Race Day

Sun · Dec 13, 2026 · 5:00 AM

Runners at sunrise on Kalakaua Avenue with Diamond Head in the distance

54th Edition · December 13, 2026

JAL Honolulu MarathonRace Weekend Guide

Everything you need to know for the marathon, Start to Park 10K, Kalakaua Merrie Mile, Aloha Friday Night and the Expo. Read the guide, then run your race.

Weekend at a glance Race day info

Countdown to Gun Time

Sunday December 13, 2026 5:00 AM HST

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Race Week

Weekend At A Glance

Thursday

Dec 10, 2026

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
JAL Honolulu Marathon Expo
Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

Friday

Dec 11, 2026

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
JAL Honolulu Marathon Expo
Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
5:45 PM – 8:00 PM
Aloha Friday Night
Torch lighting & entertainment · Waikiki Beach Walk, Lewers St · Free

Saturday

Dec 12, 2026

7:00 AM
Kalakaua Merrie Mile
First wave · Monsarrat Ave by Honolulu Zoo
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
JAL Honolulu Marathon Expo (final day)
Late entries accepted until close
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Clothing Check-In Tent Opens
Kapiolani Park

Sunday

Dec 13, 2026

5:00 AM
START · JAL Honolulu Marathon & Start to Park 10K
Ala Moana Boulevard
5:30 AM
Start Line Closes
1:00 PM
Award Ceremony
Band Stand, Kapiolani Park
3:00 PM
Clothing Pick-Up Tent Closes
Kapiolani Park

Monday

Dec 14, 2026

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Finisher Monday
Certificate collection, finisher merch & meet the champions at the Hawaii Convention Center

Five days of aloha, from Expo doors opening on Thursday through Finisher Monday. Bring family, bring friends, and take in the whole race weekend — from race packet pick-up to the finish-line celebrations.

Packet Pick-Up

Marathon Expo

All registered runners must pick up their packets, which includes their running bib, at the JAL Honolulu Marathon Expo. Participants must pick up their own race packets. The Expo is free and open to the public so bring your family and friends.

Late entries are accepted at the Expo until closing time on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Bibs cannot be picked up on race day.

Official Merchandise

After you have collected your race bib make your way to the JAL Honolulu Marathon official merchandise store. Get the 2026 commemorative apparel. The Expo will also have other vendors with running related gear!

Free Event

Aloha Friday Night

Everyone is invited

Torch Lighting & Live Entertainment

Runners, friends and family from across the world are invited to celebrate the lighting of the 2026 JAL Honolulu Marathon torch, followed by hula and live music.

Date

Friday, Dec 11, 2026

Time

5:45 PM – 8:00 PM

Where

Waikīkī Beach Walk stage, Lewers Street

Cost

Free · Open to the public

Runner celebrating in front of JAL branded backdrop

Saturday · Dec 12

Kalakaua Merrie Mile

Start Area

Meet on Monsarrat Avenue by the Honolulu Zoo at 6:00 AM on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Wear your color-coded race bib and be ready to enter the starting chute. Within walking distance of most Waikiki hotels.

Road Closures

Kalakaua Avenue will be closed between Kaiulani, Kapahulu & Monsarrat Avenues from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM.

Parking

Limited parking around the race area — ride-share is recommended. Metered stalls on Kalakaua Avenue mauka meters #1 to #150 are available. Stalls #150 to #269 will be blocked off. Be aware of temporary No Parking / Tow Away signs.

Wave Assignments

Start times will be assigned based on your estimated finish time. Get ready to enter the starting chute well ahead of your start time.

Wave Starts

Start time by predicted finish

Wave	Predicted Finish	Start
Wave 1	Sub 6 min	7:00 AM
Wave 1	6 – 7:59 min	7:00 AM
Wave 2	8 – 9:59 min	7:03 AM
Wave 3	10 – 11:59 min	7:06 AM
Wave 4	12 – 14:59 min	7:09 AM
Wave 5	15 min+	7:12 AM
Final Race	Pro Runners	7:30 – 7:45 AM

Kalakaua Merrie Mile start, route and finish map

Sunday · Dec 13 · 5:00 AM

The Start Line

Start: 5:00 AM on Sunday December 13, 2026. To ensure an orderly start, please proceed onto Ala Moana Boulevard.
New for 2026: Please note the start line has moved to the intersection of Piikoi and Ala Moana.
Follow the runners’ entrance routes shown on the official start-line map below to reach your color zone.

