STAR-BULLETIN / 2005 Fireworks launch the 33rd Honolulu Marathon at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Marathon madness

Motorists are warned to expect delays, as East Oahu roads will be closed for the race

Sunday drivers beware: The 35th Honolulu Marathon starts tomorrow at 5 a.m. and is guaranteed to clog East Oahu traffic.

Marathon officials say motorists in the downtown, Kakaako, Ala Moana, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Kahala, Aina Haina, Niu Valley and East Honolulu areas should be prepared for detours and delays.

According to the marathon, at 12:30 a.m. one or more lanes will be closed until the athletes complete each section of the course. Tow-away zones are in effect from 1 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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Marathon officials advise to be prepared for the following closures and restrictions:

» Ala Moana Boulevard from Atkinson Drive to Ward Avenue will be detoured from 12:30 to 8 a.m.

» H-1 freeway in both directions from the Waialae Avenue offramp/22nd Avenue to Ainakoa Avenue. H-1 traffic will be detoured from 3:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

» Kalakaua Avenue will be detoured left onto Paoakalani Avenue from 8:30 a.m.

» Kalakaua Avenue mauka side closed between Monsarrat Avenue and Poni Moi Road from 4:30 a.m. until the marathon is over. The makai lanes will be contra-flowed for two-way traffic at about 9 a.m. Limited to resident traffic only; Outrigger Canoe Club and Elks Club patrons must enter via Kapahulu Avenue.

» Kapahulu Avenue makai-bound will be closed at Kuhio Avenue at 1:30 a.m. Local traffic will be allowed after 9 a.m.

» Monsarrat Avenue from Kalakaua to Paki avenues from 4:30 a.m. until event end: limited to tour buses. Tow-away zone will be enforced on both sides of Monsarrat Avenue from Kalakaua to Paki avenues.

» Paki Avenue from Monsarrat to Kalakaua avenues from 4:30 a.m. for the duration of the marathon: local traffic only -- access to Diamond Head Tennis Courts from 9 a.m.

» Traffic flow on Diamond Head Road, Kahala and Kealaolu avenues will be controlled by police.

» 18th Avenue from Diamond Head Road to Kilauea Avenue until runners clear the area: Traffic will be detoured at Diamond Head Road and Makapuu Avenue. Local traffic only. Access to Diamond Head Crater will be restricted to Civil Defense, FAA and National Guard personnel.

» Kilauea Avenue from 18th to Waialae avenues, all eastbound lanes will be closed at 4 a.m. until runners clear the area. Westbound lanes will be contra-flowed to permit two-way traffic. Traffic exiting the lower Kahala area must cross Kilauea Avenue at Hunakai Street. Expect delays until 11 a.m.

» Kalanianaole Highway from Ainakoa Street to Hawaii Kai Drive makai side will have restricted access from 2:30 a.m. The mauka side of the highway will be contra-flowed for two-way traffic. Westbound Kalanianaole Highway traffic will be detoured onto Ainakoa Street to Malia Street to Kilauea Avenue. Local traffic should expect delays.

» Hawaii Kai Drive makai lanes from Kalanianaole Highway to Keahole Street from about 2:30 a.m. until the area is clear: The mauka side lanes will be contra-flowed for two-way traffic.

» Kalanianaole Highway will be closed to through traffic from Hawaii Kai Drive to Keahole Street from about 3:30 a.m. until the area is clear. Traffic will be detoured onto Hawaii Kai Drive via Kawaihae to Lunalilo Home Road. Maunalua Bay boat ramp traffic must enter from the Koko Head end.

» Keahole Street makai-bound lanes from about 2:30 a.m. until the area is clear: Traffic will be contra-flowed in the mauka-bound lanes for two-way flow. Entrance and exit from the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, Costco and other shops will be permitted.

» Kealaolu Avenue from Waialae to Kahala avenues from about 5:30 a.m. until the area is clear: Local traffic may be permitted at Aukai Avenue. Entry and exit by Aukai only. All other roads will be closed.

» Kahala Towers, Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Waialae Country Club traffic will be permitted via Aukai Avenue and Pueo Street when safe to do so.

For bus route changes, call 848-5555. For more marathon information, call 792-6630 or go to honolulumarathon.org.