Hawaii Weather in February

Hawaii in February sees ideal temperatures in the 78 to 80 F range. The waters and beaches remain warm and inviting all year round. With this weather, beaches are the perfect spot for sunbathing and water sports. The nights can get a little chilly in the mid to high 60s, especially if you are taking an evening stroll on the beach. Just pack a light sweater, and you’ll be fine.

Keep in mind that weather and temperatures vary from island to island. It can get colder at higher elevations, and certain areas, such as Volcano on the Big Island or Kokee on Kauai, can also become chillier in the evenings. If you are visiting the taller volcanoes, it would be wise to wear a light jacket and even pants as it can be cold when you reach the summit.

If you are worried about rain, a good rule of thumb is to stick to the leeward side of the islands. February does tend to see more rain than most months, but it is by no means the rainiest. The driest spots to tend to be south Maui, the south and southwestern areas of Oahu, and The Kohala Coast on Big Island. In February, rain showers often occur overnight, which brings you slightly overcast mornings and sunny afternoons and evenings.

In the tropics, brief showers can form quickly. Carry a light rain layer and use the current forecast rather than assuming every shower will clear on a fixed timetable.

Hawaii Crowds in February

February in Hawaii only gets busy on Valentine’s Day. Which is not surprising considering the romance and beauty the islands have to offer. You will see smaller crowds at this time of year, especially when compared to the peak seasons; therefore, it’s an ideal time to visit popular sightseeing areas.

Hawaii Costs in February

Valentine's and Presidents Day weekends can lift demand for lodging, dining, and popular activities. Outside those dates, February can compare favorably with the Christmas-New Year peak, but there is no dependable statewide nightly price. Use the live DBEDT-backed hotel chart below, compare the island and weekend you actually want, and test the trip in our cost explorer.

Hawaii Events & Highlights in February

Here are some of the events you won’t want to miss on your February Hawaii vacation:

• The winter months are humpback whale season, which peaks in February. If this is something you want to see, the whales tend to hang out around Maui, Hawaii's Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai. Maui also holds various events celebrating the arrival of the whales, including the Maui Whale Festival.
• Many tourists are surprised that the Big Island celebrates cherry blossom season in early February. The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival takes place early in the month as the stunning beauty of cherry trees over 60+ years old bloom at Church Row Park. 
• The Laupahoehoe Music Festival is a Hawaii Island event, not a Kauai event. Confirm whether the current year's edition is scheduled before building a trip around it.
• Waimea Town Celebration takes place in mid-February each year, celebrating the history of the island with cultural and recreational events taking place across the West Side of Kauai.
• Surfing tournament season continues into February in Oahu as the island’s “big waves” churn up excitement on the north shores.

Other than a slightly higher chance of rain, February can be the perfect time for your Hawaiian stay. Fewer crowds, exciting whale watching, and reasonable rates all add to the attraction of the islands at this time of year.