January is one of the most magical times of the year to visit Honolulu! The city welcomes travelers with sunshine, lush landscapes, and the glorious Pacific Ocean. January offers the perfect conditions for both outdoor adventures and exploring the city, all with fewer crowds and better prices than the peak holiday season. From whale watching and surfing, to walking around downtown, there are plenty of reasons to visit Honolulu in January, and in this guide, we'll go over some of them.
Looking for the perfect place to stay on your January vacation? Book a stay with Marina Hawaii Vacations!
In This Piece:
- Fewer Crowds
- Great Vacation Rental Rates
- Whale Watching
- Outdoor Adventures
- Surfing
- Exploring Honolulu
- Book Your January Vacation to Honolulu
- Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Honolulu in January
Fewer Crowds
The first reason is fewer crowds! While winter remains a popular season to visit Honolulu, January offers a less crowded experience compared to busy December. Once the holiday rush is over, the city takes on a bit of a more relaxed pace, giving travelers like you space to enjoy the beaches, restaurants, and attractions.
Great Vacation Rental Rates
Next up on our list are the great vacation rental rates on our condos. Once the holiday crowds have dissipated, it's a fantastic time to book a vacation rental here at Marina Hawaii Vacations. Browse our listings to see what we have available and take advantage of any current specials we may offer.
Whale Watching
January is peak whale-watching season in Hawaii. Thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters surrounding Oahu, and many can be seen breaching and spouting just offshore. Want to spot some of these majestic creatures? Whale watching tours provide unforgettable experiences, while some lucky visitors often spy whales directly from Waikiki Beach.
To learn more, read our Guide to the Best Whale Watching Tours in Oahu.
Outdoor Adventures
January is one of the most comfortable months for outdoor adventure in Honolulu. The mild winter temperatures make hiking, biking, beach walks, and sightseeing incredibly enjoyable. There are just so many options for outdoor activities! Want to chase some waterfalls? Head out to the iconic Manoa Falls or Waimea Falls, both of which offer spectacular views. If you’re itching to go on a hike, try the Diamond Head Summit Trail. At the end of your ascent, you’ll see panoramic views over Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. For those who want to enjoy the water, snorkeling is excellent on calm days, especially at Hanauma Bay, where you can swim amongst coral reefs and tropical fish in the clearest of waters.
These are just some options! To learn even more, read our blog about 10 Exciting Things to Do in Honolulu: Outdoor Adventures.
Surfing
Ready to hit the waves? January offers a combination of beginner and expert surfing conditions! While the North Shore is famous for its massive winter swells that draw professional surfers from around the world, Honolulu’s southern beaches have gentler waves, making them perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. Waikiki Beach is a hub for surf lessons in January, with consistent waves and warm water creating ideal conditions to learn.
Pro Tip: Want to get surfing lessons or try other outdoor activities? Sign up for surfing lessons and other amazing experiences with our partners Adventure Tours. They offer our guests exclusive discounts on everything from surfing lessons to turtle eco adventure tours and luaus!
Exploring Honolulu
If you’re looking for things to do in Honolulu in January, then you need to explore the city itself! With fewer crowds and great weather, it makes for the perfect time to sightsee and meander around town. You’ll soon discover that Honolulu is a lively and welcoming place where modern island life mixes with rich Hawaiian history and cultures from around the world, creating a diverse and unique metropolis.
Wander through downtown to see Iolani Palace and the iconic King Kamehameha Statue. Then, stroll into Chinatown for some of the best food you’ll ever have! Continue to walk and take pit-stops into local shops, art galleries, and hole in the wall foodie hotspots. You can also visit museums and historical sites like the Bishop Museum, Honolulu Museum of Art, and Pearl Harbor. When evening arrives, the city comes to life with happy hours, restaurants, rooftop lounges, cocktail bars, live music, and late-night spots, creating the perfect end to a day of exploring this beautiful city.
Read more: A Local's Guide to the Top Attractions in Honolulu
Pro Tip: Don’t have a car? No worries! Many of Waikiki’s beaches, restaurants, and shops are easily accessible on foot, and the city’s public transportation system makes reaching other attractions simple and affordable. We’ve provided a car-free itinerary for those who are interested! Waikiki Without a Car: The Ultimate Itinerary to Getting Around
Book Your January Vacation to Honolulu!
Featured Rental: Ilikai Tower 1216
Ready for your January vacation to Honolulu? Then book your stay with Marina Hawaii Vacations, today! Our vacation rentals are located right in the heart of Waikiki, just steps from the beach. Our condos feature large living areas, lanais, and fully equipped kitchens to help make your stay a delight. We go above any beyond to make your time here the very best. Book your vacation rental, today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Honolulu in January
Can you swim and surf in Honolulu in January?
Absolutely! Honolulu’s south shore, including Waikiki Beach, typically enjoys calm surf in January, making it great for swimming, paddleboarding, and beginner surfing.
What is the weather like in Honolulu in January?
January offers pleasantly warm daytime temperatures, usually in the high 70s°F, with cooler evenings and breezes. Brief rain showers may occur, but they are typically followed by sunshine, keeping the island lush and vibrant. Overall, the weather is comfortable, making January one of the most enjoyable months to visit Honolulu.