12 Things to Do in Oahu in February
Check out the following ten tips to get to know Oahu in February: Valentine's Day, festivals, surf tournament, Lunar New Year and much more. Are you up for it?
February is the month of love and what better way to celebrate than to visit Oahu, an earthly paradise located on the most populated island in the Hawaiian archipelago. This island is home to Hawaii's state capital, Honolulu, so you'll have plenty of options to enjoy.
This month is not only one of the cheapest months to visit the archipelago, but also has the advantage of receiving fewer tourists. If you're looking for a break from the crowds, February is the best option. Find out what activities to include on your list.
1. Enjoy a dolphin watching tour
Booking an Oahu dolphin watching cruise is one of the top experiences you can enjoy on Oahu. This island is the perfect setting to witness the natural habitat of this species. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel or paddle surf and get up close and personal with sea turtles that will impress you.
There are several boat tours on Oahu specifically designed for dolphin watching, with the advantage of having an expert guide to take you to the best areas of the island.
These tours last approximately three hours and also include a healthy lunch and a typical Hawaiian show where you'll learn about traditional Hawaiian folk dancing.
2. Don't miss a thing with the Oahu tour
Book a tour of the island of Oahu and see all the must-see sights of the archipelago's third island in a luxury bus with a professional, knowledgeable guide. Places that will amaze you such as:
- Diamond Head: a protected area where you'll see a volcanic tuff cone.
- Hanauma Bay: a crescent-shaped marine nature reserve.
- Halona Blowhole: a geyser-like crack in the rocks by the ocean.
- Byodo-In Temple: a Japanese temple, with a golden Buddha and a lush garden.
This tour lasts approximately 9 hours and costs from €96.
3. Spend a day at the movies with the Jurassic Parc tour
If you're a fan of the saga, you can't miss the Jurassic Park tour at Kualoa Ranch and discover the different movie sets with a professional guide.
A tour lasting approximately two hours in an open-air vehicle, you will see the famous Jurassic Park gate, dinosaur cages, bunkers, as well as lush tropical forests on this tour of Kualoa Ranch, an increasingly popular destination for travellers. You'll marvel at the valleys of Kualoa, Hakipu'u and Ka'a'awa.
The tour starts from 8:20am to 1:20pm, so you'll have flexibility to fit it into your itinerary.
4. Enjoy a boat ride
If you're not a sports fan and want a relaxing day out, the best option is to book a boat ride. Although sunset cruises on Oahu can be booked all year round, at this time of year it's an ideal activity to admire the incredible scenery.
You'll also be able to see coral reefs, green turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, parrot fish, dolphins and other species thanks to the boat's transparent glass bottom.
This tour lasts approximately one hour and costs from 35 €.
5. Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Waimea Village Celebration.
If you're planning to visit Waimea Falls, you can take advantage of your stay in the area to attend an event that celebrates the culture of the Waimea people. Every February, for just over a week, the Waimea People's Celebration takes place, with a wide range of activities for everyone.
The aim, as I said, is for visitors to learn about, experience and honour the indigenous culture of the archipelago. Among the activities you will find are concerts in the park, sporting events, gastronomic tastings, food competitions, storytelling and rodeos. This is, by its very nature, one of the best things to do on Oahu with children.
All this will offer you a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the island community and make your holiday more than just fun. All the activities take place in different locations around the town of Waimea, so it's a good idea to check the programme beforehand to find out where the one you're most interested in is taking place. And to get there, you can always take the opportunity to book a tour of North Oahu and get to know other northern enclaves.
6. Attend "The Eddie", the annual Giant Wave Surfing Tournament
Oahu is synonymous with surfing and huge waves, what better way to enjoy both than with a surf tournament? The beauty of this event is as much for people who are fanatical about the sport as it is for those who have never ridden a board before. Although this event starts in November, the final stages and the announcement of the winners take place during February, so it is an event I highly recommend you to go to.
The final stage takes place during February as the waves tend to be higher at this time of year. This tournament is over 40 years old and is held in memory of international surfing legend Eddie Aiku. Both the crowning of the winners and the tournament's closing ceremony are very interesting events to watch, but not as interesting as watching professional surfers ride colossal waves almost 10 metres high.
If after watching this spectacle you get the itch to learn how to ride the waves, you've come to the right place. You can sign up for surfing lessons on Oahu at various beaches and, who knows, maybe you'll be one of the participants in the future.
7. Participate in the Honolulu Bubble run
This is one of the most fun events you'll find on the island of Oahu. If you like outdoor activities, having fun with your partner, friends or family, this option will be perfect for your holiday.
The Bubble run is a 5 mile (8 kilometres) race that takes place every February. This particular activity consists of running and crossing the bubble checkpoints, where giant towers of different coloured foam are displayed.
