Are you thinking about planning a trip to Maui in January? Find out some of the best things to do in Maui in January that are worth adding to your itinerary!
This list of things to do in Maui in January was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
January is hands down one of the best months to visit Maui.
I’m not just saying that as a professional tourist who’s been visiting Hawaii for more than 30 years.
The weather is gorgeous, the crowds are manageable after New Year’s, and most importantly? It’s peak whale season.
Every January, over 10,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Maui’s warm waters to give birth and nurse their calves.
You can literally spot whales from the shoreline while eating breakfast at your resort. It’s incredible.
The weather in January averages 70-90 degrees during the day, with lows around 65 degrees.
Yes, it’s technically the rainy season (November through March), but that usually just means occasional passing showers, not all-day downpours.
Areas like Lahaina and Kihei on the leeward side stay sunny most days.
A Note About West Maui
If you’re planning to visit West Maui, you should know that the area continues to recover from the August 2023 Lahaina fires.
The good news is that most beaches and activities remain open and accessible, including Kaanapali, Kapalua, and Napili.
As of late 2025, about 100 structures have been rebuilt with nearly 300 homes under construction. Harbor areas in Lahaina have reopened, and beloved businesses like Old Lahaina Luau are back in operation.
For current updates, check the Maui County website.
One quick note if you’re planning to visit Haleakala for sunrise: pack warm layers. Temperatures at the summit can drop below freezing, even though it’s 80 degrees at sea level.
Ready to plan your January Maui trip? Here are the absolute best things to do.
Want my complete Maui itinerary with daily schedules, hidden gems, and all my family-tested recommendations? Grab my Maui Travel Guide for Families.
Why January is Special for Maui
Before we get into specific activities, let me tell you why I love January on Maui.
The winter swells create perfect surfing conditions. Professional surfers come from around the world to ride the massive north shore waves. Even if you’re not a surfer, watching these competitions is thrilling.
The lighter winds in January make for calmer ocean conditions, which is perfect for whale watching. Those whales aren’t shy, either. They breach, tail slap, and put on a show.
You’ll also find fewer tourists compared to December or spring break season. Hotels have better availability, restaurants aren’t as packed, and you won’t be competing for beach space.
8 Must-Do Activities in Maui in January
1. Whale Watching Tours
This is non-negotiable. If you visit Maui in January and don’t go whale watching, you’re missing the whole point.
Humpback whales start arriving in December, but by January, the population is huge.
These whales travel over 3,000 miles from Alaska to give birth in Maui’s protected waters. Mothers with newborn calves stay close to shore, so you get incredible viewing opportunities.
I love watching whales from the ferry to Lanai. The channel between Maui and Lanai is one of the best whale-watching spots in the world.
You’re sitting there on this scenic ferry ride, and suddenly there’s a 45-foot whale breaching right next to the boat. It never gets old.
For dedicated whale watching, I recommend booking a tour. Prices range from about $70-170 per person depending on the boat type and tour length.
Most tours are 2 hours and include marine naturalists who explain whale behavior. Many tours also have hydrophones so you can hear the whales singing underwater.
Book whale watching tours on Viator or Get Your Guide to compare options and prices.
The smaller raft-style boats sit lower in the water, which gives you a more intimate experience.
These boats can move quickly to follow whale activity. However, they’re not recommended for pregnant women, people with back issues, or young children because the ride can be bumpy.
Larger catamarans offer a smoother ride with more space to move around, plus amenities like restrooms and shade. These are better for families with young kids or anyone who gets seasick easily.
Most companies guarantee whale sightings from January through March. If you don’t see a whale, you get a free pass to come back.
Pro tip: Book morning tours. The ocean is typically calmer before the afternoon winds pick up, and the lighting is better for photos.
Want more details? Check out my Complete Guide to Whale Watching on Maui.
2. Maui Ocean Center
This is the only aquarium in the world dedicated exclusively to Hawaiian marine life, and it’s perfect for a January visit when you want a break from outdoor activities.
The Ocean Center is located in Maalaea, which is centrally located between West Maui and South Maui.
Plan for 2-2.5 hours here. Admission is around $55 for adults, and that includes the 3D Humpbacks of Hawaii Sphere experience.
The Sphere is actually really cool. You sit in this immersive theater and watch life-sized humpback whales swim above and around you while Hawaiian music plays.
My kids loved it. It’s not suitable for children under 4 due to the sound levels and length, but older kids and adults find it fascinating.
The Open Ocean tunnel is the highlight. You walk through a 35-foot acrylic tunnel surrounded by 750,000 gallons of water.
Tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, stingrays, and hundreds of fish swim right over your head. It’s like being underwater without getting wet.
The turtle lagoon is another favorite spot. You can watch green sea turtles swimming and feeding. They also have touch pools where kids can gently touch sea stars and sea cucumbers.
