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Maui, often called the "Valley Isle," is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant community spirit. February, in particular, is when the island comes alive with various events and festivals catering to locals and visitors. From celebrating the majestic humpback whales that migrate to its warm waters to showcasing world-class art and music, Maui offers diverse experiences during this time.
Here are some of the notable events and festivals taking place in Maui in February 2026:
45th Annual World Whale Day Festival
February marks peak whale season on Maui, and World Whale Day turns that wonder into a celebration. Hosted by the Pacific Whale Foundation, 2026 marks the 45th annual edition of this beloved event, anchored by a parade and community festival at Kalama Park in Kīhei. PWF is also running a full week of programming February 9–15, 2026, including cruises, volunteer service days, and a World Whale Film Festival at the historic ʻĪao Theater in Wailuku on February 11.
Running February 14 – March 1, 2026, Maui Open Studios transforms neighborhoods into galleries, inviting visitors to explore the island's artistry. Over multiple weekends, visitors can embark on self-guided tours of artist studios and creative spaces, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at Maui's thriving art community. From vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures and handcrafted jewelry, the event showcases the diversity of artistic expression on the island.
When: February 14 – March 1, 2026
Where: Various Studios on Maui
More Info: Maui Open Studios
Great Whale Count
Organized by the Pacific Whale Foundation, the Great Whale Count invites volunteers to help count humpback whales from shore — one of the longest-running community science projects in the world. Volunteers position themselves at designated counting sites around the island and record whale sightings during timed periods.
The Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational brings together top plein air painters to capture Maui's landscapes in their raw, unfiltered beauty. Throughout the week-long event, spectators can watch as artists set up their easels at iconic locations. The event culminates in an exhibition and sale where completed works are displayed and available for purchase.
When: Mid-February 2026
Where: Various locations on Maui
More Info: Painting Maui
February 2026 on Maui promises an unforgettable journey through the island's culture, art, and natural beauty. With peak whale season in full swing and creative events islandwide, the Valley Isle offers incredible experiences whether you're drawn to the sea, the stage, or the canvas.
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.
Mele and Kani are computer-generated voice options chosen for clarity and warmth.
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