January on Big Island means whales. Humpback whales travel roughly 3,000 miles from Alaskan feeding grounds to calve in the warm shallows off the Kohala Coast, and January typically marks the peak of that migration. You might spot a breach from shore at Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site without ever setting foot on a boat. The trade-off is cost. This is peak tourist season, driven by mainland visitors escaping winter, and accommodation rates across the island reflect that demand.
The island's weather in January splits dramatically by coast and elevation. Along the Kona coast, where most visitors base themselves, January highs typically reach 27°C (81°F) with lows around 19°C (66°F). The Hilo side runs a few degrees cooler and receives far more rain, roughly 250 to 300mm in January compared to Kona's 25 to 40mm. Mauna Kea's 4,207-meter summit, meanwhile, sometimes carries snow. Humidity tends to hover around 70%, comfortable enough in the trade wind breeze.
That said, January delivers things the drier summer months cannot. Waterfalls near Hilo, including Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, run at strong volume after fall rains. Hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park feels more comfortable in the cooler air. The landscape carries its deepest green of the year, and morning fog in Volcano Village gives the park entrance the feel of a Pacific cloud forest.
Why visit in January
- Humpback whale season peaks in January, with frequent breaches and tail slaps visible from shore along the Kohala Coast and from boats out of Kawaihae Harbor
- Waterfalls across the Hamakua Coast run at high volume after fall rains, with the named cascades north of Hilo at their most photogenic
- Cooler temperatures make hiking the Kilauea Iki trail and other exposed volcanic terrain far more comfortable than the humid summer months
- The island's landscape reaches peak green in January, a marked contrast to the brown, dry hillsides of late summer and early fall
Worth knowing
- Peak-season pricing on accommodations, with Kohala Coast resorts and Kailua-Kona vacation rentals at their highest rates of the year
- Hilo and the windward side receive heavy, frequent rain that can disrupt plans for waterfalls, gardens, and valley access roads
- North and west shore surf can reach dangerous heights from North Pacific winter swells, closing popular swimming beaches
- Higher visitor numbers along Ali'i Drive, at the national park, and across the resort corridor reduce the feeling of remoteness that makes Big Island distinct from Oahu
Best for
Think twice if
The Kona coast often goes weeks without meaningful rain in January, while Hilo can see 250 to 300mm or more in the same period. That east-west divide is the defining weather fact on Big Island, more important than any single temperature reading. Sea-level temperatures on the western shore hold steady in the upper 20s Celsius through the day, warm enough for a t-shirt and shorts from morning to evening. Volcano Village, at roughly 1,200 meters elevation, drops to sweater-and-jacket territory by evening. Morning cloud cover is common at mid-elevations, usually clearing by early afternoon on the leeward side. Trade winds keep the air moving on most days, and the moderate humidity makes outdoor activity comfortable even in direct sun.
Seasonal caution
- North Pacific winter swells generate high surf on the north and west shores, with wave faces reaching 3 to 5 meters. Beach closures are common at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and other exposed breaks. Heed posted lifeguard warnings and flag conditions.
- The summit of Mauna Kea can drop well below freezing in January, with wind chill, ice on the access road, and oxygen levels roughly 60% of sea level. 4WD is required above the Visitor Information Station, and altitude sickness affects some visitors even at the VIS elevation.
- Vog (volcanic smog) from Kilauea drifts across the leeward side when trade winds weaken. Individuals with respiratory conditions should monitor the Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard before outdoor activity in Kona and South Kohala.
- Flash flood warnings occasionally affect Waipio Valley, Pololu Valley, and the gulches along the Hamakua Coast during heavy rain events. Stream crossings can rise from ankle-deep to impassable within minutes.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 | 6 | 72 |
| Feb | 14 | 5 | 85 |
| Mar | 14 | 6 | 111 |
| Apr | 15 | 6 | 91 |
| May | 16 | 7 | 77 |
| Jun | 17 | 8 | 25 |
| Jul | 18 | 8 | 54 |
| Aug | 18 | 8 | 87 |
| Sep | 18 | 8 | 53 |
| Oct | 17 | 8 | 76 |
| Nov | 16 | 7 | 86 |
| Dec | 15 | 7 | 65 |
Holidays and festivals in January
Public holidays
- New Year's Day(New Year's Day)1 January 2027
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day(Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)18 January 2027
Headline events
Humpback Whale Season (Peak)
Peak activity throughout January and February, with the overall season running December through April
North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters each winter in numbers estimated around 10,000. January and February mark peak calving and mating activity. Mother-calf pairs surface close to shore in the shallows between the reef and the open ocean. Males compete in sometimes violent competitive pods, lunging and tail-slapping within sight of the Kohala Coast. Licensed tour boats depart Kawaihae Harbor and Honokohau Harbor for closer encounters.
