Best Things to do in Hawaii in January

Calling all snowbirds and wintery travelers: we’ve got so many fun things to do in Hawaii in January! Start your new year with a fun vacation and discover the sights and adventures waiting for you here in the islands. 

The whales are breaching, the surf is raging, and the sunsets are spectacular. This is Hawaii in the winter, a time of milder temperatures, lower crowds, and verdant beauty. There are lots of reasons to choose January as the best time for your Hawaii vacation, and we’ve got lots of things to do while you’re here. 

Read on to discover our top January activities and tips for a fun winter-time vacation to Hawaii. 

Hawaii in January: What to Know

As Hawaii vacation planners, we get lots of questions about traveling during different months. For prospective January visitors, the weather is often their biggest concern. But we also get asked about crowds, things to do, and pricing. 

Here are some fast facts about visiting Hawaii in January:

January Weather

Hawaii is made up of many different microclimates, so you can experience a range of weather conditions during your visit. If this sounds exciting to you, then January is a great time to visit Hawaii. You’ll likely enjoy the rainiest rainforests and the sunniest shores, and everything in between. 

But if you aren’t into rain and chilly evenings, you can still enjoy Hawaii in January. Many of the most popular tourist spots and fun things to do are in dry sunny areas, where you can expect warm temps and clear skies throughout the year. 

Do these places still see rain? Yes, but it’s rare, so don’t let it influence your travel plans. 

January Crowds in Hawaii

If you want to avoid crowds in Hawaii, it’s best to travel when kids are in school. This means you may see lower crowds anytime after the first week of January. During New Year’s, you may have booked up hotels, busier beaches, and less availability for activities. 

During January, many “snowbirds” travel to Hawaii. This is what we call people who come for longer vacations to escape cold climates. They’re often retirees, but may also be younger families with remote jobs. They don’t seem to influence crowds too much, but it’s something to keep in mind as you book accommodations and flights. 

So here’s the short answer: Hawaii is far less busy in January, as long as you wait to travel at least a week or two into the new year. 

Activities in January

There are lots of things to do in Hawaii in January (we’re about to tell you all about them below), but there are some activities you can’t do, or are risky in the weather. Here are a few things that may affect your January plans:

• Hiking: Most Hawaii hikes are very pleasant in January, but rain could cause trails to become dangerous. 
• Swimming: Beaches are sometimes rougher in the winter, especially in the afternoon. 
• Holidays: New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are both in January. Most commercial activities and restaurants remain open on these days, but federal and state parks may be affected. 

One More Note About Hawaii Weather in January

We seriously get so many questions about Hawaii weather, and the bottom line is that it’s impossible to plan around rain for your Hawaii vacation. We sometimes see very little rain in January and complete wash-outs in July. 

So if January works well for your travel plans, don’t sweat over the weather. Simply plan as best as you can and hope for clear skies!

Top Things to do in Hawaii in January

Ok, it’s time to get to the good stuff! Here are the best things to do in Hawaii in January. We’ve got some unique events, some long-time favorites, and a few surprises along the way!

Whale Watching

This is one of the biggest reasons why people choose a January Hawaii vacation. Whale watching peaks in January and February, and it’s one of the best things to do in Hawaii in the winter. 

Join a whale-watching excursion or spot these amazing creatures from shore. You can see whales from any of the Hawaiian Islands, but we have two favorite spots: 

• Maui, in the ʻAuʻau Channel
• The Big Island, along the Kohala coast

A Beach Day in Hawaii in January

If you spend too much time googling about things to do in Hawaii in January, you may encounter a common rumor. Some people will say that the beaches aren’t good in January. This is only true to an extent, and we want to share that it’s definitely possible to have a fun beach day in January. Here’s how you can find good beaches in the winter:

• Find protected lagoons, like Kapalua Bay on Maui or Ko Olina Lagoons on Oahu
• South-facing beaches tend to be calmer in the winter
• Winds often pick up later in the day, so try enjoying an early morning at a beach in January

Big Wave Surfing 

In January, many beaches see big surf and dangerous swimming conditions. But as long as the tide is low enough, you can still enjoy the beauty of these locations from shore. And you might even get to witness one of the most thrilling and unique sports in the world: Big Wave Surfing. 

