Maui Whale Watching Peak season: January - March Best Time To Go: Early morning trips usually mean calmer seas Highlights: Nothing compares to coming face-to-face with a humpback whale
With peak humpback whale season and couples snuggling up for Valentine’s Day, Maui in February is a busy time. Throughout the month, humpbacks definitely garner the majority of spotlight. In addition to whales, February is also host to a variety of unique, entertaining events, from live concerts to Chinese New Year festivals. And of course, you can never go wrong with a day spent relaxing at one of the island’s sunny, warm beaches.
To Dos In Maui This February
Weather On Maui In February
While most of the northern hemisphere is stuck in the throes of winter, Maui in February is marked by plenty of sunshine and daytime temperatures in the low eighties. Ocean temperature averages 75°. Maui’s near constant trade winds also tend to relax during February, making this an optimal month for watersports and beach days.
| Location | Avg. High °F | Avg. Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| Haleakala National Park (Summit) | 60 | 42 |
| Kahului | 81 | 63 |
| Kapalua | 79 | 66 |
| Lahaina | 82 | 64 |
| Makena State Park | 73 | 63 |
| Hana | 78 | 64 |
February’s Top Things To Do In Maui
- Activity: Whale Watching
- Couples: Valentine’s Day Sunset Sail for 2
- Families: 37th Annual Parade of Whales and World Whale Day
Maui Whales and Whale Watching
Maui is one of the world’s top whale watching destinations, and it’s no wonder when an estimated 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Maui waters each winter. In Maui in February, there are enough whales to go around and a number of possibilities to view these frolicking, 45 ton leviathans.
Whale Watching By Land: Oftentimes on Maui you can spot whales from the comfort of your beach chair. Pacific Whale Foundation hosts the Trail of the Whale, a series of free, on-site naturalist stations at Papawai Point, Wailea Beach Marriott Resort, and Ulua Beach Monday through Saturday. Some of the best places to spot whales from shore include:
- Papawai Point – Public parking lot 3 miles northwest of Maalaea Harbor on Route 30. Go early – this place gets crowded!
- Wailea Beach Marriott Resort Ocean Path – Stroll along South Maui’s gorgeous coastline while watching whales just offshore.
- Fleetwood’s on Front Street – You can’t go wrong sipping cocktails and watching whales splash off the Lahaina coastline from this rooftop dining area.
Whale Watching by Boat: A boat-based whale watch is an unforgettable experience and worth every penny. Most tours leave out of either Maalaea Harbor or Lahaina Harbor and range from high powered catamarans to intimate kayak adventures.
- Trilogy – Family owned and operated, Trilogy is known to offer one of the highest quality whale watching experiences on Maui.
- Maui Kayak Adventures – A kayak tour is a great option if you’re looking for an intimate whale watching experience with minimal crowds.
Valentine’s Day On Maui
Maui has a near endless list of romantic dates and dinner options. Traditional romantics can choose from five-star restaurants and even sunset dinner sails, while low-keyed couples may opt to celebrate Valentine’s with a beach side picnic. For the adventurous duo, consider a romantic whale watch for two or even a couple’s surf lesson.
Maui Ocean Center Weekend of Love Dinner
Date: February 11 and 12/5pm-9pm
Location: Seascape Restaurant (Maalaea)
Reservations: (808) 419-3071
Dinner Highlights: Enjoy an early Valentine’s surprise at Seascape Restaurant in Ma’alaea. The dinner features a special Valentine’s menu overlooking the stunning sunsets at Ma’alaea Bay.
Trilogy Valentine’s Dinner Sail
Time: Departs at 4:30pm from Lahaina Harbor
Cost: $205 per person
Buy Tickets: Online or by calling (888) 225-MAUI
Dinner Highlights: Four course surf-and-turf dinner surrounded by the Pacific Ocean
If you’re looking for all out romance, look no further than the Valentine’s Dinner Sail aboard Trilogy’s luxury catamaran. The view is unmatched, the food is delicious, and the ambiance is everything you need for the perfect Valentine’s dinner.
Nick’s Fishmarket Valentine’s Dinner
Cost: Call for details
Reservations: (808) 879-7224
Highlights: Intimate setting with award-winning entrees.
Nick’s Fishmarket is one of Maui’s most critically acclaimed, fine dining restaurants. The Valentine’s menu includes fresh catch and savory options, in addition to Nick’s famed Strawberry Panzini dessert.
Valentine’s Dinner at Grand Wailea’s Bistro Molokini
Cost: $55 per person
Reservations: Online or by calling 800-888-6100
Highlights: Oceanside dining at one of Maui’s most luxury resorts
One of Maui’s premier resorts, the Grand Wailea’s Bistro Molokini serves up a prix fixe dinner menu for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Seaside dining at its finest.
