Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your January journey
January is a high-interest month for flights departing San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) due to Maui’s whale-watching season and winter escapes. Travelers from downtown San Diego, La Jolla, Coronado and nearby Orange County often look for nonstop San Diego to Maui flights; book 6–10 weeks ahead to capture the best fares and seat selections. Expect slightly higher demand on weekends and around Martin Luther King Jr. Day; use fare alerts and flexible dates to find cheap flights SAN to OGG in January. For departures, confirm baggage policies, check-in online 24 hours before your flight, and allow extra time at SAN during holiday rushes. If you want personalized help finding the lowest January fares from San Diego to Kahului, search real-time prices and set alerts to lock in deals.
Yes — during January you can often find nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG), especially on carriers like Alaska Airlines and Southwest during peak winter demand. Nonstop frequency can vary by week, so check airline schedules and book early to secure a direct San Diego to Maui flight in January.
Typical nonstop flight time from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) is about 5 hours and 20 minutes to 5 hours and 45 minutes. Flight duration can change slightly due to wind patterns and the specific routing, so check the scheduled block time when booking.
In January, arrive at San Diego International Airport (SAN) at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight to Maui to account for TSA lines and holiday crowds. Pack a light jacket for the cool airport terminals, confirm your Maui lodging is open during winter, and book flights early to capture deals for whale-watching season.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is accessible via taxi, rideshare, the San Diego Trolley + shuttle connections, and local buses. If traveling from neighborhoods like La Jolla, Coronado, or downtown San Diego, plan for 15–45 minutes depending on traffic; consider pre-booking a rideshare during early morning or evening peak times in January.
January weather in the San Diego area is usually mild and rarely causes cancellations, but storms or marine layer fog can occasionally delay departures from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Airlines monitor conditions closely; if storms are forecast, check flight status with the carrier and sign up for alerts before traveling to Kahului Airport (OGG).
Follow your airline’s baggage rules — many carriers on the SAN→OGG route charge for checked bags and have strict size limits for carry-ons. For January travel, check-in online 24 hours before departure to choose seats and avoid airport line waits; if you have surfboards or beach gear, verify special item policies in advance.
January arrivals at Kahului Airport (OGG) are often timed for Maui’s winter attractions — whale watching, surf spots, and cooler mountain excursions like Haleakalā sunrise trips. From OGG, travelers commonly access major Maui destinations including Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea, and Hana, so pre-arrange rentals or transfer shuttles to save time. Expect busy rental counters and popular tour pickup times; book whale-watching excursions and inter-island activities well in advance. For safety and convenience, review baggage claim locations and check the airport’s real-time information before you land. For deals or last-minute transfer options into Lahaina or Kihei, compare rates from local shuttles and car rentals and reserve early to guarantee availability.
When arriving at Kahului Airport (OGG) in January, expect mild tropical weather and increased visitor traffic due to whale-watching season and winter tourism. Immigration and customs are not required for domestic U.S. flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN), but plan for typical baggage claim times and rental car queues, and consider pre-booking transfers to Kihei, Lahaina, Wailea, and Hana.
As of January travel seasons, there are generally no state-level COVID-19 entry requirements for domestic U.S. arrivals at Kahului Airport (OGG), but travelers should verify the latest Hawaii Department of Health advisories before departure. Airlines and facilities may recommend masks in crowded indoor spaces; check both airline policies and Maui County health notices prior to travel.
From Kahului Airport (OGG), visitors can rent a car, take shared shuttles, pre-book private transfers, or use local taxis and ride-hailing services to reach top Maui destinations such as Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea, Hana and Haleakalā. January is busy for tourism, so reserve rental cars or shuttles in advance to avoid long waits.
Yes — January is prime humpback whale season in Maui, making Kahului Airport (OGG) a convenient gateway for whale-watching tours departing from Lahaina and Ma'alaea. Book a licensed tour in advance and look for guided excursions that depart from nearby harbors to increase your chances of sightings.
