A Rainy Day in Waikiki: Your Guide to Indoor Fun

Don’t let a little rain ruin your Waikiki vacation! Discover museums, shopping, and local dining with our indoor itinerary. Learn where to go and what to do when the sun isn’t shining. A little rain can’t stop the fun in Waikiki! While a beach day might be out, there are plenty of incredible indoor activities to explore. Our guide ensures you have a fantastic, culture-filled, and delicious day, no matter the weather. Here’s your perfect Waikiki rainy-day itinerary.

Rainy day activities Waikiki

🎨 Morning: Dive into culture and art

Start your day with a journey into Hawaii’s rich history and art. It’s the perfect way to stay dry while soaking in some local knowledge.

The Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)

Interior courtyard of the Honolulu Museum of Art on a rainy day.
Spend your morning wandering through HoMA’s extensive collection of over 50,000 works, which includes impressive Asian and Western art. The museum features rotating exhibits, beautiful courtyards, and a cafe for a mid-morning coffee break.

Bishop Museum: Hawaii’s State Museum

Exhibits inside the Bishop Museum, showcasing Hawaiian culture.
As the state’s largest museum, the Bishop Museum offers a comprehensive look into Hawaiian and Pacific Island cultures. You’ll find a wide array of artifacts, history exhibits, and a planetarium for an immersive, out-of-this-world experience.

🛍️ Afternoon: Retail therapy and sweet treats

After a morning of culture, escape the rain with some retail therapy and delicious local sweets.

Ala Moana Center

Shoppers under cover at Ala Moana Center in Waikiki. 

Just a short ride from Waikiki, this large, open-air shopping center has plenty of covered areas to keep you dry. You can browse a wide range of stores, from high-end fashion to local boutiques, and refuel in the expansive food court.

International Market Place

Waikiki International Market Place Banyan Tree
In the heart of Waikiki, this multilevel outdoor-indoor market features shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The open-air design is covered to protect you from the rain, making it a great spot for souvenir shopping.

Honolulu Cookie Company

Pineapple-shaped cookies from Honolulu Cookie Company
Don’t miss a stop at one of the many locations to sample and purchase these delicious, pineapple-shaped shortbread cookies. They’re the perfect rainy-day treat.

🎶 Evening: Dinner and a show

End your day with some amazing food and live entertainment.

Live music at a jazz club

Live jazz performance inside Blue Note Hawaii

For a sophisticated night out, head to Blue Note Hawaii, an offshoot of the iconic New York City jazz club. Enjoy dinner and drinks in an intimate setting while listening to local and world-class jazz artists, musicians or comedians.

Hawaiian dinner and show

For a more traditional Hawaiian experience, consider a dinner theater with a show featuring Hawaiian music, hula dancers, and celebrity impersonators. It’s a classic and memorable way to spend an evening indoors.

Local dining favorites

Located above Duke’s, this beachfront restaurant serves Hawaiian-inspired food with great views, even on a rainy evening.

With a menu focused on local ingredients, this lively kitchen offers delicious food and a great atmosphere.

For a cozier and more intimate dining experience, Heavenly serves delicious local and organic Hawaiian food.

Don’t let rain dampen your spirits

A little rain is just an excuse to explore a different side of Waikiki. By following this itinerary, you’ll discover that there’s always something to do in paradise, rain or shine.

Ready to find your perfect base for exploring Oahu? Book your stay directly with WaikikiStay.com to ensure you have a comfortable and convenient home base for all your adventures.