Start Groups: You will be assigned a start group based on your predicted finish time. Each start group has a designated color and your bib will have your start zone color. Please proceed to your start zone. Start groups for the Start to Park 10K and the marathon are mixed — you will share the same color bib.

Getting There

Most hotels are within walking distance of the start line — walking or getting dropped off is easiest. A courtesy shuttle service to the start departs from the Honolulu Zoo parking lot on Kapahulu Avenue from 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM.

Shuttles are limited and we cannot guarantee they'll get you to the start on time if you don't make the last shuttle at 4:00 AM.
Don't wait for the last shuttle — there may not be room for you and this may cause you to be late for the start. Board early and note the shuttle is for participants only.

Corrals & Zones

Enter the correct color zone based on your projected pace, in order from front to back:

ElitesWhite Zone
2:00 – 3:59Green Zone
4:00 – 4:59Blue Zone
5:00 – 5:59Orange Zone
6:00 – 6:59Purple Zone

Runner Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Ride-share is recommended. On race day, roads within the vicinity of Ala Moana Beach Park (start line) and Kapiolani Park (finish line) will be closed or access restricted — plan drop-off / pick-up locations away from these immediate areas.

Prior to 3:40 AM: start-line drop-off on Waimanu Street. Proceed toward the ocean on Pensacola Street to Waimanu Street drop-off, then turn towards the mountains onto Piikoi Street to escape the road closure.

After 3:40 AM: drop off at Pensacola Street / Kamaile Street or Piikoi Street / Kapiolani Boulevard.

Parking Restrictions

Only authorized JAL Honolulu Marathon vehicles will be permitted access to Ala Moana Beach Park and Kapiolani Park. Parking is prohibited in Ala Moana Shopping Center and at Ward Center. Limited street parking may be available from a four to six block radius of the start line. After 7:00 PM on Saturday December 12, only authorized JAL Honolulu Marathon vehicles will be permitted access to Kapiolani Park parking lots. Be aware of temporary No Parking / Tow Away signs along the course.

Restrooms

Portable restrooms will be available at the start line, on the course and at the finish festival area. At the start, portable restrooms and water are marked on the official start-line map below.

Cut-Off

You must cross the start line mat between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM. The start line timing mat will be removed at 5:30 AM.

Saturday · Dec 12 · 10 AM – 5 PM

Marathon Clothing Check-In

A clothing-only check-in tent will be available at Kapiolani Park on Saturday December 12, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. There is NO bag drop at the Marathon Start Line.

At Packet Pick-Up, runners may request an official bag for use at the clothing check-in tent. This bag is the only bag that security will accept at the tent.

Your race bib has a tear-off strip with your race number. Attach the tear-off strip to the bag as you tie a knot with the looped handles, so that your number is fixed to your bag. Your bag will be searched by JAL Honolulu Marathon security personnel prior to bag acceptance.

Any clothing left or discarded at the start area will not be brought back to Kapiolani Park.

26.2 Miles & 10K

The Course

Course Change · 2026

The first part of the course has changed. Please review the official map for details.

JAL Honolulu Marathon Course Map

2026 Start to Park 10K route from Ala Moana through downtown and Waikiki to Kapiolani Park — Start to Park 10K Course Map

Aid Stations

The first aid station is at approximately 2.5 miles, then every 2 to 3 miles (3.2–4.8 km) thereafter. Aid stations have water and/or sports drink. Continue to the last table and keep moving to avoid congestion.

Start to Park 10K

The Start to Park 10K starts at the same time and place as the marathon (5:00 AM, Ala Moana Blvd) and finishes at Kapiolani Park. Experience the thrill of a mass start with fireworks! Start groups for the Start to Park and marathon are mixed and share the same color bib. As you approach the Start to Park finish line at Kapiolani Park, keep to the right — you will be guided to the finish line and the Festival Area.

