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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
Trade winds are strong right now, with high surf hitting the south shore today. Windward areas are seeing frequent showers through the weekend.
South-facing beaches have dangerous surf today through Sunday—stay out of the water unless you're an experienced swimmer. East-facing shores will build rough water by Sunday or Monday. The bigger picture is a tropical system, Fausto, heading our way. It's weakening but should arrive near the islands by Tuesday or Wednesday as a tropical storm or weaker system, bringing strong winds, rough seas, and heavy rain. The exact track is still uncertain, so check the forecast daily.
Get your beach time and water activities in today through early next week on the leeward side, where conditions stay calmer. Be ready to shift plans by midweek when conditions turn rough.
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Windy conditions across Maui right now, with trade winds gusting strong. South-facing shores have high surf today and will see another big swell Saturday and Sunday—the water's dangerous unless you're an experienced ocean swimmer.
Through the weekend, windward areas will get frequent showers while trade winds stay gusty. The bigger picture arrives midweek: Hurricane Fausto is weakening as it moves toward the islands and should reach Maui as a tropical storm or weaker system Tuesday or Wednesday. That'll bring rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain. Track and timing are still uncertain, so check updates daily.
Hit the leeward beaches and snorkel south Maui coasts today through early next week, but stay out of windward and south-facing waters through Sunday.
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Windy conditions dominate right now with strong trade winds pushing across the island. South-facing shores have high surf today—dangerous water if you're not an experienced swimmer.
Through the weekend, those south shores see another big swell Saturday and Sunday, and east-facing shores will build dangerous conditions by Sunday or Monday. Windward areas get frequent showers. A tropical system—the remnants of Hurricane Fausto—is weakening and headed toward the islands as a tropical storm or weaker system by Tuesday or Wednesday, bringing rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain midweek. Timing and track are still uncertain, so check updates daily.
Leeward beaches on the Kona side stay your best bet today through early next week, but avoid the water on the windward and south shores through Sunday.
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Strong trade winds are pushing showers across windward areas through the weekend. On Kauaʻi, expect frequent showers on the windward side.
High surf is running on south-facing shores today and will build again Saturday and Sunday—stay out of the water unless you're an experienced swimmer. East-facing shores will also see dangerous swell by Sunday or Monday. Hurricane Fausto is weakening as it moves toward Hawaii. By Tuesday or Wednesday it should reach the islands as a tropical storm or weaker system, bringing rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain. Track and timing are still uncertain, so check updates daily through midweek.
Beach time on leeward shores works through early next week. Plan water activities for today, but be ready to shift if Fausto's track becomes clearer—conditions will deteriorate by midweek.
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.
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