You are going to see whales.
Also, if you’re visiting Maui in February, you should know that several great opportunities are in store to encounter world-class art up close, and Valentine’s Day is not something to skip while you’re on the island.
Here are our picks for the coolest events and festivals coming to Maui in February 2023.
— article continued below —
Updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides
If you're visiting Hawaii soon, be sure to download a copy of one of our updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides. We've updated the travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and for those who've been a time or two as well).
~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~
Paint Maui 2023 Plein Air Invitational
The Paint Maui 2023 Plein Air Invitational is a week-long event held in Lahaina. It will feature 20 artists who have been invited not only from Hawaii but from around the United States. Both captivatingly and a bit bravely, these artists will go out into the wild and, scattered around the many gorgeous natural scenes in Lahaina, actively create their chosen masterpieces. This is a terrific way to see great artists in action, and you’ll also have a chance to attend a sale afterward at The Village Gallery.
When: Saturday, February 11th - Sunday, February 19th
Where: Lahaina (Various Locations)
More Info: Painting Maui
Maui Open Studios
Another boon for art lovers will be Maui Open Studios, starting Saturday, February 11th. This annual event starts with an opening celebration and preview exhibition on the 11th at the Pa’ina Culinary Arts Center. It is then followed by 3 consecutive weekends of free-admission artist open studios. These will feature a wide variety of art, exposing you to all that can be envisioned and crafted on the island.
When: Beginning Saturday, February 11th
Where: Various Locations
More Info: Maui Open Studios
17th Annual Whale Tales
February is also whale season. That means Maui, Hawaii's whale epicenter, will have several annual events related to whales. A particularly special one for the whole family is Whale Tales at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua. Comprising one weekend, the event promises “whale watches, educational opportunities, world-class talks,” and other related attractions.
When: Friday, February 17th - Monday, February 20th
Where: 1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Kapalua (Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua)
More Info: Whale Tales
The 2023 Great Whale Count
Another whale of a tradition - okay, sorry - coming back to Maui in February is the annual Great Whale Count. Organized and hosted by the Pacific Whale Foundation, the fact that an event like this can even exist shows how likely you’re to see whales in Maui this February. The tradition, held this year on Saturday, February 25th, literally invites volunteers to come and help count them from the shore! According to their website, it is also one of the longest-running community science projects in the world.
When: Saturday, February 25th
Where: Various Locations
More Info: Pacific Whale Foundation - Great Whale Count
Valentine’s Day
When: Tuesday, February 14th, 2023
Last but not least, for couples, we highly recommend making Valentine’s Day plans. Maui is often considered Hawaii’s most romantic island, and they like to go big for the holiday of love. Special Valentine’s Day sunset cruises, dinner specials, couple’s massages…there is too much to list here, but we would be remiss not to include a mention!
We hope you find this a helpful starting guide for planning your February trip to Maui. As always, mahalo, and best wishes for your visit!
