Are you thinking about planning a trip to Oahu in February? Find out some of the best things to do in Oahu in February that are worth adding to your itinerary!
This list of things to do in Oahu in February was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’ve visited Oahu in February more times than I can count, and honestly? It might be my favorite month to be there.
The weather is gorgeous without being too hot, humpback whales are everywhere, and if you time it right, you get to experience some of the best Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia.
Plus, you’re visiting during what locals call the “second season” when things are slightly less crowded than peak winter.
Let me break down exactly what makes February special on Oahu and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
What’s the Weather Like on Oahu in February?
February weather on Oahu is pretty much perfect for families.
You’re looking at average highs around 80°F and lows in the mid-60s. It’s warm enough for beach days but cool enough that you won’t be melting while exploring.
The water temperature hovers around 75°F, which feels amazing.
Here’s the thing about February though: it’s technically still the rainy season.
You’ll probably see some rain, especially if you’re on the North Shore or Windward side. But we’re usually talking quick passing showers, not all-day downpours.
Pack a light rain jacket and don’t stress about it. Some of my best Oahu memories involve getting caught in a warm Hawaiian rain shower.
The evenings can get surprisingly cool, especially if you’re doing sunset activities. Throw a light sweater or hoodie in your bag.
Why February is Prime Whale Watching Season
This is the big one. February is peak humpback whale season on Oahu.
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to give birth and raise their babies in the warm waters.
February is when the population is at its highest, which means your chances of seeing whales are incredible.
I’ve spotted whales from the shore at Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail more times than I can count.
They have permanent binoculars set up there, and on a good day, you’ll see multiple whales breaching and tail slapping.
It’s absolutely wild to watch these massive creatures from land.
But if you want the full experience, book a whale watching tour.
Getting out on the water and seeing a 40-foot humpback breach right next to your boat? That’s the kind of thing your kids will talk about for years.
I covered the best whale watching options in Hawaii Whale Watching: Budget vs Splurge Tours (Plus Free Shore Spots) on my podcast.
I break down everything from the budget-friendly options to the premium small-group tours, plus all my favorite free viewing spots.
Book your whale watching tour: Check out highly-rated whale watching tours on Viator or Get Your Guide for great options.
Chinese New Year Celebrations on Oahu
Okay, this is one of my absolute favorite things about visiting Oahu in February.
Hawaii has a huge Chinese population, and the Chinese New Year celebrations here are incredible.
Just picture massive lion dances, firecracker displays, cultural performances, food vendors, and parades that wind through Chinatown.
In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on February 17 (Year of the Horse), but celebrations typically run throughout late January and all of February.
The biggest event is usually the Chinatown Festival and Parade on the Saturday closest to the New Year.
Trust me when I say this is NOT something you want to miss if you’re visiting in February.
The energy is amazing, it’s completely family-friendly, and you get to experience a huge part of Hawaiian culture that a lot of tourists never see.
My kids love watching the lion dancers and trying all the different food vendors. Plus, most of these events are completely free.
Major celebration spots include Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Ala Moana Center, International Market Place in Waikiki, and SALT at Our Kakaako.
Each venue usually has its own lion dance performances, cultural demonstrations, and special activities.
The firecracker displays at some of the events are LOUD but so fun. Just give your little ones a heads up if they’re sensitive to noise.
Best Things to Do on Oahu in February
Let me narrow this down to the activities that are especially perfect for February specifically.
1. Whale Watch from Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
I mentioned this earlier, but it deserves its own section because it’s that good.
The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is paved (stroller-friendly!), about 2 miles round trip, and offers some of the best whale watching on the island during February and March.
Go in the morning when it’s cooler. Bring binoculars if you have them, but the permanent viewing stations with high-powered binoculars are awesome. And the views of the coastline? Absolutely stunning.
This is one of those activities that checks all the boxes: free, kid-friendly, great exercise, and you might see whales. Win-win-win-win.
2. Spend the Day at Kailua Beach Park
February is the perfect time to visit Kailua Beach Park because the weather is gorgeous and it’s slightly less crowded than peak summer.
Kailua Beach consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in America, and once you see that turquoise water in person, you’ll understand why.
The sand is soft, the water is clear, and it’s generally calm enough for younger kids to play safely.
What I love about Kailua Beach Park (versus nearby Lanikai) is that it actually has facilities.
We’re talking restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and lifeguards on duty. When you’re spending a full beach day with kids, these things matter.
The beach is also wide enough that it doesn’t feel overcrowded even when there are lots of people. You can spread out, set up your spot, and actually relax.
Bring your own snacks and drinks, though. There aren’t food vendors right on the beach, but there are great options in Kailua town just a few minutes away. We always grab poke or sandwiches before heading to the beach.
The parking lot fills up by mid-morning on weekends, so get there early if you can. But even if you arrive late, you can usually find street parking within a short walk.
Need a car? I always recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental for the best rates on Oahu.
3. Book a Valentine’s Day Sunset Cruise
If you’re visiting around Valentine’s Day, a sunset dinner cruise is honestly one of the most romantic things you can do in Hawaii.
The Star of Honolulu offers amazing Valentine’s packages with dinner, live entertainment, and those iconic Hawaiian sunset views.
Most cruises are about 2 hours, but some offer longer experiences with full buffet dinners.
Even if Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing, a February sunset cruise is still beautiful.
The weather is usually perfect, and there’s something magical about being out on the water as the sun sets over Waikiki.
Book your sunset cruise: Find sunset dinner cruise options on Viator.
4. Visit Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley is gorgeous year-round, but February can be especially lush because of the winter rains.
The main attraction is the 150-foot Waimea Falls at the end of an easy paved trail through botanical gardens. You can swim in the pool at the base of the falls (life jackets required and provided free).