Best things to do in January
Shore-based whale watching along the Kohala Coast
wildlifeSeveral elevated points along the northwestern shore give clear sightlines to the channel where humpbacks concentrate in winter. Spencer Beach Park is one of the better free viewpoints, with a grassy area to settle in with binoculars. The federal minimum approach distance of 100 yards applies to boats, but whales often surface much closer to shore on their own.
January is statistically the peak month for humpback surface activity in Hawaiian waters, with calving and competitive male pods at their most active.Booking tipShore watching is free and requires no booking. For boat-based tours out of the western harbors, book at least 7 to 10 days ahead for morning departures, which tend to have calmer seas.
Kilauea Iki Trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
hikingThis 4-mile (6.4 km) loop drops from the rim into a solidified lava lake that last erupted in 1959. The trail crosses the crater floor, where steam still vents from cracks. The descent through a native ohia lehua forest on the rim adds contrast, with the sweet scent of lehua blossoms if conditions are right. Footing on the crater floor is uneven volcanic rock, so ankle support helps.
The park sits at elevation where January's cooler temperatures make this exposed, shadeless crater crossing far more comfortable than a summer hike in direct sun and humidity.Booking tipNo booking needed. The park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee good for 7 days. Arrive before 9 AM to secure trailhead parking.
Manta ray night snorkel off Keauhou Bay
marineThe manta ray aggregation site near the Keauhou Bay resort area is one of the most reliable manta encounters in the world. Snorkelers float on the surface gripping a lit surfboard while reef mantas, with wingspans up to 3 to 4 meters, glide underneath. They feed on plankton attracted by the underwater lights. Water temperature hovers around 24°C (75°F) in January, warm enough without a full wetsuit for most people.
January's plankton concentrations from seasonal upwelling tend to improve manta activity and group sizes compared to the calmer summer months.Booking tipThis is the island's most popular paid excursion. In January, tours sell out 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Evening departures around 6 PM are standard.
Stargazing at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
natureThe VIS offers free public stargazing programs several nights a week, with telescopes set up by volunteer astronomers. The station sits above the inversion layer on clear nights, which eliminates the low-altitude haze that dims stars at sea level. Orion, the Pleiades, and the Andromeda Galaxy are all well-positioned in January's evening sky.
Winter's longer nights give more dark-sky hours than the summer solstice period, and the winter constellations are among the brightest and most recognizable.Booking tipThe free stargazing program does not require reservations. Arrive by sunset to acclimatize. Summit access above the VIS now requires a reservation through the Maunakea Visitor Authority.
Kona coffee farm tours in the Holualoa-Captain Cook belt
food and drinkSmall farms in Holualoa and Captain Cook offer walking tours of the growing terraces, the wet and dry milling process, and cupping sessions with the current season's beans. The aroma of fresh-pulped coffee cherry in the processing area is distinctly sweet and fermented, nothing like brewed coffee. Greenwell Farms is one of the larger operations and accepts walk-ins daily.
The harvest wraps up around January, so you are likely to see active picking and processing. By March, farms shift to pruning and maintenance, and tour content changes accordingly.Booking tipMany small farms take walk-ins, but calling a day ahead secures a guided tour with a more detailed explanation of the milling process.
Snorkeling at Two Step (Honaunau Bay)
marineThe rocky entry point near Puuhonua o Honaunau earned its nickname from two natural lava-rock steps into the water. The bay's reef is shallow, healthy, and home to green sea turtles, spinner dolphins visible from shore in the mornings, and a dense population of reef fish. Visibility commonly exceeds 15 meters on calm days.
January mornings on the Kona coast are often glassy before afternoon trade winds pick up, and this south-facing bay is sheltered from the north swells that close other swimming spots.Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive before 9 AM for parking along the road. Conditions deteriorate with afternoon wind chop.
Hamakua Coast waterfall drive
sightseeingHighway 19 north of Hilo follows the Hamakua Coast past a series of waterfall access points and scenic gulches. The Pepe'ekeo scenic route, a 4-mile detour on the old coastal road, passes through a canopy of tropical foliage dripping with moisture. Further north, Umauma Falls is a tiered cascade on private land visible from a paid overlook or via a guided zipline.
Fall and early winter rains have recharged the streams feeding these waterfalls. January volume tends to be strong without the muddiness that follows heavier storms later in the wet season.Booking tipState park falls are free. Umauma Falls access requires a paid entry or activity booking through the property.
