Rainy Day in Honolulu? Don’t Panic. Here Are 12 Fun Things to Do When it Rains on Oahu🌧️🌈

Into every Hawaiian vacation, a little rain must fall. But it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. Here’s how to embrace a rainy day in Honolulu!

If you’re planning a Hawaiian vacation, you’re probably expecting a week full of sunshine and beach days. And that’s usually what you’ll get.

But every now and then, the forecast for our little tropical paradise includes an extended stretch of rain.

Not exactly the Hawaii vacation you had in mind. But all is not lost.

Rain is a normal part of life in Hawaii, and it rarely means your entire day (or your entire vacation) is a washout. In fact, showers here often pass quickly. It might rain for an hour and then clear up completely (watch for rainbows when that happens!).

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.

But when the rain does stick around for a while, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore a different side of Honolulu.

The good news is that there are plenty of fun things to do in Honolulu when it rains, especially around Waikiki. From fascinating museums and historic landmarks to covered shopping centers and cozy places to eat, you’ll find a variety of ways to enjoy the city without getting soaked.

As a Waikiki resident, I’ve had my fair share of rainy days here. And I’ve also found myself trying to entertain visiting friends and family during an extended bout of rain.

And you know what? We still had fun!

Luckily, quite a few of my favorite things to do in Honolulu are ideal rain or shine.

So if the forecast is looking a little soggy for your Oahu vacation, don’t panic.

There are plenty of fun things to do on Oahu that don’t require a sunny day.

One Caveat: On the rare occasions when we have truly severe weather, some of the things on my list may close for the safety of guests and staff. Check the individual websites for the latest info before you go.

The first two things on this list should be on your Oahu Bucket List, regardless of the weather. But they’re perfect to save for a rainy day.

Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Honolulu when it rains…

1. Tour Iolani Palace

Throne Room Iolani Palace Oahu Hawaii — The Throne Room at Iolani Palace

If the rain is coming down hard, this is one of the best indoor attractions in Honolulu.

Located in downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace was once home to Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. The beautifully restored rooms offer a fascinating look at Hawaii’s royal history and the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

The guided audio tour makes it easy to explore at your own pace while staying completely dry.

Need to Know: Tour tickets must be purchased in advance on the Palace Website (no walk-ups). Tours are offered Tuesday – Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday). Dress appropriately; Iolani Palace is a sacred place.

2. Explore the Bishop Museum

Hawaiian Hall Bishop Museum Honolulu Hawaii — Hawaiian Hall at the Bishop Museum

When the weather turns rainy, the Bishop Museum is easily one of the best places to spend a few hours on Oahu.

This incredible museum dives deep into Hawaiian history, Polynesian culture, and the science of the islands. The exhibits are engaging for adults and kids alike, especially the interactive science displays.

Don’t miss the planetarium show. It’s one of the coolest rainy-day activities on the island.

Need to Know: Open Daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm (except major holidays). Tickets can be purchased on arrival. Just keep in mind that this is probably the #1 thing to do on a rainy day in Honolulu, so get there early!

Check the Bishop Museum website for the latest info; it has been known to close in very severe weather.

3. Tour the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Museum — Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

Pearl Harbor is still worth visiting even on a rainy day. In inclement weather, boat trips to the Arizona Memorial are often canceled. But the fantastic Visitor Center is still well worth a visit.

The visitor center includes several excellent indoor museum exhibits that explain the events of December 7, 1941. You could easily spend a couple of hours exploring the displays before heading outside.

If the weather clears for a bit, you may still be able to take the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Need to Know: The Visitor Center is open daily from 7:00am – 5:00pm (except major holidays), and admission is free.

4. Visit the Waikiki Aquarium

Waikiki Aquarium Honolulu Hawaii — The Waikiki Aquarium

Located right on the edge of Waikiki Beach, the Waikiki Aquarium is small but surprisingly interesting.

Inside, you’ll find colorful reef fish, jellyfish displays, and exhibits highlighting native Hawaiian marine life.

No, it’s probably not going to be the most exciting aquarium you’ve ever visited.

But it’s right in Waikiki, tickets are cheap, and you can entertain the kiddos for an hour or two watching all the colorful fish. Plus, if the rain lets up, you’re already right at the beach.

Need to Know: Open daily 9:00am – 4:30pm, for more info, check the Waikiki Aquarium website.

