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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.
Trades are breezy right now with scattered showers on the windward side and mountains; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Tomorrow stays breezy with the same pattern.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is still uncertain. If it comes closer, expect heavier rain over a longer stretch; if it stays farther out, impacts will be shorter and lighter. Winds will increase late this week, with potential gusts over 70 miles per hour on the highest summits.
Plan your leeward beach time and snorkeling for today through Tuesday. Save summit drives and offshore water sports for after Saturday, and check updates daily as this develops.
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Trade winds are pushing across Maui right now and staying breezy through tomorrow. Windward slopes and peaks will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. Rough seas mean a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain. Late this week, winds will increase across Maui, with summit gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph on Haleakala. The Big Island—especially Hilo and Puna—faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding if the storm tracks close.
Leeward beaches and snorkeling work best today through Tuesday. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday.
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Trades are kicking today with moderate wind and rough seas. Windward slopes will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain, but the Big Island faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding, especially in the Hilo and Puna areas. Summit winds could exceed 70 mph late in the week. Check forecasts daily as the situation develops.
Leeward snorkeling and beach time work well through Tuesday. Save summit drives and windward hikes for today or tomorrow, and avoid offshore water sports and high elevations Thursday through Saturday.
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Voice
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Trades are steady now with scattered showers on the windward side and ridges; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Through Tuesday it stays breezy with rough seas around Maui and the Big Island, where a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is uncertain. Winds will increase across the eastern islands late this week, with potential for summit gusts over 70 mph on Maui and the Big Island if the storm intensifies.
Get your beach and snorkel time in today and tomorrow on the leeward coast. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday as conditions deteriorate. The track could shift significantly—check updates daily.
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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