Honolulu Travel Forum

Guys, confused about going to Hawaii in february. My friends want to go in february to catch the end of the surf season. However, I and my girlfriend are not surfers (obviously we're going to have a go when we're overthere but it's not the reason for going). I have read some conflicting reports about february being the high season (busy and expensive) and the weather not being the best.

For completeness, we would like a week of beaches and then island hopping, volcanos, etc to make a 3 week holiday.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

We usually go in October due to it being lower season and the weather is nice. However, this year we went in February and loved it. Except for the higher price on lodging it was great. Best thing was the whales were wintering off the coast of Maui and we had a great show every day from the beach and patio of our condo. We knew before we went it was whale season and considered taking a tour. However, after less than 30 minutes on our patio we figured we had the best ringside seat and never did the boat tour. Take a couple of pairs of binoculars (so don't have to share) and if you have a nice camera with a telephoto lenses make sure to take that.

that sounds great! can i ask where you stayed?

also did it rain much?

On the Big Island you can see whales by driving highway 270 south of Hawe (Ha-vee). Park along the road and face towards Maui to see them right off our coast line.
At this time the volcano has changed it's course and can only be seen by helicopter, but you can still drive there and be right on top of it. Steam all around you. It's about 90 miles from Kona to the volcano. More info at www.konaweb.com

We usually stay at the Kaanapali Alii, but we weren't able to get in there this last time as we waited to late to find a twobedroom condo. So I found a place on www.vrbo.com at the Kaanapali Shores a little further north. We had a large twobedroom condo with two balconeys facing the ocean. We could watch and even hear the whales jumping the entire time all day long from there.

The Alii is in a better location for food and drink. It would be my first choice if the dates and price work for you. The Shores was a little isolated. The food at the resort was very good, most of the stuff within walking distance was just OK, except for the food at the old Embassy Suites (can't recall the new name) was awful. The Star Market is just a few steps across the street if you want to cook or BBQ.

If you go to VRBO and search for property #79728 you will see the unit we had on the 8th floor and the same owner has the mirror image unit on the 9th floor (penthouse).

I take that back it was property #107845 unit #813 that we had and he also owned #835. The one on the 9th floor was #913 but I can't seem to find it on VRBO.

awsome! thanks for the very complete answers guys!

Enjoy..keep us posted on when and where you go as we might try to get over for a few days in February if my spouse can get away from work.

I've been in Hawaii once in October and once in February and both months got great weather ! Nice in February was the Whale season !! Seen lots of them when I was on Maui.

February is not considered high season for hawaii. Generally price was runs from Christmas/new years being the most expensive, then spring break and summer and fall being the least expensive time to travel. February can be ify on the weather though. There is a chance it could rain in february, but generally it's not the rainest time of the year. Usually the rain comes more in late december to january.

For a 3 week vacation with multiple islands may do you good to call a local travel agent that can assist you with your trip. Multiple island trips are not the easiest things to do online and you can get first hand help from a local agent. The kaanpalii alii is a very nice condo in maui..if price is a factor there are other alternatives as well where you can still see the whales. I had some custoemrs stay at the outrigger royal kahana which is very good priced and they could see the whales from their oceanfront unit in february.

February is not a busy season. I would say maybe in Oahu during the pro bowl weekend is pretty crowded but other than that not really. Our rule of thumb is usually when the kids are out of school it's busy, hence christmas, summer and spring break. If you are looking to go in the earlier part of the year, less busy and in expensive maybe try looking at may..but if you want to travel with your friends in febraury it's really not that expensive or busy!

good luck and you will have a great time no matter when you go!

cool, so to your point of getting around the islands what is the best method? boat or plane? also rough idea of costs would be appreciated.

thanks again!

hey chrissyhawaii, are you a travel professional? if i could gdet someone to help with all my bookings in country (at a reasonable markup of course :-) ) that would be great.

Flying is probably the best. You should be able to find inter-island flights from $50 - $85 RT depending on where to where. Check the Island Air www site for price and schedules.

awesome, cheers Jamesr3939