Hawaii-which island in February
 

Hello Hawaii lovers,

After traveling to the Caribbean (Virgin Gorda, St. John, St. Lucia) for the past 3 February's, we are thinking about Hawaii once again as it has been on our bucket list for years. We like to escape our MA cold winters and look forward to vacationing somewhere warm every February.

We like quiet, laid back places, ideally somewhere on a beach with a lanai and beautiful sunsets, yet reasonably priced. (Yeah, I know, asking a lot) I dream of the Kauai North Shore, but am concerned it's not the right time of year to go as we like to snorkel and swim too.

What about Oahu's North Shore? I've been looking at condos there, but it's pretty limited. I think the Big Island is out for this trip, but what about Maui? We usually avoid places with huge shopping malls, big box stores, and crowded beaches, but my husband said he'd go to Waikiki Beach for a couple of nights just to experience it once. I went when I was a teenager.

We only have about 10 nights to spend on vacation. Which island typically is the warmest in February?

Please help us decide on an island or two! Thanks so much!

I was in Oahu and Kauai in January one year and both islands had similar weather. I would assume the surf & swim conditions on the north shore on either of these islands will probably be high surf with strong rip currents just because the winter produces both.

If it was me I would do 5 days in Oahu and 5 in Kauai. Oahu is fun in that you will have a chance to have a litte more culture like the historical Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, etc. And Kauai will provide the quiet, laid back rest you want.

I personally am not a big Maui fan, only because it's similar in my opinion to southern Calif where I live. For my taste I think Kauai and Oahu have a more tropical feel.

Big Island is the warmest and Kohala coast the driest.
Second warmest and driest would be Maui, Wailea.

We went to Maui for the first time last month and we loved it. It was surprise as I didn't think we'd like it as much as Big Island but we did. Wailea is laid back and beautiful.
The whale watching was amazing and we also really enjoyed Haleakala, stunning views and a beautiful place to chill (literally!) at sunrise, sunset or sometime in between!

I'd suggest Maui or Big Island.
If you choose Big Island then split your stay (7/8 nights in Kohala or Kona area and 2/3 night Hilo/Volcano) and fly into Kona out of Hilo if possible to avoid back tracking.

Any particular reason you're ruling out the Big Island? It doesn't have the tropical lushness you might like, but the area around Kona may have the most reliably sunny weather in all the islands. Some of the best snorkeling on Hawaii, too.

Hard to argue against Kauai, though. It's everything you say you like. But as you already know, the weather is not as reliable, particularly on the north shore (check out the weather there last week!). So if you end up there, best stick to the area around Poipu.

As to how to allocate your time, after those few nights on Waikiki, head to an outer island for the balance (my choice would be Kauai). My opinion of Maui is similar to nanabee's. Of the outer islands, it's got the most of what you say you don't want. I wouldn't quite go this far, but someone on another forum described it as feeling like Las Vegas, plus being overrun with kids. If you end up there, the Wailea area would, I think, be best at that time of year.

I hate Las Vegas. I love Maui. The comparison is absurd.

As much as I love Kauai's north shore, the weather is very iffy in February and March. A mammoth rainstorm has just left the island, yielding 50 inches of rain in Hanalei in just a few days, completely flooding the roads and bridges and stranding many travelers.

I'd chose Wailea on Maui.

sf7307, I agree wholeheartedly.
I'd move to Maui tomorrow but one night in Las Vegas was more than enough for me.

Thanks for the responses everyone! I just checked out Wailea, but the oceanfront condos there average about $600 per night, definitely out of my price range. I'm thinking more like $250-$300 for a small studio or 1 bedroom with ocean views.

Islandaze, I am ruling out the Big Island because I read it was very different than the other islands, beautiful but not very tropical. Maybe I should rethink this though.

Off to do more research! Anyone have any condo/suite recommendations?

Check out the Napili area of Maui, just north of Kaanapali.

The east side of Hawaii is lush, with wonderful waterfalls and green, green everywhere and the possibility of seeing lava flowing! Volcanoes National Park is so amazing, I can't imagine not seeing it. The west side has wonderful swimming, snorkeling spots, history, and beautiful beaches. The northern part has dramatic views. The southern side has amazing black sand beaches.

Going to the Big Island is like getting 4 islands in one.

<feeling like Las Vegas, plus being overrun with kids>

That's absolutely ridiculous. I mean think about it. How can *an entire ISLAND* feel like one particular honky tonk city or be overrun with anything? Maybe the resort they choose felt like that, but don't blame all of Maui.

Back to the original post, I thinkn the islands have similar weather in February, but that it might be different on the different shores/sides.

On Maui you will find accomodations in your price range just a mile or two north of Wailea in Kihei.

Check out Wailea Ekahi. Most of the units are not beachfront, but the complex does have a beachfront pavillion. Some of the smaller units away from the beach might be in your $$ range. Here is an aerial view.

http://wizardpub.com/maui/mrwaileaekahi.html

If this is your first trip to the islands, I wouldn't spend much time on the Big Island. True, it is very interesting, but it doesn't give me the vibe I want from Hawaii. Rent a car and drive around Oahu if you find Waikiki too busy. Personally, it's my favorite.

