What the weather is like in January
January is one of the two wettest months in Honolulu (71mm), and windward Hilo sees three times that. Leeward resort coasts stay mostly dry. The first week is still Christmas-peak pricing; after January 6 rates ease and humpback whales are reliably offshore.
On the numbers, January and December are near-identical in Hawaii — 26°C and about 71mm either way. Choose between them on crowds and price, not weather.
Averages are five-year Open-Meteo (ERA5) figures for Honolulu; other parts of Hawaii vary. Full sources below.
What to pack for Hawaii in January
- Light layers for warm days
- A light jacket for the evenings
Is January the right month?
Hawaii's best month is May; the toughest is September. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for February. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Hawaii.
Where to stay in January
January is shoulder season in Hawaii: good conditions, at lower prices than the peak.
- Waikīkī, Oʻahu$$First-timers, walkability, nightlife
Dense, lively, and dry year-round on the leeward side. The best base if you want to skip a rental car.
See Waikīkī, Oʻahu hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027 - Kāʻanapali / Wailea, Maui$$$Resort beaches, whale watching, couples
Leeward Maui's resort strips: reliably sunny, calm winter water on the south shore. Book far ahead for December–March.
See Kāʻanapali / Wailea, Maui hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027 - Kona coast, Big Island$$Snorkelling, volcano day trips, value
The driest resort coast in the state. Ninety minutes from Volcanoes National Park; avoid Ironman week in mid-October unless you are racing.
See Kona coast, Big Island hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027
Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Jan 2027; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Hawaii?
How warm is Hawaii in January?
Does it rain in Hawaii in January?
What should I pack for Hawaii in January?
How does January compare with December in Hawaii?
Sources: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority — GoHawaii · Open-Meteo Historical Climate Data (ERA5) · NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center · Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources — Ocean Safety. Full provenance on the Hawaii guide.
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