Oahu’s north shore is famous for its big wave surfing, but you can also watch brave water athletes on Maui and Kauai. 

Remember: this is a spectator activity. If you want to surf during your January Hawaii vacation, you’ll want to take lessons with a professional at one of their recommended beaches. 

Sightseeing in Hawaii in January

I love sightseeing in the winter, especially in areas that turn bright green with rainfall. Check out this article about sightseeing in Hawaii and discover your new favorite spot. These locations become breathtaking in January thanks to lush green growth and soft clouds in the sky. Just be sure to take care when accessing any hiking trails or rough roads, as rainfall can make some routes dangerous. 

Attend a Hawaiian Luau

Most luau in Hawaii are located in areas away from heavy rainfall, or they have backup plans in the case of rough weather. That’s good news for you, as you’ll be able to look forward to your luau experience. 

Attending a luau is a pricey experience, so be sure to work with professional Hawaii travel planners to help you decide which one is best for your vacation. 

Special Events in Hawaii in January

In addition to the fun activities available year-round, there are a few things you can only do in Hawaii in January. Take a look at some of the special events that take place at the start of the year:

• New Year’s Fireworks: Waikiki presents a beautiful fireworks show as the clock strikes midnight, and you can also see a professional show in Wailea, Maui. 
• PGA Tournaments: The Sony Open is at the Waialae Country Club in January, and the Sentry Tournament is in Kapalua, Maui. 
• Races: The Maui Oceanfront Marathon is a beautiful race, and it’s a Boston Marathon qualifying course. 
• Entertainment: Check out venues like Blue Note Hawaii, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, and Blaisdell Center for live events. 

Best Hawaii Hikes in January

If you’re hoping to take a rainforest hike in January, you’ll need to take it day-by-day and adhere to any safety guidance. Rain clouds in the mountains could bring flash flooding to trails below. Even slippery conditions could cause danger on hikes. 

Here are a few Hawaii hikes that are in dryer areas and aren’t usually affected by January rains:

• Diamond Head in Waikiki
• Kaena Point Trail in West Oahu
• Lanikai Pillbox Hike on Oahu
• Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail on Oahu
• Kapalua Coastal Trail on Maui
• Hoapili Trail in South Maui
• Some hikes within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island
• Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea) hike on Hawaii Island (The Big Island)
• Kilauea Lighthouse trail on Kauai
• Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

*These hikes aren’t in areas that typically flood or become slippery, but still practice extreme caution and pay careful attention to conditions!

Snorkeling in Hawaii in January

You can snorkel in Hawaii in January – your best bet is early morning at calm, south-facing beaches and lagoons. Snorkel excursions continue to operate in the winter months as well. Book a Molokini excursion in January and see whales as you travel to your snorkel spot. 

January Hawaii Travel Deals

Can you get discounts for travel and activities in Hawaii in January? Yes and no… it depends on what exactly you’re looking for. Here are all the details: 

Flights

Flight prices are sometimes lower in mid-to-late January than they are in peak travel times. There may also be more availability for upgrades. 

Hotels

Hotels may offer special pricing in January, though some resorts get booked up with convention groups in late January and February. 

Activities
Some activities run promotions in January. These are often catered to kamaaina who can help fill up their books during the off-season, but some discounts are available to everyone. 

Planning Your Hawaii Vacation in January

Ready to say Aloha to a warm, Hawaiian January? The best way to plan your vacation is to not plan it yourself! 

Let the team at Hawaii Aloha Travel put together the best itinerary, things to do, and bookings for your January getaway. We can’t wait to ring in the new year with you!