Honolulu Marathon FAQ

Question: How can I receive my confirmation email again?
Answer: Please contact [email protected] for your confirmation email to be resent.

Question: How do I get my refund if I bought a refundable registration?
Answer: As you opted to make this a Refundable Registration, you may be eligible for a refund of your entry fee to this event from the refund company, Protect Group. To start the claim refund process, please follow these steps:

• Head to your booking via the ‘Manage my booking’ button in your confirmation email and enter your booking reference (this can also be found on your confirmation email)
• Scroll down to the ‘Refundable Registration’ box on your ‘Edit Bookings’ screen and click the link there
• Follow the on screen instructions to submit your request
• Please note, you will need the following information to hand to make your claim;
  Name of the event
  Event location
  Number of tickets you bought and need refunded
  Booking details
  Evidence of your reason for refunding (examples can be found in Protect Groups’ T&Cs here)

Question: Can I upgrade my place from the Start to Park 10k to the Honolulu Marathon?
Answer: Yes, you can upgrade from the Start to Park 10k to the Honolulu Marathon. To do this, you should contact [email protected] who will transfer the amount you paid for your Start to Park 10k to credit. You will then receive an email with a link to sign up for the Honolulu Marathon using this credit. This credit is usable for 1 week after you receive the email.

Question: Can I transfer my place?
Answer: Entries to the Honolulu Marathon Weekend events are generally non-refundable and non-deferrable to the following year, unless you purchased booking protection at the time of registration. However, you may be able to transfer your entry to another person. The deadline to transfer your only entry was November 9, 2025. You can also transfer to the Virtual Honolulu Marathon Beachfest, with the deadline of November 30, 2025.

You might also be able to transfer your place to the 10k or another person at the Honolulu Marathon Expo, subject to availability.

If you need your confirmation email sent to you again, then please contact
[email protected]

Question: Is my entry refundable or deferrable?
Answer: Entries to the Honolulu Marathon Weekend events are not refundable or deferrable to the following year unless booking protection was purchased at the time of registration.

Question: Can I postpone my registration to next year?
Answer: Entries to the Honolulu Marathon Weekend events are not refundable or deferrable to the following year unless booking protection was purchased at the time of registration.

Question: What is the deadline for event transfers and distance changes?
Answer: The deadline for changing your event distance or transferring your registration was November 9, 2025. You will now be able to transfer your place to another distance or person at the Expo for a fee of $30, subject to availability.

Question: How do visually impaired athletes register a guide and is there a complimentary code?
Answer: Visually impaired athletes, with their guides, should contact [email protected] to receive a 100% discounted code for their guides. They should then sign up using the normal registration page and use their unique code at checkout.

Question: Can visually impaired athletes start at the front?
Answer: Organizers are open to considering this to help navigate crowds. It’s recommended to proactively inquire about this by contacting [email protected]

Question: What should I do if credit is incorrect or expires?
Answer: If you believe the credit you were due for a transfer or event upgrade is incorrect, then please contact [email protected]. If your credit has expired, please
refer to any contact with the registration team about aforementioned expiration dates. Feel free to contact the team if you have any queries about the expiration of your credit.

Question: What happens if a payment plan fails, leading to cancellation of entry?
Answer: If your payment plan has failed for whatever reason, your entry may have been cancelled after alerting you to update your card details. To fix this, please contact [email protected] who will provide you with credit for what you have paid so far before your automatic payments stopped. You can then use this credit to re-register and pay the remaining balance.

Question: If my entry was cancelled due to a payment plan can the paid amount be used
towards re-entry?
Answer: Please contact [email protected] who will provide you with credit for what you have paid so far before your automatic payments stopped. You can then use this credit to re-register and pay the remaining balance.

Question: How do I get my bib number?
Answer: You will receive an email during race week with your bib number! Please bring this with you to the Expo to speed up your packet pick-up. The packet includes your physical race bib and timing chip.

Question: How do I get my bib number if I didn’t receive my email?
Answer: If you did not receive your bib number email, you can look up your bib number at the Honolulu Marathon Expo

Question: Can someone pick up my bib for me at the Expo?
Answer: This is not advised, however, please contact [email protected] who may be able to help.

