Planning to participate in the Honolulu Marathon? One of the first things to consider, especially if you’re traveling from afar, is what time it is in Honolulu. Knowing the local time is crucial for everything from adjusting to jet lag to making sure you’re at the starting line on time. This guide will walk you through how to enter the Honolulu Marathon and ensure you’re ready for race day, Honolulu time!
Registering for the Honolulu Marathon
Entry to the Honolulu Marathon is open to everyone aged seven years and older. The best part? There are absolutely no qualifying standards to meet, and there’s no official cut-off time once you’re on the course. This makes it a welcoming and achievable goal for runners of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned marathoners. Ready to join thousands of others in this iconic race?
What Your Honolulu Marathon Entry Includes
Your registration fee unlocks more than just a spot on the starting line. Every participant receives a comprehensive race package, including:
- Race bib and timing chip: Essential for tracking your official race time.
- Finisher shirt: A commemorative garment to proudly display your achievement.
- Finisher Medal: A tangible symbol of your perseverance and completion of the marathon.
- Post-race treats, including freshly made malasadas: Delicious local pastries to refuel your body after the race.
- Access to post-race festivities: Celebrate your accomplishment with fellow runners and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Honolulu Marathon Packet Pick-Up Details
You’ll need to collect your race packet before race day at the Honolulu Marathon Expo, conveniently located at the Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. Make sure to factor this into your schedule as packets will not be mailed, and absolutely no packets will be distributed on Race Day.
Expo Hours:
- Thursday, December 11: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday, December 12: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, December 13: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Your packet will contain your BIB number, which has an embedded timing chip, so keep it safe!
Getting to the Start Line and Race Time in Honolulu
The Honolulu Marathon start line is located on Ala Moana Boulevard. If you are staying in Waikiki, walking to the start is highly recommended, offering a great warm-up before the race. For those driving, be sure to consult the official guide for getting to the start for parking directions and traffic information.
The race officially starts at 5:00 AM, Honolulu time, on Sunday, December 14. Participants are encouraged to arrive early, especially if you anticipate starting closer to the front of the pack. Your bib is color-coded for designated start areas to help with organization. Crucially, the start line closes at 5:30 AM, and all participants must have crossed the line by this time. Setting your watch to Honolulu time upon arrival will be essential to avoid any last-minute stress!
The Honolulu Marathon Course Highlights
The Honolulu Marathon course is a scenic journey through some of Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks. Runners will traverse downtown Honolulu, passing the historic Iolani Palace and festive Christmas lights (depending on the time of year). The course winds through vibrant Waikiki and then presents a memorable climb up and around Diamond Head. Venturing further, the route extends through Kahala and out to Hawaii Kai before looping back. The return journey offers breathtaking ocean views as it passes Diamond Head again, culminating in a finish within Kapiolani Park.
Post-Race Festival Area
Upon crossing the finish line, you’ll be awarded your finisher medal and directed into the finisher village. Here, you can rehydrate, collect your finisher shirt, and revel in the post-race atmosphere. The finisher area is designed to help you recover and celebrate your achievement after your run. Find more details about the Finisher Area online.
Understanding Honolulu Time (HST) for Race Day
Honolulu operates on Hawaii Standard Time (HST), which does not observe daylight saving time. It’s essential to know that HST is 10 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-10). For those traveling from the mainland United States, Honolulu is typically 5-6 hours behind Eastern Time and 2-3 hours behind Pacific Time, depending on daylight saving. Confirming what time it is in Honolulu closer to race day will ensure your body clock is aligned and you don’t miss the 5:00 AM start. Numerous online time zone converters can provide the current time in Honolulu, helping you plan your arrival and race day schedule effectively.
By understanding the race details and, crucially, what time it is in Honolulu, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic Honolulu Marathon experience!
