Just because it’s wet outside doesn’t mean there aren’t several things to do in Maui when it rains. With an average temperature of 80° and 276 days of sun all year long there isn’t really a bad time to visit Maui.
Unfortunately there are a few weeks every winter during Maui rainy season where it rains consistently (even in Lahaina where it seldom rains). 2020 those couple weeks were in January and in 2021 those weeks fell in March.
There are also a few times in the summer during hurricane season where the outliers of a big storm will grace the Hawaiian islands with her presence. Sprinkle in a few tropical storms here and there, you may find yourself vacationing on Maui when you have to plan things to do in Maui on a rainy day.
But no need to worry, after a decade of living on Maui, I put together a list of 14 awesome things to do on Maui when it rains. Just remember when there’s Maui rain, there’s beautiful rainbows and no ones going to put a damper on your parade.
For full transparency, I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases that gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. All proceeds go to keep Jess traveling and coffee ☕️. I thank you in advance.
- Visit the Ocean Center
- Eat at one of Maui’s tasty restaurants
- Get a massage
- Search for the sun
- Take a drive
- Gallery hop
- Day trip to Lanai
- Spot rainbows from your lanai
- Go shopping
- Catch a live show
- Test your skills in an escape room
- Learn how to blow glass
- Ultimate Air Trampoline
- 808 Ping Pong
What to do on Maui when it rains!
1 Visit the Maui Ocean center
Named one of the Top 25 Best Aquariums in the U.S., a visit to the Maui Ocean Center is a great experience for the whole family. Located in near Ma’alaea Harbor, the Maui Ocean Center is a perfect activity to do on Maui if its raining or you’re looking for things to do in Maui out of the sun.
The highlight of the Ocean Center is the 750,000 gallon Open Ocean Exhibit. Inside this exhibit you get to see sharks, rays and a plethora of tropical fish species.
If you love adventure like I do, opt for a guided experience to swim alongside sharks and local marine life. You must be already be certified for scuba dives. This is by far one of the more unusual things to do in Maui.
2 Indulge in Cocktails and a Gourmet Meal
Of course one of the best and most accessible things to do in Maui when it rains is eat! No matter which part of the island you’re staying on, there will be restaurants and bars that you can enjoy. Indulge in a hand crafted cocktail and enjoy a fresh caught entree as you let your stress melt away.
Restaurants and bars do fill up rather quickly when it rains on Maui as everyone has the same idea. Check out these restaurant guides below for mouth watering inspiration.
3 Spa Day
Nothing screams Maui rainy season than a spa day! There is no better place to try a lomi lomi massage than on a rainy day on Maui.
A Lomi lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of massage techniques, nut oils like macadamia and breathing and dance. The massage is meant to restore energy and soothe the body.
Your best bet will be to book one with a hotel/resort to ensure the quality. A traditional lomi lomi massage costs around $120-200. This will be worth the splurge.
4 Search for the Sun
Just because its raining on one part of the island doesn’t mean it is raining on all parts of the island. If it’s raining just search for sun – I’m talking about the towns of Lahaina or Kihei.
Lahaina and Kihei are on the leeward side of the island which means that it’s the sheltered side of the island. You are almost always guaranteed to find sun in one of these two towns. Lahaina does translate to ‘relentless sun’ after all.
5 Take a Drive
This is also one of the best cheap or free things to do on Maui.
6 Gallery Hop
Maui is full of talented artists – I mean it’s hard NOT to be inspired here – so next time you find yourself on Maui on a rainy day, go gallery hopping.
The best place to gallery on Maui is in the town of Lahaina. The main drag is full of art galleries and is one of the best things to do on Front Street.
This activity lets you avoid the rain and get stimulated creatively all at the same time.
7 Day Trip to Lanai
Did you know that the island of Lanai is the driest of the Hawaiian islands Lanai City receives around 33 inches of rainfall a year and Manele Bay gets much less.
If it is raining on Maui consider taking a day trip to Maui’s neighboring island if Lanai. The LanaI ferry runs 2 a day everyday departing from Lahaina and cost $30.
There are plenty of things to do on Lanai once you’re there including hiking to sweetheart rock, swimming with dolphins at beautiful Manele Bay and even visiting a cat sanctuary.
