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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.
Dry conditions on Oʻahu today, with breezy wind in exposed areas. Drier weather continues through Wednesday as moisture clears out.
A medium-sized northwest swell will bring elevated surf to north and west-facing shores tonight through Sunday morning—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. Winds remain breezy through Sunday, easing slightly Monday and Tuesday before picking up again Wednesday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Monday morning for most coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Scattered showers arrive Thursday into Friday.
South and west shore beaches work well through Sunday for calmer conditions. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're drawn to bigger waves.
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Skies are drying out across Maui today through Wednesday as moisture clears. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed and terrain-favored spots.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell moves in—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then strengthen again Wednesday. The next chance of scattered showers arrives Thursday through Friday.
If you're heading to the beach, south and west shores are your best bet through Sunday. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're into bigger waves.
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Mostly clear and dry today on the Big Island, with noticeably breezy winds in exposed areas and terrain-favored spots. That breeze continues through Sunday.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell arrives—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. South shores stay small. A Small Craft Advisory covers most coastal waters through Monday morning due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive statewide Thursday to Friday.
Head to the south and west shores for beach and snorkeling through Sunday. If bigger waves interest you, the north shore has surf to watch tonight into Sunday morning.
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Drier air is moving in through Wednesday. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed areas.
Tonight into Sunday morning, a medium-sized northwest swell will push elevated surf onto the north and west shores—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive Thursday or Friday.
Hit the south and west shores for swimming and snorkeling through Sunday. If you want to watch big waves, the north shore is worth a look tonight into Sunday morning.
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.
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