I will be going to honolulu january 2012 and even though I can't swim will I be able to wade out ok?

Yes, definitely

Waikiki is on the south shore of Oahu, a usually very calm area and is great for wading. But if you are a non-swimmer, exercise reasonable caution in the ocean and stay in view of the life guard stations. You'll have a good time there.

Also, be aware that january can be quite windy, and the water at least a little rougher than it might be, say, in summer. I'd be inclined to stay VERY close to the shore if I didn't know how to swim.

Looks like you tagged this in Ohio. You may want to repost in Hawaii.

Actually, January is when the surf is usually the calmest off Waikiki. It stays shallow for quite a ways out, too.

in case the water is choppy in January, at Kuhio Beach Park there is a walled off swimming area where the water is calmer http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/oah...uhio-beach.htm

The water was pretty calm when I was there a few weeks ago. There is a man made breakwater that stops the surf from crashing in, unlike Sydney beaches where I live. You will be very safe as it's not deep, even if you fall over you can just stand up again.

Lots of people took inflatable rings into the beach and you could do that too if it makes you feel safer. I can't see any harm in telling the lifeguards that you are a little anxious and I'm sure they would keep an eye on you.

Don't forget to have some shopping $ as the shopping in Waikiki is amazing!

Yes you can wade safely along Waikiki. It slopes down quite gradually along most of the beach. You have to go out a ways to get in to your waist and higher.