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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.
Trade winds are strong right now, with high surf hitting the south shore today. Windward areas are seeing frequent showers through the weekend.
South-facing beaches have dangerous surf today through Sunday—stay out of the water unless you're an experienced swimmer. East-facing shores will build rough water by Sunday or Monday. The bigger picture is a tropical system, Fausto, heading our way. It's weakening but should arrive near the islands by Tuesday or Wednesday as a tropical storm or weaker system, bringing strong winds, rough seas, and heavy rain. The exact track is still uncertain, so check the forecast daily.
Get your beach time and water activities in today through early next week on the leeward side, where conditions stay calmer. Be ready to shift plans by midweek when conditions turn rough.
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Windy conditions across Maui right now, with trade winds gusting strong. South-facing shores have high surf today and will see another big swell Saturday and Sunday—the water's dangerous unless you're an experienced ocean swimmer.
Through the weekend, windward areas will get frequent showers while trade winds stay gusty. The bigger picture arrives midweek: Hurricane Fausto is weakening as it moves toward the islands and should reach Maui as a tropical storm or weaker system Tuesday or Wednesday. That'll bring rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain. Track and timing are still uncertain, so check updates daily.
Hit the leeward beaches and snorkel south Maui coasts today through early next week, but stay out of windward and south-facing waters through Sunday.
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Windy conditions dominate right now with strong trade winds pushing across the island. South-facing shores have high surf today—dangerous water if you're not an experienced swimmer.
Through the weekend, those south shores see another big swell Saturday and Sunday, and east-facing shores will build dangerous conditions by Sunday or Monday. Windward areas get frequent showers. A tropical system—the remnants of Hurricane Fausto—is weakening and headed toward the islands as a tropical storm or weaker system by Tuesday or Wednesday, bringing rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain midweek. Timing and track are still uncertain, so check updates daily.
Leeward beaches on the Kona side stay your best bet today through early next week, but avoid the water on the windward and south shores through Sunday.
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Strong trade winds are pushing showers across windward areas through the weekend. On Kauaʻi, expect frequent showers on the windward side.
High surf is running on south-facing shores today and will build again Saturday and Sunday—stay out of the water unless you're an experienced swimmer. East-facing shores will also see dangerous swell by Sunday or Monday. Hurricane Fausto is weakening as it moves toward Hawaii. By Tuesday or Wednesday it should reach the islands as a tropical storm or weaker system, bringing rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain. Track and timing are still uncertain, so check updates daily through midweek.
Beach time on leeward shores works through early next week. Plan water activities for today, but be ready to shift if Fausto's track becomes clearer—conditions will deteriorate by midweek.
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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