Are you thinking about planning a trip to Oahu in January? Find out some of the best things to do in Oahu in January that are worth adding to your itinerary!
This list of things to do in Oahu 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.
Looking for the perfect winter escape?
Oahu in January is calling your name.
While most of the country is bundled up scraping ice off windshields, you could be watching humpback whales breach, surfing warm waves, and hiking to waterfalls in shorts.
I’ve been visiting Hawaii for 40+ visits since I was 10, and January is honestly one of my favorite times to experience Oahu.
What’s Oahu Weather Like in January?
Let’s talk weather because that’s probably why you’re considering January in the first place. You’re going to love it.
Temperature and What to Pack
Daytime temps hover around 75-80°F, with nighttime lows dipping to about 66°F. Sounds perfect, right?
It mostly is, but here’s what nobody tells you: those trade winds can make evenings feel cooler than you’d expect. I always pack a light sweater or hoodie for sunset dinners and evening walks.
January follows December as Oahu’s rainy season, so yes, you might see some rain.
But here’s the thing about Hawaiian rain in winter… it’s usually quick passing showers, not all-day downpours. Pack a light rain jacket and you’ll be fine.
When it does rain, that’s when my kids and I head to Iolani Palace for an indoor cultural adventure. They love exploring the only royal palace on U.S. soil.
Pro tip: Layers are your friend. The weather can change throughout the day, especially if you’re driving from Honolulu to the North Shore.
Best Weather Spots in January
The leeward (west) side of Oahu tends to stay drier in January. Waikiki, Ko Olina, and the North Shore usually have the most sunshine, while the Windward side (Kailua, Kaneohe) can get more passing showers.
January Events and Surf Competitions on Oahu
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational (Dec 7, 2025 – March 6, 2026)
This is THE event that gets everyone on Oahu buzzing. The Eddie only runs when waves at Waimea Bay consistently hit 40-foot faces (that’s HUGE), which is why it’s only happened 11 times in 41 years.
The contest window for 2025-2026 runs from December 7 through March 6, so there’s a chance you might catch it in January if Mother Nature cooperates.
If The Eddie is called (usually with just 12 hours notice), the entire island pays attention.
Getting to Waimea Bay can be tricky. Parking fills up the night before with people camping out, and police sometimes close roads.
Your best bet is taking The Bus with a special Eddie shuttle from Ala Moana Center, or parking at Puaena Point Beach Park and catching the shuttle to Waimea.
Watching the world’s best big wave surfers paddle into mountains of water is absolutely breathtaking.
Even if you’re not a surfer, the energy and aloha spirit at The Eddie is electric. Find updates at theeddieaikau.com.
Da Hui Backdoor Shootout (January 4-16, 2026)
Another North Shore surf competition worth catching is the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout at Ehukai Beach Park (Pipeline).
This invite-only event runs January 4-16 and features top Pipeline surfers from Hawaii and around the world competing in teams.
What makes it special? The non-elimination format keeps the vibe less intense and more community-focused. Plus, there are longboard, SUP, and bodysurfing divisions.
The competition honors Duke Kahanamoku and emphasizes traditional Hawaiian surfing style. Imagine power, respect for the ocean, and smooth style through the tube.
You can watch from the beach for free, which beats any surf movie you’ve ever seen.
Check dahui.com for daily updates during the holding period.
KCC Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from 7:30am to 11:00am, the KCC Farmers Market is where locals and tourists come together at Kapiolani Community College.
This is hands-down one of my favorite things to do on Oahu, and my kids always beg to go because they know they’re getting fresh shave ice after.
What started as a small community market has become Oahu’s premier farmers market with 80+ vendors.
You’ll find everything from locally grown dragonfruit and apple bananas to fresh poke, Pig and the Lady’s famous pho French dip, OnoPops (try the butter mochi flavor!), and Koko Crater Coffee.
The market sits right next to Diamond Head, so you can knock out a sunrise hike and then reward yourself with fresh malasadas and tropical fruit.
Most vendors take cash, so hit an ATM beforehand. Park in Lot C at KCC – it fills up fast, so arrive by 8:30am for the best selection and easier parking.
Want more Oahu farmers markets? Check out my complete guide to the best Oahu farmers markets.
Top 10 Things to Do in Oahu in January
Now let’s get to the good stuff. As a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert who’s been coming here since childhood, these are my top January picks for families.
1. Go Whale Watching
January is prime humpback whale season, and this alone makes visiting Oahu in winter worth it.
About 10,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed and give birth. I’ve seen whales breach right off the coast while having breakfast at a Waikiki cafe.