For domestic flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG), you will proceed to the domestic baggage claim area without customs and immigration processing. If arriving from an international connection, follow signage for customs; otherwise, collect checked luggage at the designated carousel and follow directions for rental car counters and ground transportation.
Kahului Airport (OGG) operates year-round, but specific retail shops or concession hours may vary in January. Peak visitor periods can lead to longer lines at car rental counters and cafes; check airport facility hours and pre-book car rentals or transfers to streamline arrival in Maui.
January is peak humpback whale-watching season on Maui, with many tours departing from Lahaina and Ma'alaea — book early to secure spots. Maui also hosts smaller cultural events and community festivals in Wailuku and Kahului that celebrate Hawaiian music, cuisine and arts. In San Diego, preliminary winter festivals and food events may run in early January; travelers often combine a short San Diego stay with flights to Maui during MLK holiday weekends, increasing demand. If your travel dates align with local festivals, expect higher flight prices and limited rental car availability — reserve tours and transfers as soon as you book flights.
The best time to fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) balances your priorities: for whale watching and mild Maui winters, January is excellent despite slightly higher fares. If you want the lowest fares and fewer crowds, consider shoulder months like April, May, September, or October. For January travel, aim for midweek flights and book early to avoid seasonal price spikes. For weather-sensitive activities like Haleakalā sunrise tours, plan an extra day to allow schedule flexibility in case of weather-related cancellations.
Nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) save time — typically 5–6 hours airtime versus longer total travel on one-stop options. Connecting flights through Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) or Seattle (SEA) can be cheaper but add exposure to delays and baggage transfers. In January, when demand rises for Maui, nonstop seats may sell out faster and connecting itineraries can offer more availability; weigh price savings against potential layover length and missed-tour risk. For travelers prioritizing convenience, a nonstop SAN→OGG flight is recommended; for strict budgets, search one-stop routes but allow ample connection time.
Alaska Airlines often offers reliable nonstop service and strong loyalty benefits for SAN→OGG travelers, while Southwest provides competitive pricing and free two checked bags (useful for family trips) on many San Diego to Maui routes. Hawaiian Airlines may offer competitive connections from the mainland and strong Maui-focused service, including inter-island options if you plan to explore other Hawaiian islands. In January, compare total costs including baggage and seat fees: Southwest’s free checked bags can offset higher base fares, while Alaska’s premium seating and route frequency may offer better schedule flexibility. Check each carrier’s current January promotions, enroll in loyalty programs, and book early to secure the best combination of price and convenience.
Pack for warm days and cooler mornings — light layers, rain jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, and a warm layer for Haleakalā sunrises. Book whale-watching tours and rental cars as soon as flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) are confirmed; January demand can quickly exhaust availability. Allow extra time at SAN for security lines and verify baggage fees and surfboard or specialty item policies with your carrier. Consider travel insurance for weather-sensitive activities and monitor airline notifications for schedule changes. Finally, reserve accommodations near Lahaina or Kihei early in January to stay close to whale-watching departure points and popular beaches.
Nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) typically take about 5 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes. Schedules vary by airline and day of week; in January airlines often add capacity on popular travel dates, especially around long weekends. Common connecting hubs for one-stop itineraries include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA). For the most reliable schedule, book nonstop flights when available; otherwise select connections with at least a 60–90 minute layover to allow for possible delays. Always confirm flight times 24–48 hours before departure as carriers may change equipment or departure times during winter scheduling adjustments.
To find cheap flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) in January, use flexible-date searches and set fare alerts on multiple platforms. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often offer lower rates than weekend travel; consider early-morning or late-evening flights for additional savings. Compare nonstop prices against one-stop itineraries through Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) to balance cost and travel time. Use airline newsletters and loyalty points to capture seat sales; Southwest and Alaska Airlines periodically offer targeted discounts on SAN to OGG routes. If your dates are flexible, search a +/- 3 day window and consider nearby departure airports only if total travel time remains reasonable. Book once you spot a significant dip in price — January whale-watching demand can push fares up quickly.