>>>Volcanoes National Park is so amazing, I can't imagine not seeing it.

THAT!

However, I will agree that there are fewer lush areas on BI. Flying into BI is like landing on the moon, and you'll drive through lava fields for the first 15-20 minutes of leaving the airport. But the scenery is amazing in its own way and unlike anywhere else I've been.

What about Oahu's East coast (Kailua and Lanikai)? Low-key beach towns, great snorkeling, and calmer seas in the winter than the North shore.

Having been all around every one of the six inhabited islands in Paradise - starting back in '77 - I would say they are ALL special. And you can find lush beauty and great beaches/snorkeling on each one.

Our personal favorite is the North Shore of Kauai (not named the Garden Isle for nuttin) - and yes, you can catch a storm in Feb - but then it passes through and it's sunny warm - and you see numerous waterfalls cascading down from the Bali Hai mountains. Ask SongDoc about that.

Or you can enjoy the North Shore of Oahu - almost like getting to an outer island - or enjoy the great beaches on Maui - and it has the most nightlife of the outer islands - or marvel when visiting the incredible Volcano on Hawaii - and the east side by Hilo (see Akaka Falls - http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/park....cfm?park_id=2 ) is as green as it gets.

I think it's best to combine two islands - and getting from one island to another is fairly easy - as the Inter-Island terminal on Oahu/Honolulu is pretty easy to navigate and the outer island terminals are pretty compact and the flights are about half an hour. Usually - if we don't carry on - one of us goes to get the luggage and the other goes across the street to rent the car, and we are zipping along in no time :) Pick up the local tourist mags for good deals/coupons and also - they have good maps - but it's normally hard to get lost on the islands as they don't have that many main roads.

BTW - since you have been to St. Lucia - I hear it doesn't get any more beautiful than that - escept perhaps going to the likes of Tahiti. :) And have always wanted to dive at Virgin Gorda and the Queens Bath.

BTW Dos: There are other posts in here about the North Shore of Oahu - and Turtle Bay resort does have nice cottages - and also check VRBO - as my friends that live right on the edge of Waimea Bay rent out their guest cottage.

If having your lodging close to where you can swim and snorkel is a priority, then you should look elsewhere than on the North Shore of Oahu. The water conditions in February are too rough for that kind of activity.

The one exception to this may be if you stay in one of the condos at Turtle Bay - Kuilima cove is generally protected, though conditions at the outer edges can be tricky sometimes in the winter.

Queen's Bath is that dangerous place on Kauai where people are swept out to sea yearly. The Baths is the place on Virgin Gorda with the boulders.

You're right. Generally - according to this blog - Queen's Bath Kauai can be dangerous if there is big winter surf - but fairly safe in the summer. see: http://great-hikes.com/blog/queens-bath-incidents/

Also - also check out Outrigger hotels - for various deals. More locally owned.

Thank you ALL for such great information! After researching all 4 islands for days now, I want to visit them all! But my heart is pulling me in the direction of Kauai's North Shore so I think we will postpone this trip until my next school vacation in April. It'll be the first time in years we aren't going anywhere in February but I'd rather wait for better weather, hopefully.

So now I'm thinking of flying into Hon, drive to the North Shore for 3 nights, then Waikiki Beach for 2, then fly to Kauai's North Shore for 5 more and fly out of Kauai.

Tomsd, I quickly looked at Outrigger, are you thinking for Oahu? I like the look of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows for the North shore of Oahu? What do you think?

Haven't researched Waikiki, but I think 2 nights will be enough to do Pearl Harbor and ???

karameli, I will check out the east side, thanks.

chepar, these condos say unavailable but maybe the April 2013 prices aren't out yet!

I'm looking at condos for Kauai, maybe Sea Lodge?

Sadly, Maui and the Big Island will have to wait.

Tomsd, St. Lucia is gorgeous, it's been compared to a mini Kauai. And, I'm hoping to get to Bora Bora within the next 5 years. ;)

Thanks again, everyone! Please keep the information flowing!

I don't have time to read all the responses to make sure I'm not duplicating, but if you are still looking for a place on Wailea for under $300 a night, try Ekahi Village or Ekolu Village condos on VRBO...you can find condos either place at that rate and less. They are both well located to get to all the Wailea beaches.

For Waikiki - also be sure to snorkel (or dive - but diving is really overkill there) at Hanauma Bay - http://tinyurl.com/8yh6srr my favorite snorkeling place of all in Hawaii. Go early to beat the rush, and personally - I would spend the first two nights in the busier Waikiki - and then go to Oahu's North Shore.

The Outrigger has good deals/places on some islands - but not sure about their strength on the North Shore of Kauai. Certainly at Waikik they are a great location - with usually pretty good deals.

Our Timeshare place in Princeville - the Cliffs Club - has some nice units, some with great views - but not sure what they are charging. The advantge of going in April is that it is offseason/shoulder month so you should have plenty of choices.