Not into DIY travel? Book a boat tour that takes you to Lanai and spend the day anchored at Manele bay. Drinks and lunch will be provided!
⛵️ Lanai Travel Guides
8 Spot Rainbows from your lanai
Hawaii’s nickname isn’t the ‘rainbow state’ for no reason. Uncork that bottle of pineapple wine you bought from Maui’s only winery – yes the one you were saving for a Christmas gift, sorry mom – and relax on your lanai.
Count how many rainbows you can spot. It’ll be a gentle reminder of how beautiful Maui is rain or shine.
9 Catch a Live Show
Maui has a few inside venues that you can enjoy entertainment. One of Maui’s newest venues is Da Playground located in Ma’alaea. Da playground Maui is a music venue that hosts live events and shows ranging from local bands to world class artists. Check out events calendar here.
Another venue to catch a show at in Maui is Warren & Annabelles, a up-close, sleight of hand comedic comedy show. You can find this great venue on West Maui in Lahaina town. I’ve been to a show at Warren & Annabelles twice and it had me in stitches every time.
Get the Royal Flush Package which includes the show itself, appetizers, dessert, cocktails & gratuity. Enjoy 4 hours of fun, food, drinks, amazing magic and laughs!
10 Go Shopping
Maui has several charming towns, most of which are full of local boutique shops. Spend the Maui rainy day exercising your credit card.
Some of the best places on Maui for shopping are Lahaina town, Whalers Village in Kaanapali, Paia town, Wailuku and the shops at Wailea.
11 Test your Skills in an Escape Room
What better way to enjoy Maui when its raining than testing your skills and knowledge in an escape room. Maui Escape Rooms are a fun way to pass the time and use your critical thinking skills by thinking outside the box and working as a team.
The room escape games are an exciting entertainment experience for people of all ages and skill sets. No special knowledge is required to play, and there is no intense physical activity within the game. All you need is the willingness to have a good time!
There are two escape rooms on Maui, one in Wailuku and one in Ka’anapali inside Whalers Village.
12 Learn Glass Blowing
Moana Glass is a glass blowing studio and art gallery in Lahaina that you can book a private lesson to learn the ancient art of glass blowing. Its a wonderful memory and makes the best souvenir knowing that you were apart of the process. This is a great way to enjoy Maui in the rain.
You pick the piece you want to make, select from our assortment of brilliant colors and your instructor carefully tailors your glass lesson to you. This is a Maui activity that the whole family can enjoy. A fun experience like none other in Hawaii.
13 Ultimate Air Trampoline
14 808 Ping Pong
Located in the outlets of West Maui in Lahaina, 808 Ping Pong is the first table tennis club on Maui. Test your skills and play some ping pong.
This is a great activity to enjoy in Maui in the rain and its one of the best things to do in Maui on a budget. Open daily from 2-8 but check the website as it’s closed on most major holidays. Rain or shine, the game must go on.
Maui Travel Tips
📍Plan your Trip:
- The Ultimate guide to Maui
- 10 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Maui
- 21 Mistakes to Avoid on your First Trip to Hawaii
🗺 How long to travel Maui? 1-2 Week Maui Itinerary
☔️ Best Time to Visit: Best Time to Visit Maui
💰 Average Daily Budget:
- How to Travel Maui on a Budget
- 28 Things to do on Maui on a Budget
- 10 Budget Friendly Maui Adventures
⛺️ Maui accommodation Guides
- Best Area to Stay on Maui
- West Maui vs. South Maui – Where to Stay
- Where to Stay in Maui on a Budget
- Best Airbnbs in Maui
- Where to Stay in Hana, HI
- Top Honeymoon Resorts in Maui
- 10 Best Honeymoon Resorts in Hawaii
- The Most Unique Airbnbs in Hawaii
🪂 Highlights
- Driving the Road to Hana
- Sunrise over Haleakala
- Exploring Exotic Beaches
- Waianapanapa State Park
- Haleakala National Park
- Whale Watch
- Hike the Pipiwai Trail
- Snorkel Molokini
- Drive the West Maui Loop
- Lahaina Town
- Learn to Surf
🧳 What to Pack: What to Pack for Maui
🎥 Watch our Maui Series on YouTube
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There you have it, 14 things to do on Maui when it rains. Have you tried anything else when it’s raining on Maui? Let me know in the comments below!
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