When is the 2026 Honolulu Marathon? The 2026 Honolulu Marathon takes place on Sunday, December 13, 2026, starting at 5:00 a.m. on Ala Moana Boulevard and finishing in historic Kapiʻolani Park. Renowned as one of the world's largest and most welcoming marathons, it features no course time limit, no qualifying times, and no lottery.
There’s more to marathon weekend than the 26.2 miles. Getting your registration, accommodations, and race-day plans in order early leaves you more time to enjoy Honolulu. Base your stay at the Waikiki Resort Hotel on Koa Avenue to put yourself within walking distance of the finish line, official runner shuttles, and the beach!
2026 Honolulu Marathon at a Glance
| Event Detail | Information |
| Race Date | Sunday, December 13, 2026 |
| Start Time | 5:00 AM (Start line staging closes at 5:30 AM) |
| Start Location | Ala Moana Boulevard / Queen Street Extension |
| Finish Location | Kapiʻolani Park, Waikīkī |
| Distance | 26.2 miles (Full Marathon) |
| Time Limit & Lottery | None (Open to all runners & walkers 7+ years old) |
| Bib Pickup | Honolulu Marathon Expo at Hawaiʻi Convention Center |
When Is Honolulu Marathon Weekend 2026?
Honolulu Marathon Weekend offers events for every distance preference:
- Saturday, December 12, 2026 (7:00 AM): Kalākaua Merrie Mile — A fun, fast 1-mile road race along Kalākaua Avenue open to all ages.
- Sunday, December 13, 2026 (5:00 AM): JAL Honolulu Marathon (26.2 Miles) & Start to Park 10K (6.2 Miles) — Both events launch simultaneously on Ala Moana Boulevard with a pre-race fireworks display.
How Does 2026 Registration Work?
Registration is open online via the official Honolulu Marathon website. Pricing is structured in tiered windows, with discounts for Hawaiʻi residents and military personnel.
2026 Estimated Entry Fee Tiers
- Hawaiʻi Residents: ~$195
- U.S. & Canadian Residents: ~$215
- International Participants: ~$260
- Military & Student Discount: 10% off entry fee
Pro Tip: Register as early as possible to lock in lower pricing tiers and ensure you receive official race email communications regarding bib assignment.
Where Is Bib Pickup and the Honolulu Marathon Expo?
All participants must pick up their race bib, embedded timing chip, and packet in person at the Expo. There is no race-day bib pickup.
- Location: Hawaiʻi Convention Center (1801 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815)
- Thursday, Dec 10: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday, Dec 11: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, Dec 12: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Note: Bring a government-issued photo ID and your bib confirmation email to collect your packet.
What Is the Honolulu Marathon Course Route?
The 26.2-mile course takes runners through scenic cityscapes, historic landmarks, and dramatic coastal views:
- The Start: Ala Moana Beach Park (illuminated by opening fireworks).
- Downtown & Historic Honolulu: Past Aloha Tower, ʻIolani Palace, and Kawaiahaʻo Church.
- Waikīkī & Diamond Head: Rolling terrain around the base of Diamond Head crater.
- Kāhala & Hawaiʻi Kai: A flat, scenic stretch out to Maunalua Bay before looping back.
- The Finish: Returning around Diamond Head to cross the finish line at Kapiʻolani Park.
At the finish line, runners receive their finisher medal, official finisher shirt, and fresh, hot Hawaiian malasadas!
How Do You Get to the Race Start on Race Morning?
Because major roads close around 3:30 AM, driving or taking rideshares near the start line is difficult.
The Best Transportation Strategy
- Official Free Runner Shuttles: Complimentary race shuttles operate between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, loading near the Honolulu Zoo at the corner of Kapahulu and Kalākaua Avenues and dropping off near the Ala Moana start.
- Staying at Waikiki Resort Hotel: Our location at 2460 Koa Avenue is just a 10-minute walk to the Honolulu Zoo shuttle loading zone, making early race-morning transit effortless.
Where Should You Stay for the Honolulu Marathon?
Choosing the right hotel location is one of the most critical decisions for race weekend.
While Western Waikīkī puts you closer to the start line, Eastern Waikīkī is widely preferred by runners because it puts you within walking distance of the finish line at Kapiʻolani Park. When you cross the finish line sore and exhausted, being able to walk straight back to your hotel room to shower is invaluable.
Why Waikiki Resort Hotel Is Ideal for Runners
Located on Koa Avenue, Waikiki Resort Hotel offers the ultimate race basecamp:
- Close to the Finish: Just a short walk back from the Kapiʻolani Park finish area.
- Easy Pre-Race Shuttle Access: A 10-minute walk to the Honolulu Zoo shuttle loading area.
- One Block to Waikīkī Beach: Ideal for post-race leg soaking in the ocean!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a time limit for the Honolulu Marathon?
No, there is no course time limit for the Honolulu Marathon. The finish line remains open until the last participant crosses, making it popular for both first-time marathoners and walkers.
Do I need to qualify to run the Honolulu Marathon?
No, there are no qualifying times or lottery systems required. Anyone 7 years of age or older can register.
How do I get from my hotel to the start line?
Official free shuttles pick up runners near the Honolulu Zoo in Eastern Waikīkī between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM on race morning and drop off at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Plan Your Honolulu Marathon Stay Today
Race weekend draws tens of thousands of visitors to Oʻahu, and Waikīkī hotels sell out months in advance. Lock in your accommodations early at Waikiki Resort Hotel to enjoy exclusive guest perks:
- Advance Purchase Discount: Save on room rates when booking your race getaway early.
- Free Daily Breakfast for Two: Refuel with hot breakfast options at ʻIlima Café.
- 3rd Night Free: Extend your stay to celebrate your marathon finish on the beach!
- Kamaʻāina Rates: Special rates with WAIVED daily self-parking for local runners.
Check rates and book your 2026 Honolulu Marathon stay at Waikiki Resort Hotel today!