach
The Course
The Honolulu Marathon starts at Ala Moana Beach Park at 5:00 AM, with a fireworks display lighting the sky as runners set off in the pre-dawn darkness. The early miles travel through downtown Honolulu before looping around Diamond Head crater, where runners are treated to a spectacular sunrise over the Pacific. The climb up Diamond Head Road is the most significant elevation gain on the course.
The middle miles head east along the coast to the turnaround point in Hawaii Kai, a long out-and-back stretch that is flat but can be exposed to trade winds. The scenery along this stretch is quintessentially Hawaiian, with turquoise waters, lush tropical vegetation, and the Koolau mountain range in the background.
The return trip follows the same coastal road back past Diamond Head and into Waikiki, finishing at Kapiolani Park. The tropical setting makes this a bucket-list destination race, though the heat, humidity, and sun exposure require serious preparation. The absence of a time limit makes it welcoming to runners and walkers of all abilities.
History
The Honolulu Marathon was first held in 1973 with 167 runners. It has grown into one of the top 10 largest marathons in the world, attracting around 30,000 participants each year. A significant portion of the field comes from Japan, where the race has a passionate following.
The event is notable for having no time limit, making it accessible to walkers and first-time marathoners. The pre-dawn start, fireworks, and tropical setting make it one of the most unique marathon experiences available.
How to Train for Honolulu
Acclimate to heat and humidity
Even in December, Honolulu's temperatures can reach the mid-80s Fahrenheit with high humidity. If training in a colder climate, do heat acclimation sessions in the final two weeks. Run in extra layers or use a sauna protocol to prepare your body for the tropical conditions.
Prepare for the early start
A 5:00 AM gun time means waking at 3:00 AM or earlier. Practice your pre-race routine with very early wake-ups during training. Eat a familiar, easy-to-digest meal at least two hours before the start.
Hydrate aggressively
Fluid losses in tropical conditions are significantly higher than temperate races. Practice drinking more than you think you need during long runs, and consider salt tablets for race day. Start hydrating well before race morning.
Free training plans
Half marathon to marathon
A free 16-week plan to step up from the half to the full marathon: five runs a week and a long run that builds from 1h 40m to 3 hours.
16 weeksMarathon (16 weeks)
A free 16-week marathon plan: six runs a week, a long run that builds to 2h 45m, a recovery week every fourth week, a peak in week 13 and a three-week taper.
16 weeksMarathon (20 weeks)
A free 20-week marathon plan with a gentle build: five runs a week, a long run that grows to 3 hours, a recovery week every fourth week and a three-week taper.
20 weeksSub-4 hour marathon
A free 16-week plan to break 4 hours in the marathon: six runs a week, goal-pace sessions at 5:41 per km (9:09 per mile) and long runs to 3h 10m.
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