The aquarium is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Book tickets through Viator to secure your spot.
Parking is managed by a separate company, so plan for about $15 in parking fees. Use the QR code at the parking signs to pay through the Parklinq app.
3. Snorkeling
January is actually great for snorkeling on Maui if you know where to go. The north shore gets big winter swells, so you want to stick to the south and west-facing beaches, which are protected from the wind and waves.
Black Rock at the north end of Kaanapali Beach is one of my go-to spots. The reef at the base of the rock is home to tons of tropical fish, and you’ll almost certainly see sea turtles.
It’s easily accessible from the beach, and there are lifeguards on duty.
Kapalua Bay is another excellent choice for families. This crescent-shaped bay offers calm, protected waters even in January. The coral and marine life are close to shore, so you don’t have to swim far.
In South Maui, head to Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town) in Wailea. Walk south along the beach until you reach the rocky area where the reef is.
The green sea turtles here are everywhere. Just remember to keep your distance and never touch or chase them.
For the most consistent conditions in January, consider a snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater.
This partially submerged volcanic crater sits about 3 miles offshore and offers some of the clearest water you’ll ever see. On a good day, visibility can be 100-150 feet.
Browse Molokini snorkeling tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
Always check ocean conditions before you go. Boss Frog’s publishes a daily snorkel report rating all the popular spots on a scale of 1-10. If conditions aren’t ideal at your planned beach, you’ll have backup options.
If you need snorkel gear, you can rent quality equipment from local shops for around $10-20 per day.
I recommend getting prescription masks if you wear glasses, and definitely spring for a rash guard or wetsuit in January since the water temperature drops to about 75 degrees.
Want my complete breakdown of family-friendly snorkeling spots? Check out Best Snorkeling in Maui for Families.
4. The Road to Hana
No Maui trip is complete without driving the Road to Hana. This 64-mile stretch of highway winds along Maui’s east coast through lush rainforest, past waterfalls, and along dramatic coastal cliffs.
In January, everything is extra green from the recent rains. The waterfalls are flowing strong. It’s honestly the perfect time to see this road at its most beautiful.
You can either drive it yourself or book a guided tour. I’ll be honest: if you have the budget for a tour, I highly recommend it.
The road has over 600 curves and 59 one-lane bridges. It’s exhausting to drive, and you miss a lot of the scenery when you’re focused on not driving off a cliff.
Guided tours typically run 10-12 hours and cost around $299 per person for group tours. Private tours start around $1,499 for up to 4 people.
Most tours include breakfast, lunch, and stops at the best waterfalls, black sand beaches, and local fruit stands.
Compare Road to Hana tour options on Viator.
If you do drive yourself, start early (like 7am early) and bring snacks, water, and motion sickness medication if anyone in your family gets carsick.
Download an audio tour app to learn about the history and culture as you drive.
Don’t miss the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. There’s also a small lava tube you can walk through, which kids love.
Grab warm banana bread at one of the stands along the way (Halfway to Hana is famous for it).
The town of Hana itself is tiny and charming. You can continue past Hana to the Pools of Oheo (formerly Seven Sacred Pools) in Kipahulu for a short hike through bamboo forest.
Check my Road to Hana Guide for detailed stop recommendations and safety tips.
5. Haleakala National Park
Watching sunrise from the summit of Haleakala is one of those bucket-list experiences everyone should do at least once.
The summit sits at 10,023 feet, which means you’re literally above the clouds watching the sun come up.
Here’s what you need to know: you MUST have a reservation to enter the park for sunrise (between 3am and 7am).
Reservations open 60 days in advance on recreation.gov and sell out within minutes. Set an alarm and be ready to book exactly 60 days before your planned visit.
The drive up takes about 2 hours from most resort areas. You’ll want to leave around 3:30am to get there in time. Yes, that’s brutal. But it’s worth it.
Dress in layers. I’m talking winter coat, hat, gloves, the works. It’s literally freezing at the summit, even though it’ll be 80 degrees back at your hotel later that morning.
Many people bring blankets to wrap up in while watching the sunrise.
The sunrise itself is breathtaking. The sky shifts through these incredible colors, and then suddenly the sun breaks over the horizon above the clouds. It feels otherworldly.
After sunrise, stay to hike around the crater. The landscape looks like Mars with its red and orange volcanic rock. It’s completely different from the tropical Maui you know from the beaches.
Park admission is $30 per vehicle and is valid for 3 days. Make reservations at recreation.gov.
If waking up at 3am sounds terrible (and honestly, it kind of is), consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation. Browse Haleakala sunrise tours on Viator.
6. Ho’okipa Beach Park
This north shore beach is famous worldwide for its incredible surfing and windsurfing conditions, especially in winter.
Ho’okipa is where professional surfers come to ride Maui’s biggest winter waves.
If you’re visiting in January, you’ll likely catch some surfing competitions here. Even if there’s no official competition, watching the surfers tackle these massive swells is entertaining.
