Hawaii help
 

Hi All

I live in the UK and am looking to plan a trip to Hawaii in Feb (over valentines day) flights are pretty decent then but does anyone know what the weather will be like / best places to stay / which island? Dont want to make it too mega expensive so any help would be very much appreciated!

Maui will be nice then. I like to stay on the Kaanapali side of the island. If you prefer a condo look in Honokawai, Kahana, Napili and Kapalua. If you want a full on Kaanapali Beach experience there are lots of hotels right on Kaanapali Beach, one of least expensive being the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. There is a great beachwalk!

Kauai is beautiful, but wintertime brings rough surf and found that a bit limiting.

Depending on how much time you have a stop in Waikiki might be good too.

Each Island offers something different. Kauai is one of the wettest places on earth to begin with, so I can imagine Feb will be a rainy time. (though beautiful)

Oahu is really easy. The airport is close to Waikiki, and if you don't want to rent a car, you can still get around (slowly) You can take a 40 min $2 bus ride to one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, Lanikai Beach.

The weather is nice in February, but it depends which island and which "side" you go to.

Each island has it's pros and cons. I think Oahu/Honolulu/Waikiki is the easiest trip for a 1st timer. And the only island you can get by without a rental car.

February is the peak of Whale Season -- best viewed from Maui. It's also 'winter' in Hawaii -- best to stay south on Kauai, Oahu and to some extent on Maui. (Skip lodgings in Napili and Kapalua.)

Before you book anything, see if you can still get a rental car. If not...it's Waikiki for you. You can get around well without a car only in Honolulu.

Telling us what activities you like to do would help generate responses, as would letting us know what kind of lodgings you prefer, your holiday lifestyle preferences, etc.

Very many thanks everyone for your replies. We will be hiring a car so can get around easily. I love body boarding and fishing and have read that there are places to charter boats to go marlin fishing (a dream of mine) so hoping to do that.

Really appreciate all of the advice that has been offered and really cant wait!!

BR

Kona on the Big Island bills itself as the sport fishing capital of Hawaii--lots of charter boats there here is only one example http://tinyurl.com/jwzhdt8

I suggest south of Lahaina on Maui (Kihei and Wailea would be good), or the Kohala Coast on the Big Island. You have the most dependable weather in February at those two locations. You can find plenty of body boarding at either spot, plus snorkeling and fishing opportunities. The two islands are very different, so research each one. For example, on the Big Island, the resort areas on the sunny side of the island are like an oasis in huge and rather stark lava fields. IMO, Maui is a bit more tourist friendly than the Big Island, and I think it can be easier to navigate for a first time trip to the islands. Others may not agree. Have fun planning!

Body Boarding and big game fishing sounds like Big Island Kohala Coast staying at the Hapuna Prince or Mauna Kea(two resorts with good beaches for Body Boarding). Dozens of excellent captians for nearby fishing, figure $300 half or $500 full day. Some boats allow you to go on at a 'share' price

downsides to BI, VOG and Kona grew too fast so you have traffic and a shortage of good nearby beaches

If you go to Maui, make sure you go to Maui Brewing Company Brewpub for some of the best beer in Hawaii and some of the best beer period. Try the coconut porter. That is my favorite

Have been to kauai several times in February and never experienced the rain except at night and one rare thunder storm with a blast of rain also at night. We had a few showers that passed but nothing that kept us indoors. Whale watching is the best in February. Weather was comfortable - in the 70's. Have a fab time. Also been to Oahu in February with same experience. Good weather with occ. shower.