Hawaii in January
I’m thinking about going to Hawaii for my 30th in January and would love it if people could give me their opinions and personal experience on the best island to visit?
I’m all about adventures (not much of a city life) so would love to go to the best one that has all the amazing landscapes, mountains, beaches, places to snorkel and much more. Just all lush and green, where you can do lots of outdoor adventures and activities. I would be going for about 7 days maybe even 10. I’m happy to do island hopping if going to a few is a best choice as well.
For a January trip focused on adventure, lush landscapes, beaches, and outdoor activities, Hawaii has several islands that can fit your interests. Each island offers a slightly different experience, so your choice will depend on the type of adventure you prioritize.
Here’s a breakdown of the top options for adventure and natural beauty:
- Maui: Great for a mix of beaches, hiking, and scenic drives. You can do the Road to Hana with waterfalls, bamboo forests, and coastal views. Haleakalā National Park offers sunrise or hiking experiences in a volcanic landscape. Maui also has snorkeling opportunities at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.
- Kauai: Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is perfect if you want lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and outdoor adventures. The Na Pali Coast offers stunning hikes like Kalalau Trail. Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is great for hiking and scenic drives. Beaches like Hanalei Bay provide calm waters for relaxing or light swimming.
- Big Island (Hawaii Island): Ideal if you want diversity in landscapes. You can explore volcanic activity at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hike through lava fields, waterfalls, and lush valleys, and snorkel or dive along Kona’s coast. The island is large, so a car is essential.
- Oahu: While more populated, Oahu offers a mix of adventure and culture. Hiking Diamond Head, exploring Kualoa Ranch, and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay are highlights. The North Shore provides world-famous surf spots and scenic coastline. It’s a bit more developed, but still has plenty of outdoor activities.
If your priority is primarily lush, green landscapes and outdoor adventures, Kauai and Maui usually get the highest marks for a January trip. The weather is generally mild, though Kauai can be wetter in some northern regions, which adds to its lushness.
Considerations for a 7–10 day trip:
- You could spend all your time on one island for a relaxed pace, which is recommended if you prefer to explore deeply rather than rush.
- If you want a mix, consider a combination of Maui and Big Island, or Kauai and Oahu, but keep in mind inter-island flights take time and logistics may reduce your adventure time.
- Renting a car is essential for Maui, Kauai, and Big Island to access hiking trails, beaches, and natural sites.
- Plan for early reservations for popular tours like helicopter flights over Kauai or sunrise at Haleakalā on Maui, especially in January when visitor numbers are high.
In summary, for maximum adventure and lush landscapes, Kauai is often considered the top choice, with Maui offering a balance of adventure, beaches, and accessibility. The Big Island is excellent if you want volcanoes and varied terrain. Oahu is better for a mix of adventure and convenience with more amenities.
