TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDES

Hawaii in January: Your guide to weather, events & travel

Circular profile image container for visual representation.
Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 8, 2025

Advisors on TravelJoy have planned over 1 million trips

Find a travel advisor
Unlock the kind of trip you can't find on Google
Plan with a travel advisor to access insider spots and perks.
Find a travel advisor

Hawaii in January moves at a slightly slower rhythm than usual. The skies are mostly clear, the breezes are soft, and the air smells like salt and hibiscus. Humpback whales are breaching offshore, surf is roaring on the North Shore, and in smaller towns, locals are still packing away holiday lights.

You can hike through misty rainforest trails in the morning, then warm up on sun-drenched beaches by noon. It’s the kind of trip that doesn’t need to be packed with plans — just well-timed moments. An advisor from TravelJoy can help you reserve a guided hike through the Waihou Spring Forest Reserve when the trails are quiet, pair it with mid-morning snorkeling in calmer winter waters off Poʻipū, or time your route so you're in Lāhainā just as the afternoon light hits the humpback whales offshore.

Is January a good time to visit Hawaii?

January brings some of Hawaii’s coolest weather, but that still means daytime highs in the upper 70s and low 80s across most islands. Nights are cooler, often dipping into the mid-60s, so it’s a good idea to pack a light sweater. Rain showers are more likely in winter, especially on the windward sides, but they’re usually brief. The sea remains warm enough for swimming and snorkeling, while the cooler air makes hikes and sightseeing more enjoyable.

Because it falls in the middle of Hawaii’s winter high season, January does draw more visitors—especially around New Year’s. That means popular spots like Waikīkī or parts of Maui will feel lively and a little more crowded. But it’s also a good time to explore the quieter corners: maybe take a long drive along Kaua‘i’s south shore or wander the farmers markets on the Hilo side of the Big Island. It’s also peak whale season, and surf competitions on the North Shore bring a local buzz that’s worth catching.

Even with January being peak season, things start to ease up after the New Year’s rush. That’s when the islands settle into a slower rhythm — fewer lines, more availability, and a little extra room to breathe. An advisor from TravelJoy can help you make the most of this precious time by planning a sunrise hike on the Sliding Sands Trail in Haleakalā, arranging a whale-watching tour during peak migration near Maui, or booking a stargazing experience atop Mauna Kea when the skies are clearest. With proper planning, January in Hawaii feels like the perfect balance of festive energy and calm moments.

High temperature
79°F / 26°C
Low temperature
66°F / 19°C
Rainfall
3.1 in / 80 mm
Sun & daylight
7 hours / 10.9 hours
Seasonal tips

- Mild and breezy

- Ideal for whale watching

- Bring a light rain jacket

- Comfortable for hiking

- Quieter beaches on weekdays

Where to go in Hawaii in January

North Shore, Oʻahu
In January, Oʻahu’s North Shore becomes the epicenter of the world’s surf scene. You’ll see swells topping 30 feet at Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach, and Sunset, where locals gather with coolers, and folding chairs to watch the action. If you’re lucky, and the wave conditions line up just right, you might catch the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational — one of the most legendary surf competitions on the planet. It only runs when Waimea Bay’s waves reach massive heights, and that window usually falls between December and March.
Lāhainā, Maui
From December through April, humpback whales return to the warm waters between Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi — and January is peak viewing time. Boats leave from Lāhainā or Maʻalaea with guides who can explain breaching, tail slaps, and whale songs. Or stay on land and watch from Papawai Point. Some days, you’ll spot more than a dozen in a single hour.
Waimea, Big Island
On clear January nights, the stars over Mauna Kea feel close enough to touch. It’s chilly at the summit, but you can stargaze from the visitor center with hot cocoa in hand and a sky guide pointing out constellations. During the day, head to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike around still-steaming craters and through fern-covered lava tubes.
Hanalei, Kauaʻi
January rains make Kauaʻi wild and green. The Hanalei Valley glows with life, and the ʻOkolehao Trail gives you misty views over taro fields and braided rivers. You can kayak the Wailua River to Secret Falls or chase rainbowed spray at Wailua Falls — just bring shoes that can handle mud, and don’t be afraid to get wet.

Plan your perfect trip to Hawaii with the help of an expert

Find a travel advisor

Things to do in Hawaii in January

Event
Location
Timing
Maui Whale Festival
Whale watching tours spotlight Maui’s humpback conservation efforts
Maui
All January
Honolulu New Year’s Fireworks
Midnight fireworks light up Waikiki Beach
Oahu
January 1
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Fest
Cherry blossoms bloom alongside Japanese traditions
Big Island
Late January
Pacific Island Arts Showcase
Island cultures highlighted through crafts and dance
Honolulu
Mid-January
Big Island Orchid Expo
Orchid displays showcase Big Island’s tropical blooms
Hilo
January weekends
Surfing Legends Meet
North Shore hosts surfing legends meet-up
Oahu (North Shore)
Early January
Kauai Coffee Tasting Week
Coffee farms open for tastings in Kauai
Kauai
Mid–Late January

Related travel guides

Plan the perfect trip to Hawaii with a pro

A trip that reflects you
Instead of following a stranger's top 10 list, let a travel advisor design a one-of-a-kind trip around your unique style.

Effortless planning
Your advisor takes care of the research, logistics, and bookings so you can focus on enjoying the trip.

VIP access and upgrades
From suite upgrades to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, your advisor can open doors that aren’t available online.

Find a travel advisor