5 Best Things to Do in Hawaii When It Rains

Distant view of a rainbow shown in Diamond Head near Waikiki Resort Hotel by Sono

The rainy season in Hawaii runs from mid-November to the end of March. And while you'll still have many hot, sunny days to relax on the Aloha State's world-famous beaches, your chances of getting caught in a tropical rain shower is much higher if you visit during the Oahu rainy season. But don't worry — there are still many amazing things to do in Hawaii when it rains. Here's how to make the most out of a cloudy, wet Hawaiian day.

 

The 5 Best Things to Do in Hawaii When It Rains

 

1. Stroll Through Iolani Palace

Exterior view of the Iolani Palace near Waikiki Resort Hotel

  • Location: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
  • Things to Know: Tickets start at $25/adult, and all visitors must comply with the COVID-19 protocols outlined in the Safe Access Oahu program
  • Insider Details: The Iolani Palace is the only royal residence in the United States and was built in the 1800s by King Kalakaua for the Native Hawaiian royal family. Stroll through the majestic Florentine architecture, and take in stunning luxuries like the Throne Room and the Grand Hall that was enjoyed by Hawaiian kings and queens before the U.S. invaded and overthrew the monarchy.

 

2. Dive Into the Waikiki Aquarium

  • Location: 2777 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (just minutes walking from the Waikiki Resort Hotel)
  • Things to Know: Tickets start at $12/adult, and as with all other indoor establishments, every visitor needs to mask up and comply with the Safe Access Oahu policies
  • Insider Details: The Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest aquarium in the U.S. Get a peek at the colorful, vibrant sea life of Hawaii, including monk seals, neon-hued coral, and pulsating jellyfish. The living reef is a must-see.

 

3. Indulge the Senses at the Manoa Chocolate Factory

Close-up of a person holding a cocoa seeds at Waikiki Resort Hotel

  • Location: 333 Uluniu Street, Kailua, HI
  • Things to Know: Factory tours cost $15/adult and run daily at 3 p.m. (except for Sundays)
  • Insider Details: Let a chocolate sommelier guide you through the craft chocolate-making process. You'll get to how luxury chocolate is created and even get to sample fresh cacao fruit. After your tour, browse the gift shop and see why the Manoa Chocolate Factory is so popular with residents and tourists alike.

 

4. Sing Your Way Through the Kamaka Ukulele Factory

  • Location: 550 South Street Honolulu, HI 96813 
  • Things to Know: Free guided tours take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays
  • Insider Details: The ukulele is a classic Hawaiian musical instrument, and Kamaka Ukulele has been hand-crafting ukuleles out of rare Hawaiian koa wood for more than a century. The factory tour introduces you to the complex, highly skilled process of creating these instruments.

 

5. Take in Culture at the Honolulu Museum of Art

  • Location: 900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814
  • Things to Know: Tickets start at $20/adult, and it's strongly encouraged that you book online in advance for a specific time slot 
  • Insider Details: This fine arts museum is Hawaii's largest, with thousands of pieces representing the islands' cultural and ethnic diversity. You'll see everything from European art from the Renaissance period, to woodblock prints by local Japanese artists.

After enjoying these rainy day Hawaii activities, head back to the dry, cozy comforts of your room at the Waikiki Resort Hotel. Our convenient location puts you right in the center of the activity of all that Waikiki has to offer, rain or shine! Book your stay at the Waikiki Resort Hotel online or call us at 1-800-367-5116 to discover a world-class destination that's just steps (literally) from iconic, historic sights and sounds.