Top 5 Things To Do On A Rainy Day On Maui

You made your plans around the rainy season in Maui (November to March) but on one of your few days in paradise, you get hit with a rain storm. So now you're asking yourself: what is there to do in maui when it rains?

Have no worries, you can ditch your outdoor plans and still find plenty of memorable, photogenic and amazing experiences. These are the top 5 things to do in Maui on a rainy day.


1. Visit The Maui Ocean Center

Located at Ma'alea Harbor, Maui Ocean Center is voted as one of the top 10 aquariums in the world! It's a fantastic activity for a rainy day and people of all ages enjoy it. Being as Maui is home to the most humpback whales, they have a fantastic Humpback Whale exhibit that features a sphere. The sphere features 4K imagery, 3D glasses and surround sound to put you underwater with these amazing giants like never before.

Maui Ocean Center 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793 808-270-7000

Because of its size and exhibits, you can spend an entire rainy day at the Maui Ocean Center. Here are some of the most popular things to see when visiting:

  • Living Reef Exhibit: Explore a large living reef with a variety of colorful coral and fish species.
  • Turtle Lagoon: Observe Hawaiian green sea turtles up close as they swim in a naturalistic lagoon.
  • Open Ocean Exhibit: Experience a 750K-gallon exhibit showcasing vast marine life in an underwater viewing tunnel.
  • Hammerhead Harbor: Marvel at hammerhead sharks in a specially designed exhibit that provides a unique perspective on these creatures.
  • Stingray Cove: Get the chance to touch and interact with gentle stingrays in a touch pool setting.
  • Jellies - Living Art: Admire the ethereal beauty of various jellyfish species in an exhibit designed to highlight their mesmerizing movements.
  • Marine Mammal Discovery Center: Learn about marine mammals and their conservation while enjoying interactive exhibits and displays.
  • Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit (Seasonal): During the winter months (December to April), explore an exhibit dedicated to humpback whales.



Andrew Shoemaker Fine Art Photography Gallery in Lahaina, HI

2. Browse Maui Art Galleries

Maui is home to some of the top art galleries in the world. With so much beauty all around, Maui seems to inspire many artists from all over. Front Street in Lahaina is where most of the art galleries are located but there's many galleries also in Paia, Makawao, and Wailea. Browsing the galleries is a fantastic way to make the most of a rainy day. Yes, you may get a little wet going to and from stores in the rain, but you'll keep mostly dry and still be able to take in sights and sounds that are one of a kind in Maui.

Tip: Visit Lahaina on Fridays from 7-10pm for Art Night. Make sure to stop by my own Lahaina Gallery location as well and say aloha! You'll be able to meet local artists, see demonstrations of art and if it's not completely rained out, visit street vendors and food trucks.

Andrew Shoemaker Gallery 612 Front Street Lahaina, HI 96761 808-298-7670

Check out the complete Maui Art Gallery Local Guide and Directory



3. Glassblowing Lessons at Moana Glass

Moana Glass is the only studio on Maui where you can learn the art of glassblowing. You pick the piece you'd like to create and the colors and the instructor is with you the entire time to customize your piece and make sure everyone is safe throughout the process and that your one of a kind piece comes out amazing. You can leave with that perfect one of a kind Maui souvenir.

Moana Glass 1000 Limahana Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761 808-763-6338

Upon arriving, staff at Moana Glass welcomes you in, previews the days activities and introduces you to the art of glassblowing. Instructors are talented, passionate and experts in safely teaching people about glasswork. Even if you have no experience with glassblowing, the safety guidelines and techniques you learn will make you feel at ease and engaged. Throughout the lesson, Moana Glass instructors will provide you with personalized guidance to help you form your very own piece of glass art.

So if you're looking for a unique experience with a dash of creativity and learning, it's the perfect place to spend a rainy day in Maui.


4. Get A Massage

Because you deserve to spoil yourself a little bit and there's not too many things that are as relaxing while you hear rain pouring around you. Not that there's ever a bad time for a massage but you won't feel like you're missing out on anything outdoors if it's raining.

  • Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
  • Grand Wailea - A Waldorf Astoria Resort
  • Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
  • Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
  • Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
  • Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
  • Montage Kapalua Bay

All of these spas and resorts are top-tier and will deliver you one of the best massages you've ever had but each features its own specialty massages, spa treatments or atmospheres. Almost all of these will offer traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages along with modern spa offerings. Parlay your massage into a resort afternoon by taking advantage of dining and relaxation options after your relaxing massage.


5. Head to Front Street

Front Street in Lahaina is center of Lahaina and where you'll find most of the art galleries, restaurants, shopping, and activities. There's outlet stores on the north end of the street and also a favorite spot of mine, Waikiki Brewing Company. Make your way all the way down the street and closer to the south end, you'll find the famous Lahaina Banyan Tree. At over 60 feet high and the size of an entire city block, this tree was planted in 1873 and is quite unique.

Here are some of the most popular things to do on Front Street - most of these will keep mostly dry on rainy days:

  • Shopping: Front Street is a shopper's paradise. It is home to a wide variety of boutique shops, art galleries, souvenir stores, clothing boutiques, and more. Visitors can find everything from locally crafted goods to high-end designer items.
  • Dining and Cuisine: The street offers a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and eateries, serving a range of cuisines from traditional Hawaiian fare to international dishes. It's a great place to savor fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and other local delights.
  • Art and Culture: Front Street is known for its vibrant art scene. Many galleries showcase the work of local artists, offering visitors a chance to admire and purchase unique Hawaiian art pieces
  • Historic Landmarks: Front Street is home to several historic landmarks, including the Baldwin House Museum and the Old Lahaina Courthouse, offering insights into Maui's past.

Eleusis Panorama

An absolute classic Maui scene and the palm shadows really make this shot something special. To have this spot all to myself was really very special and a perfect time to capture it's beauty.

Collector's Edition of 50

6. (Bonus) Head To A Sunnier Part Of The Island

Now you're wondering why I didn't just say this as #1 am I right? Some days the entire island may be rainy and this won't apply but often times if it's raining in Lahaina, head to Kihei and the weather could be totally different! If the north shore is pouring rain, head to Kihei or Lahaina and it's usually much drier. Maui is filled with micro-climates so it really just can depend on your immediate location with the rainy weather.

Don't let less than perfect weather keep you from enjoying your time in paradise. There are plenty of fun things to do when its raining in Maui.

Ka'anapali Palms

A picture perfect day at the world famous Ka'anapali Beach here on Maui. Coconut palms and white sandy paradise

Collector's Edition of 50