The JAL Honolulu Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, December 13, at 5 a.m., following a 26.2-mile course from Ala Moana Boulevard through downtown Honolulu, Waikīkī, Diamond Head, and Hawaiʻi Kai before finishing beside Kapiʻolani Park. With no qualifying time and no finish-line cut-off, it welcomes runners and walkers seeking a marathon experience on Oʻahu.
Registration is open. As of October 2, the published marathon fee is $235 for Hawaiʻi, US mainland and Canadian residents, and $310 for international residents, through October 12, 2026. Prices increase on October 13, with a substantially higher late-entry rate at the Expo.
For visitors, the attraction extends beyond the medal. The course passes royal landmarks, neighborhood streets, and coastal scenery, offering a view of Honolulu that changes with every mile. For local participants, December 13 brings the opportunity to experience familiar places as part of a shared island challenge.
"No qualifying time and no finish-line cut-off, welcoming runners and walkers alike."
The Story of the Honolulu Marathon
A Community Race Since 1973
The first Honolulu Marathon took place on December 16, 1973, with 167 starters and 151 finishers. The winner, Duncan Macdonald, was a 24-year-old University of Hawaiʻi medical student.
Those modest beginnings provide useful context for today’s international event. The marathon has grown considerably, but its open-entry approach remains central to its identity. There are no qualifying times and no published entry limit. Walkers are welcome, and there is no finish-line cut-off. Participants must nevertheless remain in motion, and officials may remove someone from the course for their safety or that of staff and volunteers.
"No time limit is an inclusive policy, not a substitute for preparation."
What to Expect on Race Day
The Marathon Course Across Oʻahu
The race begins beside Ala Moana Beach Park, then heads toward Honolulu Harbor and Aloha Tower. During miles two and three, the route passes through Chinatown and along South King Street.
This early section includes several important landmarks:
- ʻIolani Palace
- The King Kamehameha statue
- Kawaiahaʻo Church
- Honolulu Hale
- Mission Houses Museum
The course also passes Honolulu’s Christmas lights, adding a seasonal setting to the early morning miles.
"Running past a landmark is not the same as understanding it."
Beyond the Finish Line
Finisher Rewards and Photographs
Marathon entry includes a bib with timing chip, a finisher shirt, and a finisher medal. The shirt and medal are for finishers and must be collected at Kapiʻolani Park on race day; they are not mailed afterward.
MarathonFoto is the official photography company. Wearing your bib on the front helps photographers identify you. Photo purchases are separate from the basic entry inclusions. The organizer also offers finisher certificates at its Monday collection program, with a digital copy downloadable from the results page.
Practical Information
Published 2026 Marathon Fees
The organizer lists these standard registration rates in US dollars:
- September 8–October 12: $235 for Hawaiʻi, US mainland, and Canadian residents; $310 for international residents.
- October 13–December 3: $255 for Hawaiʻi, US mainland, and Canadian residents; $320 for international residents.
- Expo registration: $460 for the standard resident and international categories.
US active-duty military personnel and students have a published 10% discount during the online booking periods, with a separate $360 Expo rate. Participants registering from Japan are directed to the event’s Japanese registration process.
Preparing for the Marathon
Expo, Packet Pickup, and Island Travel
The 2026 Expo and packet pickup are confirmed at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96815:
- Thursday, December 10: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Friday, December 11: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Saturday, December 12: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Every participant must collect their own packet. Friends and family cannot pick up a bib on someone else’s behalf, and there is no race-day collection. Bring valid identification and the race-week email containing your bib number.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is the marathon?
It is Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 5 a.m.
Do runners need a qualifying time?
No. There are no qualifying times or entry limits, and walkers are welcome.
Is there a finishing cut-off?
No, but participants must remain in motion, and officials retain authority to remove someone for safety reasons.
How much does entry cost?
Through October 12, the published rate is $235 for Hawaiʻi, US mainland, and Canadian residents, and $310 for international residents. Later rates increase.
Where is packet pickup?
At the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, December 10–12. Each participant must attend personally, with pickup ending at 5 p.m. on December 12.
Is there a half marathon that weekend?
No. The December program includes the marathon, Start to Park 10K, and Kalākaua Merrie Mile.
Can participants bring strollers?
Only in the Start to Park 10K, starting at the back. Strollers are not allowed in the full marathon.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event category: Road marathon, with runners and walkers welcome.
- Event name: JAL Honolulu Marathon 2026.
- Date and start: Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 5 a.m.
- Distance: 26.2 miles.
- Start: Ala Moana Boulevard; final race-week directions should resolve the approach details.
- Finish: Kalākaua Avenue beside Kapiʻolani Park.
- Current standard fees: $235 domestic/Canadian categories; $310 international, through October 12.
- Next fees: $255 domestic/Canadian; $320 international, October 13–December 3.
- Standard Expo fee: $460.
- Expo: Hawaiʻi Convention Center, December 10–12, closing at 5 p.m. Saturday.
- Packet policy: Personal collection required; no race-day pickup.
- Qualifying time and cut-off: Neither required; safety rules remain applicable.
- Aid stations: 16; sports nutrition brands not yet confirmed.
Choose your distance, complete your registration, and make room for both preparation and island discovery. On December 13, 2026, Honolulu offers a long road, a welcoming finish, and the chance to make your Oʻahu visit part of a running tradition that began more than fifty years ago.
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