The JAL Honolulu Marathon is a world-renowned event celebrated for its scenic course and the inclusive 'Aloha Spirit' that welcomes runners of all abilities. As one of the largest marathons in the United States, it uniquely features no time limit and no qualification requirements, making it exceptionally accessible.

The course begins on Ala Moana Boulevard, guiding runners through historic downtown Honolulu and the vibrant streets of Waikiki before heading out along the coast. The route is predominantly flat, with over 80% of the course featuring grades of less than 1%, making it conducive to faster pacing.

The course's primary topographical challenges come from the rolling climbs around iconic Diamond Head crater. Runners encounter this landmark twice: first as a notable ascent around mile 7.5, then again as a more demanding climb late in the race near mile 24.

The defining challenge of the Honolulu Marathon is not the terrain, but the tropical climate. Based on historical data, runners should prepare for warm and humid conditions from start to finish. Temperatures typically begin in the low 70s Fahrenheit during the dark early miles and climb into the high 70s as morning progresses.

With humidity remaining high throughout and significant sun exposure along the coastal Kalanianaʻole Highway, effective hydration and heat management are essential for success. The ever-present trade winds can provide either welcome relief or an added layer of resistance, depending on their direction and intensity.

• Event Date: December 14, 2025
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.2 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 46.37
• Total Ascent: 408.01 ft
• Total Descent: 423.26 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 7.46, 0.71 mi at an average grade of 2.53%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 21.87, 0.71 mi at an average grade of -0.81%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 23.71, 0.3 mi at an average grade of 2.86%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 9.59, 0.41 mi at an average grade of -3.15%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 3 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 3 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 80.9%
  • Minor Incline: 7.8%
  • Minor Decline: 6.6%
  • Moderate Incline: 2.3%
  • Moderate Decline: 1.9%
  • Challenging Decline: 0.4%

The race begins at 5:00 AM under a spectacular fireworks display on Ala Moana Boulevard. The first several miles unfold in darkness, as civil twilight doesn't begin until 6:36 AM. This opening stretch takes you west briefly before guiding you through the historic downtown district, where you'll pass landmarks like the King Kamehameha Statue around mile 2.25.

The route then winds through the Kaka'ako and Ala Moana neighborhoods before turning onto Kalākaua Avenue, Waikiki's main thoroughfare. The terrain remains remarkably flat throughout this section, offering ideal conditions for a strong start. However, the combination of pre-dawn darkness, dense crowds of runners, and natural early-race excitement calls for disciplined pacing.

As you move through Waikiki, the first hints of dawn will begin to appear on the horizon, though sunrise itself is still some time away. The enthusiastic spectators lining the streets and the unmistakable atmosphere of this iconic Hawaiian setting create an unforgettable opening to the marathon experience.

• Navigate the Dark Start: The first 90 minutes of the race are run before sunrise. Be mindful of your footing and the runners around you in the low-light conditions.
• Practice Pacing Discipline: The flat terrain and excitement from the fireworks will tempt you to start too fast. Settle into a conservative, sustainable pace to conserve energy for the warmer, more challenging miles ahead.

• None.

• None.

• Nuuanu Ave / King Kamehameha Statue (Mile 2.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Ala Moana Blvd (Kaka‘ako / Pi‘ikoi–Ward area) (Mile 4.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Ala Moana Beach Park / Atkinson Dr (near Convention Ctr) (Mile 5.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• King Kamehameha Statue (~Mile 2.25): A famous statue honoring the first king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, located in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale.
• Waikiki Beach (~Mile 5.7) (Spectator Zone): Run along Kalākaua Avenue, the main street bordering the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
• Honolulu Zoo (~Mile 6.13): The course passes by the entrance to the Honolulu Zoo as it enters Kapi'olani Park.

As you exit Kapi'olani Park around mile 7, the course presents its first significant topographical challenge: the climb around Diamond Head. This is the race's longest continuous ascent, gaining over 90 feet in half a mile. While the grade remains manageable, you'll notice a distinct shift from the flat opening miles. After cresting the climb, a welcome series of descents carries you through the affluent Kahala neighborhood.

