Top 12 Rainy Day Activities on Maui

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

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, and Hana.
• A Maui beverage, of the adult or non-adult variety.

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

The Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center & Gallery in Upcountry is a notable destination. Established in the 1930s, it has become a cornerstone of Maui’s art scene. Additionally, Karen Lei’s Gallery in Kahakuloa offers exquisite art and breathtaking panoramic views.

The towns of Paia and Makawao are ideal for strolls through various esteemed galleries. These include Maui Hands, Maui Crafts Guild, and more, each presenting a unique selection of local artistry.

For a comprehensive guide to Maui’s art offerings, refer to our curated list of the Top 12 Art Galleries on Maui, which provides further insights and information on these exceptional cultural spaces.

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

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)
• Monkeypod Kitchen: Mouth-watering Kalua Pork & Pineapple Pizza and a Monkeypod Mai Tai, the best Mai Tai on Maui!
• Kojima’s Sushi & Japanese Cuisine: Incredible sushi, laid-back atmosphere and BYOB (or wine or sake)!

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:

• Holistic Skin Treatments with customized oils, scrubs and scents at Awili Spa & Salon – Andaz Maui Resort, Wailea
• Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage with Maui’s Best Massage – they come to you!
• The Wave treatment for deep relaxation at the Fairmont Spa – Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, Wailea
• Hydrotherapy Circuits at Spa Montage at Kapalua Bay

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

• Regal Megaplex at the Maui Mall – Kahului
• Regency Kihei Cinemas – Kihei

Guests at the Tasting Room can indulge in various innovative brews that capture the essence of Maui’s flavors and culture. The selection ranges from classic IPAs to unique, island-inspired beers, showcasing Maui Brewing Company’s award-winning range.

The brewery tour is a standout feature, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Visitors gain insight into the journey from grain to glass, highlighting the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability and local ingredient sourcing. The tours are informative and enjoyable, led by knowledgeable guides who share the intricacies of the brewing process. It’s a very cool experience!

Ideal for craft beer enthusiasts and curious visitors (escaping the rain!), a visit to Maui Brewing Company’s Tasting Room is an experience like no other. After the tour, stay for a meal at their restaurant! This is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Maui’s unique craft beer culture.

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!

Cat Cafe Maui works with both the Maui Humane Society and the non-profit Maui Cat Rescue to provide foster and permanent homes for the island’s cats. Their mission is to help with the adoption of homeless cats and to reduce overpopulation. At the cafe, cats get top-notch care, many friendly visitors, and the chance to find their forever homes.

Beyond just spending time with the cats, guests can volunteer to help out with them or even participate in the re-homing program. A big part of this is to find travelers who are willing to escort cats back to the mainland US for adoption. The Cat Cafe also has educational programs and activities to help engage and inform the public about feline care and adoption.

Cat Cafe is a welcomed presence on Maui for many reasons. As the island has limits to its resources, the Cat Cafe provides a much needed refuge for kitties to help keep them from being euthanized.

The Queen Ka’ahumanu Center itself is a great place to spend a rainy day. It has department stores like Macy’s, some cute boutiques, a food court, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, a nail salon, a craft store, and so much more. No matter if you’re looking to relax with furry friends or to just spend some time at the mall, Cat Cafe Maui provides a fun and heartwarming indoor activity for the whole family.

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!