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.
🎨 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)
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
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
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
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
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

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.