Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
The Big Island of Hawaii comes alive in January 2025, offering visitors and locals a chance to connect deeply with the island’s unique cultural heritage, natural splendor, and artistic expression. This is a month where the rhythms of tradition, the wonders of nature, and the universal language of art converge to create unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the power and grace of hula, the awe-inspiring presence of humpback whales, or the soothing strains of classical music, the events happening this January promise something for every traveler seeking an authentic Hawaiian experience.
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.
Hula Arts at Kilauea
In Hawaiʻi, hula is more than dance—a profound expression of history, cosmology, and cultural memory. Hula Arts at Kilauea, held amidst the lush rainforest setting of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, immerses visitors in this powerful tradition. While smaller than the major hula competitions held elsewhere in the year, this monthly event series is an intimate and significant presentation of classical hula (hula kahiko) and modern interpretations (hula ʻauana).
Set at the Volcano Art Center’s outdoor amphitheater, on this special January date, a local hālau (hula school) will perform accompanied by the resonant rhythms of pahu and ipu heke (traditional Hawaiian drums and gourds). Narrators provide insights into the stories being told—the lineage of volcano goddesses, the chants that recount epic voyages, and the genealogies tied to the Hawaiian landscape. Artisans showcase traditional crafts between performances, from lei-making demonstrations to the creation of kapa cloth. Attendees can also explore the Art Center’s galleries, featuring locally made artwork inspired by the volcanoes and the natural world. This event offers a respectful window into Hawaiian cultural arts, ensuring that visitors and locals alike leave with a richer appreciation for the soul of the islands.
When: January 11th
Where: Volcano Art Center's Amphitheater, in HVNP
More Info: Hula Arts Performances
Sanctuary Ocean Count
Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiʻi’s warm waters each winter to breed and give birth. The Sanctuary Ocean Count, organized by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, invites residents and visitors to participate in citizen science by counting and recording whale sightings from designated coastal lookout points.
On the last Saturday of January, volunteers gather at scenic coastal sites all around the Big Island—such as Pu‘ukoholā Heiau, Lapakahi State Park, or Honokōhau Harbor—to scan the horizon for the telltale blow of a whale’s exhalation or the dramatic leap of a breaching humpback. This collective effort helps researchers track whale populations and understand their behaviors while fostering public appreciation for marine life. Before the counting begins, on-site naturalists and sanctuary staff provide educational briefings, share field guides, and explain how to record sightings. For many participants, engaging directly with conservation efforts is a rare opportunity. By the end of the morning, volunteers feel a renewed connection to Hawaiʻi’s marine environment, forging a tangible link between island culture, scientific inquiry, and stewardship.
When: January 25th
Where: Island Wide
More Info: Ocean Count
Kamuela Philharmonic Winter Concert
For a change of pace from surf films and hula performances, the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra’s Winter Concert provides a gentle evening of classical music in Waimea's cool, rolling hills. The small ranching community, known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage, is also home to an active arts scene. Each winter, the orchestra presents a themed concert featuring a blend of classical masterworks and compositions inspired by the islands.
As you settle into your seat at Kahilu Theatre, you’ll notice a comfortable blend of locals dressed in their evening best and visitors curious to witness the island’s classical side. The conductor introduces each piece with context and charm, drawing connections between the music, the landscape, and the island’s storied past. Selections might range from Beethoven and Brahms to arrangements of Hawaiian mele (songs) performed alongside strings and woodwinds. Between movements, the theater's acoustics capture the whisper of trade winds passing through the theatre’s design. After the performance, attendees often linger to share their impressions or greet the musicians, reflecting on how the universal language of music resonates so deeply in this Pacific setting.
When: January 26th
Where: Kahilu Theater, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd, Waimea, HI, United States, 96743
More Info: Shakespeare in Paradise
January 2025 on the Big Island offers a tapestry of cultural, natural, and artistic experiences that reflect the island’s rich heritage and enduring aloha spirit.
Together, these three events capture what makes the Big Island so extraordinary. They celebrate its natural wonders, honor its cultural traditions, and showcase its artistic talent. For visitors and locals alike, January is a time to immerse oneself in the rhythms of the island—its stories, landscapes, and people. Through these experiences, the Big Island becomes more than a destination; it becomes a place of profound connection and inspiration.
FREE 2025 DOWNLOADS
Hawaii Intro Visitor Guide
+ Our Summary Guidesheets!
Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, a monthly weather & visitor summary, and our tips on how to save when booking your car rental, tours, and activities. Plus, grab our free Hawaii Summary Guidesheets.
