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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.
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
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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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