Honolulu Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Sandra .
San Francisco, CA

  (03-29-2010)

"This is my hometown marathon so I figured I should run it one day. First off, it is a fairly large race. The organization at the start was horrible. Basically no corrals or realistic signs to get you lined up (they were done in one HOUR segments... So, 4-5 hour finish, 3-4 hour finish, etc.) but no one seemed to pay attention. If you want to run anything faster than an 11:00 pace, line WAY up in the front.

The race starts SO early so 1) you have to wake up really early and 2) it is pitch black for almost 2 hours. So there isn't much sight-seeing the first half.

The majority of the race is a LOOOONG out and back which is really dull and really uninspiring. There are rarely any beach views.

The aid stations were great with ice in the cups which is much needed in the Hawaii heat. The spectators were very into it (though most are from Japan so you can't really understand what they are saying).

The expo is more of a Hawaii tourist stunt with Hawaii-type booths vs. runner booths or booths catering to the very large Japanese clientele. If you are from out of town, you might like this, though.

They do not have baggage check the morning of the race. You have to drop the bag off yourself at the finish area the day before (the finish area is not that close to the expo, either). The finish area was horribly organized. Bad signage to direct you where to pick up your (really, really ugly) finisher's shirt and keychain.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this one or run it again. If you could get up front it is a fairly fast course if you are heat-acclimated. There is one significant climb over Diamond Head you do twice, but overall it is pretty flat. If you're looking for a race where you feel like you're "running in Hawaii" I'd look for another."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Christine C.
San francisco, CA

  (03-04-2010)

"Diamond Head...good warmup in Mile 3. Not so fun in Mile 24. Honolulu, what can I say...humid even in December but spectacular scenery along the way. You may need more hydration than you think. I ran out at mile 16 and ate everything I had.

I saw a guy running in clogs and a kimono. I also remember a blind Japanese person being led by a sighted person. I thought that was pretty inspiring. From silly to superstars! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2005

Tai L.
Honolulu, HI

  (12-13-2009)

"I had so much fun. If I was a visitor, I would probably expect more beach scenery along the route, but it was just fine for me. The Japanese tourists are so much fun and dress up, which makes the race very entertaining. I saw a tiger, bride and groom, lots of santas, and I think they were kinesiotape for the mere fact that it is colored and looks nice. Watching those participants made the race that much more enjoyable.

Lots of aid stations, sponges, and people cheering you on. It was a great first marathon and now I am hooked!

The only lame thing was the food offered after the race. Apples and cookies? Where were the bananas?"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jenny V.
San Francisco, CA

  (08-20-2009)

"I'm not sure I can give a fair review of this race since it poured the year I ran it. I've never been so drenched before, during and after a race. Also, since it was cloudy and overcast, the views were not that great. There aren't very many places along the course where there's a nice view since a lot of it is through the suburbs. The actual race isn't very well organized. I don't remember there being waves or corrals so I spent most of the race weaving through people. Since this is a big destination marathon for Japanese people, the entire race course was packed and it was hard to breakaway. The course starts so early in the morning, it's pretty dark until you're almost done. The plus side is that it's a great excuse to go to Hawaii (not that anyone really needs one) and you can spend your post-race days laying on the beach."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Doug A.
San Rafael, CA

  (06-25-2009)

"I've done this race 11 times just for fun. Its an excuse to go to Hawaii in December before the room rates go up. This is not a course to qualify for Boston or set a PR. It can get very hot, but its rained very hard the last 2 years. Be prepared."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Jason S.
Chicago, IL

  (06-11-2009)

"Very pretty course with some killer ocean views. Nice race."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2005

Denise C.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-06-2009)

"It rained so hard that my socked were wet before I started! The course was too crowded. I had to run around dodging people the whole race! For it being in Hawaii, the course wasn't that pretty."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007