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February 2026 is a magical time to visit the Big Island of Hawai'i, where the month is brimming with a rich mix of culture, tradition, and natural splendor. Known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant community, the Big Island offers a variety of events and festivals that invite residents and visitors to celebrate its unique heritage. From the stunning blooms of cherry blossoms in Waimea to the year-round Hilo Farmers Market and the vibrant art scene in South Kona, February showcases the island's deep cultural roots and artistic talents.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a nature aficionado, the Big Island's February calendar is packed with opportunities to connect with the heart and soul of Hawai'i. Let's dive into the top events and festivals this February, each promising an unforgettable experience.
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is one of the Big Island’s most beloved events, heralding spring with spectacular blooming cherry trees at Church Row Park. This annual celebration honors Japanese culture and traditions with mochi pounding demonstrations, sake tastings, bon dancing, and traditional tea ceremonies. Local crafts and food vendors offer handmade jewelry and authentic cuisine. A complimentary shuttle service connects all the festival venues in Waimea.
This annual self-guided tour takes visitors through the studios of South Kona’s talented artists. The tour encompasses painting, sculpture, pottery, and jewelry-making, with artists offering live demonstrations and original works for purchase. The scenic drive through South Kona, past coffee farms and ocean views, adds to the experience.
When: Late February 2026
Where: South Kona
More Info: SOKO Artists
Hilo Farmers Market
The Big Island’s famous Hilo Farmers Market operates year-round but is especially vibrant in February with fresh tropical fruits and flowers in abundance. Open Wednesday and Saturday, the market features over 200 vendors offering local produce, prepared foods, crafts, and flowers. It’s consistently rated one of the best farmers markets in Hawaii.
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays year-round
Where: Downtown Hilo
More Info: Hilo Farmers Market
February on the Big Island of Hawai’i showcases the island’s diversity, creativity, and community spirit. From the delicate cherry blossoms in Waimea to the bustling Hilo Farmers Market and the vibrant art scene in South Kona, there’s something for everyone. These events provide a window into the island’s deep cultural roots and natural beauty.
Breezy trade winds are in place with windward and inland showers expected tonight and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday evening—avoid them if rough water concerns you. East-facing shores will see building swell Sunday as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves in with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas on the windward side. Forecasters are still narrowing down the exact track, so check updates this weekend. By Thursday normal trades return.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you stay clear of the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when the storm passes through.
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Trade winds are bringing showers to the windward side and inland areas, mostly at night and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday—avoid them if you're not comfortable in rough water.
Tropical Storm Fausto arrives Tuesday and brings heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on east-facing shores through Wednesday. The storm is moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot for days. Forecasters are still narrowing the track, so watch for updates this weekend. Impacts could shift depending on whether it passes north or south of the islands.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you avoid the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when Fausto moves through.
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Right now you've got breezy trade winds with showers mainly at night and early morning on the windward and inland sides. Conditions stay stable through Monday with the same pattern—showers mostly after dark, trades during the day.
High surf is running through Saturday at 6 PM on south-facing beaches. Starting Sunday, east-facing shores will see advisory-level surf building as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches from the southeast. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves near the islands with heavy rain and gusty winds on the windward side. It's moving fast at 15 miles per hour, so rain won't sit in one spot for days, but forecasters are still refining the track—updates this weekend will clarify the exact impacts.
Stick with leeward beaches through Monday if you're comfortable in the current surf. For Tuesday and Wednesday, plan indoor activities or protected bays on the lee side while the heavy rain and wind move through.
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Voice
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Breezy trade winds this morning with scattered showers on the windward side and inland—mostly at night and early morning. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday; skip them if rough water makes you nervous.
Tropical Storm Fausto moves near the islands Tuesday through Wednesday with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on the east-facing shores. The storm's moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot. The exact impacts depend on whether it tracks north or south—forecasters are still pinning down the track, so check updates this weekend.
Plan leeward beaches or protected bays through Monday. Once the trades return to normal Thursday onward, conditions settle back to typical.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
Created with AI from this HawaiiGuide page and read by a computer-generated voice. Double-check fees, hours, and reservations on the full page before you head out. Hawaiian pronunciation is tricky for synthesized speech and a few words may land slightly off; mahalo for your patience as we keep refining.
Mele and Kani are computer-generated voice options chosen for clarity and warmth.
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