Complete travel information for your January journey
January is a popular time to fly from Orlando Regional Airport (ORLB) to Kahului Airport (OGG) because of Maui’s whale season and warm weather. Expect mostly one-stop itineraries connecting through West Coast hubs like Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO), or via Honolulu (HNL). Book midweek departures to find lower fares, and reserve airport parking and ride-share pickup in advance. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, light layers, and plan whale-watching excursions which often fill up quickly in January.
The best options are driving with on-site or nearby long-term parking, ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft), or an airport shuttle from central Orlando hotels. In January, expect lighter summer traffic but monitor early-morning congestion around holiday return weekends; plan to arrive 2–3 hours before domestic departures. Use official airport parking reservations and ride-share curbside pickup to save time.
Nonstop service between ORLB and OGG is rare; most itineraries require one or two connections in mainland hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Honolulu (HNL). In January, expect connecting routes to remain the norm due to limited transcontinental direct flights from regional Orlando airports. Search for one-stop connections to minimize travel time.
ORLB typically offers short-term and long-term parking lots with competitive daily rates lower than larger Orlando airports. January often has moderate demand after holidays—reserve long-term parking online for the best rates. Check the airport’s parking map for shuttle frequency from economy lots to the terminal and consider off-site park-and-ride services for extended stays.
January in Orlando is typically mild and dry, with occasional cool mornings and rare cold fronts; severe weather delays are uncommon. Snow is not a concern, but always check morning traffic and airline alerts—winter storms on the mainland can sometimes disrupt connecting flights. Sign up for flight status notifications before you leave for the airport.
January can offer off-peak savings after New Year’s first two weeks, but Maui remains a popular winter destination so expect variable fares. Use fare alerts, flexible date searches, and look for midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) to find cheaper ORLB to OGG connections. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for the best balance of price and availability in January.
Standard TSA screening applies: remove liquids >100ml, electronics larger than a phone, and follow 3-1-1 rules for carry-ons. January travel may see moderate passenger volumes—enroll in TSA PreCheck for faster lanes if you travel frequently. Check the airport’s security wait time estimates and arrive early during busy holiday-return weekends.
Arriving at Kahului Airport (OGG) in January means stepping into prime whale-watching season and warm, pleasant weather. Rent a car early—this is the easiest way to reach West Maui (Lāhainā), South Maui (Kīhei/Wailea), or Upcountry destinations. Plan for popular activities like snorkel trips, Haleakalā sunrise reservations, and whale-watching charters, and pre-book tours to secure seats. Keep reef-safe sunscreen handy and check local weather for ocean conditions.
Upon arrival at Kahului Airport (OGG), expect a compact terminal with efficient baggage claim and rental car counters nearby. January is peak whale season, so ground transport demand can be higher—book rental cars and shuttles in advance. Be prepared for warm, humid weather; bring reef-safe sunscreen and check inter-island flight options if you plan to visit neighboring islands.
From OGG you can rent a car, take private shuttles, taxis, or rideshares to destinations like Lāhainā (West Maui), Kīhei, Wailea, and Hāna. January demand is high for whale-watching tours, so pre-book guided excursions departing from Ma'alaea Harbor or Lahaina. For remote areas (Hāna or Upcountry Maui), plan for longer drives and limited services in winter months.
As of January, standard U.S. domestic entry requirements apply for travelers from Orlando Regional Airport (ORLB). Always verify traveler health advisories and local guidelines before flying; check Maui County and state of Hawaii travel pages for any seasonal advisories. Carry travel and health insurance for unexpected itinerary changes during winter travel.
January in Maui is prime whale-watching season, drawing many visitors who arrive at Kahului Airport (OGG) from Orlando Regional Airport (ORLB). Look for whale-watching cruises and eco-tours operating throughout the month. Local restaurants and resorts sometimes run winter promotions or restaurant months in January — book ahead. Cultural events and community gatherings may be scheduled around New Year observances and local calendars; check Visit Maui before you travel for exact dates.
For January travel from Orlando Regional Airport (ORLB) to Kahului (OGG), the best time to fly is mid-January on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) to find lower fares and less crowded flights. Early-morning departures can reduce missed-connection risk, while avoiding travel on or immediately after major holidays preserves seat availability and lower prices. Book 4–8 weeks in advance for typical January trips, and earlier if your travel overlaps with Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
Direct nonstop flights between ORLB and OGG are generally unavailable, so connecting flights are the standard in January. Connecting itineraries often save money and increase availability, but add layover time; choose single-ticket itineraries to ensure baggage through-checking. If you value shorter total travel time, prioritize one-stop connections through efficient hubs (LAX, SFO, HNL). For comfort on long travel days, consider longer layovers to reduce stress or book an overnight in a hub city for a more relaxed transfer.
Major U.S. carriers commonly offer one-stop service from Orlando Regional Airport (ORLB) to Kahului (OGG) in January. Typical connections operate through Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), or Honolulu (HNL). American and Delta often route via LAX or ATL with partner connections; United may route through SFO or DEN; Hawaiian Airlines usually connects via Honolulu. Compare seat, baggage allowance, change fees, and onboard amenities (Wi-Fi, entertainment) when selecting a carrier. Loyalty program benefits and partner alliances can make certain one-stop itineraries more attractive.
January travel from Orlando Regional Airport (ORLB) to Kahului (OGG) benefits from planning for both mainland winter inconsistencies and Maui’s warm, occasionally wet conditions. Pack light layers for cool Orlando mornings, plus breathable beachwear and a light rain jacket for Maui. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and motion-sickness remedies for whale-watching. Book activities and rental cars in advance, and consider refundable fares or travel insurance for winter travel variabilities.
There are typically no routine nonstop flights from Orlando Regional Airport (ORLB) to Kahului Airport (OGG); most itineraries require 1–2 stops. Total door-to-door travel time usually ranges from 10.5 to 16+ hours depending on layover length and route. Popular connections include LAX, SFO, SEA, and HON (Honolulu). In January, schedule frequency is steady but bookable seats fill up quickly for peak whale-watching weeks. Check carrier schedules for earliest departures from ORLB and optimal connection windows to minimize overnight layovers.
To find cheap ORLB to OGG flights in January, search flexible dates (±3 days), set price alerts, and compare one-stop routings through Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Honolulu (HNL). Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often yield lower fares, while weekend and holiday-adjacent travel tends to spike. Consider booking connecting flights on different carriers for cost savings, and check alternate Orlando airports for varied routing options. Use primary keywords like "cheap flights Orlando to Maui" and LSI variations such as "Maui flight deals January" in your searches to surface current promotions.
Flights from Orlando to Kahului are domestic, so there are no customs procedures; simply collect checked luggage at the baggage claim. Oversized or sporting equipment (like surfboards or snorkeling gear) may incur fees—check your airline’s baggage policy and declare special items at check-in in Orlando. For inter-island connections, verify whether checked items need to be recollected or will transfer automatically.
Yes—January kicks off peak humpback whale season in Maui (January–March), making whale-watching trips a top activity after landing at Kahului (OGG). Book tours in advance, especially for early- to mid-January when demand spikes, and choose certified eco-friendly operators. Factor tour pickup times and travel time from OGG when scheduling your first day in Maui.
Kahului Airport offers dining, car rental counters, ATMs, and basic retail; services are reliable but smaller than major mainland hubs. In January, expect busy mornings with arrivals from the mainland—utilize mobile apps for car rental pickup and consider pre-ordering SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi. Carry small cash for taxi tipping and remote vendors outside the terminal.