Kia ora ... greetings from an infrequent poster from New Zealand!

We are heading to Hawaii Jan 2 - 16 2009. Surprise Xmas present for our 12 year old ... I just hope we can keep it under wraps til then.

Flights are booked and we are into HOnolulu Jan 2 - 7 (staying at Prince Kuhio), then Big Island 7 - 11 Jan (Marriott Waikoloa), then Maui 11 - 16 Jan (Kaanapali Beach Hotel).

I am most interested in water temps for January -- do you swim in the sea in Hawaii then? Will the snorkelling be any good? I think that 2 of the 3 hotels have heated pools so that will be nice.

I would also be interested in any thoughts on accom --- although as its already booked, I guess we'll have to like it or lump it!

And as NZ is currently in the grip of some of the worst storms in recent memory (flooding and high winds are rife!) the thought of Hawaii in January cant come quick enough.

I have been swimming in the ocean in Hawaii in January-I live in Colorado. It was a little cool but not uncomfortable to me. The folks who live in Hawaii usually think the water is too cold to swim in in January. I guess it depends on what water temps you're used to.

I estimate that the water temps in January are in the mid to high 70s. When I'm diving, my dive computer usually shows water temperature at depth at around 73 degrees, so add a few degrees for shallower water near shore.

And as a Hawaii resident, yes, I do think January is too cold for me to be swimming - but it depends on what you are used to.

It's OK for a little dip, but I found it too chilly for snorkeling or swimming without some sort of light wetsuit.

I went swimming in January in Hawaii and was happy to do so!! I came from a cold foggy San Francisco bay area to Maui on Dec. 31 and was so happy to have sunshine and warm water!

I hate cold water swimming, and the water is cooler in Jan. than I'd like. But it's the ocean in warm Hawaii versus the cold Michigan winter I left behind. I happily go in.

This is very useful info! I think I will get light wetsuits organised now .. there is certainly not much call for them in NZ at present. It is some of the worst weather on record

We snorkeled and swam in Maui in mid February without wetsuits. It wasn't as cold as I was expecting.

I have stayed at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel and liked it a lot. Not fancy, but fine. Its location on the beach is one of the best in that area.

Have a great trip.

Water temp. is not really the issue. In january, the trade winds sometimes have a northerly component to them, which can make the water seem cold! I really dont think you need wetsuits. I surf a lot, and a long sleeve lycra or surf shirt should keep you plenty warm! You can buy them for pretty cheap at walmart.

Water Temperature

Hawaiian waters are inviting year-round, averaging 74 degrees F (23 C) and reaching close to 80 degrees F (26 C) in the summer months.

None of the surfers or boogieboarders were wearing wetsuits - 3rd week of January last year Waikiki.

Meanwhile January is still winter in Hawaii and ocean conditions can get rough. Here's a link for an ocean safety site to consult before you go out....

http://oceansafety.soest.hawaii.edu/?i=maui

When I first stick my toe in the water in Jan. I think there is no way I'm getting in. But after I take the plunge, it's just great! And I am not in the least bit chilled getting out either which I think is amazing!

The Marriott Waikoloa is a great property. There is a beach down a short path and you can take a snorkeling boat tour right from the beach. The pools are heated and you can order your lunch poolside and they will bring it to you (I thought the fish and chips and smoothies were great). The rooms are a little on the small side, but nice and there is a small refrigerator if you want to keep drinks/snacks cold.

Also, it is across the street from the Kings Shops which has stores and restaurants. The Whalers General Store has some food items. On Tuesdays nights a wonderful local slack key guitarist plays for free about 6:00pm in the Kings Shop courtyard, John Keawe. If you are lucky, his lovely wife Hope will dance hula while he plays.

For fun for your 12 year old while you are there you could go a little further up the road to the Waikoloa Hilton and see the dolphins. My 12 year old grandson loved the Dolphin Adventure Program, where he was able to get in the water with the dolphins. You do not have to be staying at the Hilton to book the Dolphin Adventure.

As for water temps, they are a little cooler than during the summer, but plenty warm for us for swimming/snorkeling. Have a great time!