Hapalua Half Marathon Honolulu: Road Closures and Restrictions

More than 12,000 runners expected for Hawaii's largest half marathon event

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:41pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant tropical colors, breaking down the Hapalua Half Marathon race and Honolulu cityscape into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, conceptually representing the dynamic energy and movement of the event.The Hapalua Half Marathon's dynamic course and Honolulu's iconic landmarks are deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, capturing the energy and excitement of this annual running event.Honolulu Today

The Hapalua Half Marathon, Honolulu's largest running event, is set to take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, with over 12,000 participants expected. The 13.1-mile course will require extensive road closures and traffic restrictions throughout Waikiki and downtown Honolulu to accommodate the runners.

Why it matters

The Hapalua Half Marathon is a major annual event that draws thousands of runners to Honolulu, providing an economic boost to the city. However, the road closures and traffic disruptions required to host the race can also create challenges for local residents and businesses. Advance planning and communication are crucial to minimize the impact on the community.

The details

The race will begin at 6 a.m. at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki, with runners following a route that includes Kapiolani Boulevard, Ala Moana Boulevard, Alakea Street, Queen Street, Bishop Street, Kalakaua Avenue, and Diamond Head Road before finishing at Kapiolani Park. Significant road closures will be in effect, with most roads expected to reopen by 9 a.m. on race day. Traffic bound for Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue will be diverted onto Kuhio Avenue, and the King Street exit to Kapahulu Avenue is recommended for those traveling to Waikiki via the H1 freeway. Limited access and delays are also expected in areas such as Ala Moana Beach Park, Kewalo Basin Harbor, and Kaka'ako Waterfront as runners pass through key intersections.

  • The Hapalua Half Marathon is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • Most roads are expected to reopen by 9 a.m. on April 12, 2026.

The players

Honolulu Police Department

The Honolulu Police Department will manage the flow of cross-traffic once the majority of runners have passed through specific areas.

Honolulu Marathon

Any questions or concerns regarding the event should be directed to the Honolulu Marathon at [email protected].

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What’s next

Runners and spectators are advised to plan their travel and arrival times accordingly to avoid delays and disruptions caused by the road closures and traffic restrictions during the Hapalua Half Marathon.

The takeaway

The Hapalua Half Marathon is a significant event for Honolulu, but the necessary road closures and traffic disruptions can create challenges for the local community. Effective communication, planning, and coordination between the organizers, city officials, and the public are crucial to ensure a successful and safe event while minimizing the impact on residents and businesses.