Around mile 11, the course joins Kalaniana'ole Highway for a long, straight out-and-back section along the coast. This portion of the race offers expansive ocean views but leaves you exposed to the rising sun and potential trade winds.

You'll run east through residential areas like 'Āina Haina and into Hawai'i Kai, reaching the turnaround point at Hawaii Kai Towne Center at mile 17.4. Through this extended stretch, maintaining a steady rhythm and staying well-hydrated become especially important as the day warms up.

• The First Climb: The ascent around Diamond Head, starting at mile 7.46, is your first test. Maintain a steady effort rather than pushing the pace to conserve energy for the miles to come.
• Manage Sun and Wind Exposure: The Kalaniana'ole Highway section is very exposed. Prepare for direct sun and potential headwinds or crosswinds coming off the ocean.

• Climb #1: Mile 7.46 to Mile 7.96, 0.51 mi, avg grade 3.42%, total gain 91.11 ft
• Climb #2: Mile 9.09 to Mile 9.19, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.27%, total gain 17.49 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 9.29 to Mile 9.39, 0.1 mi, avg grade -5.7%, total drop 31.2 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 9.59 to Mile 9.9, 0.31 mi, avg grade -3.88%, total drop 63.16 ft

• Kalakaua Ave & Paki Ave – Kapiolani Park / Honolulu Zoo (Mile 7.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Diamond Head Rd – Kapiolani Community College (Mile 8.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade, Honey Stinger Gel
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kahala – Kilauea Ave / Kahala Mall area (Mile 10.3)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Wailupe Beach Park (Mile 11.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kawaikui Beach Park (Mile 13.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Maunalua Bay Beach Park (Mile 15)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Hawaii Kai Dr & Keahole St – Hawaii Kai Towne Center (Mile 17.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade, Honey Stinger Gel
  • Toilet: Yes

• Diamond Head Lighthouse (~Mile 7.86): A historic lighthouse located on the slopes of Diamond Head, offering a scenic landmark during the first climb.

After the turnaround, the final leg of the marathon begins by retracing your steps west along the Kalaniana'ole Highway. This return stretch can be mentally demanding, as you'll be running on tired legs while the temperature and humidity reach their daily peak. Breaking this long segment into smaller goals—focusing on reaching each aid station ahead—can help maintain your mental momentum.

The course's final and most decisive challenge awaits: the second climb around Diamond Head. Starting around mile 23.8, this climb is where the race is often won or lost. Though similar in profile to the first ascent, it arrives at a point when your body has already given so much. The familiar terrain now demands everything you have left.

After conquering this last major hill, a rewarding descent begins around mile 25, allowing you to recover and gather momentum for the finish. The last mile unfolds as a flat, triumphant run along Kalākaua Avenue, culminating at the finish line within Kapi'olani Park, just steps from the ocean.

• Stay Mentally Strong on the Return: The long, straight return on the highway can be mentally taxing. Use landmarks and the frequent aid stations to break the distance into smaller, achievable goals.
• Conquer the Final Climb: The race's decisive climb begins near mile 24. Conserve enough energy to maintain a steady effort up and over the crest, knowing a final downhill push awaits.
• Master Heat and Humidity: These final hours are the warmest of the day. Make hydration your top priority. Use every aid station to take in fluids and cool your body down.

• Climb #3: Mile 23.82 to Mile 24.02, 0.2 mi, avg grade 3.66%, total gain 39.24 ft

• Descent #3: Mile 25.04 to Mile 25.34, 0.3 mi, avg grade -4.95%, total drop 79.2 ft

• Maunalua Bay Beach Park (Return) (Mile 19.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kawaikui Beach Park (Return) (Mile 21.3)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Wailupe Beach Park (Return) (Mile 22.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kahala Ave & Kealaolu Ave (Waialae Country Club) (Mile 23)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Diamond Head Lighthouse (Mile 25)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kalakaua Ave & Paki Ave – Kapiolani Park (Mile 26)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• Kapi'olani Park Finish Line (~Mile 26.2) (Spectator Zone): The finish line is located in historic Kapi'olani Park, where finishers are greeted with medals and refreshments.