Participants say that, thanks to the colours and shapes of the foam, it feels like running through the corridors of Willy Wonka's factory. The distance is ideal for starting out in the world of running, and the foam adds the perfect touch for having fun while exercising.
Practical information
- Where: Dillingham Ranch, Farrington Hwy Waialua.
- Price: Approximately €18.50.
- Approximate date: End of the month.
8. Dare to do the Valentine's Day Biathlon
If you're more into physical activity, team sports and pushing your limits then you can enjoy this great activity as a couple. Every year the Valentine's Day Biathlon is held on Oahu and consists of a 6 mile (8 km) combined race.
If you're not used to this type of combined activity, the Valentine's Day Biathlon can be a great way for you and your partner to get into adventure racing. You'll start by running 5 miles (8 kilometres) through Moana Beach Park, finishing the race with a 1.5 kilometre swim along the beach.
Ideal for couples who like to be active outdoors and have some experience swimming in open water- remember, it's not about who gets there the fastest, it's about having fun!
Practical info
- Where: Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu
- Price: about €32 approx.
- Approximate date: usually takes place on 13 February
9. Try traditional food at the Honolulu Night Market
There's always plenty to do at night in Oahu and February is no exception. During this month, one of the main attractions is the night market in its main city, Honolulu.
This event started in 2018 and quickly became one of the best options to try typical food during February nights. It takes place in Kakaako, the most important gastronomic centre of the island. The night market party not only offers an abundance of food trucks, but also the best music and live shows all night long.
The popularity and popularity of this event is growing, so I recommend you arrive early to avoid queuing for food.
Practical info
- Where: Auahi Street, Kakaako, Honolulu
- Price: only what you spend on food and drink
- Approximate date: Usually held around the middle of the month.
10. Don't miss Hawaii Beer Festival
Beach and beer always go hand in hand. The island of Oahu has the honour of hosting Hawaii's largest beer festival.
With the participation of more than 120 craft breweries (or microbreweries) this festival is ideal for tasting and sampling the different varieties of the region. In addition, like any festival, there are countless food options to accompany the tastings.
The festival also has several games for adults and live shows by various international DJs. It is held in the city of Honolulu, specifically in the Bishop Museum park.
Practical information
- Where: Bernice Street, Honolulu
- Price: about $45
- Approximate date: late February, between 18:00 and 21:00 hours
11. Celebrate the Lunar New Year
The influence of Chinese culture is also present in Honolulu, and its most important event is the Lunar New Year celebration. Celebrations usually take place during the first week of February and the perfect place to witness this event is Chinatown Cultural Plaza, located on Britannia Street.
Festivities include the well-known dragon and lion dances, as well as the chance to enjoy traditional Chinese music played live on ancient instruments.
In addition, there are martial arts displays, gastronomic delights, handicrafts and the expected fireworks. I recommend you to wear roka clothing, as, according to tradition, it attracts good fortune to welcome an unforgettable new year.
12. Be dazzled by the cherry blossoms
February is also the perfect month to enjoy one of the most important Japanese-influenced events in Hawaii. Only in 2 places of the archipelago you will be able to enjoy the cherry blossom: in an area of the Big Island and in Wahiawa on Oahu. If you want to go to the first one, here is some information on how to get there.
Although it is very common to find the flowering of almost all plants throughout the year, the flowering of "Sakura" can only be observed in February and specifically in the two places mentioned above. This is because these 2 regions have the perfect temperature and light conditions for the cherry blossoms to flourish.
This festival is also a celebration commemorating the brotherhood between the people of Hawaii and the Japanese culture. The Oahu Cherry Tree collection is the largest in Hawaii and was planted in the 1950s. According to its history, these specimens came from cuttings brought from cherry trees on the island of Okinawa in Japan and survive to this day. To witness this event, come to the Cherry Tree Heritage Festival organised by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii in Honolulu.
Oahu prices in February
Oahu is quite affordable during this time of year as it is considered low season. The high season in Hawaii is when the largest number of tourists arrive and coincides with the increase in hotel prices. This usually occurs between June and August and during the holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's).
But it is important to keep in mind that it is becoming more and more common for couples to decide to spend their honeymoon or a short romantic getaway for Valentine's Day.
Sometimes this means that close to this date (February 14th) prices may increase a little. However, during this time prices are still much lower than in high season.
Weather in Oahu
Hawaii has perfect weather almost all year round and February is no exception. An ideal time to discover all the things to see and do on Oahu. It tends to rain at night so cloudy mornings can be common, while sunny evenings are common.
The average temperature at this time of year is 27 or 28 degrees. Although it can get a little cooler at night, especially near the beach, a sweater will be enough for you to enjoy an evening outdoors without any problems.