Established in 1973, the Honolulu Marathon has quickly become one of the largest marathons, attracting around 30,000 participants each December. The Honolulu Marathon’s scenic course includes spectacular ocean views alongside world-famous Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head and Koko Head volcanic craters. The terrain is level except for short uphill grades around Diamond Head. The course takes in historic sites in Honolulu such as the Iolani Palace, Waikiki, Diamond Head. The finisher village is in Kapiolani Park, a few hundred feet from the Pacific Ocean. The start is on Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu at 5am with a spectacular fireworks display the starting gun for the event. 

35% of all participants are first time runners. This is partly due to the fact that there is no time limit at the Honolulu Marathon. With no cut off time, you can take as long as you need and many participants walk the course. For a major marathon it has the highest number of female participants at 49%.