Family vacation - February 2026

Question

We are considering a family vacation next February to Hawaii. Family of 4 with 2 adult daughters in their 20’s. Have been to Oahu. Considering whether to return there again or go to a different island. Want beach time and seeing sights/scenery. Probably will spend approximately a week. Thoughts on which island might be best option. Considered Maui, but have heard that many areas have still not rebuilt and/or reopened. I don’t know if that’s accurate or not. Any recommendations appreciated.

Answer

For a family vacation in February with a mix of beach time and sightseeing, you have several strong options beyond Oahu. Each Hawaiian island offers a different experience, so your choice depends on whether you want a more relaxed trip, adventure, or a combination of both.

Maui: Maui remains a popular choice for families seeking beaches, scenic drives, and iconic attractions. While it’s true that some areas were impacted by recent events, the main tourist areas like Kihei, Wailea, Lahaina, and the Road to Hana are fully accessible and well-maintained. Resorts, restaurants, and activities have largely reopened, and snorkeling, whale watching (seasonal in February), and sunrise at Haleakala are highlights.

Kihei and Wailea: sunnier, good beaches, convenient restaurants and resorts.
Lahaina: historic town with shopping, dining, and central to excursions.
Road to Hana: can be done as a day trip or with an overnight stay along the route.

Kauai: Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is ideal if your family wants lush scenery, waterfalls, and outdoor activities. Poipu on the south shore offers sunny beaches and family-friendly resorts, while Princeville and Hanalei on the north shore provide dramatic cliffs and calmer beaches in summer months. It’s quieter than Maui and Oahu, making it a great choice for a scenic, relaxing vacation.

Na Pali Coast: boat tours, hikes, or scenic helicopter rides.
Waimea Canyon: “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” with easy lookout stops and short hikes.
Poipu Beach: safe swimming and snorkeling for all ages.

Big Island (Hawaii): Offers the most variety in landscapes: volcanoes, black sand beaches, and Kona coffee country. February is great for whale watching off the Kohala Coast. Consider splitting time between Kona for beaches and Hilo for rainforest scenery and Volcanoes National Park. Roads and resorts are fully functional.

Kona: sunny beaches, snorkeling, and resorts.
Hilo: lush scenery, waterfalls, botanical gardens.
Volcanoes National Park: see lava fields and crater areas accessible via safe trails.

Recommendation: For a week-long family trip, Maui or Kauai are excellent choices for a mix of beach and sightseeing. Maui may be slightly easier in terms of logistics and activities for a family used to Oahu, while Kauai offers a more secluded, nature-focused experience. Big Island is best if your family is interested in volcanoes and diverse landscapes but may require more driving.

In conclusion, all islands are welcoming and have fully operational tourist areas. Choosing depends on whether your priority is relaxing beaches with convenient amenities (Maui), lush scenery and fewer crowds (Kauai), or diverse landscapes and volcano adventures (Big Island).

Family vacation - February 2026

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