Question: Can I transfer my entry even though transfers are closed?
Answer: Depending on availability, you may be able to change events from one to the other or transfer your entry to a friend at the Expo for a $30 fee, subject to availability.

Question: What is the start location and how early should I arrive?
Answer: The Honolulu Marathon starts at 5:00 AM at Ala Moana Boulevard / Queen Street Extension. You should plan to arrive well ahead of time—allowing for parking, warm‑ups,
last‑minute restroom stops, checking your gear, etc. Public transport or shared rides early in the morning is wise, since road closures will make it extremely difficult to get to the start by car.

Question: Where do I pick up my race packet, and what do I need to bring?
Answer: Packet pickup is at the Marathon Expo held at the Hawaii Convention Center. You must pick this up in person; someone else cannot collect your number or timing chip for you. Bring your registration confirmation (emailed during race week) and a valid photo ID.

Question: Are there gear or bag drop options on the course?
Answer: There is no clothing check‑in at the Start Area on race day or on the course and items left there may be donated. A clothing only check-in tent will be available at Kapiolani Park on Saturday December 13, 10:00AM – 5:00PM. If you wish to bring a bag for after the race, plan to coordinate with someone to meet you or use the clothing bag drop previously mentioned.

Question: Is there a bag drop?
Answer: A clothing only check-in tent will be available at Kapiolani Park on Saturday December 13, 10:00AM – 5:00PM. At Packet Pick-Up, runners may request an official bag for use at the clothing check-in tent. This bag is the only bag that security will accept at the tent. Your race bib has a tear off strip with your race number. Attach the tear off strip to the bag and tie a knot with the looped handles, so that your number is fixed to your bag. Your bag will be searched by Honolulu Marathon security personnel prior to bag acceptance.
The Honolulu Marathon assumes no responsibility for items left in that tent in the Park. Any unclaimed bags remaining as of 3:00PM on race day will be donated to charity.

Question: What are the weather conditions likely to be, and how should I prepare?
Answer: On race morning, temperatures are often in the mid‑60s°F (18‑20°C), rising to low 80s°F (27‑28°C) by mid‑morning. Expect humidity and sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, light clothing, and pace yourself with heat in mind.

Question: What support is available on the course (aid, medical, nutrition)?
Answer: There are 16 aid stations spaced along the Marathon course, providing water, sports drinks, and medical assistance. At two stations, Honey Stinger gels will be available. You are also allowed to carry your own supplies.

Question: Is there any cut‑off time? How strict is the time limit?
Answer: There is no official time limit — the finish line remains open until the last participant crosses. Everyone is welcome to finish, but you must keep moving and follow course rules.

Question: What happens if I can’t make it on race day? Refunds or deferrals?
Answer: Entry fees are not refundable. Deferrals to a future year are also not allowed unless you purchased booking protection when registering.

Question: What kind of terrain can I expect? Are there hills?
Answer: The course is mostly flat, but there is a stretch around Diamond Head with some uphill/downhill segments. The highest point is about 124 feet above sea level near mile 9.

Question: If I walked part of the course, will I still get a finisher shirt, medal, or certificate?
Answer: Yes. Walkers are welcome, and all finishers receive a medal and official finisher time. Finisher shirts for the full marathon are handed out after you finish the race in the finisher village. Finisher certificates are available on Finisher Monday or downloadable from the results page.

Question: What are the awards / how are divisions handled?
Answer: Awards are given in various divisions, and there is an Awards Ceremony held at Kapiolani Park after the race for the top three finishers.

Age group awards are made for the top three in each age group over 15 years old. The age group awards have to be collected at Finisher Monday. The age group awards will not be mailed out.
Question: Can international participants / travellers register, and are there any special
instructions for them?
Answer: Yes, registration is open for international residents.

Question: Is there a virtual participation option? If yes, how does that work?
Answer: Yes the Honolulu Marathon Virtual Beachfest. You have one month from December 15 to complete the distance and submit proof. Your medal and t-shirt will be mailed.

Question: What if I want to run with a friend, child, or use special equipment (e.g. stroller)?
Answer: Strollers are only allowed on the Start to Park 10k course, and must start at the back. Pets are not allowed. Everyone on course must be officially entered and wearing a bib.

Question: Are headphones / earphones allowed?
Answer: Yes, you may use headphones during the race.