5. Visit HOMA & Shangri La

Shangri La's elaborate inner courtyard — Shangri La’s elaborate inner courtyard

The Honolulu Museum of Art (HOMA) is home to an impressive collection spanning Asian, European, and Hawaiian works. And while I love art, the real reason I visited this Honolulu museum was the opportunity to see the famous Honolulu estate of Doris Duke, Shangri La.

Once home to the famous heiress, this stunning oceanfront estate is now the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art. The estate showcases Doris Duke’s incredible collection of Islamic art collected during her travels. It’s only possible to visit the estate via a pre-booked shuttle from HOMA.

Together, HOMA and Shagri La make a fascinating cultural outing in Honolulu.

Need to Know: While it’s easy to visit HOMA (open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00am – 6:00pm), the Shangri La tour is a slightly tougher ticket and must be booked in advance. Tours are only available on Thursdays and Fridays.

6. Find the Dry Side of Oahu

Ko Olina Lagoon 4 Best Free Things to Do Oahu Hawaii — Ko Olina Lagoon 4

Just because it’s raining in Honolulu doesn’t mean it’s raining everywhere on Oahu.

The west side of the island is much drier, and you can often find sunshine there even when Waikiki is getting showers. If the forecast looks gloomy, consider driving out to the beautiful lagoons at Ko Olina.

This doesn’t always work, but if the Oahu forecast isn’t a total washout, you just might find sunshine and a calm turquoise lagoon in Ko Olina.

7. Shop the International Market Place

International Marketplace Waikiki Oahu Hawaii — The International Marketplace in Waikiki

Shopping is always a good backup plan on a rainy vacation day.

The International Market Place sits right in the heart of Waikiki and has plenty of covered walkways and indoor shops to keep you dry. The giant banyan tree in the courtyard gives the whole place a tropical feel even when the skies are gray.

CocoNene is a fun place to keep kids occupied with a craft project for a while. There’s also an arcade, a cat cafe, and free hula shows every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:00pm.

Grab lunch or dinner upstairs at The Grand Lanai while you’re there.

Need to Know: Open daily 10:00am – 9:00pm.

8. Wander the Royal Hawaiian Center

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Waikiki — Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki

Also located in the heart of Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian Center is another great place to spend a rainy afternoon.

This open-air shopping complex has covered walkways, boutiques, restaurants, and free cultural classes. My favorite store here is the House of Mana Up, which showcases products from local Hawaiian businesses.

Depending on the day, you might find lei-making workshops, hula lessons, or ukulele classes. It’s a fun way to experience Hawaiian culture while staying out of the rain.

Need to Know: Open daily from 10:00am – 9:00pm.

9. Spend the Day at Ala Moana Center

Aloha Sign Ala Moana Center Honolulu Hawaii — Ala Moana Center

If you’re not done shopping yet (or you get a LOT of rainy days on your visit), continue your shopping spree at the Ala Moana Center. It’s the largest open-air shopping center in the world, and a fantastic place to spend a few hours, rain or shine.

Even though it’s open air, most of the walkways are covered, so you can easily move between stores without getting soaked. With hundreds of shops and dozens of restaurants, you can easily spend half a day here.

The food court alone is worth the visit.

Need to Know: Open daily from 10:00am – 8:00pm.

10. Hawaii Army Museum

Army Museum Waikiki Oahu Hawaii — Army Museum Waikiki

If the weather’s too bad to make it over to Pearl Harbor (it happens), the Hawaii Army Museum is a fun place to spend an hour or two.

Located right on the beach in Fort Derussy Beach Park, the museum offers a look at Hawaii’s military history through a series of interesting exhibits. The museum itself is a former artillery fort, which is kind of awesome.

My husband is an Army guy, and he loves this museum. But non-military folks will find it interesting, too. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Need to Know: Open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm (closed Sunday and Monday). Check the Hawaii Army Museum website for more information.

11. Island Hop to a Sunny Island

Just because it’s raining on Oahu doesn’t mean it’s raining on all of the Hawaiian Islands.

My best friend recently visited us on Oahu during a stretch of several days of rain. We had a day trip to Lanai planned to visit the awesome Lanai Cat Sanctuary.

