Hawaii’s Weather Is Year-Round Heaven
Even in dead winter—when 90 percent of the country is shivering—you can be standing on the beach in Waikiki and hear a local call out, “Come on in, the water is warm!” And they aren’t exaggerating.
While 50 percent of North America is locked in ice, Hawaii’s surrounding Pacific has 78°F–82°F temperatures.
Are You Coming to Hawaii in Summer or Winter?
You may ask, “So which should I do in winter, whale watching or snorkeling?”
If I had to choose?
Whale watching.
“But what about snorkeling?” you say.
Do that too.
The good news is: you really don’t have to choose. You can snorkel in the morning, go whale watching later, and fit both into 1 day—whether it’s summer or winter.
So my final recommendation?
Do both.
1. Deluxe Snorkel & Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
If there’s one Hawaii excursion I’d do in summer or winter, it’s snorkeling.
Yes, summer is technically better. Around Honolulu, the ocean averages roughly 81°F in August, compared with about 77°F in January. But think about that for a second. The difference between lovely warm summer water and the “dead of winter” is only around 4°F in Hawaii.
That’s hardly a reason to miss an experience you probably imagined doing before you even booked your flight.
You came here to see the clear water, reefs, tropical fish, and turtles—so get in.
Living Ocean Tours runs its Deluxe Waikiki Snorkeling and Wildlife Cruise year-round. The trip lasts about 2½ hours, with roughly 90 minutes at Rainbow Reef for snorkeling and swimming. Snorkel equipment is included, and there’s also a waterslide, water trampoline, and floating lily pad.
So, summer? Absolutely.
January?
Also absolutely.
2. Whale Watching Waikiki by Living Ocean Tours
From January through March, the waters around Hawaii are full of humpback whales—and that alone is enough reason to book a whale-watching tour.
The whales have spent the summer feeding thousands of miles to the north. Then winter arrives and many make the roughly 3,000-mile journey to Hawaii to breed and have their calves.
You can see mothers traveling with babies that may be only weeks old. Young calves surface repeatedly beside mom because they can’t stay underwater nearly as long as an adult. Males pursue females and sometimes form competitive groups, with several enormous animals jockeying for position around the same whale.
Living Ocean Tours runs its Whale Watching Waikiki Tour through the peak period, from January 2 to March 31. It lasts around 1½ hours, starts at about $49, and comes with their whale-sighting guarantee.
For a few months each year, Hawaii becomes part of the humpback life cycle.
That’s what you’re going out to see.
3. North Shore Tour by the Surf Bus
Oahu’s North Shore is famous for big-wave surfing, especially from November through February, when powerful North Pacific swells reach beaches such as Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. On the biggest days, waves can reach around 30 feet or more, which is why some of the world’s best surfers come here for major competitions.
If you’re staying in Honolulu, I like the Surf Bus’ North Shore Tour. The company has a 4.9-star rating, and the tour lasts 8–9 hours with pickup and drop-off in Waikiki.
You’ll visit Pipeline, Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, Haleʻiwa Town, and Turtle Beach. And you can also choose 2 activities, or 1 activity with lunch. Depending on the weather and ocean conditions, those can include Waimea Falls, kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, or snorkeling.
What I like most is that you spend the day moving through several of the places people actually come to the North Shore to see.
And in winter, when those huge waves are rolling in, watching surfers alone can be worth the trip.
4. Food on Kalakaua Avenue
You don’t need to put Kalakaua Avenue on your itinerary because, if you’re staying in Waikiki, you’re going to end up there anyway.
It runs through the center of Waikiki, with the beach steps away and many of the area’s best-known hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers along the street.
Hawaii’s tourism authority describes Kalakaua as the main strip for Waikiki’s shopping, dining, entertainment, and resorts.
And there’s plenty worth stopping for.
The Duke Kahanamoku statue stands on Kuhio Beach facing Kalakaua. Duke won 5 Olympic medals, became one of Waikiki’s legendary Beach Boys, and eventually became known as the “father of modern surfing.”
Keep walking and you’ll reach Royal Hawaiian Center at 2201 Kalakaua Avenue. There are 110 stores and 30 dining spots, but I’d also look for Island Vintage Shave Ice downstairs. Fresh mango, pineapple, guava, lilikoʻi—and on busy days the stand has produced around 400 to 500 shave ices.
Beach. Surf history. Food. Music. Shopping. People everywhere.
Kalakaua is where a lot of Waikiki happens within a few blocks.
5. Waikiki Sunset Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
A sunset cruise makes a lovely full stop at the end of a Hawaii vacation.
You’ve done the beaches, the restaurants, the snorkeling, and probably taken 300 photos by now. On the last evening, Living Ocean Tours can take you away from the Waikiki shoreline for 90 minutes, with Diamond Head in one direction and Honolulu stretching out behind you.
Their Waikiki Sunset Cruise starts at $49, operates from Kewalo Basin, and is open to everyone from age 3 upward.
The boat is double-decker, with an open bow and plenty of places to watch the coast. Complimentary sodas, juices, water, and snacks are included, plus a cash bar. If you prefer to bring your own drinks, the BYOB cruise starts at $59.
I also like that the cruise changes with the season. Go in summer and the sun stays around longer, so much of the cruise takes place in that late golden light before the sun finally drops over the Pacific. Go in winter and Living Ocean times departure earlier. After sunset, Waikiki begins switching on below the darkening sky. Winter evenings are still mild—Hawaii averages around 78°F during winter days, dropping about 10 degrees at night—although I’d take a light layer on the boat because of the breeze.
Maybe someone on board says, “Can we stay another week?”
After this sunset cruise, there’s usually at least one person thinking it.
What Can You Do in Hawaii FAQs
What are kid-friendly things to do in Honolulu, Waikiki?
Family things to do in Honolulu usually include snorkeling, visiting the Honolulu zoo, a sunset cruise, and exploring the Kualoa Ranch.
Are there free things to do in Honolulu, Waikiki?
Yes. Some of the best things to do in Honolulu cost nothing at all. You can relax on Waikiki Beach, watch the sunset over the Pacific, hike Diamond Head (small entry fee for non-residents), or explore Kuhio Beach and its evening hula shows.
What are the best evening activities in Honolulu?
Popular evening things to do in Waikiki include beachfront dining, live music along the strip, and the Friday night fireworks display. Likewise, fun family things to do in Honolulu include sunset cruises and luaus, which are traditional Hawaiian feasts.
Do you need a car for things to do in Waikiki?
Not necessarily. Many things to do in Waikiki are within walking distance of major hotels. For activities outside the immediate area—like North Shore tours or Pearl Harbor—shuttles are widely available.
What outdoor activities are popular for families in Honolulu?
Outdoor family things to do in Honolulu include surfing lessons, snorkeling tours, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking Diamond Head, and boat cruises along the coastline.
