The Honolulu Marathon 2025 road closures are in full effect today, Sunday, December 14, 2025, as tens of thousands of runners take over Oʻahu’s streets for one of the world’s most scenic marathons. With more than 25,000 participants expected, the event brings both excitement and significant traffic impacts throughout Honolulu, Waikīkī, Kahala, and East Honolulu.
If you live, work, or travel anywhere along the race route, knowing which streets are closed and when is essential for avoiding delays. Below is the verified schedule of closures, detours, and travel advice for residents and visitors.
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Event Overview
The 2025 Honolulu Marathon began early this morning at 5:00 a.m. HST, starting near Ala Moana Beach Park and ending at Kapiʻolani Park in Waikīkī.
The 26.2-mile course showcases Oʻahu’s coastline and urban landscape, drawing runners from all 50 states and over 50 countries. Known for its “no time limit” policy, the Honolulu Marathon welcomes everyone from elite competitors to first-time walkers, making it one of the most inclusive marathons worldwide.
Key Event Details
- Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
- Start Time: 5:00 a.m.
- Start Location: Ala Moana Boulevard near Atkinson Drive
- Finish Location: Kapiʻolani Park, Waikīkī
- Participants: Over 25,000 runners and walkers
- Race Duration: Throughout the morning, with roads reopening by early afternoon
Honolulu Marathon 2025 Road Closures
Below is the official list of Honolulu Marathon 2025 road closures issued by city officials. Roads will reopen progressively as runners clear each section, but early morning traffic is heavily impacted across much of Honolulu.
Ala Moana & Downtown Honolulu
- Ala Moana Boulevard (Atkinson Dr. to Ward Ave.)
⏰ Closed from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. - Atkinson Drive (Kapiʻolani Blvd. to Ala Moana Blvd.)
⏰ Closed from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. - Ward Avenue (Queen St. to Kapiʻolani Blvd.)
⏰ Closed from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Waikīkī and Kapiʻolani Park
- Kalākaua Avenue (Ala Moana Blvd. to Kapahulu Ave.)
⏰ Closed from 4:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Kapahulu Avenue (Kuhio Ave. to Monsarrat Ave.)
⏰ Closed from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Monsarrat Avenue (Kapahulu Ave. to Paki Ave.)
⏰ Closed from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Paki Avenue (Kalākaua Ave. to Monsarrat Ave.)
⏰ Closed from 4:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Diamond Head and Kahala
- Diamond Head Road (Kalākaua Ave. to Paikō Dr.)
⏰ Closed from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Kahala Avenue (Paikō Dr. to Hunakai St.)
⏰ Closed from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Kilauea Avenue (Hunakai St. to 22nd Ave.)
⏰ Closed from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hawaiʻi Kai and East Honolulu
- Kalanianaʻole Highway (Ainakoa Ave. to Hawaii Kai Dr.)
⏰ Closed from 4:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Hawaii Kai Drive (Keahole St. to Kalanianaʻole Hwy.)
⏰ Closed from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Drivers should avoid these areas during the early hours and use alternate routes when possible.
Detours and Alternate Routes
With so many key roads affected, expect significant delays across Honolulu through midday. The City and County of Honolulu has provided detour guidance to help minimize disruptions:
- East Honolulu traffic: Use Waialae Avenue or H-1 Freeway to bypass the Kalanianaʻole Highway closure.
- Downtown and Kakaʻako commuters: Choose Beretania Street or King Street as alternate routes.
- Waikīkī access: Use Ala Wai Boulevard for limited local traffic access.
Public transportation routes, including TheBus, have been adjusted around the race course. Riders should check for temporary stop relocations or cancellations before heading out.
Parking Restrictions
Temporary “No Parking” zones are in effect throughout the marathon route. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
Major no-parking zones include:
- Ala Moana Boulevard between Atkinson Drive and Ward Avenue
- Kalākaua Avenue through Waikīkī
- Kahala Avenue and Diamond Head Road
Residents are encouraged to park on unaffected side streets or use public transit where available.
Public Transportation Updates
Several TheBus routes serving Waikīkī, Ala Moana, and Hawaii Kai are detoured today. Services will resume normal operation once roads reopen.
Biki Bikeshare stations along the race route may also experience temporary closures. Users should check the Biki app for station availability.
For rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, pick-up and drop-off points have been relocated outside of Kalākaua Avenue and Kapiʻolani Park to avoid congestion near the finish line.
Community and Economic Impact
The Honolulu Marathon brings a significant economic boost to Hawaii each year. The 2025 event is estimated to contribute over $100 million in visitor spending, as thousands of runners and their families fill hotels, restaurants, and local shops across Oʻahu.
The marathon is also a major community event, with more than 4,000 volunteers helping at water stations, medical tents, and finisher support areas. Local students, nonprofits, and sports clubs participate, turning the event into a celebration of aloha and endurance.
Safety and Emergency Services
Safety remains a top priority for marathon organizers and city officials. The Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, and event medical teams are stationed throughout the route.
Key safety measures include:
- First aid stations every 2 miles.
- Medical tents at the start, midpoint, and finish line.
- Hydration stops at regular intervals with water and electrolytes.
- Security patrols and course marshals ensuring smooth race operations.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and remain aware of surroundings along the race route.
Weather Outlook for Race Day
Runners are enjoying near-perfect weather conditions this morning. Temperatures at the start line hovered around 72°F, rising to the low 80s by late morning. Trade winds around 10–15 mph are providing a cooling breeze, and skies remain mostly sunny.
Humidity levels are moderate, so hydration remains crucial for runners completing the latter stages of the marathon, especially near Hawaii Kai and Diamond Head.
When Roads Will Reopen
Most roads begin reopening by 10:00 a.m., once the bulk of runners have cleared key sections. The final sweep of the route is expected by 3:00 p.m., when all major streets return to normal traffic flow.
Police will reopen each area progressively, starting from Downtown and moving east toward Kapiʻolani Park.
Honolulu Marathon Highlights
This year’s Honolulu Marathon once again highlights the event’s unique atmosphere and global appeal.
The course passes some of Oʻahu’s most iconic sites, including:
- Ala Moana Beach Park
- Waikīkī Beachfront
- Diamond Head Lookout
- Kahala residential district
- Hawaii Kai Marina
At the finish line, Kapiʻolani Park hosts festivities, including live music, refreshments, and finisher celebrations throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
The Honolulu Marathon 2025 road closures bring expected traffic challenges but also celebrate one of Hawaii’s greatest traditions. From the first light of dawn to the final finisher crossing the line, the event captures the spirit of aloha and perseverance.
If you’re driving today, plan ahead, stay patient, and enjoy the energy that fills Honolulu every December as the marathon takes center stage.
