Oahu Events in January

Sony Open in Hawaii

The Sony Open is a highlight of Hawaiʻi’s sports calendar, attracting some of the biggest names in professional golf to the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. This PGA Tour event uniquely combines high-stakes competition with laid-back island vibes. The Waialae course features breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean complementing its meticulously designed greens and fairways.

Beyond the thrilling competition, the event is a major philanthropic initiative, raising millions of dollars for local charities. Spectators enjoy local food stalls featuring poke bowls, shaved ice, and tropical cocktails while following their favorite golfers on the course.

When: January 8–11, 2026
Where: Waialae Country Club, Kahala
More Info: Sony Open in Hawaii

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade

Honolulu honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a parade and community celebration. The parade traveled along Ala Moana Boulevard, featuring marching bands, cultural performances, and community organizations. The event brought together people from all backgrounds to celebrate unity, equality, and service.

When: January 19, 2026 (MLK Day)
Where: Ala Moana, Honolulu

North Shore Winter Surf Season

January is prime time for the legendary North Shore winter swells, attracting professional surfers from around the world and huge crowds eager to witness massive waves. Waves can reach 20–40+ feet, and the atmosphere at Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach is electric.

When: January (peak winter surf month)
Where: Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach
More Info: WSL

Whale Watching Season

January marks the beginning of peak humpback whale season in Hawaiian waters. From the shores of Oʻahu and on whale watching boat tours, visitors can spot these magnificent creatures as they breach, spout, and play in the warm Pacific waters.

When: January–March (peak season)
Where: Various locations, especially North Shore and Waianae Coast

January 2026 on Oʻahu delivered a wonderful mix of world-class sporting events, cultural celebrations, and natural spectacles. These annual events provide a great overview of what to expect each January on the island.

January 2025 on Oahu celebrates culture, community, and natural wonders, offering something for everyone. From the thrilling waves of the North Shore during The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational to the elegant greens of the Waialae Country Club for the Sony Open, the island seamlessly blends world-class sporting events with cultural festivities like the Night in Chinatown Festival and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.

These events reflect Oahu’s vibrant spirit, inviting locals and visitors alike to embrace the new year with joy, reflection, and aloha. As the heart of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu in January sets the stage for unforgettable experiences that honor its unique blend of heritage and modernity. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, the island’s January offerings promise memories to last a lifetime.