What the weather is like in February
February is among Honolulu's coolest months: 27°C highs, 20°C nights. Kona storms can bring a wet, windy week, but most days are fine on the leeward side. Winter swells keep Oʻahu's North Shore surf at its biggest, and whale watching is at its peak.
Against January, February runs about the same temperature with much the same rainfall and 0.6 hours more sun a day.
These February averages are station normals for Honolulu International Airport (NOAA NCEI normals, 1991-2020); other parts of Hawaii vary. Full sources below.
Hawaii in February, on the ground
February is one of Hawaii’s coolest months, still warm by day, with showers on windward coasts and the occasional Kona storm bringing a wet, windy week. It falls in the January-to-March peak of the humpback whale season.
Crowds and prices in February
It stays high season, busy with visitors escaping the mainland winter. Book early if your dates include the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend in mid-February.
What to do in February
- Go whale watching off Maui, at the peak of the season.
- Watch the big-wave surfers on Oʻahu’s North Shore from a safe spot when a swell arrives.
- Snorkel the calm leeward bays, such as Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu, while the north shores are rough.
Before you book: North-shore beaches have dangerous surf in winter; swim on the south and west shores and obey warning flags.
What to pack for Hawaii in February
- Light layers for warm days
- A light jacket for the evenings
- Swimwear
Is February the right month?
Hawaii's best month, May, is three months after February; the toughest, September, is five months before. If your dates can move, April is the nearest best-season month. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for January. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Hawaii, or where else to go in February.
Where to stay in February
February is shoulder season in Hawaii: good conditions, at lower prices than the peak.
- Waikīkī, Oʻahu$$First-timers, walkability, restaurantsDense, lively, and dry year-round on the leeward side. The best base if you want to skip a rental car.See hotels in Honolulu for 12–18 Feb 2027
- Kāʻanapali / Wailea, Maui$$$Resort beaches, whale watching, couplesLeeward Maui's resort strips: reliably sunny, calm winter water on the south shore. Book far ahead for December–March.See Kāʻanapali / Wailea, Maui hotels for 12–18 Feb 2027
- Kona coast, Big Island$$Snorkelling, volcano day trips, valueThe driest resort coast in the state. Ninety minutes from Volcanoes National Park; avoid Ironman week in mid-October unless you are racing.See Kona coast, Big Island hotels for 12–18 Feb 2027
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Before you go
Book the rest of your February trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Hawaii.
Browse Hawaii on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, HNL) to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for US installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
See US plans on AiraloCar hire
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Frequently asked questions
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Sources: NOAA Humpback Whale Sanctuary · Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority — GoHawaii · NOAA NCEI normals: Honolulu International Airport, 1991-2020 · NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center · NWS Honolulu: 2026 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook · NWS Honolulu: 2023 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Summary · Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency: History · NHC / CPHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Lane (2018) · Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources — Ocean Safety. Full provenance on the Hawaii guide.
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