Top 10 Rainy Day Activities on Maui

The best thing you can do while it’s raining on Maui is to not let it ruin your day! Although you may not have been expecting anything less than picture-perfect sunny afternoons on the beach, the rain likely won’t last for long. Even if it does, it’s good to know that you won’t be at a loss for things to do that will keep you entertained, relaxed, and enjoying life on a stunning tropical island.

We have compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do on a rainy day on Maui perfect for all ages, for your family or friend group. Please enjoy and remember that you can’t have rainbows without a little rain.

Best Rainy Day Activities Maui Hawaii

At any given time, it’s likely to be sunny, windy, rainy and cloudy in different areas of the island. With so many micro-climates all in one place, Maui sees a huge range of average annual rainfall. The island sees as much as 400 inches of rain per year in the lush hills of Hana and as little as 12 inches per year in Kihei. With all of that being said, the wettest time of the year is typically December through February. This also happens to coincide with the best whale watching of the year.

01

Visit the Maui Ocean Center

While the U.S. is home to many impressive aquariums, you likely haven’t visited one quite like the Maui Ocean Center. It has been open since 1998, and is the largest tropical aquarium in the western hemisphere! It features only animals found in the waters surrounding the island of Maui. There are even some that can not be seen anywhere else in the world.

For those who love to scuba dive, we highly recommend the unique Shark Dive Maui. This is a rare chance to take a dive in the Open Ocean Exhibit. It’s a 750,000 gallon tank with reef, both hammerhead and tiger sharks, as well as rays, giant trevally, and many species of tropical fish.

Keep an eye on their calendar for fun, family-friendly events. They have everything from hula lessons and scavenger hunts to story time and sleepovers for kids. Don’t forget to visit the most popular exhibits while you’re there. You won’t want to miss the Hawaiian green sea turtles, baby hammerhead sharks, and Sea Jellies!

  • Bonus: This also doubles as an excellent whale watching area during winter months. There are often experts speaking on a variety of fascinating topics.
  • Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm (6pm in July & August)
  • Address: 192 Ma’alaea Rd., Wailuku, HI 96793

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02

Go Rainbow Spotting From Your Lanai

The great thing about most of the resorts, condos, and vacation rentals on Maui is the fact that they often include a covered lanai. It’s the perfect place to sip a cup of Maui coffee (or a Mai Tai) and watch the weather in action.

Hawaii is known for its frequency of gorgeous rainbows. You can’t quite call your trip here complete without doing some good old-fashioned rainbow spotting of your own.

For the best results, we recommend:

  • A comfy chair or hammock.
  • A good book! Public Libraries can be found in Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Makawao, Lahaina and Hana.
  • A Maui beverage, of the adult or non-adult variety.

Keep your eyes peeled and your camera close, and enjoy the view!

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03

Browse Art Galleries

Many excellent artists call Maui home. With a wide range of unique and fascinating art galleries in just about every area of the island, a rainy day is a great time to check out some work from our local artists!

Take a quick drive Upcountry to reach the impressive Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center & Gallery. It has been a Maui staple since the 1930s. You could also take in the stunning panoramic views from the Kaukini Gallery in Kahakuloa.

Paia and Lahaina provide the perfect spots for guests to walk to many noteworthy local galleries, including:

  • Maui Hands
  • Maui Crafts Guild
  • Kai Pua Art Studio
  • The Village Galleries
  • Constantino Art

If you happen to find yourself in a rainstorm in Hana (which is very likely), be sure to stop in the lovely Hana Coast Gallery. This is a great place to browse a variety of Maui-made paintings, sculptures, carvings, crafts and more.


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04

See a Show

Seeing a show is the perfect way to spend a rainy day on Maui! In addition to all of the amazing Luaus, Maui has a wide variety of stage shows from which to choose as well.

For an authentic Hawaiian experience, check out George Kahumoku Jr’s Slack Key Show at the Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui. Make sure to ask about their package deal that includes dinner and a show. For more information, please visit Slack Key Show.

Voted the best live theatre on Maui, Ioa Theatre is a gorgeous historic theater that hosts a wide range of performances by Maui on Stage. It’s a first-rate spot where you can see some of Maui’s top talent in a gorgeous setting. To check out their events calendar, please visit Maui on Stage.

A great place to see a show on Maui’s South Shore is ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. This intimate theatre puts on some professional shows at affordable prices. Please visit ProArts Playhouse to see their events calendar.

You just can’t go wrong with a visit to Maui’s Arts & Cultural Center. This top-notch performing arts complex offers a huge range of entertainment for the whole family. Shows here include Hawaiian cultural programs, dance, live music, theatre productions, and movie screenings. For more information, please visit Maui’s Arts & Cultural Center

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05

Have a Cocktail & an Amazing Meal

When the weather is less than ideal, sometimes the best thing to do is just have a drink and enjoy it anyway! No matter what you’re looking for, Maui’s got it all. You can find everything from a poke bowl in a laid-back Paia hangout to a top-notch sushi dinner in a swanky Wailea resort, or from a Bikini Blonde in a Wailuku dive bar to an Ocean Vodka martini with an ocean view.

