Looking for some rainy day activities on Maui? We are blessed with a tropical climate, and rain is what keeps the waterfalls flowing and makes our island green and lush. We appreciate the rain, now more than ever. In ancient Hawaii, there were specific names for over two dozen different types of island rain based on such characteristics as intensity, temperature, and location or direction of the rainfall.
Rain is most common in the winter months (December to March), but it can rain anywhere on the island at any time of year.
Most often, rain showers on Maui come and go quickly, and they are comfortably cooling on a warm day. Life just goes on. You can be sitting on the beach or out for a morning run on a gloriously sunny day and suddenly a cloud passes overhead delivering a soft sprinkle — or possibly a torrential downpour. But it’s over in minutes, and it’s often followed by a spectacular rainbow. There are other times, however, when the island can be engulfed in a storm system that brings rain all day (or for a few days). It doesn’t happen often, but if it does, all is not lost! If you can’t bask on the beach or enjoy other sun-dependent Maui activities, there are plenty of other things to do on Maui on a rainy day!
Suggestions for Rainy Day Activities on Maui
Go to the Aquarium
Visit the Maui Ocean Center, a world-class tropical aquarium located in Maalaea. While it’s not entirely enclosed, it’s a great place to see Maui’s marine life up-close. Come face-to-face with sharks, turtles, rays, and a wide variety of tropical fish. They also have a 3D dome theater, where you can watch an incredible humpback whale movie filmed in Maui’s waters. Fabulous place to visit, rain or shine! It’s highly recommended to make a reservation online before visiting, as it fills up quick on rainy days.
Treat Yourself at the Spa
Relax and renew yourself at a Maui spa for an “aaaaah-some” rainy day experience. Maui boasts some of the finest spas in the United States, many of which are located directly at our biggest resorts. The Andaz and Grand Wailea are famous for their spas. That being said, we can’t say enough about Sam and his team at Maui’s Best Massage and Spa (location in Kihei)
Hit the Movies
Catch a movie at one of Maui’s two movie theater complexes: Regency Cinemas in Kihei (South Maui) and Regal Maui Mall Megaplex (Kahului).
Shop and Explore
Take cover at one of Maui’s shopping malls. Lahaina Cannery Mall in West Maui is the only fully enclosed mall on the island, but there are also many open-air malls that offer plenty of cover The largest — and my personal favorites — are Whalers Village in (Kaanapali, West Maui) and The Shops at Wailea (South Maui). Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului is another large mall on Maui. Shops have been coming and going in recent years, but they usually have entertainment on the weekend. It’s worth checking their website ahead of time to see what’s on. In addition to shopping and dining, most malls also provide other special activities, such as live entertainment, cultural craft classes, farmer’s markets, and other great options.
Visit a Museum
Discover some of Maui’s many small museums. Here’s a list provided by the Hawaii Museums Association. Maui has a number of interesting museums that are ideal for rainy-day exploration, like the Bailey House Museum in Wailuku.
Explore Your Hotel or Lodging
Fully explore the facilities and programs at your Maui lodging. Many Maui accommodations offer spas, fitness classes, dining options, cultural programs, craft fairs, live music, hula shows, and other indoor or under-cover options that are perfect for a rainy day. The Fairmont Kea Lani has an excellent cultural center in their lobby where you can learn to make lei or play ukulele.
Grab a Coffee
Enjoy a leisurely coffee break, a meal, or drinks at one of Maui’s many cozy restaurants and coffee shops. Check out Java Cafe in Kihei for a boutique cafe with a stylish and cozy atmosphere. Their coffee and pastries are spectacular!
Visit a Small Town
Explore Maui’s small towns, offering wonderful opportunities for strolling, shopping, and dining. In particular, the towns of Paia (North Shore), and Makawao (Upcountry) are compact and easy to navigate on foot—even in the rain. Not sure where to go? Check out these live Maui webcams to view current weather conditions around the island. Maui is made up of many micro-climates, so it’s not unusual for it to be overcast or rainy in one area but clear and sunny just a few minutes away!
Grab a Drink
Grab a mai tai or local beer at one of the many restaurants! Get to know your bartender or server and stay warm with a little buzz from the various local spirits or beers we offer here. Make sure you have a way home safe, and keep in mind many bars and restaurants are within walking distance of your accommodation!
Chase down rainbows! Will you find that pot of gold? Once the sun starts to peek out, you will be treated to quite a display – big rainbows, small rainbows, double rainbows, and the VERY rare moonbow (a rainbow at night). So have your camera ready!
AFTER THE RAIN: Post-Rainy Day Activities on Maui
• A helicopter tour can be especially beautiful after a rainstorm when the island’s waterfalls are particularly full.
• Hit the trails to see the lush green forests and water streams rush through.
• Go for a scenic drive or tour to see how the island glistens. The land is so happy from being watered, the plant life flourishes. Many areas of the island that tend to be dry and brown turn a gorgeous green, and are worth a drive to discover!
• Check the local newspaper calendars (or the web) for the latest information on indoor events (concerts, craft fairs, festivals, hula shows) taking place on Maui for a rainy day diversion.
WARNING: If you’re heading to the beach after a rainy day, wait a while before going into the water. If the ocean is dirty, cloudy, stirred up, or murky don’t go in until it has cleared. Storm debris that has washed into the ocean from rivers and streams can attract predators (meaning sharks) so stay out of the ocean when it’s murky.
Grab an umbrella, get out, and explore. Don’t let a little rain stop you!
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Happy Travels!
Aloha! Tiffany here. I've been blessed to call Maui home since 2011. With a background in the island's finest restaurants and hotels, guiding visitors to create unforgettable Maui memories is more than a skill I've mastered—it's a profound source of joy for me.
