HONOLULU — With an estimated 35,000 runners and thousands of spectators expected, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) is urging the public to plan for road closures, expect longer drive times and keep safety top-of-mind for the 2025 Honolulu Marathon on Sunday, Dec. 14.
The marathon will begin at 5 a.m., but traffic control measures will be in place starting at 12:30 a.m. HPD will have a large presence at the start and finish lines, as well as along the race course to provide for the safety of all attendees.
“Our top priority is to ensure that runners, spectators and the wider community can enjoy a safe Honolulu Marathon this year,” said Major Clifford Ramson with HPD’s Major Events Division. “We’ve worked diligently with event organizers, the city and our partner first-responder agencies to plan for the safety and security of all in attendance. We’re glad to support legacy community events such as the marathon, but public safety is everyone’s kuleana. We ask that all in attendance follow directions from our officers and other first responders.”
Widespread traffic control measures will be in effect across the greater Honolulu area including Downtown, Kaka‘ako, Ala Moana, Waikīkī, Diamond Head, Kāhala, ‘Āina Haina, Niu Valley and East Honolulu.
Beginning at 12:30 a.m., one or more lanes along the race course will be closed and/or coned until the athletes complete that section of the course. Roadways will be progressively opened as the athletes clear each area. Tow-away zones will also be in effect from 12 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. For more detailed information about the race route and specific road closures, refer to the Honolulu Marathon’s traffic advisory.
In addition, HPD is advising the public that drone use will be prohibited at the Honolulu Marathon. A Temporary Flight Restriction has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the event which includes drone use. Unauthorized drones pose a serious safety risk to event attendees and enhanced enforcement measures will be in place to track illegal drone operators.
From racers, to spectators, to those just going about their day, HPD encourages everyone to show patience and aloha toward one another during the Honolulu Marathon.