Well, it’s raining on your vacation. Isn’t that what everyone hopes for? Rain truly isn’t ideal when you’re vacationing on a tropical island, but it does happen from time to time. When the rain simply won’t quit, you need to know what to do, what to see, and where to go. Oahu is the third-largest island of the Hawaiian Islands, which means that there is an incredible amount of activities to enjoy. Even so, the options could be a little overwhelming with picking out the right ones when the rain is pouring down. Luckily, we have created a list of the top rainy day activities to enjoy while you’re vacationing in Oahu!
Here is your rainy day guide to vacationing in Oahu:
Dine-in at a Restaurant
Run away from the rain and run into one of the many dining establishments in Oahu! Senia is a new American restaurant with unique cocktails and a la carte dishes like you’ve never seen anywhere else. This atmosphere is a fun get away from the doom and gloom of the clouds outside, as you taste dish after dish and sip on your new favorite drinks. Not in the mood for a la carte fare and cocktails? No worries! Another hot eatery is Helena’s Hawaiian Food located in Honolulu. Helena’s offers up items like rib and pig that have just the right amount of flavor to keep you coming back – even after the rain has subsided.
Visit an Art Museum
What better way to occupy your time than with a few art museums? The Hawaii State Art Museum is a smaller art museum with free admission. Stroll around the stunning architecture of the building and see the art on display throughout this unique-looking museum. Want something a little bigger? The Honolulu Museum of Art is the largest art museum on the island. Learn about emerging artists in the area for $20 and under!
Submerge Yourself into the Marine Life
If you were planning on scuba diving or snorkeling, there are wonderful alternatives to see marine life in the rain. Head over to the Waikiki Aquarium and walk through the aisles of coral reefs and tropical fish. If you’d much rather go with a fully immersive experience, Atlantis Submarines Waikiki offers their underwater ocean experience. Whether it’s at an aquarium or in the depths of the ocean, you can still see marine life up close and learn about the Hawaiian waters.
Catch a Show
Nothing’s better than entertaining yourself with a show. The Diamond Head Theatre calls itself the “Broadway of the Pacific” and you will certainly see why after you sit down in this incredible theater. Go online at their website and find tickets to the show of your choosing, then spend your day in awe of the gifted and talented actors and actresses on stage.
Educate Yourself at a Museum
Holy museums. You definitely won’t have a hard time finding something to keep you occupied during the rainy day because there is an abundance of museums in Oahu. The most well-known being the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, as well as the Pearl Harbor Memorial. After you visit these Pearl Harbor exhibits, you might be interested in also visiting the US Army Museum of Hawaii – which is housed at a former coastal artillery battery. Walk along the tanks and other army memorabilia as you learn about the history of the US Army and Hawaii.
Want to learn more about the history and culture of Hawaii? Head to the Bishop Museum. This is the largest museum of the state and has much information about the Native Hawaiians and their interests. If you want even more culture, the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, & Design has plenty that will keep you occupied for hours. Not only is it magnificently beautiful and educational, but it’s also an incredible spot to snap a picture or two.
When none of these museums will do, try taking a tour around a palace or two. The Iolani Palace and the Queen Emma Summer Palace are both in Oahu and offer a variety of tours and experiences to spend the day.
Treat Yourself at a Spa
Rain surely calls for a spa day. Escape the rain to focus on your mind and body. Heal yourself with massages at any of the several spa locations in Oahu. Na Ho’ola Spa is located at the Hyatt in Waikiki Beach and includes a plethora of spa treatments and detox specialties. Another incredible spa is the Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre at the Four Seasons Resort in Kapolei. A spa for facials, massages, and ultimate spa experiences. This spa even includes an after-hours experience of massages under the stars (when it stops raining.)
Shop the Day Away
When all of these won’t seem to fit, there’s nothing wrong with a little shopping. Shop around the Kahala Mall in Honolulu. With stores like The Refinery and 33 Butterflies, you’ll find yourself spending the entire day surrounded by clothes and home goods. Not the mall for you? Try out the International Market Place. This is an open-air marketplace, so just be sure to carry an umbrella with you to avoid getting too wet. You’ll find more mainstream stores here such as Burberry and GameStop. When neither of those will do, try out the Ala Moana Center which has stores like Balenciaga and Cartier.
When it rains, it pours – but don’t let that stop you from getting the most out of your vacation. All in all, Oahu has a ridiculous amount of activities everyone can enjoy when the rain ruins the plans for the day. So, shop ’til you drop, grab a bite to eat, and take part of any of these rainy day activities!