Question: How can I track my race progress or see results?
Answer: A live tracking & results app/page will be available on race day using your bib number. Full results and digital finisher certificates will be available afterwards.

Question: Can I register on race weekend or at the start line?
Answer: Online registration closes on December 4 and late entries will be accepted at the Expo in the days prior the event. There is no same-day or race-weekend sign- up.

Question: Do I need to qualify with a certain time to enter?
Answer: No. The Honolulu Marathon is a non-qualifying race. Everyone is welcome

Question: What happens if I lose my race bib?
Answer: Bibs cannot be replaced. You must wear the official bib with timing chip to be recorded as a finisher.

Question: Can two people share one bib?
Answer: No. Each bib is tied to one person for timing and safety reasons. Sharing bibs will result in disqualification from future events.

Question: Will there be toilets on the course?
Answer: Yes. Portable restrooms are located at the start, along the course, and at the finish area.

Question: Are there pacers I can run with?
Answer: Official pacers are not provided. Many runners form informal groups, but plan your own pacing strategy.

Question: Can I run barefoot or in sandals?
Answer: You may, but for safety, proper running shoes are strongly recommended.

Question: What should I do if I feel unwell on the course?
Answer: Medical staff and volunteers are stationed at aid stations. If you need help, go to the nearest station or flag down an official.

Question: Can I use a bicycle, rollerblades, or skateboard?
Answer: No wheeled devices are allowed, except wheelchairs
Question: Where is the best place for friends and family to cheer?
Answer: Popular spots include Waikiki, Diamond Head Road, and the finish area at Kapiolani Park.
Question: Can someone hand me food or water on the course?
Answer: You can accept refreshments from friends, but official aid stations are the safest option.
Question: Do I need a visa to travel to Hawaii for the race?
Answer: Hawaii is part of the U.S. International runners should check U.S. entry requirements. This is separate from race registration.
Question: Are there official partner hotels?
Answer: Yes, the marathon partners with Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, which often offer race-friendly services and discounts for participants.
Question: Will there be food at the finish?
Answer: Yes. The finisher village at Kapiolani Park includes malasadas and bananas, water, and recovery drinks.
Question: Is there an official after-party?
Answer: While there isn’t an official party, many participants gather in Waikiki or around the finisher area to celebrate.
Question: How do I get my photos?
Answer: All Sports Community is the official race photographer. After the race, search by your bib number to purchase photos.

Experienced Runners
Question: Is the course certified for Boston Marathon qualification?
Answer: Yes. The Honolulu Marathon course is USATF-certified, and finishing times can be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Question: Are elite water bottles allowed on the course?
Answer: No personal elite bottle service is provided. All participants use the same aid stations with water, sports drink, and gels.
Question: Will there be split times and timing mats along the course?
Answer: Yes. Timing mats are placed at 10km intervals including the halfway mark, to ensure accurate tracking and pacing data.
Question: How crowded is the start, and can I get into a faster corral?
Answer: The start line is very large, with thousands of runners. We encourage runners to stick to the allocated start color which they can find on their race bib. This is based on the predicted time participants gave during registration and we use these groups to ensure a smooth start to the race! The flow usually clears quickly after the fireworks start.
Question: Is there prize money or appearance fees for top finishers?
Answer: Yes, the Honolulu Marathon offers a prize purse for the invited elites who place in the top positions. Details vary by year; elite athletes are managed by the race organizers.
Beginner Questions
Question: Do I have to run the whole way?
Answer: No. Many participants walk part or even most of the course. However, As long as you keep moving forward, you’ll be a finisher.
Question: What if I’ve never run a marathon before?
Answer: That’s okay! The Honolulu Marathon welcomes thousands of first-timers every year. With no cut-off time, it’s an ideal first marathon.
Question: How should I train if I’m new to running?
Answer: Start with short, consistent runs and gradually increase distance. Aim to build up to running or walking long distances comfortably. The Honolulu Marathon is partnered with Runna, an online training app who creates a personalized training plan based on your experience and schedule. Use code HONOLULU25 for a 2 week free trial!
Question: Will I get lost on the course?
Answer: No. The entire route is clearly marked, and there are volunteers, signs, and thousands of fellow runners. Just follow the course markings.
Question: Do I need special shoes or gear?
Answer: A comfortable pair of running shoes is essential. Light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat are also recommended for Hawaii’s warm climate. No special gear is required beyond
that. You are welcome to wear a running vest or even a backpack to carry your own hydration and snacks if you would like.
Question: What if I can’t finish?
Answer: If you need to stop, medical staff and course volunteers can assist you. However, because there’s no cut-off, most participants are able to finish at their own pace.

