President & certified Hawaii travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
We may earn a commission when you book or buy through links on this page.
January 2026 is a wonderful time to visit the Big Island of Hawai’i, where the month offers visitors and locals a chance to connect deeply with the island’s unique cultural heritage and natural splendor. From the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Kīlauea to the arrival of majestic humpback whales along the Kohala Coast, January showcases the Big Island’s most compelling experiences.
January’s offerings on the Big Island provide entertainment and moments of reflection and inspiration. Whether learning about Hawaiian history through hula, contributing to marine conservation, or enjoying music that resonates across cultures, each event offers a meaningful way to engage with the islands' spirit.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Events
January is an excellent time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, with ranger-led programs, guided hikes, and After Dark in the Park presentations. The park’s unique volcanic landscapes are especially dramatic during the cooler winter months, and the Kīlauea caldera viewing area offers unforgettable experiences.
When: Daily throughout January
Where: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
More Info: NPS - Hawai’i Volcanoes
Whale Watching Season
January marks the beginning of prime humpback whale season along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. Whale watching tours depart from Kailua-Kona and Kawaihae Harbor, offering close encounters with these magnificent creatures in the calm leeward waters.
The Hilo Farmers Market continues its vibrant year-round operations, with January offerings including fresh citrus, tropical flowers, and locally made crafts. The market is a cornerstone of the Big Island community and a must-visit for any trip to Hilo.
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Where: Downtown Hilo
More Info: Hilo Farmers Market
Trades are breezy right now with scattered showers on the windward side and mountains; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Tomorrow stays breezy with the same pattern.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is still uncertain. If it comes closer, expect heavier rain over a longer stretch; if it stays farther out, impacts will be shorter and lighter. Winds will increase late this week, with potential gusts over 70 miles per hour on the highest summits.
Plan your leeward beach time and snorkeling for today through Tuesday. Save summit drives and offshore water sports for after Saturday, and check updates daily as this develops.
0:000:53
Voice
Read the transcript
Trade winds are pushing across Maui right now and staying breezy through tomorrow. Windward slopes and peaks will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. Rough seas mean a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain. Late this week, winds will increase across Maui, with summit gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph on Haleakala. The Big Island—especially Hilo and Puna—faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding if the storm tracks close.
Leeward beaches and snorkeling work best today through Tuesday. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday.
0:000:55
Voice
Read the transcript
Trades are kicking today with moderate wind and rough seas. Windward slopes will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain, but the Big Island faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding, especially in the Hilo and Puna areas. Summit winds could exceed 70 mph late in the week. Check forecasts daily as the situation develops.
Leeward snorkeling and beach time work well through Tuesday. Save summit drives and windward hikes for today or tomorrow, and avoid offshore water sports and high elevations Thursday through Saturday.
0:000:58
Voice
Read the transcript
Trades are steady now with scattered showers on the windward side and ridges; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Through Tuesday it stays breezy with rough seas around Maui and the Big Island, where a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is uncertain. Winds will increase across the eastern islands late this week, with potential for summit gusts over 70 mph on Maui and the Big Island if the storm intensifies.
Get your beach and snorkel time in today and tomorrow on the leeward coast. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday as conditions deteriorate. The track could shift significantly—check updates daily.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
Created with AI from this HawaiiGuide page and read by a computer-generated voice. Double-check fees, hours, and reservations on the full page before you head out. Hawaiian pronunciation is tricky for synthesized speech and a few words may land slightly off; mahalo for your patience as we keep refining.
Mele and Kani are computer-generated voice options chosen for clarity and warmth.
Get Your Free Hawaii Visitor Guide
Enter your email and we'll send you instant access to our free 2026 Hawaii Starter Guide + Summary Guidesheets.