What to eat in January
In season: fruit
Lilikoi (passion fruit)
The wrinkled yellow and purple fruits ripen through winter on Big Island. Wild lilikoi vines grow along roadsides and fences at mid-elevation, and the fruit appears in juices, cheesecakes, and butter at farmers markets in Hilo and Waimea. The tart, aromatic pulp is intensely fragrant, almost perfume-like when you crack the skin.
On menus now
Poke
Yellowfin ahi tuna, the base of most Big Island poke, is available year-round, but January's cooler waters off the Kona coast bring solid catches. Suisan Fish Market in Hilo sells fresh poke by the pound in a dozen or more preparations, from shoyu to limu to spicy mayo. The fish counter there is the closest thing to a local institution for raw fish on the island.
Loco moco
This Big Island original, two scoops of rice under a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy, feels particularly right in January's cooler mornings. Cafe 100 in Hilo claims to be the birthplace and still serves over a dozen variations. The dish is warm, filling, and priced for locals rather than tourists.
What to drink
Fresh-harvest Kona coffee
The Kona coffee belt, a narrow strip along the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa between 200 and 700 meters elevation, wraps up its main harvest around January. Freshly processed beans from the current crop appear at farms in Holualoa and Captain Cook, with tasting rooms offering affordable cuppings. The flavor profile tends to be smoother and less acidic than what you'll find months after roasting.
In markets
Macadamia nuts
Big Island produces the majority of Hawaii's macadamia crop, and the main harvest runs from September through January. Fresh-cracked nuts from small farms along the Hamakua Coast have a richer, oilier texture than the packaged supermarket product, with a buttery snap that disappears once they've been sitting for months.
Regular events in January
Martin Luther King Jr. DayFree
Federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January. Most tourist-facing operations remain open. State and county parks stay open, though some government offices and banks close for the day.
Third Monday of JanuaryHilo First FridayFree
Downtown Hilo's monthly art walk along Kamehameha Avenue. Galleries, shops, and studios stay open late with refreshments and live music at several venues. The atmosphere is low-key and local, a contrast to the resort-district events on the Kona side.
First Friday of each monthWaimea Town MarketFree
The Saturday morning market in Waimea draws ranchers, vegetable growers, and artisan food producers from across the island. January brings the tail of citrus season and early tropical flower displays. This is ranch country, so expect local beef and lamb alongside the produce.
Every Saturday morning, year-roundBest places this January
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
historical siteThis reconstructed Hawaiian place of refuge on the South Kona coast features carved ki'i (temple images), a restored heiau platform, and a royal fishpond. January's lower afternoon sun angle lights the carved figures against the palm grove in a way that photographs better than the harsh overhead glare of summer. The adjacent reef is excellent for snorkeling.
South KonaLiliuokalani Gardens
parkA 30-acre Japanese-style garden on Banyan Drive in Hilo, free and open daily. Pagodas, arched bridges, and koi ponds sit against Hilo Bay with Mauna Kea in the background on clear days. January mornings here are cool and quiet, often with light mist rising off the ponds and the smell of damp earth mixing with plumeria.
HiloPololu Valley Lookout
viewpointThe road ends at the northern tip of the Kohala peninsula with a dramatic lookout over Pololu Valley's sea cliffs. A steep 20-minute trail descends to a black sand beach. The valley is lush and green in January, and morning light from the east illuminates the cliff faces. The trail can be slippery after rain, so time it for drier mornings.
North KohalaWaipio Valley Lookout
viewpointThe Valley of the Kings drops sharply at the end of Highway 240, with taro patches, waterfalls, and a black sand beach at its floor. Vehicle access to the valley floor is restricted to authorized shuttles. The lookout itself is free and offers one of the most photographed views on the island, especially when January rains feed the back-wall waterfalls.
HamakuaHapuna Beach State Recreation Area
beachOften ranked among Hawaii's finest beaches, this half-mile crescent of white sand on the South Kohala coast is the go-to swimming beach when conditions allow. January surf can make the water rough, so check the lifeguard flags before entering. On calmer days, the water clarity and gentle slope make it one of the best swimming spots in the state.
South KohalaVolcano Village
neighborhoodThis small community above the coast at the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park sits in noticeably cooler and damper air than the leeward shore. Cafes, galleries, and bed-and-breakfasts line Old Volcano Road. The Volcano Art Center Gallery, inside the park, shows rotating work by Hawaii Island artists. January's cool mornings give this village a mountain-town atmosphere rare in Hawaii.
Puna
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
All packed — have a great trip.
Insider tips
The Kona side receives 5 to 10 times less rainfall than the Hilo side in January. If your plans are weather-dependent, base yourself on the leeward coast and day-trip to Hilo on the clearest morning forecast you can find.