Tricky Questions
Question: My flight arrives late the night before the race. Can I pick up my bib on race
morning?
Answer: No. All bibs must be collected at the Honolulu Marathon Expo prior to race day.
There is no race-day bib pick-up.
Please contact [email protected] for more help.
Question: Can I park near the start line on race morning?
Answer: There is NO official parking available at the start or finish. Limited street parking is available near the start but many roads are closed. We strongly recommend being dropped-off, carpooling, or using ride-share. Limited street parking is available near the finish at Kapiolani Park, and shuttles run between the Honolulu Zoo and Ala Moana before the race.

Question: Do you provide shuttle buses from hotels to the start?
Answer: The race does not organize shuttles from hotels. Many participants stay within walking distance of the start or arrange private transport. There are complimentary shuttles running from the Honolulu Zoo to the Start from 2 AM – 4AM. Board early and don’t wait for the last shuttle as there may not be room for you.
Question: What happens if it rains heavily or there is a storm?
Answer: The race is held rain or shine. In the unlikely event of dangerous conditions, race officials may delay, modify, or cancel the event for safety reasons.
Question: Are there fireworks at the start every year?
Answer: Yes! The Honolulu Marathon traditionally begins with a fireworks display at 5:00AM.
Question: Can I run with a hydration vest or backpack?
Answer: Yes, small hydration vests or belts are permitted. For safety, avoid large backpacks or anything that could obstruct other runners.
Question: Can I wear a costume?
Answer: Costumes are welcome so long as they don’t endanger you or others (no large props, sharp objects, or anything that blocks visibility).
Question: Can I bring my drone to film the race?
Answer: No. Drones are not allowed along the course, start, or finish areas for safety and FAA compliance.
Question: Will there be live tracking for spectators to follow me?
Answer: Yes. Live tracking will be available via the results app/website on race day by searching your bib number.
Question: Can spectators enter the finish area?
Answer: Yes, spectators can access parts of the finish area after the finish chute and the finisher t-shirt tent. Spectators can cheer from the sides and meet runners in Kapiolani Park after they exit the chute.
Question: Can I give my runner food or gear mid-race?
Answer: Spectators may hand items to runners from the sidelines, but please do not step onto the course or block other participants.
Question: What if I test positive for COVID or another illness before the race? Can I defer?
Answer: Unfortunately, entries are not refundable or deferrable unless booking protection was purchased. You may transfer to the virtual race until November 30 or you can transfer to another distance or person at the Expo for a fee of $30. This is subject to availability.

Question: Are wheelchairs allowed?
Answer: Yes, there is an official wheelchair division. Please contact the organizers ahead of time for details. Recreational wheelchair participants are also welcome, but safety rules
apply as they must start at the back of the start group.

Question: Can I run with my service animal?
Answer: Service animals are permitted in accordance with ADA guidelines. However, for safety, please notify organizers in advance so accommodations can be made.

Question: How quickly will results be posted?
Answer: Preliminary results are typically available online on race day. Official results and certificates are available starting Finisher Monday.

Question: Will my Garmin/Strava time match the official time?
Answer: Official times are recorded by the timing chip on your bib. Personal devices may differ slightly due to GPS variations.

Question: If I stop for a break or photos, will that affect my chip time?
Answer: Yes. Chip timing measures your total elapsed time from start to finish, including breaks.

Question: Can I switch from the 10K to the marathon halfway through if I feel good?
Answer: No. You must complete the event you are officially registered for. Switching mid- race is not allowed and may result in disqualification.

Question: Can I carry my phone during the race?
Answer: Yes, you may carry your phone, provided you remain safe and don’t obstruct others.

Question: Do you provide childcare during the race?
Answer: No, the marathon does not provide childcare services. Please arrange this in advance.

Question: Will there be coffee available at the start?
Answer: There are no official concessions at the start line, but some runners bring their own pre-race snacks or drinks. Coffee shops in Waikiki may open early, but availability isn’t
guaranteed.