Where to Stay for Honolulu Marathon Weekend?
The best hotels to consider if you are in Honolulu for the marathon are the ones close to the zoo, Kapiolani Park and Ala Moana Boulevard. Fortunately, a majority of the top ones are within walking distance of the start and finish areas. Here are some options:
– With 5.2 acres of the Waikiki shorefront, the hotel is a dream of an accommodation for those who stay in it. It sits in the heart of Waikiki, providing easy access to the marathon. The Marriott is among the best hotels on Kalakaua Avenue. Guests are treated to soothing sounds of the ocean waves overlooking the hotel, charming scenery and stunning views of the Diamond Head crater.
– Situated halfway between Waikiki and downtown, the Ala Moana Hotel is as convenient as it gets. A big selling point is the proximity to the world largest open-air shopping centre – Ala Moana Centre. Guests can indulge in some shopping while in Honolulu. Making your way to the race start point or back from the finish area is as easy as walking down the street.
– The hotel boasts the biggest oceanfront in Waikiki. Guests get to enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Diamond Head volcanic crater. The gorgeous panorama of blue waters and a white sandy beach complete the look. Its location on Kalia Rd positions it only a mile from the race. The Hilton Hawaiian Village offers plenty of activities, especially for a family holiday.
– As one of the partner hotels for the Honolulu Marathon, the Outrigger Reef Waikiki is perfect for your accommodation needs. It’s 1.5 miles from the race on Kalia Rd. Both the start and finish points are nearby, so you don’t have to fret too much about transportation if you stay here. With the Honolulu Zoo only half a mile away, you can catch the free bus to Ala Moana. The hotel provides magnificent views of the Pacific, an exquisite, sandy shoreline and excellent service.
Honolulu Waikiki Beach
Where does the Honolulu Marathon start ?
The race begins at the Ala Moana Boulevard at 5 am. It’s at Ala Moana Beach Park, which consists of 100 acres surfing spots, park and beaches. Participants have their assigned sections, and it’s imperative that you be at yours when the time comes.
The marathon and 10k have start groups created based on estimated finish times, so know to which one you belong. These groups ensure that runners of similar paces begin the race together. Different colours are assigned to the groups, and you have to wear a bib with the correct colour. The starting area has portable facilities for guests. Ensure that you get the official map of the race for the correct runners’ entrances to the start line.
>Find my Honolulu Hotel near the start line of the marathon
How to Get to Start Line ?
The hotel where you stay determines the most suitable way to find your way to the start point. If your accommodation is close by, you can opt to walk to Ala Moana Boulevard/Queen Street Extension.
A free bus service is available from the Honolulu Zoo to the starting area. Participants can’t enter the area from the front of the Starting Line. You are required to use Piikoi Street or the back of Atkinson Drive.
Where does the Honolulu Marathon finish ?
The marathon finish line is at Kapiolani Park, one of the busiest recreational facilities in Hawaii. Whether you are participating or cheering someone on, the park offers so much to do after the event.
The fun about this race is that everyone has the chance to finish because the line remains open until the last person comes through. Finishers will receive t-shirts after showing their numbers at the tent set up around the area. The finish section also has a food tent where people can delight in masaladas, bagels and bananas.
An awards ceremony, which starts at 1 pm takes place at the Bandstand at Kapiolani Park. Everyone who completes the marathon also gets a certificate the following Monday.
>Find my Honolulu Hotel near the finish line of the marathon
Hawaii Diamond Head
About The Honolulu Marathon – December 08th, 2024
The first race was held in 1973, and since then the Honolulu Marathon continues to attract participants from all over the world. It’s currently the fourth-largest in the U.S and top ten in the world.
The Honolulu Marathon is as recognisable as the New York, Boston and London Marathon. Runners have to tackle a relatively flat course with the highest point around Diamond Head at 38m above sea level. Finishers get a medal and an exciting celebration. The race is part of a three-day event that is an opportunity to immerse in Hawaiian culture.
A concert takes place the day before the race to entertain visitors and allow participants to relax before the big event. For people who prefer not to run the entire 42.2 Km, there’s a half-marathon for 10 KM. Also, you can join the Kalakaua Merrie Mile the day before the marathon, a one-mile race in Waikiki.
Plenty of accommodation is located within easy reach of both start & finish line. Choose between different Hawaii marathon hotels, from budget friendly to luxurious resorts. Another option is to stay in a condo or self catering apartment.