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What To Do On Maui When It Rains

Looking for some rainy day activities on Maui? We are blessed with a tropical climate, and rain is what keeps our island so green and lush. We appreciate the rain, and it is part of our island lifestyle. 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. So, yes, we do get rain here on Maui!

rainy days in Maui

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.

***We’re heartbroken after a devastating wildfire tore through our historic town of Lahaina on August 8, 2023, burning down 5 square miles of local homes and businesses. The rebuild will take years, and we’re monitoring the situation closely to keep our readers as best informed as possibly can. West Maui is open to responsible, mindful, and respectful visitors starting October 8, 2023. If you are looking for ways to help, we encourage you to volunteer on your visit to Maui***

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Suggestions for Rainy Day Activities on Maui

• Visit the Maui Ocean Center, a world-class tropical aquarium located in Maalaea. With a commitment to marine science, education, and conservation, Maui Ocean Center’s exhibits and activities feature only marine life that is found in Hawaiian waters. They also have a new 3D dome theater where you can watch their own incredible humpback whale film. Fabulous place to visit, rain or shine! Reservations are currently required, check their site as requirements change.

• 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)

Catch a movie at one of Maui’s three movie theater complexes: Regency Cinemas in Kihei (South Maui) and two theaters in Kahului (Central Maui), both located in shopping centers: Consolidated Theaters at Queen Kaahumanu Center and Regal Maui Mall Megaplex. Please check their websites for any COVID-19 regulations or requirements as it changes often.

• 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 (Update 11/20/23: This did not perish in the August Fire, but is not operational at this time). 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, but it has struggled in recent years and, at the time of this update, more stores keep dropping . . . so its future is uncertain at this point. 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.

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• 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.

• 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.

• Enjoy a leisurely coffee break, a meal, or drinks at one of Maui’s many cozy restaurants and coffee shops. Check out Better Things Cafe in Paia for a boutique cafe with a comfy atmosphere. Try something different like their Vegan Bullet Latte along with their delicious pesto toast. The perfect coffee break!

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 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!

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• 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!

Maui rainy activities

AFTER THE RAIN: Post-Rainy Day Activities on Maui

Maui Accommodations Mountains

• 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. (UPDATE: Due to Covid restrictions, indoor gatherings and events like these might be temporarily suspended on Maui.)

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!

Maui Accommodations Rainbow

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Happy Travels!

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