Maui in February

Aloha! 👋 The majority of us crave vacations throughout the year, in particular during the long, cold 🥶 winter months, and there’s no better place to dream of than Hawaii! Visiting the Hawaiian island of Maui during the month of February is a top recommendation of ours. There’s beautiful weather, better whale watching, fewer crowds and lower prices than in peak seasons so read on to be inspired to plan a trip to Maui this February! 🌺

Here at Flytographer we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over 4 million memories worldwide. 🌎 The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local Maui photographers to give us their top 10 things to do in Maui in February, so whether you’re planning your first Maui family vacation or 10th, we’ve got your getaway covered!

TLDR

1. Maui weather in February
2. Best places to take photos in Maui
3. Book a vacation photoshoot
4. Museums & art galleries to visit
5. Cafes & restaurants
6. Water sports & beach activities
7. Day trips & hiking trails
8. Island hopping
9. Seasonal events
10. FAQ

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Emily and family capture memories on a beautiful beach in Maui with a family photoshoot.

1. Maui weather in February

Maui’s tropical climate makes it an ideal vacation year-round, but for those of us who live in less-than-ideal-for-sunbathing climates, the month of February is when Maui really catches our eye! 🌞 Temperatures in Maui typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F (18-29°C), making them mild and relaxing— a respite from the cold for sure! Since February can see some rain (especially upcountry and in areas like Hana), it’s a good idea to pack a light rain jacket.

Photo: Taena in Maui for Flytographer. Kathleen and partner enjoy a babymoon photoshoot on Po’olenalena Beach.

2. Best places to take photos in Maui

No matter the time of year, taking photos is always our favourite thing to discuss, and that passion is abundantly clear when it comes to photos on the island of Maui! ❣️ Our local photographers know the very best Maui photo spots but here are a few top faves:

• Ulua Beach, South Shore
• Po’olenalena Beach, South Shore
• Kapalua Bay, West Shore

Photo: Vicky in Maui for Flytographer. Lily and family capture memories with a family photoshoot on Po’olenalena Beach.

3. Book a vacation photoshoot

Booking a vacation photoshoot is one of the best ways to capture your time on Maui, and professional photographs are the perfect souvenir from your time on this beautiful island. Adding a photoshoot 📸 to your February itinerary means giving yourself the freedom to put your camera down more and leave the amazing photos of your family (or yourself!) to the pros, giving you with more time on the beach with your only nagging reminder being to reapply sunscreen. 😉 

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Amy and partner celebrate a birthday on Kapalua Ironwoods on the West Shore of Maui.

4. Museums & art galleries to visit

Should that rainy weather threaten to damper a bit of your vacay parade, might we recommend some museums and art galleries  to add during your time on Maui? We love the Maui Ocean Center (an interactive aquarium focusing on Hawaiian marine life) 🐠, Lahaina Arts Society, and the the Art Project Paia.

Photo: Vicky in Maui for Flytographer. Megan and family take photos on Po’olenalena Beach on the South Shore of Maui.

5. Cafes & restaurants in Maui

From coffee to cafes, the dining situation in Maui is fantastic! Maui Coffee Roasters ☕️ in Kahului is known for their locally roasted coffee and cool and cozy atmosphere. The Aloha Mixed Plate is a Lahaina Town favourite. Kihei Caffe and the fish tacos at Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Kihei are all fab. Lastly, the Plantation House Restaurant in Kapalua offers to-die-for views. 👏

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Jami and family take photos on Po’olenalena Beach on the South Shore of Maui.

6. Water sports & beach activities

It’s a given that when you come to Maui you’re coming in large part for the beautiful beaches and water activities, right? 🏝 The beaches of Kaanapali, Wailea, and Napili are some of the best beaches in the world. Although the water in February can be a bit cooler, it’s still great for swimming, and of course seaside lounging. 

Looking for some beach activities less physical than surfing? Book a whale-watching tour! 🐋 There are many operators offering boat tours that provide an incredible opportunity to see these majestic humpback whales up close, and since whale watching season is December through May, February is a prime time to be wowed (more on the Maui Whale Festival in the Seasonal Events section!).

It’s up to you whether you opt to bring your own snorkel gear, or rent gear when you get to Maui, but either way, don’t forget that snorkeling 🤿 is one of the best activities for all ages to get a glimpse of sea life below the surface (reefs, a rainbow of tropical fish, and of course sea turtles!). Popular snorkeling spots include Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve.

Photo: Rojeena in Maui for Flytographer. Jill and partner take vacation photos at Po’olenalena Beach on the South Shore of Maui.

7. Day trips & hiking trails

Day trips and visiting hiking trails are a great way to see more of the island, and explore more of what Maui has to offer, no matter the area of the island where you’re staying.

South Maui is home to the luxury resort area of Wailea, Makena State Park (perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling), Molokini Crater, and the laid-back beach town of Kihei.

Family-friendly West Maui is re-building stronger than ever and features the popular Kaanapali Beach, and Iao Valley State Park on the west side.

The Road to Hana is an obvious must-see for visitors to Maui, stretching 64 miles from Kahului to the town of Hana, and is famous for its breathtaking views, lush landscapes, lookouts, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests. 🚘

Haleakala National Park is known for breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, hiking, landscapes, and a diverse ecosystem. Chances are you’ve already got an early visit to Haleakala on your must-see list to check out the unmatched sunrise from this dormant volcano! 🌋

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Marco planned a suprise proposal on the Kapalua Ironwoods in Maui.

8. Island hopping

Each of the Hawaiian Islands are vastly different, and worthy of visits for a plethora of reasons. If a longer visit to Maui is in the cards for you (lucky!), might we recommend some island hopping? Traveling from Maui to the Big Island, Oahu, and/or Kauai is fast, cheap, and easy! Did you know in addition to flying 🛫 you can also take a ferry ⛴ from Maui to Lanai?!

Photo: Rojeena in Maui for Flytographer.  Deborah and partner celebrate their anniversary on Ulua Beach on the South Shore of Maui.

9. Seasonal events

Be sure to check for local events, live music, and festivals happening during your stay as there may be cultural events, art shows, and/or food festivals to enjoy! 🎶

In February Maui hosts the Maui Whale Festival, and February 15th is World Whale Day! Since February is generally considered the best time to spot whales in Hawaii, be sure to check out events for your February visit. 📝

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Cindy and family capture memories on a family photoshoot on Po’olenalena Beach.

10. FAQ

Is February a good time to visit Maui?

We highly recommend visiting Maui in February! Particularly for those wanting to enjoy lovely weather with fewer crowds but still great local vibes and celebrations, February is a great time to visit the island of Maui.

Can you swim in the ocean in Maui in February?

You can absolutely swim in the ocean in February! Maui’s ocean temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to low 80s°F (around 24-28°C).

What part of Maui is best in February?

All of Maui is great to visit in February, but we recommend taking advantage of areas that may be less crowded during this shoulder season, including Haleakala, the Road to Hana, and the beautiful beach towns. Oh, and don’t forget to book a luau!

Can you see turtles in Maui in February?

February is a great time to see sea turtles in Maui. Sea turtles are often spotted swimming in the warm waters, particularly around areas like Turtle Town and Ho’okipa Beach; you might encounter them grazing on sea grass or basking on the beaches but remember not to touch these beautiful creatures as they are a protected species. 

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Savannah and family capture memories on a family photoshoot in Kapalua Ironwoods.

Capturing memories in Maui

We hope we’ve inspired you as you consider traveling to Maui in February, and don’t forget to book a local photographer in Maui so you can return home with wall-worthy forever memories from your trip, with everyone in the frame!

From us to you— mahalo!