North America / United States / Honolulu
JAL Honolulu Marathon 2026
At the starting line
A race worth the journey.
The Honolulu Marathon combines a pre-dawn city start with the coastal run toward Diamond Head and a finish in Kapiolani Park. The event welcomes runners and walkers without a marathon finishing-time limit.
Know the course
Race route
Explore the course and the climbs before you get to the starting line.
Marathon
Official course mapThe organizer’s course map is ready.
Open the official map to see the route, start and finish.
Elevation data not available
Organizer course source · Checked
Event history
First held in 1973
The first Honolulu Marathon was held in 1973. The organizer’s champions archive traces the men’s and women’s races from that inaugural edition.
Previous winners
The last ten completed editions where results can be verified. Overall men's and women's winners for this distance.
| Edition | Men | Time | Women | Time | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Tsegay Weldlibanos | 2:13:38 | Calli Hauger-Thackery | 2:30:43 | Results ↗ |
| 2024 | Yemane Haileselassie | 2:11:59 | Cynthia Limo | 2:31:14 | Results ↗ |
| 2023 | Paul Lonyangata | 2:15:41 | Cynthia Limo | 2:33:01 | Results ↗ |
| 2022 | Asefa Mengstu | 2:14:40 | Asayech Ayalew | 2:30:58 | Results ↗ |
| 2021 | Emmanuel Saina | 2:14:32 | Lanni Marchant | 2:41:25 | Results ↗ |
| 2019 | Titus Ekiru | 2:07:59 | Margaret Muriuki | 2:31:09 | Results ↗ |
| 2018 | Titus Ekiru | 2:09:01 | Vivian Jerono Kiplagat | 2:36:22 | Results ↗ |
| 2017 | Lawrence Cherono | 2:08:27 | Brigid Kosgei | 2:22:15 | Results ↗ |
| 2016 | Lawrence Cherono | 2:09:38 | Brigid Kosgei | 2:31:10 | Results ↗ |
| 2015 | Filex Kiprotich | 2:11:43 | Joyce Chepkirui | 2:28:34 | Results ↗ |
Ten completed editions through December 2025; the cancelled 2020 race is excluded. Organizer champions table used through 2022 and organizer race reports for 2023–2025. The 2023 report body gives 2:15:41; its photo caption differs by one second.
Runner perspectives
Selected summaries of public runner reviews. These describe the editions and distances noted, and experiences may change.
In his retrospective of the 2023 marathon, Bill enjoyed the fireworks but found crowded, loosely organized start corrals and early walkers difficult for steady pacing. He also describes humidity and toilet queues.
Bill (Bill Running Shoes) · Read review ↗2023Marathon
Torres’s 2018 account describes returning to a big running goal and the memorable festive start. Her personal story presents Honolulu as a meaningful experience rather than a guarantee of a fast race.
Christina Torres · Read review ↗2018Marathon
Typical race weather
December in Honolulu
- Average daytime high
- 25.1°C
- Average overnight low
- 22.6°C
- Average monthly precipitation
- 93 mm
December averages remain warm both by day and overnight. The small temperature change suggests packing light racing clothes, while keeping a dry top for after finishing. Average daily highs are 25.1°C and overnight lows 22.6°C. Average precipitation totals about 93 mm over the whole month. Rain preparation is sensible, but the total does not give the chance or timing of rain during the race. These are historical regional averages, not a forecast or race-hour temperatures; the coast, hills and start line may differ.
Climate source ↗ · NASA POWER / MERRA-2 grid near Honolulu (21.31°, -157.86°); not a weather station · December 2001–2020 (20 years)
Historical averages describe typical conditions, not the forecast or the temperature at the starting line.
What to wear
- Racing: a technical T-shirt or singlet with shorts is a useful starting point; adjust for your comfort and the forecast.
- Waiting at the start: bring a removable light layer; use a rain shell or poncho if rain is forecast.
- After finishing: keep a dry top and an extra layer in your finish bag.
- These are editorial clothing suggestions. Check the forecast close to race day and adapt to your own comfort.
Check the forecast close to race day and adjust your clothing to the start time and your own comfort.
Guide sources checked on .
Checked on 4 Oct 2026 · Event source
Map pins locate the host city, not the start line or race course.