Some of our favorite places to enjoy a unique Maui meal and cocktails include:

  • Paia Fish Market: Delicious fish tacos with an ice cold Maui Brewing Co. beer in the heart of Paia (or their new location in Kihei)
  • Mala Ocean Tavern: Ahi Burger, Oyster Shooters, Adult Mac & Cheese and Martinis with a beautiful ocean view
  • Taqueria Cruz: Laid back Maui Mex with live music, Taco Tuesday specials and BYOB!

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06

Book a Spa Treatment

You know how spas often have trickling water fountains or soundtracks of whale noises, the ocean, and falling rain? Well, none of that is really necessary on Maui. All you have to do is open the window and you’re likely to hear the real thing.

Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable and relaxing things you can do while it’s raining on Maui is to treat yourself to a spa day at one of the island’s best facilities. While you can’t throw a coconut without hitting a spa, especially in popular areas of South & West Maui, we recommend the following treatments:


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07

Go See a Movie

While you likely didn’t plan to spend your afternoon in a dark movie theater during your stay in paradise, sometimes it’s one of the best ways to pass the time. It’s one of the best ways to wait for the rain to end while also being entertained.

Grab some popcorn and catch a flick at one of the island’s three movie theaters, which are in Kahului and Lahaina:

  • Regal Megaplex at the Maui Mall – Kahului, Maui
  • Maui Cinema at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center – Kahului, Maui
  • Regal Wharf Cinema Center – Lahaina, Maui
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08

Glassblowing Classes at Moana Glass

No matter the weather, there are so many interesting and unique things to explore in Maui. If you head out to Lahaina on Maui’s West Side, you’ll find Moana Glass, where you will have the chance to take part in this rare art form. Glassblowing classes are a prime daytime choice for couples who are looking for things to do while it’s raining in Maui.

Moana Glass is Ryan Staub’s private glass blowing studio in Lahaina, Maui. Staub is an internationally renowned glass blower who started his glassblowing art journey in Seattle in 1997. He has blown glass in more than eleven countries, and studied under some of the best glass blowing artists in the world. He is passionate about his art form and has built quite a legacy throughout his years of instruction.

Now residing on the Valley Isle, Staub offers group workshops and private glassblowing lessons in Maui. At Moana Glass, guests can book classes in April, May, June, November, and December. Students are requested to book as far in advance as possible, and the only requirement to take a class is to be at least 10 years of age.

Maui Glassblowing students will get to choose from a wide range of fun, colorful, and tropically inspired projects to create. Some of the most popular pieces are the Starfish, Sea Float, Fish Sculpture, Floppy Bowls, Ornaments, Drinking Glasses, and the Heart Sculpture.

There are so many great sides to taking a class at Moana Glass. You get to be creative, learn a new hobby, and make your very own one-of-a-kind Maui souvenir, or a Maui gift for a friend back home.

Class options include: Private Lesson for 1 (30min), Private Lesson for 2 (1hr), or Group Lessons that range from 3-7 students (1.5-3 hour sessions).


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09

Take a Drive

Don’t let the rain keep you from enjoying the many splendors of the Island of Maui. Although rain doesn’t make for the best conditions for a sightseeing drive around all of the parts of Maui, it is still a great option while you seek out drier areas of the Valley Isle.

While on Maui, it’s important to know that there are many micro-climates. During the winter, for example, it’s normal for it to rain on Maui’s North Shore and in the East Maui areas.The Island of Maui is the most topographically diverse island of the Hawaiian archipelago. It offers such unique landscapes and an abundance of areas to explore.

First, we suggest that you check the weather and plan accordingly. If it’s raining on Maui’s North Shore and in the East Maui areas, it would not be a good day to drive the Road to Hana. The good news is that means it is most likely a fantastic day to take a drive through some South Maui areas, West Maui, and the backroad that connects West Maui to the Central Maui areas.

Sightseeing and taking a drive around Maui does not have to be an all day activity. Choose an area that you’d like to explore, and pick out a few key locations to visit. Plan out where you want to eat and look for some historical sites, cultural activities and a dry beach upon which to relax. Get creative and maximize your Maui holiday!

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10

Island Art Party

If your inner artist wants to come out and play, Island Art Party is right up your alley! With a paintbrush in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, get ready to paint your rainy day blues away with this fantastically fun class. The instructor will guide you step-by-step, making sure that you’re having fun along the way. At the end of this rainy day, you’ll walk away with a masterpiece and a few great memories!

BONUS

Play in the Rain

Even if it is raining on Maui during your vacation in paradise, there’s no need to be bummed out. Since you’re visiting a tropical destination, the weather is always up to Mother Nature. The good news is that rain on Maui doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be cold! Stay positive, get out and have some fun. Depending on the amount of rain, you can still enjoy your vacation in Hawaii.

Head to your hotel or resort pool and enjoy a relaxing dip. Have a romantic moment with your loved one, hot tubbing under the showering skies, or head to the closest beach and search for shells if the downpour is not too rough. Even with the rain, many activity companies will still be operating, so check out a Maui farm tour or head out on a walking tour of Maui’s many historical sites. If you haven’t had a chance yet to stock up on Maui souvenirs, a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to shop for gifts for yourself, your family and friends.

Remember, just because it’s raining where you are doesn’t always mean that it’s raining on all parts of Maui. Get out there and explore!

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