What to Do in Honolulu When It's Raining
You’ve traveled to Honolulu dreaming of sunny days on the beach. But when you get there, it’s raining. What to do?
Luckily, there are fabulous indoor activities in Honolulu. Here are a few of them.
Museums
There are several indoor museums in Honolulu that are worth checking out. The Bishop Museum is the largest museum for Hawaiian and Pacific cultural objects.
The Honolulu Museum of Art has a large collection of Asian art and textiles, plus rotating exhibits. The Shangri La is an Islamic art museum housed an Islamic-style mansion built by heiress Doris Duke.
Cultural Sites
Along with museums, there are other indoor cultural attractions to visit near Honolulu. You can tour the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. The Hawai'i State Foundation on Cultural and the Arts has free admission and its own art collection, plus a guide to art in public places you can visit. The Queen Emma Summer Palace served as a summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii in the 1800s and now is open for tours as well as tea. The Hawaiian Mission Houses includes three restored houses, including two of the oldest houses in Hawaii, plus research archives that show 19th-century Hawaii.
Hula Lessons
You can take a hula lesson at a number of places, including Hula With Aloha at Ala Moana. There are beginner, intermediate and expert classes available.
Indoor Attractions
There are also several indoor places to visit. The Waik?k? Aquarium shows off lots of Hawaii’s amazing sea life, including coral, jellyfish and sharks. The Polynesian Cultural Center is an interactive exhibit of the Polynesian islands. And the Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center is a children’s museum with places for children of all ages to play.
Indoor Games and Music
Try Lucky Strike Social, the new two-story venue that has bowling, live music, games and a bar and restaurant. Or rent a karaoke room or head to a karaoke bar, including Wang Chung’s, which has a Sunday drag brunch and a popstar costume contest.
Shopping
There are lots of places to shop in Hawaii’s capital. Try Ala Moana Center, the largest mall in Hawaii. It’s open air, but you can spend time in stores to stay out of the rain. Or check out K?hala Mall, the Royal Hawaiian Center, Ward Village, International Market Place, or Waikele Outlets.
Spas
Hawaii is famous for its spas, and a rainy day is a great way to fit in some relaxing. Some island favorites include Lani Wai, Moana Lani and SpaHalekulani.
Eat Hot Food
Warm up from the rain at some of the city’s best ramen spots, including Agu and Goma Tei. Or get pho at Rice Paper, The Pig & The Lady or Piggy Smalls. Try hot pot or shabu at Ichiriki, Asuka, or Umami-ya, or oxtail soup at Liliha Bakery or o Aiea Bowl.