If this is what you are looking at - http://www.keikibeach.com/ SUPER location. Hey - to be between Sunset and Banzai Pipeline is it? - I would stay on a tent on the beach. We may have even stayed there way back in the late 70's. Or one nearby.

The beach is your biggest amenity - and buying some fresh fruit - and BBQing some fresh fish or even making sushi - and with a few libations - you can go native. :)

Have a little tan before you go.

Hi
I am going to Maui next Feb. and I am staying in a studio at
Napili Beach ( the Mauian) mauian.com on the west coast. Maui is the sunny island in Feb. The west and south coast. We are going with friends who have stayed there before. I have heard good things about kihei and wailea from a friend who used to live in Maui.
We did pick Kauai as our first choice but it rains to much in Feb. I have been to Honnolulu which is beautiful but is too commercial unless you drive away from the city.

Good choice - like Napili a lot.

No one has mentioned that a great advantage to travelling to Hawaii in February is seeing the humpback whales. Seeing these was one of my alltime great travel experiences.

We visited Maui and Kauai in February and stayed on the southshore of both islands where the weather is more favorable in Feb. I never mentioned to my husband that Feb. had more rain than other months or he would have never visited then. We watched whales everyday breach, jump, tail slap etc.. One of our sightings in Makena on Maui was actually written up in the Maui News. Humpback whales swam and performed for about 20 minutes around Turtle Town and then the female and her calf decided to get away from the 2 males and swam behind the boat next to the snorkelers. You never saw swimmers get out of the water faster. We watched all this right from the beach.

We had a condo with a lanai that hung over the water on Kauai and every morning I would see 10-15 whales while I drank my coffee. It was difficult to leave that lanai. It was truly amazing and I would love to return again in Feb.

I too love the northshore of Kauai but we stayed on the southshore and then watched the weather, heading north when the weather was clear. It's a beautiful drive. It was a shorter drive from the southshore to get to Waimea Canyon where there are some wonderful hikes. The Awa'awapuhi/Nualolo trail is the most beautiful hike we have ever done.

We also loved the peacefulness and shade of the Maha'ulepu beaches out beyond the Hyatt. We would park ourselves on a little cove beach beyond Gillens at Kawailoa Bay. When we tired of sitting, we would walk up on the sandstone cliffs--absolutely beautiful.

Once again, many thanks for the awesome suggestions!

Tomsd, yes, that's exactly where I'm looking..laid back, casual, right on the beach! I was thinking first the North Shore so we can unwind, then we'd be ready for the crowds at Waikiki, then Kauai for more R & R.

Kappy, looks nice, definitely a place I'd be interested in.

LindainOhio, ohhh, I can visual all of this, makes me rethink our new plans....Are the whales still around in mid April? Do you mind sharing the name of the condo you stayed in?

Generally, the whales have headed north by mid April, HOWEVER, we had numerous humpback sightings on the east side of Maui in early April one year. It probably varies from year to year. February seems to be peak time (on Maui anyway) for seeing them. What is really cool is to hear their "songs" when snorkeling. If one is still in the water, it is possible to hear them "singing".

Great report Lindain: Even if the whales are not around in April - if you take the Catamarin up the Napili Coast from Port Allen (down by Waimea) - you should see plenty of dolphins, turtles, and the like, not to mention of course, the stunning red cliffs. You can also srnokel when they drop anchor - or go diving as we did.

I don't remember the name of the one we took - but this should get you pointed in the right direction.

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr...maran-20100418

Thank you again Tomsd and succulent! You have been so helpful, much appreciated! I'm still trying to decide, but what a dilemma to have! :)

I just got back from Maui on Sat. We stayed in the Kahana which I really liked- short drive to Lahaina and Kaanapali. We had a beachfront condo where we could see the whales spouting and a few breaches. Also had turtles surfing the waves outside our condo. Beach never felt crowded where we were but weather was cooler than usual so maybe that explains. Also loved the Napili beaches.

Went on a whale watching trip with the Pacific Whale Foundation- saw mother and baby just playing around and we followed a group of 9 whales- 8 males in pursuit of 1 female. It was quite a show. We were told that this is close to end of whale season although they figured there were still about a 1000 in the area.

Also went on a snorkel trip. Were supposed to go to Molokini but it was too windy so snorkeled off the Lanai coast in one of the best snorkel spots I have ever been to - Shark Fin Cove and we were the only boat there.

I don't think there is a typically warmer island in Feb- when we arrived in Maui it was extremely windy and rain blowing sideways. Honolulu had hail and winds- just the luck of the draw as far as weather goes. In Maui though, if its windy and cool- you can always head over to Kehei where its almost always sunny.

Have not been to Kauai so can't compare. Used to live in Honolulu - love the beach at Kailua and Bellows is one of my favorites. Snorkeling at Haunama Bay used to be great but so crowded now I would rather go off a boat.

Good luck in your search- I love Hawaii so anywhere you chose will bot be bad ( in my opinion)

Thanks for the great information sunbum! Wish I could go to all the islands, but I know I need to narrow it down. We are leaning towards April now though, visiting both Oahu and Kauai.