Honolulu Marathon Keiki Race: The Family-Friendly 1-Mile Fun Run

The Honolulu Marathon happens every December and draws 25,000+ runners from around the world. Most parents who run the marathon (or who think their kids might one day) wonder if there is a kid-scale race tied to the weekend. The answer is yes: the Santa Hat 1-Mile Family Fun Run, held on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at Ala Moana Beach Park - one week before the marathon, but unmistakably part of the marathon-weekend energy. It is the family running event of the year on Oahu, and it is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the joy of running their first race.

The Event Overview

The Santa Hat 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run is held at Ala Moana Beach Park on December 6, 2026. The 1-Mile race is the keiki event, intended as a timed kids' race with awards in three age groups: Under 5, 5-9, and 10-14. The top 3 overall boys and girls in each age group get medals.

The vibe is community, festive, and Christmas-themed - everyone wears a Santa hat (included with registration). It is a fundraiser for the Salvation Army, with a donation option built into registration. There is also a 5K race the same morning for adults and older kids who want a longer distance.

While this is technically not the official Honolulu Marathon kids' race, it is the most established keiki race in the marathon week ecosystem and draws a similar crowd of running families.

When and Where

Sunday, December 6, 2026, at Ala Moana Beach Park (1201 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu). Race start times will be confirmed when registration opens, but historically the 1-Mile starts around 7:30 a.m. and the 5K shortly after. The whole event wraps by 10 a.m.

Registration

Registration is through RunSignUp.com (search "Santa Hat 5K Honolulu"). Kids 14 and under can register for the 1-Mile race; older kids should run the 5K. The race shirt and Santa hat are included in registration. There is a discount for early registration - sign up by mid-November to avoid the late-fee bump.

Registration includes a finisher medal for the 1-Mile keiki race, race timing for those who want it, and entry to the post-race festivities (Salvation Army donation drive, vendor tents, snacks).

The 1-Mile Route

The 1-Mile course runs along the flat paved path inside Ala Moana Beach Park - typically a loop that starts and ends at the same point near the McCoy Pavilion. The course is fully closed to vehicle traffic, has water stops at the halfway point, and is lined with parents, volunteers, and other runners cheering. It is genuinely fun.

For most kids 5+, a mile is a manageable distance. They can walk it, jog it, or run it at whatever pace they want. Parents are welcome to run alongside their younger kids - this is encouraged for the under-5 group, where one parent typically pushes a stroller or runs with a toddler holding their hand.

Family Logistics

Show up by 6:45 a.m. to pick up race packets (if not already mailed), pin on bibs, get the Santa hats on, and walk over to the start area. The light at Ala Moana Beach Park at 7 a.m. in December is gorgeous - clear skies, soft golden light, palm trees against pink dawn.

Park at Ala Moana Center (the shopping mall structure across Ala Moana Boulevard) - free, walk over via the pedestrian bridge. The beach park lots fill before 7 a.m. on race day.

Most families do the race, then move to a blanket on the grass for breakfast and post-race celebration. A baby carrier (Ergobaby Omni Classic) is essential if you have a baby - the carrier doubles as a kid-holder during the race itself, and it is the easiest way to navigate the crowd at packet pickup.

What to Wear (for the Kid)

December mornings in Honolulu are cool (low 70s at 7 a.m.) but warm up fast. Race-day clothing for kids:

• Comfortable running shorts or athletic pants
• A moisture-wicking shirt - the included Santa Hat race shirt works for older kids; under that, a long-sleeve UPF rash guard doubles as an early-morning layer that you can strip off
• Closed-toe athletic shoes that fit (no flip flops or sandals!)
• The Santa hat (included) for race photos
• Sunscreen on face, neck, and arms before race start

What to Bring

• Mineral sunscreen applied 30 minutes before race start
• Insulated water bottles - 1 per kid, 1 per parent
• Cash for the post-race vendor tents
• A small picnic blanket for the post-race breakfast on the grass
• Snacks - bananas, granola bars, fruit pouches
• Warm light layer for kids before race start (it is cool at 7 a.m. in December)
• Phone with extra battery for photos
• A baby carrier if you have a baby
• Wide-brim sun hat for kids for after the race when the sun is up

Tips for Specific Ages

Babies and toddlers (under 3)

Officially, the under-5 division includes ages 0-4. Babies and 1-year-olds are typically pushed in jogging strollers by a parent (this is welcome). Walking 2- and 3-year-olds can do the mile if you start near the back, walk most of it, and let them set the pace. Bring a jogging stroller as a backup for when they get tired (which they will, around the half-mile mark).

Preschool to early elementary (3-7)

The magic age for a first race. They can do the mile with a parent jogging alongside, will be thrilled by the medal at the finish, and will talk about it for weeks. Frame it as a fun adventure, not a competition - the goal is to finish, not to win.

Older kids (8-12)

Old enough to actually race. If your kid has any running interest, this is a chance to see what they can do at distance. Some 10-year-olds finish the mile in 8 minutes, which is genuinely impressive. Awards at this age range get competitive - aim for the podium if your kid is into it, but keep it fun.

Teens

Teens should consider the 5K instead of the 1-Mile - the 1-Mile race is targeted at younger kids and tends to feel too short for older teens. The 5K is the same morning, same vibe, longer distance. Strong teen runners do the 5K in under 25 minutes.

Where to Eat After

Post-race breakfast is part of the experience. Cinnamon's at Ilikai a few blocks away does the iconic guava chiffon pancakes and is open early. Tucker and Bevvy at the Park Shore Waikiki has good acai bowls and is a healthy option. For something cheaper and faster, Foodland Farms Ala Moana opens at 6 a.m. and has prepared breakfast options.

The Bigger Marathon Weekend

The actual Honolulu Marathon is held the following Sunday, December 13, 2026. If you are training for it as a parent, the keiki race is a perfect easy shake-out run with the family the week before. If you are not running the marathon but are in town that weekend, the marathon expo at the Hawaii Convention Center on Friday and Saturday is free, kid-friendly, and full of running gear vendors and freebies. The actual marathon morning is not particularly kid-friendly to spectate (it starts at 5 a.m.), but watching the finish line at Kapiolani Park around 7-9 a.m. is inspiring for kids who like sports.

One Last Thing

The keiki race is one of those events that becomes a family tradition. We have done it three years running and the kids ask about it every fall. The combination of dawn light at Ala Moana, Santa hats, the medal at the finish, and breakfast on the grass after - it is a small thing, but it is a perfect Hawaii morning. Sign up early. Show up on time. Run the mile. Take the photo. Frame it.