February is whale month in Hawaii. Humpbacks are everywhere, calves are being born, and on Maui the whole island celebrates them. The weather is still winter-mild, the north shores still roar, and the islands are full of visitors escaping the northern cold. Here is what to expect.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in February?
February is very similar to January: an average high of about 81°F (27°C) and an average low of about 67°F (19°C) in Honolulu, with eight or so days of passing showers. The trade winds are less steady in winter, and when they drop, the air can feel still and warm. Occasional Kona-low storms can bring a few days of heavy rain, especially to the windward sides and the mountains.
The leeward coasts, from Waikīkī to Kīhei and the Kona coast, are the sunny bet. Nights at altitude are cold: Haleakalā's summit regularly drops close to freezing, and Mauna Kea can have snow.
Is February a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes, if whales are on your list. It is high season, so prices for hotels and flights stay high, especially around Valentine's Day and the Presidents' Day long weekend in mid-February. Couples flock to the islands for honeymoons and anniversaries, so popular sunset dinners and luaus book up early.
February is also the month when the ocean is at its coolest, around 76°F (24°C), which most people still find perfect.
What is the ocean like in Hawaii in February?
Winter swells keep rolling into north-facing coasts. Pipeline, Sunset Beach, Hanalei and Hoʻokipa can all be huge, and professional surf contests often run in February when the waves allow. For swimming and snorkeling, choose south and west shores, or protected spots such as Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, reservations required for non-residents), Kahaluʻu Beach on the Big Island and the Kīhei and Wailea beaches on Maui.
Visibility can drop after heavy rain as rivers wash brown water into the sea. If the water looks murky, wait a day or two, and stay out of brown water entirely.
Can you see whales in Hawaii in February?
February is arguably the best whale-watching month of the year. Mothers with newborn calves rest in shallow water close to shore, males compete in noisy "heat runs", and breaches can be seen from almost any west- or south-facing coast. Maui's Kīhei and Wailea coastline and the Lahaina area are the classic spots, but Oʻahu's Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail, the Big Island's Kohala coast and Kauaʻi's south shore are excellent too.
On Maui, the Maui Whale Festival celebrates World Whale Day in mid-February with a parade and family events in Kīhei. Whatever you book, choose an operator that follows the 100-yard approach rule and NOAA's whale-watching guidelines.
What is on in Hawaii in February?
Lunar New Year falls on 6 February in 2027, and Honolulu's Chinatown celebrates with lion dances, firecrackers and street food. The Great Aloha Run through Honolulu traditionally takes place on Presidents' Day, and the Punahou School Carnival, an Oʻahu institution famous for its malasadas, is usually held in early February.
The Waimea Bay big-wave season continues, so check the surf forecast: on a giant day, the North Shore draws crowds just to watch.
Which Hawaiian island is best in February?
Maui for whales, without question. Oʻahu for winter surf watching and Lunar New Year in Chinatown. The Big Island for dry, sunny Kona weather plus snow on Mauna Kea. Kauaʻi is beautiful but wet; base yourself on the sunny south shore. If you have a week, combining Oʻahu and Maui gives you city, surf and whales in one trip.
What should you pack for Hawaii in February?
Swimwear, light layers, reef-safe mineral sunscreen and a hat for the day; a light rain jacket and a sweater for evenings and rainy days. Binoculars are worth packing for whale watching from shore. For sunrise at Haleakalā or stargazing on Mauna Kea, bring real warm clothes: a fleece, a hat and gloves.
Things to do in Hawaii in February
- Go whale watching. February is the best month of the year for humpbacks, especially off Maui.
- Join the Maui Whale Festival. World Whale Day in Kīhei celebrates the whales with a parade and family events.
- Celebrate Lunar New Year. Honolulu's Chinatown fills with lion dances, firecrackers and food stalls.
- Watch pro surfing. Contests at Pipeline and Sunset often run when the swell is right.
- Snorkel a sheltered bay. Book Hanauma Bay two days ahead, or snorkel Kahaluʻu and Wailea.
- Plan a romantic sunset. West-facing beaches such as Kāʻanapali, Ko Olina and Kona are perfect for Valentine's week.
Daylight in February: the sun rises around 7:02 am and sets around 6:29 pm in Honolulu, giving about 12 hours of daylight. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
How expensive is Hawaii in February?
February is high season, with prices close to January's and a spike around Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day weekend. Whale-watching tours are plentiful and competitively priced, but sunset dinner cruises and luaus book up. You can save by flying mid-week, staying in a condo rather than a resort and mixing paid tours with free experiences: shore whale watching from Kīhei or Makapuʻu, beach days and short hikes.
Hawaii in February with kids
Mid-winter breaks and Presidents' Day bring families to the islands. Whale-watching boats are a highlight for children, and the Maui Whale Festival is aimed at families. Stick to sheltered beaches such as Kamaʻole, Ala Moana and Kahaluʻu, and see our guide to the safest beaches for families.
Tips for visiting Hawaii in February
- Book whale-watching tours early in the week, before weekend crowds.
- Reserve Valentine's and Presidents' Day dinners and luaus weeks ahead.
- Pack a thin rash guard: February water is the coolest of the year.
- Choose a leeward base (Waikīkī, Kīhei, Kona, Poʻipū) for the best weather.
- Always keep 100 yards from humpbacks, by boat or in the water.
What season is February in Hawaii?
In the old Hawaiian calendar the year had two seasons: Kau, the warm, dry season of long days, roughly May to October, and Hoʻoilo, the cooler, wetter season, roughly November to April, when the trade winds weaken, storms arrive and the Makahiki harvest festival honoured the god Lono. February falls in Hoʻoilo, the wet season: expect more showers on windward coasts, big north swells and, from November to April, humpback whales.
Quick answers: Hawaii in February
Is February a good time to see whales in Hawaii?
Yes. February is in the peak of humpback whale season (January to March), and whales are often visible from shore, especially on Maui.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in February?
Mild and mostly sunny: around 81°F (27°C) by day and 67°F (19°C) at night in Honolulu, with occasional showers. The ocean is about 76°F (24°C).
Is February busy in Hawaii?
Yes. It is high season, with extra demand around Valentine's Day and the Presidents' Day weekend.
Which island is best in February?
Maui is best for whale watching; the Big Island's Kona coast is the sunniest; Oʻahu is best for watching big-wave surfing.
Hawaii month by month
| Month | Avg high | Ocean | Rain (Honolulu) | Crowds | North Shore surf | Whales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 1.8 in | High | Huge | Peak |
| February | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 1.9 in | High | Big | Peak |
| March | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 2.4 in | High | Big | Peak |
| April | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F | 0.8 in | Medium | Fading | Leaving |
| May | 85°F / 29°C | 78°F | 0.8 in | Low | Small | None |
| June | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F | 0.5 in | High | Flat | None |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F | 0.5 in | Very high | Flat | None |
| August | 89°F / 32°C | 80°F | 0.8 in | High | Flat | None |
| September | 88°F / 31°C | 80°F | 0.9 in | Low | Small | None |
| October | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F | 1.5 in | Low | Building | None |
| November | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F | 2.2 in | Low–medium | Big | Arriving |
| December | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F | 2.2 in | Very high | Huge | Growing |
Temperatures and rainfall: Honolulu International Airport, NOAA 1991–2020 normals. Ocean: average sea temperature off Honolulu. Rain is much higher on windward coasts and in the mountains.
Planning around a different month? Read Hawaii in January or Hawaii in March, and our guide to the best time to visit Hawaii.
Facts checked October 2026. Event dates change from year to year, so confirm with the organisers before you book.
