The first annual Honolulu Marathon took place in 1973. The Honolulu Marathon route begins at Ala Moana Beach Park, circles around Diamond Head Crater, and ends at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand.  The Honolulu Marathon is one of the biggest in the country. Back in 1973, there wasn't widespread interest in it. The race grew and changed, luring large corporate sponsors and paying substantial prize money to the winners. In 1995, the Honolulu Marathon enjoyed the distinction of being the world's largest marathon.