Explore Maui, Hawaii

Visiting Maui in January: Everything You Need To Know

Thinking about a trip to Maui and wondering if January is a good time to go? You’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Maui in January—from the weather and prices to how busy it gets and the best things to do.

Maui Weather in January

Visiting Maui in January means you’ll enjoy warm island temperatures—though don’t expect perfect beach weather every minute.

Daytime highs tend to be in the mid‑ to high‑70s °F (around 24‑26 °C) on many resort‑friendly sections of Maui.
Nighttime lows drop into the mid‑60s °F (about 17‑19 °C), which might call for a light jacket or long sleeves when you’re relaxing outdoors after sunset.
January is one of the rainier months on Maui—though “rainier” in Maui doesn’t always mean heavy downpour. Short rain showers, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, can happen.
The ocean temperature remains comfortable for swimming—roughly the low to mid‑70s °F (around 22‑24 °C).
Because it’s winter, the trade winds may be lighter and the seas a bit more unsettled on the north and west shores—so for snorkeling or calm‑sea days you may choose the more sheltered south/west sides of the island.

Maui Sunrise & Sunset In January

Getting the timing right for early‑morning views or sunset strolls can make your day.

For Maui in January, sunrise times are approximately 7:00 a.m. (local time) at the start of the month, shifting slightly earlier toward the end.
Sunset times hover around 6:00 p.m.—again with small shifts throughout the month.
That gives you roughly 11 to 11½ hours of daylight, which is slightly shorter than summer—but still plenty of time to get outdoors and explore.
If you plan something like watching sunrise from Haleakalā National Park (at the summit) it’s worth noting that dawn can be quite early and conditions can be very cold up there even though you’re on Maui.

January is Shoulder/High Season in Maui

When it comes to travel demand and pricing—January falls into a mix of “winter peak” and “shoulder” behaviour on Maui.

After the big holiday rush (late December), visitor numbers on Maui tend to dip slightly—but it’s still winter vacation season because many folks from the U.S. mainland are escaping cold weather.
Flights to Maui in January often present some of the best deals of the year, since the immediate post‑holiday period can be softer than December.
However—hotel and vacation‑rental rates don’t always drop dramatically in January; some resort areas still maintain relatively high nightly rates because demand remains strong for desirable properties.
Crowd‑wise, you’ll have fewer tourists than the holiday weeks, but you will not have Maui to yourself—popular beaches and tours still fill up, especially for whale‑watching and other winter‑special activities.
To save, book flights early and consider staying in less‑resorty zones or flexible dates—especially if you’re willing to travel early in January (just after New Year’s) rather than later in the month.

Best Things To Do In Maui In January

January gives you a unique mix of island‑relaxation and winter‑specific fun—making it a smart time to visit.

From clear sea swims to dramatic ocean views and unique natural events, here are some of the top things to enjoy:

Whale watching – Winter is peak time for spotting humpback whales migrating through Maui’s waters.
Snorkeling & beach time – With warm ocean temps and mild air temps, you can still enjoy long beach days—especially on south/west shores.
Driving the Road to Hana – Fewer crowds compared with high‑summer, so you’ll have a bit more space to explore waterfalls, rainforest stretches, and coastal views.
Sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā – For the adventurous (and early‑mornin’), watching sunrise at the summit offers unforgettable views. Alternatively, sunset from the summit or a west‑facing beach offers a more relaxed option.
Relaxing resort days – Take time to unwind in a spa, poolside or beachfront setting—January’s cooler evenings make for perfect cocktail hour by the sea.

Why this month works: You’ll get warm weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and special natural events (like whale season) that you won’t as easily get at other times of year.

Maui Weather in January

Maui Sunrise & Sunset In January

January is Shoulder/High Season in Maui

Best Things To Do In Maui In January

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