Keep Your Course Clean — Run Green!

Take a few extra steps to throw your cups in the trash cubes provided along the course. Love your course!

Neighborhoods & Aloha

The JAL Honolulu Marathon course goes through many neighborhoods of Honolulu. E Komo Mai — welcome. Expect cheers, entertainment and support from local communities along the way.

New Partner · 2026

Precision Fuel & Hydration

We're proud to welcome Precision Fuel & Hydration as our new on-course sports nutrition partner — supplying gels, chews and electrolyte hydration at select points along the course.

See the confirmed sports drink, gel and chew locations in the table below.

Gels

On Course

Chews

On Course

Electrolyte

On Course

Fuel & Hydration

Knowing what is on course before you arrive means you can build your plan around it and practice with it in training, so there are no surprises on event day.

Participants who anticipate being on the course for an extended period are encouraged to carry their own hydration and nutrition supplies, and refill and replenish at official aid stations along the way.

Look for the “Sports Drink” sign

There are 13 Precision Fuel & Hydration aid stations along the course, starting at mile 5.5. Every one serves PH 1000 electrolyte drink, pre-mixed and ready to go. Four of them also have PF 30 Gels, and two of those — miles 15.5 and 20.5 — also have PF 30 Chews.

Mile	Sports drink	Gels	Chews
5.5	Yes
6	Yes
8.5	Yes	Yes
10.5	Yes
12.5	Yes	Yes
14	Yes
15.5	Yes	Yes	Yes
17.5	Yes
19	Yes
20.5	Yes	Yes	Yes
22	Yes
24	Yes
26.2 (Finish)	Yes

PH 1000 Electrolytes

A low calorie, high strength electrolyte drink with 1,000mg of sodium per liter (~34oz). Served pre-mixed.

PF 30 Gels

30g of carbohydrate, fast. A mild “Original” flavor and a texture that minimizes stickiness.

PF 30 Chews

A great way to mix up your fueling plan. 2 chews per packet, 15g of carbohydrate each.

Nothing new on event day

Runner giving a thumbs up on a tree-lined road

Kapiolani Park

The Finish

Once you cross the JAL Honolulu Marathon finish line, you will receive your finisher medal. You'll be guided to the Finisher Shirt Pick-Up tent immediately following the race. Spectators are not allowed in the fenced areas. Once you pass through the finish area, do not return — be courteous and make room for other finishers. The finish line will remain open until the last person finishes, with limited services.

Medal & Finisher Shirt

Once you cross the finish line you'll receive your finisher medal and be guided to the Finisher Shirt Pick-Up tent. Finisher shirts are for JAL Honolulu Marathon finishers only — show your race bib to collect yours. Size exchanges are not possible and shirts will not be mailed.

Finish Photography

MarathonFoto will take photos of you along the JAL Honolulu Marathon course and at the finish. Be sure to have your bib number up front and visible at all times and smile as you cross the finish line! Links to finisher photos will be emailed to you approximately one week after the event.

Finish Results

Results will be available by scanning the QR Code on the back of your bib and in the Festival Area.

Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremony begins at 1:00 PM. Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers. Age group awards for the JAL Honolulu Marathon only will be available to be picked up on Finisher Monday. Age group awards will not be mailed. Please note there are no age group awards for the Start to Park 10K or the Kalakaua Merrie Mile.

Finisher Video

See yourself cross the line on the jumbo screen in the festival area. The feed runs on a 40-minute delay — plenty of time to grab a malasada and water first.

Meet Up Areas

Tell friends and family to meet you at one of the marked spots:

Dolphin🐬Surfer🏄‍♀️Turtle🐢Shaka🤙

Getting Back To Your Hotel

Most Waikiki hotels are within walking distance from Kapiolani Park. At approximately 10:00 AM, Oahu Transport Service (OTS) public buses will be available for riders at the Monsarrat Avenue bus stop between the Kapiolani Park Bandstand and the Honolulu Zoo. Dedicated taxi stalls are located at the Honolulu Zoo parking lot opposite the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. Some taxis and ride-share vehicles may be staged in the Honolulu Zoo parking lot.

