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February on Oʻahu is a vibrant time, offering a rich tapestry of events that showcase the island's cultural diversity, artistic expression, and community spirit. From international music festivals to local art exhibitions, visitors and residents alike can immerse themselves in experiences that highlight the unique heritage and contemporary creativity of Hawaiʻi. Here are some of the notable events scheduled for February 2026:
Chinese New Year Celebration 2026
The Chinese New Year celebration in Honolulu's Chinatown is one of Oahu's most vibrant cultural events. The Year of the Horse kicks off with firecrackers, lion dances, and a colorful parade through the streets of Chinatown. Local restaurants offer special menus, shops display festive decorations, and cultural performances fill the neighborhood with energy. The celebration includes a night market with food stalls, live entertainment, and traditional arts demonstrations.
When: February 17, 2026 (Chinese New Year Day)
Where: Chinatown, Honolulu
More Info: Chinatown Hawaii
Great Aloha Run
The Great Aloha Run is more than just an 8.15-mile race; it's a community tradition that promotes health, fitness, and charity. Starting at the iconic Aloha Tower in downtown Honolulu, participants of all ages and abilities make their way to Aloha Stadium, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators along the route. The event includes divisions for elite runners, wheelchair racers, and families, ensuring everyone can participate. Proceeds benefit dozens of local charities.
When: Presidents' Day, February 16, 2026
Where: Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium
More Info: Great Aloha Run
Held on select weekends in February, the Waikiki Artfest transforms Kapiolani Park into an open-air gallery. Featuring more than 75 local artisans, this festival is a paradise for art lovers. Each booth offers unique, handcrafted items, from jewelry and photography to wood carvings and textiles. Live music from local bands and Hawaiian slack-key guitarists creates a festive ambiance, and food trucks serve up island favorites.
When: Select weekends in February 2026
Where: Kapiolani Park, Waikiki
POW! WOW! Hawaii
POW! WOW! Hawaii is an annual mural festival that transforms the walls of Kaka'ako into a massive outdoor art gallery. International and local artists gather to paint large-scale murals over the course of a week, and the public is invited to watch the creative process unfold. The festival also includes live music, art workshops, lectures, and a curated gallery show.
When: Mid-February 2026
Where: Kaka'ako, Honolulu
More Info: POW! WOW! Hawaii
February 2026 on Oahu offers a diverse lineup of events catering to various interests, from cultural festivals and art exhibitions to community races. These events provide entertainment and enrich the island's cultural landscape, offering both residents and visitors unique opportunities to engage with the arts and community life.
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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