What I love about Waimea Valley is that it’s more than just a waterfall hike. It’s a cultural and botanical center with free guided tours, cultural demonstrations, and peacocks wandering around everywhere.
The 1.5-mile round trip walk to the falls is completely paved and easy for most fitness levels. My kids were probably 4 and 6 when we first did it, and they had no problems.
Admission is around $20 for adults and $10 for kids, and it includes access to everything.
5. Try the Valentine’s Day Biathlon at Ala Moana Beach Park
Okay, hear me out on this one.
If you and your partner are active and looking for something different to do on Valentine’s Day, the annual Valentine’s Day Biathlon is pretty cool.
It’s a 5K run around Ala Moana Beach Park followed by a 1K ocean swim.
It happens every February 14th at 7:30am, so you could do the race and still have the entire day for other Valentine’s activities.
The race is put on by the Waikiki Swim Club and it’s super welcoming to beginners. You can register as an individual or as a relay team if you want to split the run and swim.
Not into competing? Just go watch! The energy is fun and Ala Moana Beach Park is beautiful in the early morning.
6. Experience a Luau
Look, I know luaus can feel touristy. But they’re touristy for a reason: they’re actually really fun, especially if you’ve never been to one.
February is a great time to go because the evening weather is perfect. Not too hot, not too cold.
I’ve been to several luaus on Oahu with my family, and my top recommendations are Mauka Warriors Luau and the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley.
Both are very family-friendly with excellent food and entertainment.
Most luaus last about 2-3 hours and include dinner, drinks, and a Polynesian show with hula dancing and fire performers. Kids usually love the fire dancing part.
Book your luau: Find Oahu luau experiences on Viator or Get Your Guide.
7. Explore Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is one of those places that consistently makes it onto every “best things to do on Oahu” list, and for good reason.
This 4,000-acre working ranch has been the filming location for dozens of movies and TV shows (Jurassic Park, Lost, 50 First Dates, and more).
But beyond the movie sites, it’s just a stunning property with mountains, valleys, and beaches.
They offer tons of different tour options including ATV tours, zipline adventures, horseback riding, and movie site tours. February weather is usually perfect for all of these activities.
I did the UTV tour a few years ago and it was a blast. You get to drive through the ranch’s private areas and see some incredible scenery.
The tours book up fast, especially during peak season, so reserve in advance.
Book Kualoa Ranch tours: Check Viator for current availability and pricing.
8. Go Ziplining
February weather is ideal for ziplining on Oahu because it’s not too hot and you’re less likely to get rained out than during summer thunderstorms.
The zipline courses on Oahu range from beginner-friendly to pretty intense.
CLIMB Works Keana Farms on the North Shore is one of the most popular options and they have age-appropriate courses for kids as young as 7.
Ziplining through Hawaiian scenery is pretty incredible. You’re flying over valleys, forests, and farmland with mountain views. It’s the kind of activity that makes your kids feel like total adventurers.
Most tours last about 2-3 hours and include safety training and all equipment.
9. Visit Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on US soil, and it’s a really fascinating glimpse into Hawaiian history.
This was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs, King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani.
The palace is beautifully restored and you can tour the grand halls, throne room, and royal bedrooms.
I think this is a great activity for families with older kids (probably 8+) who can appreciate the history. Younger kids might get a little bored, though the grounds are pretty to walk around.
Tours need to be reserved in advance. Audio tours are self-guided and less expensive, while docent-led tours give you more detailed information.
February is a good time to visit because it’s slightly less crowded than peak winter months.
10. Book a Family Photo Session
I’m a huge advocate for booking professional photos during your Hawaii vacation.
Trust me, you want to be IN some of these pictures, not just behind the camera the whole time.
Flytographer is my go-to recommendation. They connect you with local photographers for short sessions (usually 30-60 minutes) at locations all over Oahu.
You get beautiful, professional photos of your family with those gorgeous Hawaii backdrops.
February’s weather and lighting is perfect for photos. The golden hour before sunset is especially magical.
Use my link to save $20 when you book: http://flytog.co/mQjiYhQ
Popular Oahu photo locations include Lanikai Beach, Waikiki Beach, Magic Island, and various North Shore spots.
Is February a Good Time to Visit Oahu?
Short answer: YES.
February gives you incredible whale watching, beautiful weather, and the chance to experience authentic Chinese New Year celebrations.
The ocean is warm, the crowds are manageable, and you’re avoiding the peak summer heat.
The only real downside is the possibility of rain, but honestly? A little rain never hurt anyone, and it usually passes quickly.
As a professional tourist who’s been to Hawaii 40+ times, I genuinely think February is one of the best months to visit Oahu, especially for families.
Planning Your Oahu Trip
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the planning, I get it. Oahu has SO many options and it can be hard to figure out what to prioritize.
I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we can chat about your specific family, interests, and travel style.
I’ll help you create an itinerary that actually works for your crew, not just a generic list of tourist spots.
For more planning help, grab my Oahu Travel Guide for Families.
It’s packed with detailed itineraries, kid-friendly activities, where to eat, where to stay, and all my insider tips from years of visiting the island.
I also have a free 7-Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to Oahu that walks you through the planning process step-by-step.
And definitely listen to my podcast episode How to Plan a Trip to Oahu for more detailed planning tips and advice.
More Oahu Resources
Want more Oahu content? Check out these posts:
- Best Things to Do on Oahu with Kids
- Things to Do in Waikiki with Kids
- Most Beautiful Places on Oahu
- How Many Days in Oahu Do You Need
- How to Get Around Oahu
February on Oahu is special. The whales, the weather, the cultural celebrations – it all comes together to create one incredible Hawaiian experience.
Book your trip, pack your bags, and get ready for some serious aloha.