February Festivals On Maui
37th Annual Parade of Whales and World Whale Day
Date: Saturday, February 18
Time: 9am – 6pm
Location: Kalama Park, Kihei
Admission: $5 ages 13+; keiki 12 and under are Free
Highlights: Live music, artisan fair, food, kid’s activities and entertainment
World Whale Day is one of Maui’s oldest and largest community festivals. Events kick off at 9am along South Kihei road with the Parade of Whales, followed by World Whale Day in Kalama Park. The main stage garners top local acts including John Cruz, George Kahumoku Jr., HAPA, and the ever colorful Marty Dread who throws the island’s best sunset dance party. Kids won’t want to leave the Keiki Carnival, complete with bouncy castles, cotton candy, and shave ice. games. Check out locally made Maui wares at the Made on Maui Artisan Fair, interact with Maui-based nonprofits in “Eco-Alley”, and enjoy a variety of ono food.
Maui Community Events
Whale Tales
Date: February 24 – 27
Time: TBA
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Admission: $20 (suggested)
Highlights: Interact with some of the most brilliant whale scientists, experts, and conservationists
Hosted by the local nonprofit Whale Trust Maui, Whale Tales is the public’s chance to interact with of some of the most preeminent whale researchers in the world. The four day event includes daily education and art expos, benefit whale watches, and presentations by world renowned marine mammal scientists, photographers, filmmakers, and conservationists.
45-Ton Whale Talks
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 11am-12 noon
Location: NOAA Whale Sanctuary (726 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei)
Admission: Free
Highlights: Test your humpback whale knowledge with staff from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Join the staff of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary every Tuesday and Thursday for FREE 45-Ton Whale Talks in Kihei. Whale Talks are open to the public and are a great way to interact with whale experts.
Arts & Cultural Events
7th Annual Maui Open Studios Event
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday during February
Time: 11am-6pm
Location: Varies
Admission: Free
Highlights: Free self-guided tours of artist studios and exhibition spaces.
Art lovers will revel in the chance to talk story with artists and watch art in progress during the 7th Annual Maui Open Studios Event. Venues range from home-based studios to outdoor galleries. The event begins with an opening reception on Saturday, February 4 at the Pa‘ina Culinary Arts Center at the University of Hawaii Maui College and runs every weekend throughout the month of February. See the schedule of events for more information.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Date: Friday, February 3
Time: 2:30pm-8pm
Location: Wo Hing Museum (Lahaina)
Admission: Free
Highlights: Immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of the Chinese New Year celebration
Ring in the Year of the Rooster with Lahaina’s lunar new year festival. The celebration includes music, martial arts, and kids’ crafts. A traditional lion dance begins at 5pm on Front Street.
Hawaiian Music Festival
Date: Thursday, February 23
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Baldwin Home Museum lawn (Lahaina)
Admission: FREE
Highlights: Featuring the island vibes of Maui’s favorite local musicians
Enjoy this FREE outdoor concert featuring local musicians. Blankets and beach chairs are welcomed, though arrive early as seating is limited. Relax with great music after a day spent exploring Lahaina town.
Makawao’s Chinese New Year’s Lion Dance
Date: Saturday, February 4
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Makawao Town Center
Highlights: Makawao’s annual Chinese New Year’s Lion Dance celebration
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Makawao Town’s 25th annual Chinese New Year’s Lion Dance. The event begins with a Martial Arts Demonstration and fireworks. After the demonstration, enjoy the traditional Lion Dance through the streets of Makawao.
Ongoing Events In February
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maui Friday Town Parties | Every Friday 6pm-9pm | Feb. 5 Wailuku Feb. 12 Lahaina Feb. 19 Makawao Feb. 26 Kihei | FREE Family-friendly community block parties with live music, food, and fun |
| Friday Night is Art Night | Every Friday 7pm-10pm | Lahaina | Gallery shows, artists demonstrations, music, food |
| Hawaiian Music Series Concert | Last Thursday of the month 6pm-7:30pm | Feb. 25 Baldwin Home Museum Lawn (Lahaina) | FREE outdoor concert series featuring February’s musician Kaleo Phillips |
Volunteer Events In February
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Beach Cleanup (Surfrider Foundation Maui) | 3rd Saturday of month Feb. 20 9am-Noon | Po‘olenalena Beach Park Makena | Community beach cleanup |
| Weekly Environmental Volunteer Days (Hawaiian Islands Land Trust) | Every Friday 8am-Noon | Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge Halewaiu Road Wailuku, HI 96793 | Habitat restoration of native coastal wetlands |
| Malama Honokowai Restoration (Maui Cultural Lands) | Every Saturday 9am-5pm | Meet at the Pu’ukoli’i “Sugar Cane Train” Station Lahaina | Restoration and maintenance of historic Honokowai Valley |
| O‘o Farm Volunteer Days | Every Wednesday 8:45am-11:30am | O‘o Farm 651 Waipoli Rd, Kula | Support sustainable farming practices |
| Community Garden Work Day | Every Wednesday 9am-Noon | The Maui Farm 100 Ike Drive, Makawao | Learn sustainable farm practices with garden work |
| Kākoʻo Iā Kahoʻolawe | 4th Saturday of month Feb. 27 8am-Noon | Kihei Boat Ramp 2988 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei | Work on walking trail and native plant nursery to propagate plants for Kahoʻolawe |
| Hoaloha ‘Aina (South Maui Volunteers) | Every Monday 7:30am-9:30am | Check website for meeting location | Coastal trail and fence maintenance, invasive species removal |
Maui Kayak Adventures
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
Kihei, HI 96753
United States
