Things to do in Honolulu in January

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Overview

January is a good time to visit Honolulu. The weather is usually pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 73—76°F (23—25°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Honolulu during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, visit the Honolulu Museum of Art, explore the Waimea Valley, and more!

Honolulu has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Honolulu. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Honolulu in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Honolulu in January

Top experiences in January
Go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a stunning nature preserve and marine life conservation area located just a short drive from Honolulu. In January, the bay offers excellent snorkeling conditions, with clear and calm waters teeming with colorful fish and coral reefs. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear on-site and explore the underwater world at their own pace, or join a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. It's a fantastic opportunity to see a diverse range of marine life and learn about the importance of protecting Hawaii's delicate ecosystems.
Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art
The Honolulu Museum of Art is a world-class institution that houses an impressive collection of Asian, European, and American art. In January, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, offering visitors the chance to see unique and thought-provoking works of art. From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, there's something for everyone at the Honolulu Museum of Art. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local arts and culture, and gain a deeper appreciation for the creative talents of Hawaii and beyond.
Explore the Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley is a lush and verdant nature reserve located on the North Shore of Oahu. In January, the valley is in full bloom, with an abundance of tropical flowers and plants creating a stunning and vibrant landscape. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens, swim in the natural pool at the base of a waterfall, and learn about the cultural and historical significance of the area. It's a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, and a great way to connect with nature.
Take a sunset cruise
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Honolulu in January is by taking a sunset cruise. There are numerous companies that offer boat tours around the coast, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline and the surrounding ocean. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted in a stunning array of colors, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. It's a fantastic way to relax and unwind, and a great opportunity to capture some unforgettable photos of the Hawaiian sunset.
Go whale watching
January is peak whale watching season in Honolulu, as humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed and give birth. There are numerous boat tours and excursions available that offer the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. It's an unforgettable experience to witness the whales breaching and playing in the ocean, and it's a great way to learn more about these fascinating animals and their conservation.
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Holidays in Honolulu in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Honolulu in January

Temperatures on an average day in Honolulu in January

The average temperature in Honolulu in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 76°F (25°C) to a low of 73°F (23°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Honolulu, September, has days with highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows of 78°F (26°C). The coldest month, March has days with highs of 76°F (24°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Honolulu in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
76°F
highs
73°F
lows

General weather summary

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze
Feels like
7%
Chance of rain
0.035 in
Amount
13.0 mph
Wind speed
71%
Humidity
11.0 hrs
Daylight length
7:10 AM
Sunrise
6:10 PM
Sunset
74%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 76°F (25°C) and a low of 73°F (23°C), it generally feels pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
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Best attractions for Honolulu in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Honolulu has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Honolulu that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Honolulu for January.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
1. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
4.8
(21618)
War museum
Museums
Site commemorating the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, featuring USS Arizona Memorial, museum & galleries.
Diamond Head State Monument
2. Diamond Head State Monument
4.7
(15259)
Park
Outdoor Activities
A trail leads visitors to the summit of this volcanic tuff cone & former fort with panoramic views.
Waikiki
3. Waikiki
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
High-rise hotels line the shore in Waikiki, a vibrant neighborhood known for its popular surf beach. Designer fashion stores line Kalakaua Avenue and nearby streets, and the area buzzes after dark with waterside cocktail bars, fine dining and Kuhio Beach hula shows. Honolulu Zoo is home to Komodo dragons and wandering peacocks, while parrotfish and urchins inhabit Waikiki Aquarium’s reef exhibit.
Hanauma Bay
4. Hanauma Bay
4.4
(2245)
Bay
Nature & Parks
This popular nature preserve on a bay features a beach, green sea turtles, parrotfish & more.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
5. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
4.8
(21618)
War museum
Museums
Site commemorating the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, featuring USS Arizona Memorial, museum & galleries.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
6. Battleship Missouri Memorial
4.8
(12335)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Storied battleship, site of the official Japanese surrender in WWII, hosting exhibits, tours & more.
Iolani Palace
7. Iolani Palace
4.6
(4863)
Historical landmark
Museums
Opulent 19th-century home of Hawaii’s last monarchs operating as a museum with tours & exhibits.
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
8. Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
4.8
(1529)
Museum
Historical place
Historical artifacts from WWII & an exhibit on naval ships presented in this wartime submarine.
Manoa Falls
9. Manoa Falls
4.6
(858)
Waterfall
Outdoor Activities
A celebrated hiking area, this 150-foot waterfall is set amid tropical vegetation & an arboretum.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
10. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
4.7
(553)
Military cemetery
Sights & Landmarks
Historic burial site honoring the veterans of 4 wars & with striking views set in a volcanic crater.
Ala Moana Center
11. Ala Moana Center
4.4
(23822)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Upscale, four-level shopping mall with department stores, boutiques, a food court & restaurants.
Honolulu Zoo
12. Honolulu Zoo
4.2
(8940)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Popular spot for families spanning 42 acres with lush gardens & over 900 animals.
Bishop Museum
13. Bishop Museum
4.6
(4329)
Museum
Specialty Museums
A planetarium, & a museum showcasing exhibits on Hawaiian & other Pacific Island cultures.
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
14. Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
4.8
(1568)
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Steep hike up an abandoned railroad track on Koko Crater, with dramatic ocean & city views.
Lighthouse Trail
15. Lighthouse Trail
4.8
(73)
Outdoor Activities
Historic Walking Areas
2-mile hiking trail in Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline with dramatic ocean views & a 1909 lighthouse.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
16. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
4.6
(5449)
History museum
Museums
WWII-focused museum presenting historical aircraft, exhibits & even a simulated flight experience.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Honolulu?

Get inspired for your trip to Honolulu with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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