Kapiolani Park festival area map showing finish lines, shirt pick-up, bag drop, medical aid and meet-up zones — Festival Area Map

Runner crossing the finish line with arms outstretched

Monday · Dec 14

Finisher Monday

Finisher Certificates

We will be on the Expo floor at the Hawaii Convention Center on Monday December 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Pick up your official finisher certificate for the Start to Park 10K and the JAL Honolulu Marathon. You'll be able to laminate your certificate for protection. To facilitate pick-up, please bring your bib number.

Certificates will also be available to download from www.honolulumarathon.org. Certificates will not be mailed.

Age Group Awards

All winners of the marathon age group awards (top three in each age group, male and female) should come to Finisher Monday to collect your awards.

There are no age group awards for the Start to Park 10K.

Fine Print

Rules of the Road

Running Number & Shirt

Shirts or singlets, with the bib positioned front top center, must be worn throughout the entire race. The bib number must be visible at all times. Bibs are not transferable — you and the runner wearing your bib will be disqualified from this race and future races. Bibs cannot be picked up on race day.

Do not cut or fold your bib number in any way.
Do not deface your bib number with stickers, markings or any writing.
Use a pin for each corner of the bib number; do not pierce the tag.
Do not remove the foam spacer.
Use the QR Code on the back of your bib to get your results at the Finish Line.

Interference

Skates, strollers and bicycles are prohibited. Runners cannot be accompanied by any form of wheeled assistance and will be disqualified. Competitors who accept any assistance from any other person may be disqualified.

Checkpoints

You must cross the sensor mats at the checkpoints along the course. Make sure your running number is clearly visible. You may be disqualified if there is no record of you passing through the checkpoints. No bib = no result = no certificate.

Unofficial Runners

Unofficial runners without an official race number will not be allowed to cross the finish line. They detract from your official participation, take supplies intended for you, the official entrant, and will cause finish places to be incorrect. We urge you to discourage anyone you know who intends to run unofficially.

Child Safety

If your child will be participating in the event, please keep the child with you at all times. Do not leave your child with non-family race participants, or allow your child to complete the race unescorted.

Running Courtesy

Stay within the coned lanes to ensure your safety as well as to provide runners coming from the opposite direction with a clear path. Keep a safe distance whenever possible.

Along the Course

All participants must self-propel themselves without assistance. No assistance and unauthorized vehicles including but not limited to bicycles, baby carriages, all forms of skates, support walkers, walking sticks, poles and canes will be allowed on the course on race day. No pets allowed on the course. No unofficial or unauthorized banners or any commercial activities at the start area, along the course and at the finish area. Racing wheelchairs will be on the course — please watch out!

Participant Safety Advisory

For your safety, obtain all nutritional and hydration support along the course exclusively from official Honolulu Marathon aid stations.

Do not accept food, beverages or supplements from spectators, unofficial aid stations or other unauthorized sources.

Participants are encouraged to carry their own nutrition and hydration as needed.

Protests

Protests related to actions of any race official or runner will be accepted only in written form. We will not respond to verbal protests. All decisions of the Race Director are binding. This race is conducted according to Competition Rules of USA Track & Field.

Health & Safety Warning

Inadequate training, failure to pace and disregard for the importance of taking fluids have resulted in life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke in both experienced and first-time marathon entrants. If this is your first marathon or first experience in a warm, humid climate, take fluids at each of our 16 aid stations. Should you begin to experience difficulties, stop and ask for assistance from the emergency responders at the medical aid station before continuing.

Coming Up

Save The Date

March 7, 2027

The King's Runner 10K

April 11, 2027

The Hapalua — Hawaii's Half Marathon

Sunday, December 12, 2027

55th JAL Honolulu Marathon

Post and share your great photos and videos: @hnlmarathon on X · honolulumarathon on Instagram · honolulumarathon on Facebook. For more information, visit www.honolulumarathon.org.

Race Weekend Moments