The beach also attracts sea turtles, which often come ashore to rest on the sand. You can watch them from a respectful distance (stay at least 10 feet away).
Important safety note: Do NOT swim here in January unless you’re a very strong, experienced ocean swimmer. The currents and waves in winter are dangerous.
This is a “look but don’t swim” beach during this season. Enjoy the show from the shore or the lookout point above the beach.
The lookout point has parking and gives you an elevated view of the entire bay. It’s also a popular spot to watch windsurfers, who love the strong winds that blow through here.
7. Big Wave Surfing Viewing
January brings some of the biggest, most powerful waves to Maui’s north shore. If you’re into surfing culture or just want to see some seriously impressive athletic skills, find out when competitions are scheduled.
Check the Hawaii Surfing Association Maui website for competition schedules. These events usually happen on short notice when the swell conditions are perfect.
Even without a formal competition, you can watch skilled surfers at spots like Honolua Bay, Peahi (Jaws), and Ho’okipa. Just be sure to stay well back from the shore. These waves are no joke.
If you’re a surfer yourself, consider taking a lesson on the calmer south or west shores. Plenty of surf schools offer beginner lessons in protected areas where the waves are manageable.
8. Maui Arts & Cultural Center
For a dose of Hawaiian culture and entertainment, check out what’s happening at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului.
The MACC hosts concerts, dance performances, comedy shows, theater productions, and art exhibits year-round.
In January, you might catch anything from hula performances to contemporary music acts.
They also offer Hawaiian culture programs where you can learn about the islands’ history, music, and traditions from local experts.
Check their event calendar to see what’s scheduled during your visit. Tickets for most events are reasonably priced, and it’s a great evening activity, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating for beach time.
Where to Stay in Maui in January
West Maui (Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua) puts you close to whale watching departures and beautiful beaches.
The area is recovering well from the 2023 fires, and most hotels and condos are operating normally.
South Maui (Wailea, Kihei, Makena) offers more consistent sunshine and calmer ocean conditions for snorkeling. This area tends to be drier than West Maui.
For the best hotel options at the best prices, search Expedia to compare rates across different properties.
Check out my guide to the Best Areas to Stay on Maui for more detailed neighborhood breakdowns.
Practical Tips for Visiting Maui in January
Book your rental car early. Demand is high in January, and prices go up the closer you get to your travel dates. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental to compare rates from all the major companies.
Pack layers. You’ll need everything from swimsuits to warm jackets, depending on where you’re going each day.
Make activity reservations in advance. Popular tours and restaurants book up weeks ahead in January.
Consider travel insurance. January weather is generally good, but it’s still the rainy season. Flight delays and tour cancellations can happen.
Planning Your Maui Trip
Feeling overwhelmed? I get it. Planning a Hawaii vacation can be stressful when you’re trying to figure out the best beaches, where to eat, what activities are worth the money, and how to fit everything into your schedule.
That’s exactly why I created my comprehensive travel guides and planning resources.
My Maui Travel Guide
My Maui Travel Guide for Families includes:
- Day-by-day itineraries for different trip lengths
- Detailed activity recommendations with insider tips
- Restaurant guides for every budget
- Beach recommendations by region
- Packing lists
- Money-saving strategies
Free Email Courses
Not ready to invest in a guide? Start with one of my free email courses:
- How to Plan a Trip to Maui – 7-day course covering all the basics
- How to Save Money in Hawaii – Budget tips that actually work
Need More Personal Help?
If you want customized recommendations based on your family’s specific interests, ages, and budget, consider booking a Hawaii Travel Consultation with me.
As a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist who’s visited Maui over 40 times, I can help you create the perfect itinerary and avoid common tourist mistakes.
Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast
Listen to the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast for bite-sized tips and destination guides you can listen to during your commute or while planning your trip.
Don’t Forget Your Family Photos
Speaking of things to book early: if you want professional family photos on the beach, January is a beautiful time to do it.
The lighting is gorgeous, and whale season means you might even get lucky and have a whale breach in the background.
I always book Flytographer for our Hawaii trips. They make it incredibly easy, and you get gorgeous photos that are so much better than trying to get everyone in a selfie.
Plus you can save $20 when you book through my link.
Final Thoughts
January truly is one of the best months to visit Maui. The combination of perfect weather, incredible whale watching, and manageable crowds makes it ideal for both first-time visitors and returning Hawaii travel experts like me.
Don’t try to do everything on this list in one trip. Pick 3-4 activities that excite you most, leave space for spontaneous beach days, and let yourself relax into island time.
Maui has a way of slowing you down and making you appreciate the moment. That’s the whole point of a vacation, right?
Need help planning the perfect Maui itinerary? Grab my Maui Travel Guide or book a consultation and let’s make sure you don’t miss anything important.
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