Rental car prices in January climb steeply above off-season rates on the major platforms. The island has limited public transit via the Hele-On Bus. Booking a car 2 to 3 months ahead is practically required, and some visitors find better rates from smaller local agencies.
The public beach access point at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a standout sunset spot that does not require a resort stay. January sunsets happen around 6 PM, and the western-facing coastline lights up.
The Hilo Farmers Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings prices tropical fruit at a fraction of what resort shops charge. A bag of rambutan, starfruit, and apple bananas costs far less than the same fruit at a Kohala Coast gift shop.
Solo travelers will find Big Island generally safe, with the island scoring 7.8 out of 10 for solo-traveler safety (see /research/solo-safety/). The main concern is car break-ins at remote trailhead parking lots. Don't leave valuables visible in the vehicle.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only warm-weather clothing and arriving unprepared for elevation changes. The temperature difference between Kailua-Kona's sea-level waterfront and the national park area is regularly 10 to 15°C. Visitors who drive up in shorts and a tank top spend the hike shivering.
- Assuming all beaches are safe for swimming in January. North Pacific winter swells close popular beaches to safe entry, and rip currents strengthen with the larger waves. A beach that is a calm swimming spot in summer can have dangerous shore break in January. Always check with lifeguards.
- Planning outdoor activities for afternoons on the windward side. Morning tends to be the better window for Hilo-area excursions, as afternoon trade wind showers pick up after midday. Waterfalls, gardens, and the Pepe'ekeo scenic route are best before 11 AM.
- Skipping the Hilo side entirely because of rain forecasts. Hilo's rain is typically brief and intermittent, not all-day downpour. Morning visits to the waterfalls and botanical gardens often get clear windows between showers.
Practical tips for January
Book rental cars and accommodations 3 to 4 months ahead for January travel. Big Island has fewer hotel rooms per visitor than Maui or Oahu, and January demand pushes availability thin. The Hele-On Bus provides limited inter-city service but is not practical for most tourist itineraries. If you plan to visit the Mauna Kea summit area, a reservation through the Maunakea Visitor Authority is now required for access above the VIS. Grocery supplies run noticeably above mainland prices, so budget accordingly for self-catering. Most Kona-side restaurants do not require reservations, but popular spots in the resort corridor fill up during the evening window. Gas stations are spread thin outside of Kailua-Kona and Hilo, so fill up before long drives to Waimea, the Hamakua Coast, or the Ka'u district. Big Island scores 8.5 out of 10 for LGBTQ+ friendliness (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric), and Hawaii has recognized marriage equality since 2013.
FAQ
Is January a good time to visit Big Island?
January is a good time if you prioritize whale watching and lush scenery. Humpback whales are at peak activity, waterfalls run strong, and the landscape is at its greenest. The main downsides are peak-season pricing on flights, hotels, and rental cars, and higher surf that closes some beaches to swimming. If you can absorb the premium, the combination of whale season, cooler hiking weather, and an escape from mainland winter makes January a solid choice.
What is the weather like on Big Island in January?
It depends entirely on which side of the island you're on. The Kona coast, where most visitors stay, typically sees highs around 27°C (81°F) and lows near 19°C (66°F) with very little rain. The Hilo side is a few degrees cooler and receives 250 to 300mm of rainfall in January alone. Higher elevations change the picture further. Volcano Village at 1,200 meters feels like a different climate, and Mauna Kea's summit can drop below freezing. Pack layers and a rain shell.
Is Big Island crowded in January?
By Big Island standards, yes. January is peak tourist season, driven by mainland visitors on winter holidays. The Kohala Coast resorts, Kailua-Kona's waterfront, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park all see their highest foot traffic. That said, Big Island's size and lower tourism density compared to Oahu and Maui mean you can still find relative solitude at places like Pololu Valley, the South Point area, and quieter Hilo neighborhoods.
Can you swim in the ocean on Big Island in January?
On calmer days, yes, particularly on the sheltered Kona coast. Beaches facing south and west, like Kua Bay and Manini'owali, tend to be more protected from the winter swell. North-facing beaches can see large surf that makes swimming dangerous. Always check posted conditions and lifeguard flags. The snorkeling at protected bays like Kahalu'u Beach Park remains accessible most days.
How many days do you need on Big Island in January?
A minimum of 5 days covers the major highlights without feeling rushed. Split time between the Kona side for whale watching, snorkeling, and coffee farms, and the Hilo side for waterfalls and the national park. Seven days allows for a more relaxed pace with time to explore North Kohala, the valleys, and the less-visited Ka'u district to the south.
Find a flight to Big Island
Live fares to Big Island appear here once cookies are accepted.
Last verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on . What is automated review?