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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.
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
Read the transcript
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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