You can spot whales from shore at spots like Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, Diamond Head Beach, or the North Shore, but taking a whale watching tour gives you a much better experience.
Tour guides share fascinating information about whale behavior, and you’re pretty much guaranteed sightings.
Some tours include hydrophones so you can actually hear the whales singing underwater – my kids thought that was magical.
Book a whale watching tour on Hawaii Activities or Get Your Guide to get up close with these gentle giants.
For more winter activities, check out my guide to winter in Hawaii things to do.
2. Hike Diamond Head at Sunrise
Diamond Head State Monument is Oahu’s most iconic landmark, and hiking it at sunrise in January is perfection.
Why January specifically? The sun rises later (around 7am), which means you don’t have to wake up at 4am to catch it.
Plus, cooler January temperatures make the hike way more comfortable than summer.
Important: You MUST make reservations online up to 30 days in advance. Non-residents need to book both parking ($10) and entry ($5 per person). Hawaii residents get in free. Book at gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead.
The 1.6-mile round trip hike is moderately challenging with some steep stairs near the summit, but the 360-degree views of Waikiki, the Pacific, and the Koolau Mountains are absolutely worth it.
Bring water, wear sturdy shoes (not slippers!), and pack a light jacket for the windy summit.
January 2026 Update: Diamond Head has limited weekday hours (closes at 2pm Monday-Friday) from January 6 through late July 2025 for rockfall mitigation work at Kahala Tunnel.
Check the official site for current status and any full closure dates.
After your hike, grab breakfast at the KCC Farmers Market right down the road – perfect reward!
Listen to my podcast episode about hiking Diamond Head for insider tips on making the most of your visit.
3. Catch Big Wave Surfing on the North Shore
Even if you’re not a surfer, watching the pros take on North Shore winter waves is absolutely mesmerizing.
January brings massive swells that create some of the world’s best surfing conditions at breaks like Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay.
Park yourself on the beach at Sunset or Pipeline with some Foodland poke and watch the action.
The waves can reach 20-30 feet (or bigger when The Eddie runs), and seeing surfers drop into these mountains of water in person is way more impressive than any YouTube video.
Want to learn to surf yourself? January waves in Waikiki are perfect for beginners – gentler than summer swells but still fun. My kids took surfing lessons in Waikiki and were standing up on their first try.
Book surf lessons on Viator or through local surf schools in Waikiki.
Check out my post on how to get around Oahu for tips on reaching the North Shore without a rental car.
4. Visit Pearl Harbor and Learn WWII History
Pearl Harbor is one of those places everyone should visit at least once. The USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum tell the story of December 7, 1941, in a way that’s both sobering and educational.
January is actually a great time to visit Pearl Harbor because it’s less crowded than summer months (though you should still make reservations).
The weather is comfortable for walking between the various sites, and kids can stay engaged without getting overheated.
Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are free but must be reserved at recreation.gov up to 60 days in advance.
They go fast, so book as soon as your dates are set. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours to see the main attractions.
Book complete Pearl Harbor tours through Viator or Get Your Guide – many include transportation from Waikiki and skip-the-line access.
Listen to my detailed Pearl Harbor podcast episode to learn what to expect and how to plan your visit.
5. Take Your Kids to the Bishop Museum
When January rain does show up, the Bishop Museum is Hawaii’s best rainy day activity.
This is the largest museum in Hawaii, and it brilliantly covers Polynesian culture, Hawaiian history, and natural science.
My kids are obsessed with the planetarium show about the Hokulea voyaging canoe and how ancient Polynesians navigated by stars.
The Science Adventure Center has hands-on exhibits where kids can experience a simulated volcanic eruption and learn about Hawaii’s unique ecosystems.
The three-story Hawaiian Hall displays everything from royal feather capes to ancient weapons and tools.
Plan for 2-3 hours minimum. The museum café has decent food if you need lunch, and the gift shop has actually cool stuff (not just tourist trinkets).
Read my complete Bishop Museum guide for what to see and how to make the most of your visit.
6. Experience Shave Ice in Winter
Yes, my kids eat shave ice in January. Is that weird? Maybe. Do they care? Absolutely not. And honestly, with temperatures in the high 70s, it’s still totally appropriate.
Our family rule when visiting Oahu is trying a new shave ice spot each trip.
Some of our favorites include Matsumoto’s on the North Shore (classic, always crowded), Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu (locals’ choice), and the stands at KCC Farmers Market.
Pro tip: Get it with ice cream at the bottom and add mochi balls or azuki beans on top. Trust me on this.
