February on the Island of Hawaii is set to be a colorful array of activities. From art exhibitions to cherry blossom trees to forest festivals to live music, there are bound to be unforgettable (and highly photogenic) memories awaiting you.
Here are our picks for the most extraordinary events and festivals coming to the Big Island in February 2023.
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Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
After a Covid-induced hiatus, the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival will return to the Big Island in February 2023. This beautiful festival celebrates Japanese culture and its impact on modern Hawaiian culture. There will be performances, demonstrations, lots of killer food prepared by local chefs and vendors, a tea ceremony, and more. There will even be a free shuttle service between Church Row Park and Parker Ranch Center. However, walking is encouraged.
When: Saturday, February 4th, 9 AM - 3 PM
Where: 67-1175 Hawaii Belt Rd, Waimea
More Info: Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival - Facebook
8th Annual South Kona Artists Collective
February is a good time on the Big Island if you love art. That’s because the Annual South Kona Artists Collective will be held on the month's final weekend. This includes both an online auction and a studio tour. The tour is more of an outdoor excursion you can follow freely on your schedule - it includes 12 total stops and the combined works of 21 artists.
When: Saturday, February 25th and Sunday, February 26th; 9 AM - 4 PM
Where: South Kona
More Info: Sokoartists
12th Annual Wiliwili Festival
Wiliwili is a distinctively colorful tree endemic to Hawaii. The Wiliwili Festival is a tradition hosted by the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative. The annual event includes guided forest tours, booths with experts giving education presentations, and a native plant giveaway within the forest itself. Kids will also participate in scavenger hunts and other intriguing opportunities, such as a photo contest and an online silent auction. Parking and getting to the forest preserve can be tricky, so prepare for a small hike or keep an eye out for shuttles transporting visitors to the main gate throughout the festival.
When: Saturday, February 11th, 9 AM - 3 PM
Where: Quarry Rd, Waikoloa Village (Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative)
More Info: Waikoloa Dry Forest - Wiliwili Festival
Jake Shimabukuro with PURE HEART
A night out to see live music is always special in a place like Hawaii, but it’s even better when the music has strong cultural relevance to the islands. Jake Shimabukuro has been described as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.” A command of numerous other genres, including jazz, funk, blues, flamenco, and others informs his contemporary take on the instrument. As a result, Shimabukuro has brought the ukulele to a whole new global audience and continues to thrill concert-goers with his virtuosic playing. His performance at the Palace Theater in Hilo is one night only and constitutes the ultimate time and place to see this magician work his influential magic.
When: Saturday, February 11th, 7 PM - 9 PM
Where: 38 Haili St, Hilo (Palace Theater)
More Info: Hilo Palace - Jake Shimabukuro
We hope you find this to be a helpful starting guide for planning your February trip to the Island of Hawaii. As always, mahalo, and best wishes for your visit!