Surf Air Plane in Honolulu — Our Surf Air plane to Lanai

And though it was raining when we left Honolulu and raining when we returned, we lucked into a mostly sunny day on Lanai, and it was so much fun!

Cats at Lanai Cat Sanctuary Hawaii — The Lanai Lions

Check the forecast; the Big Island is your best bet here. You might be surprised to see that the Kona side of the Big Island is dry while everywhere else is wet!

Hop a flight to Kona for the day. Inter-island flights are quick, easy, and affordable. And there are plenty of things to keep you busy on the Big Island!

12. When all else fails…eat!

You may go without sunshine when you visit Oahu, but you certainly won’t go hungry. Foodies will find plenty of things to love in Honolulu, even on a rainy day.

Here are a few of my favorite places to eat and drink around Honolulu:

Afternoon Tea at the Moana Surfrider

Afternoon Tea The Veranda Moana Surfrider — Afternoon Tea at The Veranda

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a classic Waikiki experience.

Afternoon tea at the historic Moana Surfrider is served on the elegant veranda overlooking Waikiki Beach. You’ll enjoy tea, pastries, and finger sandwiches while listening to the ocean.

Even when it’s raining, the view is still beautiful.

Grab a Mai Tai at Duke’s Waikiki

Mai Tai at Dukes Waikiki Best Restaurants — The Duke’s Mai Tai

Duke’s is one of the most iconic restaurants in Hawaii and a fun place to ride out a rainy afternoon.

The restaurant has plenty of covered seating and live Hawaiian music most evenings. Order a mai tai or the famous Hula Pie and enjoy the atmosphere. Rain or shine, Duke’s always feels like a vacation.

Lunch (or Happy Hour) at Monkeypod Kitchen

Monkeypod Kitchen is a great place to hide out for a long, relaxed lunch.

Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki Breakfast Oahu — Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki Oahu

Their famous mai tai topped with honey-lilikoi foam is widely considered one of the best in Hawaii. Pair it with pizza, fish tacos, or a fresh island salad and settle in while the rain passes. From 3:30pm – 5:00pm daily, you’ll also find one of the best Happy Hours in Waikiki.

Sometimes the best rainy-day activity is simply enjoying a great meal.

Slurp a Bowl of Udon at Marugame

Marugame Udon Nikutama Waikiki — Nikutama Udon at Marugame Udon

When it’s raining outside, a hot bowl of noodles hits the spot. Marugame Udon serves fresh handmade noodles with rich broths and crispy tempura sides. It’s one of the most satisfying comfort foods on Oahu and also one of the best Cheap Eats in Waikiki.

Take a Food Tour!

Fresh Ahi Honolulu Food Tour Hawaii — Fresh Ahi on the Off the Beaten Path Food Tour

Food tours are a great way to dive deeper into a city’s food scene. If you want to sample Honolulu’s diverse food scene, my favorite Honolulu food tour is the Off the Beaten Path Food Tour.

You’ll wander the city’s markets sampling everything from fresh poke and malasadas to local specialties you might not discover on your own. The stops on this tour are mostly indoors, but you’ll want an umbrella to get between them.

For more of my favorite spots for food and craft cocktails, check this post: 50 Awesome Things to Do in Honolulu, Hawaii (half of this list is food & drinks!).

Unfortunately, Rain Happens in Hawaii

In fact, those tropical showers are part of what keeps the islands so green and beautiful.

The good news is that a little rain doesn’t have to ruin your vacation, especially if you’re visiting Oahu.

Honolulu has plenty of museums, historic sites, shopping centers, and great restaurants where you can stay dry while still having a fun day exploring the city.

And remember, the weather on Oahu can change quickly. It might rain for an hour in Waikiki and then clear up completely. Or you might find sunshine just a short drive away on the west side of the island.

So if you wake up to gray skies during your trip, don’t panic.

Use it as an opportunity to try something different, explore a new part of the city, or enjoy a long lunch with a mai tai while the rain passes.

Chances are, the sunshine will be back before you know it. 🌈🌺

When it does come back, here are a few more things to do!

15 Can’t-Miss Stops on a Day Trip to the Iconic North Shore of Oahu🤙🏄‍♂️

10 Gorgeous Oahu Beaches You’ll Adore (& 9 of Them Aren’t Waikiki!) 🌺🏖️

The 3 Best Tours at Kualoa Ranch (from an Oahu local who’s done them all!)