7. Explore Lulumahu Falls
Want a waterfall hike that feels like an adventure? Lulumahu Falls is a 2.3-mile round trip that takes you through bamboo forest, across streams, and to a gorgeous 50-foot waterfall.
Here’s what you need to know: You need a permit from the Hawaii DLNR ($2.50) because the trail crosses state watershed land.
Book at trails.ehawaii.gov. The trailhead is right off Pali Highway – just type “Lulumahu Falls” into Google Maps.
This hike gets MUDDY, especially in January with winter rains. Wear shoes with good traction (water shoes work great), bring an extra change of clothes for the car, and don’t leave valuables visible in your parked car.
The trail isn’t well-marked, but look for pink ribbons on trees and just follow the stream uphill.
January rains make the waterfall more impressive, and the pool at the base is perfect for cooling off (though it’s shallow – more for sitting than swimming).
Pack out all your trash to keep this beautiful spot pristine.
8. Road Trip to the North Shore and Stop at Dole Plantation
The drive from Waikiki to the North Shore is one of Oahu’s best day trips, and January is perfect for it.
You’ll want to rent a car for this. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they compare all the major companies and their prices are consistently the best.
Stop at Dole Plantation on the way. It’s touristy, yes, but also genuinely fun.
The kids will love the pineapple maze (Guinness World Record holder!), and the Dole Whip is legendary. Get the original pineapple flavor. This is non-negotiable.
Continue north through Haleiwa town (stop for shrimp trucks and browse the surf shops), then head to the beaches.
In January, park at Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay and watch the massive winter waves.
The energy on the North Shore during winter is incredible – surfers, food trucks, and that laid-back vibe that makes Hawaii so special.
For Oahu car rentals, compare rates at Discount Hawaii Car Rental – they’ll find you the best deal.
Need help planning your North Shore adventure? My Oahu Travel Guide includes a complete day-by-day North Shore itinerary.
9. Go Shark Cage Diving
Want to do something absolutely unforgettable? Book a shark cage diving tour.
Yes, it sounds terrifying. No, it’s actually not that scary. And yes, my friend’s kids (ages 8 and 10) did it and still talk about it constantly.
Tours take you about 3 miles offshore from Haleiwa on the North Shore. You’ll see Galapagos sharks and sandbar sharks swimming around the cage.
The boats are sturdy, the crews are professional, and the cages are completely safe. Most tours last 2-3 hours and you might spot dolphins and turtles along the way.
This is a beginner-friendly activity – you don’t need to be an experienced swimmer or diver. Some tours offer the option to snorkel outside the cage if you’re comfortable (we stuck with the cage!).
Book shark cage tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
10. Attend a Luau and Learn Hawaiian Culture
A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do Oahu experience, and January’s cooler evening temperatures make it extra comfortable.
My top pick for families is Toa Luau at Waimea Valley on the North Shore.
What makes Toa Luau special? The setting is absolutely stunning inside Waimea Valley, which is owned and operated by a Hawaiian nonprofit.
This isn’t some huge commercial operation. It’s intimate, authentic, and feels genuinely cultural rather than touristy.
Your luau ticket includes free entrance to explore Waimea Valley’s botanical gardens and swim at the waterfall (within 7 days of your luau), which is an incredible bonus.
The hands-on cultural activities before dinner are fantastic. My kids loved learning to prepare coconut, scraping taro, and trying traditional crafts.
The food is served family-style right to your table (no buffet lines!), and it’s all you can eat. My picks are kalua pork, BBQ chicken, fresh salads, rice, tropical fruit, and haupia for dessert. Everything tastes homemade and fresh.
The Polynesian show is spectacular. The fire knife dancing finale will have your jaw on the floor. It’s honestly one of the most impressive things I’ve seen in Hawaii.
The hosts make everyone feel like ohana, greeting guests personally and sharing the stories behind each dance and tradition.
Toa Luau offers two showtimes daily (12:30pm and 5pm), which is super convenient.
The afternoon show is perfect if you want to make a full North Shore day of it. Hike to the waterfall in the morning, do the luau, then catch sunset at Waimea Bay beach across the street.
The evening show works well if you’re spending the day elsewhere and want to end with dinner and a show.
Book Toa Luau tickets on Viator or Hawaii Activities. Packages start around $135 for adults, and kids 0-4 are free. The Gold Package gets you closer seating and an extra drink ticket.
Note: Toa Luau doesn’t provide transportation from Waikiki, so you’ll need a rental car or can book a shuttle service. The drive is about an hour, but totally worth it.
