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Planning a February getaway to Hawaii but not sure what to pack? With warm tropical weather, you’ll want to plan for lightweight clothing that can also handle potential rain showers. Read on for a complete packing guide for your Hawaii vacation!
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing like shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and sandals during the day. Also bring a sweater, long pants, and close-toed shoes for breezy tropical nights.
Finally, don’t forget sun protection like hats and sunscreen for hot sunny days.
Average Temperatures in Hawaii During February
February is a warm and sunny time to visit Hawaii. While temperatures don’t vary drastically across the islands, the weather does depend on which island you’re visiting.
Oahu
As the most populous Hawaiian island, Oahu sees highs around 80°F during the day with lows around 65°F at night in February. The water temperature averages 75°F, making it comfortable for swimming and water activities.
Maui
February is part of Maui’s dry season when rain is unlikely. Daily high temperatures reach the low 80s with lows in the mid 60s. The leeward sides of the island (West Maui and South Maui) are often a few degrees warmer than the windward side.
Kauai
Of all the islands, Kauai stays the coolest in February, with daily high temperatures in the high 70s. Low temperatures get down to the mid 60s at night. The rainfall averages just over an inch for the month.
Big Island
Temperatures vary drastically across the Big Island due to its size and volcanic landscape. During the day, Kona side highs reach the low 80s while Hilo may only top out in the mid 70s. At night, Kona dips into the 60s while Hilo can be almost 10 degrees cooler.
No matter which island you choose, be sure to pack light, breathable clothing along with a light sweater for the evenings. With mostly sunny days, February is an ideal time to visit Hawaii.
Essential Hawaii Clothing for February
Breathable Lightweight Daywear
When packing for a February trip to Hawaii, focus on lightweight, breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable during the warm daytime hours. Cotton dresses, skirts, shorts, and tops are perfect. Just don’t forget the sun protection like hats and UV blocking clothing!
Warmer Layers for Nighttime and Indoors
Hawaii can get a bit cooler in the evenings, with average February lows around 65°F. Bring some warmer layers like jeans, pants, light jackets, cardigans, and long sleeve shirts. Many restaurants, stores, and attractions also blast the AC.
Beach and Pool Attire
You’ll want to spend plenty of time enjoying Hawaii’s iconic beaches and resort pools in February. Be sure to pack swimsuits, rash guards, cover ups, sandals, hats, and reef-safe sunscreen. Water temperatures average 75-80°F.
Hiking Gear and Accessories
Take advantage of Hawaii’s stunning natural scenery by going on scenic hikes. Useful items to pack include: hiking shoes, moisture wicking socks, fast drying shorts and shirts, backpack, reusable water bottle, sun protection gloves and gear.
Stylish Evening Outfits
Plan some special evening outings to luau shows, nice restaurant dinners, or drinks on the town. Fashionable attire like sundresses, dress pants, aloha shirts, blouses, and heels will let you dress up in style. And don’t forget a light sweater or shawl!
Packing Essentials: Shoes, Sun Protection, Rain Gear
Shoes
When packing for a February trip to Hawaii, shoes are an important consideration. Since you’ll likely be spending time at the beach, pool, hiking trails, and walking around towns, packing versatile footwear is key.
Here are some great shoe options to pack:
- Sandals – Pack a comfortable pair of sandals to wear at the beach, pool, and for casual days. Brands like Teva, Chaco, and Keen are popular.
- Hiking shoes/boots – If planning to hike, bring proper footwear. Trail runners or light hikers work well. Be sure to break them in before the trip.
- Water shoes – Protective shoes that can get wet are great for beach days and water activities. Brands like Keen, Chaco, and Teva offer waterproof styles.
- Flip flops – Pack a basic pair for the pool, shower, or wearing around your accommodation.
Sun Protection
Hawaii has intense sun all year round, so sun protection is a must-pack. Be sure to pack and apply:
- Sunscreen – Pack ample high SPF (30+) waterproof sunscreen and apply throughout the day.
- Sunglasses – Protect eyes from glare and UV rays with wrap-around style sunglasses.
- Hat/visor – Shield your face from the sun with a hat or visor.
- Rashguard/cover-up – Wear sun protection swimwear to protect skin while in the water.
Rain Gear
Although February is generally drier, rain showers still frequently occur. Packing useful rain protection is advised.
- Lightweight rain jacket – Toss a packable rain jacket in your bag in case of rain. Brands like Marmot, Columbia, and The North Face offer great options.
- Travel umbrella – Keep a fold-up umbrella on hand for unexpected tropical downpours.
By packing well-suited sun protection, footwear, and rain gear, you’ll stay comfortable no matter the conditions during your February Hawaii vacation.
Special Considerations for Different Islands
Oahu
As the most populated Hawaiian island, Oahu has a little bit of everything to offer. In February, temperatures typically range from the mid 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, making it perfect weather to enjoy outdoor activities.
If you’re staying in Waikiki, be sure to pack some nice dresses, heels, and jewelry to wear during your evenings out. However, during the day, casual shorts, tanks, and flip flops will keep you comfortable and cool.
If you plan to spend time hiking trails like Diamond Head or lanikai Pillbox, make sure to wear moisture-wicking shirts, shorts, and bring a hat and sunscreen. February can still get quite sunny and humid during the midday hours.
Maui
As the second most visited island, Maui is beloved for its stunning beaches, epic views, and great resorts. Like Oahu, February weather is warm and pleasant, ranging from the 70s to low 80s.
When exploring the Road to Hana or hiking trails in Haleakala National Park, athletic shorts, tank tops, sneakers or hiking shoes, and a hat are must-haves. And don’t forget the sunscreen and mosquito spray!
In the evenings when enjoying resort amenities or the local scene in Lahaina and Kihei, sundresses, wedge heels, and light cardigans or kimonos make perfect sense.
Kauai
Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai sees an average of 22 rainy days in February. With lush greenery and dozens of cascading waterfalls, light rain showers are common.
Make sure to pack waterproof jackets, umbrellas, hats, shorts, and breathable shirts. When the rain passes, the temperatures climb right back up into the upper 70s.
In addition to your hiking clothes, having some dressier options for evenings is still a great idea. Check the weather report and plan accordingly!
Big Island
As Hawaii’s largest island with 8 different climate zones, packing for here takes a bit more planning.
The Kona and Kohala coasts stay consistently warm in February, with temps ranging from 75-85 F. Hilo and Volcano sides see more rainfall, so light jackets and pants in addition to shorts are recommended.
No matter where you stay, bring clothing layers you can add or remove. Mornings and nights can get quite chilly at higher elevations. Having breathable hiking clothes, sandals, sun protective clothing and good walking shoes is always wise on the Big Island.
Conclusion
By packing breathable lightweight clothing along with some warmer evening layers and rain protection, you’ll be comfortable no matter what weather comes your way in Hawaii this February. Have a wonderful tropical vacation!