If you struggle with running in cold temperatures, opt the Honolulu Marathon instead. Hosted in December, it’s the third largest marathon in the United States,
attracting around 30,000 runners each year with many entrants coming from Japan. The course winds along Oahu’s spectacular coastline, beginning in Ala Moana Beach Park and looping through Waikiki Beach,
Koko Head Crater and Diamond Head before winding to the finish line at Kapiolani Park. Although the 5 a.m. start time may be a bit early for some runners, it’s designed to avoid Honolulu’s heat and humidity.
To help runners cool off during the race, organizers provide cooling sponges and gels along the course, and showers at the finish line.