Free Things to Do in Oahu in January
Oahu can be expensive, but some of the best experiences don’t cost a cent.
Watch the Sunrise at Lanikai Beach
Set your alarm, grab coffee, and drive to Lanikai Beach on the windward side for one of the world’s most beautiful sunrises.
The sun rises around 7am in January (much more reasonable than summer’s 5:30am), and watching it illuminate the Mokulua Islands and turn the water golden is absolutely magical.
Lanikai is consistently ranked as one of America’s best beaches. The water is calm, the sand is powdery soft, and the Koolau Mountains create a dramatic backdrop. It’s worth the early wake-up.
This is one of my favorite cheap things to do on Oahu and perfect if you’re traveling Oahu on a budget.
Hike Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is a 2-mile paved path perfect for families.
The trail offers spectacular ocean views, and in January, it’s one of the best spots for whale watching from land. Bring binoculars and scan the water. You’ll likely see humpback whales breaching and tail slapping.
The hike is completely paved (great for strollers!), and the lighthouse overlook is stunning. Go in the morning before it gets too hot and crowded.
Beach Day at Waikiki
Waikiki Beach is free and fantastic in January. The water temps stay around 75°F year-round, the winter waves are fun for boogie boarding, and there’s always something happening on the beach.
My kids can spend hours just playing in the water and building sandcastles.
Pack a cooler with snacks from Foodland, bring beach toys, and claim your spot early. The stretch of beach in front of the Moana Surfrider and Outrigger Reef has the calmest water for young kids.
Pro tip: Rent chairs and umbrellas on the beach (around $25-35), or bring your own beach gear from home. I always pack a beach tent from Amazon for shade – it’s a lifesaver with kids.
Where to Stay in Oahu in January
January falls right after the Christmas/New Year’s rush, so you can sometimes find good deals on Oahu hotels. My advice? Book early and compare rates.
Search Expedia for the best hotel rates in Waikiki, Ko Olina, and Honolulu. I like filtering by family-friendly amenities like pools, kitchenettes, and beach access.
Popular family-friendly areas include:
- Waikiki – Close to everything, tons of restaurants, easy beach access
- Ko Olina – Quieter, lagoons perfect for small kids, home to Disney’s Aulani Resort
- Turtle Bay (North Shore) – If you want to be near the big wave action
Need help deciding where to stay? Check out my Oahu Travel Guide for detailed neighborhood breakdowns.
Capture Your Oahu Memories
Want professional photos without the awkward family selfie struggles? Book a Flytographer session and save $20 with my link.
We did this on our last trip and now have stunning family photos at Kualoa Beach and Waikiki Beach that we’ll treasure forever. Way better than asking random tourists to take our picture!
Planning Your January Oahu Trip
Okay, so you’re convinced January is the perfect time to visit Oahu (it is!). Here’s how to make planning easy:
Take My Free Email Course
Seriously, stop Googling random tips and take my free 7-day Oahu email course.
I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan your Oahu trip step-by-step. Each daily email covers one aspect of planning – where to stay, what to do, how to save money, and everything in between.
Get My Complete Oahu Travel Guide
If you want everything in one place, grab my Oahu Travel Guide for Families.
It includes day-by-day itineraries, kid-friendly activities, restaurant recommendations, money-saving tips, and insider secrets from my 40+ visits to Hawaii.
Think of it as having a local friend plan your entire trip.
Listen to My Podcast
The Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast covers everything Oahu. Start with my complete guide to planning an Oahu trip episode, then check out episodes on specific attractions you’re interested in.
Book a Planning Consultation
Feeling overwhelmed? I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where I’ll help you plan your perfect Oahu itinerary based on your family’s specific interests, budget, and travel style.
As a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist with 40+ Hawaii visits, I’ll save you hours of research and help you avoid common tourist mistakes.
Final Thoughts on Oahu in January
January in Oahu offers the perfect combination of great weather, smaller crowds, and unique winter activities like whale watching and big wave surfing.
Pack layers, make your Diamond Head reservations early, and don’t overbook your days – some of the best Hawaii memories happen when you slow down and just soak it all in.
Whether you’re watching whales from a boat, hiking to waterfalls, eating shave ice on the beach, or learning to surf in Waikiki, January gives you the best of Hawaii without the intense summer heat or holiday crowds.
Ready to book your January Oahu adventure? Start with my free Oahu planning course and let’s make this trip incredible.
Looking for more Oahu inspiration? Check out my posts on the most beautiful places on Oahu, surprising Oahu facts, and how many days you really need on Oahu.
