I have run the Honolulu Marathon for the past 18 years, and although it is one of my favorites I am always amazed at how little support the local community gives this race. It must bring in millions to the economy, but some of the folks in Hawaii Kai act like we are an imposition. I love this race after the Aloha station. And from triangle park in it is the absolute best. Seeing the water and the surfers as you crest Diamond Head is a rush. If you aren't affected by Diamond Head something has got to be wrong with you.

I've been lucky enough to live here 3 years and have run this marathon each of them. Am leaving this year and will miss the great weather and an extremely well organized race (considering 20k participants).

The Honolulu Marathon was my first marathon and I rank it 5 out of 5 in every respect. The early morning start was great as it gets warm fairly fast after the sun gets out at 7 am. The fireworks, singing of our national athem, and prayer began the race with lots of enthusiasm. Running downtown at predawn was awesome with the lighted Christmas decorations. Lots of spectators along the way. And the nice surprise was all the entertainment. The best was the Japanese drums! This year we were blessed by good weather. Although the head winds were gusting to 25 mph at times, the beauty made up for this. The finish line was the best- very organized. And the carnival atmosphere at the park where we finished had local entertainment so you could kick off your shoes and rest. (I might add that even my 80 year old mother in a wheel chair had no problems seeing me at the finish line and getting transportation back to the hotel. This is a great city for the handicapped.) I HIGHLY recommend this marathon to any first-time marathoner.

Words can not describe how beautiful this course was or how well supported you felt!.... Even Diamond Head felt more like a bump because there were so many people wishing you well! My first marathon and I will definitely do this one again! No Maste!!!!!

This was my 3rd marathon (I'm a 7 hour + finisher) and the hardest one due to the elements. But the organization, the crowds and the scenery made it worth it. The whole experience made for an incredible day. Slower runners and walkers are made to feel very welcome. Very laid back. Course is tough both times through Diamond Head, but look at the ocean on the way back...it helps take your mind off of it all. It was awesome to see the winners come in...while we were first trudging up Diamond Head at the 7 mile point! Volunteers were awesome...a big thank you to all of them. Lots of water stops...and grab every water sponge you can...you'll need it. Highly recommend this race.

A scenic, cool, beautiful run. Spectators are excellent and noisy and extremely supportive. This will be my 15 marathon. I've run Honolulu a couple of times and going for number 3. A must for all Marathoners.

Like a lot of the others, this was my first marathon. There was really no pressure to run the whole way since a lot of the particpants walk.

The race starts early in the morning so half of it could be completed before it gets really hot. Diamond Head is the only difficult incline.

Also, I think the terrain is easier on the feet because I'm now running in New York. My next marathon is the New York City one, I'm sure it will be pretty competitive.

Still, for a beginner and my first one, this was the perfect choice. More experienced runners should look elsewhere.

I give the course a 5 for beauty, after all, you're in Hawaii. In '92 the city decided to tear up the road used in the marathon. Needless to say, 30,000 runners crammed on one side of an already narrow highway does not make for fast running. Thousands of novice marathoners also slowed the pace. Most started walking by mile 8 and it was difficult to pass them. My favorite part was when people started smoking during the marathon. I love the shirt and finisher medal even though it took me way more time than it should have due to the crowd. I'm glad I did it but wouldn't go back.

As this was my first marathon I loved this race (Dec 2000). It started out at 5:30am with a full moon lighting up the whole start area and then because it was still otherwise dark, the fireworks to start the race were spectacular (although some of my friends who live nearby didn't appreciate it). My main complaint was the only shuttle buses to the start were from the finish line area, about 1 1/2 miles from the 'Official Race Hotel' which was also about 2 miles from the start so the only real choice is to walk to the start, not a great distance but still...a pain at 4:30-5:00am.

The first few miles are through downtown Honolulu with plenty of fans and volunteers, and the Christmas lights in Downtown were a great sideshow. The race next goes through the heart of Waikiki (flat) until the road up/around Diamond Head (NOT flat!). The rest of the race is also flat, some with ocean view, and doubles back until the return back down Diamond Head with the finish about one mile after that. Bands and hula dancers set up along the route were also a nice touch. Great fun and motivation to do my next marathon (Maui 'Run with the Whales' 3/2001).

If you want a fun, no pressure marathon in Paradise, don't look further. Average finish time in 2000 was 5h45' with a lot of walkers and first timers. Start and finish located within walking distance from Waikiki hotels. A must do ! Great ambiance with other runners and spectators !
That was my 27th marathon and I place this one next to New York at the top of my list !
5 am start allows you to be done in time for lunch on the beach !