Hawaii's known for its epic beaches and sunshine, but let's be real — it rains here, and sometimes you gotta switch from surfboards to raincoats. But guess what? Rainy days in Hawaii can still be awesome. Here's a guide to the best rainy day activities by island, so your trip doesn't have to hit pause just because the weather's playing hard to get.
Pro tip: Even when it's cloudy, UV rays can penetrate cloud cover at up to 80% strength. Don't skip your Dewd Mineral Daily Moisturizing SPF before heading out. Your skin (and future self) will thank you.
Oahu: Embrace the Culture and Food Scene
Bishop Museum (Honolulu): Dive into Hawaiian history and culture with immersive exhibits, including everything from ancient artifacts to live lava demonstrations that bring the islands' volcanic origins to life.
Honolulu Museum of Art (Honolulu): Perfect for a chill, artsy afternoon with over 50,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years. The covered walkways and tranquil courtyard gardens are surprisingly magical with the soft patter of rain.
Food Tours (Various Locations): Rain's no match for tasty treats. Try a guided tour of Chinatown's hidden culinary gems or shelter-hop between the legendary food trucks around the North Shore. The famous malasadas taste even better when it's drizzling outside!
Iolani Palace (Honolulu): The only royal palace on US soil, offering fascinating guided tours through Hawaii's royal history. The ornate interior is even more impressive when you're escaping a rainy day.
Kualoa Ranch Indoor Movie Site Tour (Kaneohe): Explore the covered indoor exhibits showcasing famous films and TV shows shot on the ranch property, including Jurassic Park, Lost, and Hawaii Five-O. Their covered areas let you experience movie magic without getting wet.
Maui: Indoor Adventures with a Side of Chill
Maui Ocean Center (Maalaea): The perfect place to explore Hawaii's marine life without getting soaked. Their 750,000-gallon shark tunnel lets you stand face-to-face with reef sharks and rays while staying perfectly dry. Talk about Instagram gold!
Spa Day: Book a traditional lomi lomi massage at one of Maui's luxe spas while listening to the rainfall outside. There's something undeniably peaceful about getting pampered while raindrops tap on the roof. Don't forget to reapply that Dewd SPF after your treatment!
Maui Brewing Co. (Kihei): Take a brewery tour and sample local craft beers with island-inspired flavors like coconut porter and pineapple wheat. The guided tasting flight is basically a tropical vacation for your taste buds.
Maui Tropical Plantation (Waikapu): Take a covered tram tour through this working plantation, with demonstrations of coconut husking and opportunities to taste tropical fruits. Their Mill House restaurant and gift shop provide plenty of covered spaces to enjoy during a rainy day.
Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center (Makawao): Set in a historic estate, this art center offers classes, exhibitions, and a beautiful gift shop featuring local artists. The old sugar plantation mansion is worth exploring even if you don't participate in a workshop.
Swell Maui Surf Lessons (SwellMauiSurf.com): You're already getting wet, so why not embrace it? Rainy days often mean fewer crowds in the water, giving you more waves to yourself and more personalized attention from instructors.
Big Island: History, Coffee, and Local Vibes
Hilo Farmers Market (Hilo): Rain or shine, this market is buzzing with over 200 local vendors. Grab fresh exotic fruits you won't find anywhere else, artisanal treats, or handmade crafts while chatting with friendly locals about their insider island tips.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center (Volcano): If it's a drizzle, you can still catch fascinating exhibits and learn about Pele, the fire goddess, and the island's dramatic volcanic history. On rainy days, the steam vents create an otherworldly misty landscape!
Kona Coffee Living History Farm (Captain Cook): Coffee lovers, this one's for you. Walk through a working coffee farm dating back to the 1900s, watch demonstrations of traditional processing methods, and sip some of the world's most prized coffee while the rain creates a cozy backdrop.
Imiloa Astronomy Center (Hilo): A world-class museum that bridges Hawaiian culture and astronomy, featuring a state-of-the-art planetarium and interactive exhibits explaining Mauna Kea's significance.
Pahoa Cultural Center (Pahoa): Many of the Jaggar Museum's fascinating volcanology exhibits have been relocated here after the 2018 eruption, offering an engaging indoor experience to learn about Hawaii's dynamic landscape.
Kauai: Get Creative and Explore Local Spots
Kauai Museum (Lihue): A charming collection showcasing the island's rich heritage, from ancient Hawaiian artifacts to exhibits about the sugar plantation era and multicultural influences that shaped the Garden Island.
Hanapepe Art Night (Hanapepe): If the rain clears up by evening, this Friday night tradition transforms the historic town into an open-air gallery with local artists, street performers, and some of the best food trucks on the island.
Koloa Rum Company (Lihue): Take a tour through Hawaii's rum-making history and enjoy a premium tasting session of award-winning spirits. Their rum cakes make perfect rainy day comfort food and great gifts to bring home!
Kauai Coffee Company (Kalaheo): The largest coffee farm in the US offers self-guided tours, samples of their island-grown coffee, and a visitor center explaining the bean-to-cup process.
Kilohana Plantation (Lihue): Beyond just the rum company, the entire plantation houses shops, restaurants, and a railway tour that runs rain or shine under covered cars.
Molokai & Lanai: Low-Key and Local
Molokai Museum & Cultural Center (Kalae): Small but fascinating, with immersive displays on Molokai's rich history, including the restored R.W. Meyer Sugar Mill and authentic cultural demonstrations from longtime residents.
Lanai Cat Sanctuary (Lanai City): Rain or shine, this home to nearly 600 rescued cats is the purr-fect rainy day activity. The "Purr-adise" has covered areas, and many of the feline residents will happily curl up in your lap while you wait out the weather.
Molokai Public Library (Kaunakakai): A charming spot with a dedicated Hawaiian collection where you can learn about the island's unique history and culture on a rainy afternoon.
Lanai Culture & Heritage Center (Lanai City): A small but information-rich museum documenting the island's transformation from native Hawaiian land to pineapple plantation to luxury destination.
Tips for Rainy Days in Hawaii:
Pack a lightweight, packable rain jacket. Island showers can sweep in quickly and leave just as fast.
Plan some indoor activities in advance. Having a flexible itinerary means never wasting precious vacation time.
Wear your Dewd Mineral Daily Moisturizing SPF. Cloud cover can actually intensify certain UV rays through a phenomenon called cloud enhancement. Your skin needs protection even when the sun seems to be hiding!
Embrace "liquid sunshine." Some of Hawaii's most breathtaking rainbows appear right after a shower, so keep your camera ready.
So, next time the rain tries to crash your island paradise, just switch gears and explore a different side of Hawaii. The locals know that some of the islands' most magical moments happen during or right after a good rain, when waterfalls swell, rainbows stretch across valleys, and the air fills with the sweet scent of tropical blossoms.
