Oahu in Rain Travel Guide: Top 9 Indoor Activities
What to Do When Rain Spoils Plans in Oahu
What should an active traveler do when it rains during their visit to Oahu, the third-largest Hawaiian island? Sun-kissed Oahu is among the most popular destinations in America for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and omnipresent volcanoes. Worry not, for Hawaii isn’t only about the great outdoors.
Though the island’s most iconic landmarks do require the weather to be on your side, there’s also a substantial selection of indoor attractions to enjoy. From royal residences to thriving underwater worlds and history museums galore, let’s take a look at the top things to do in Oahu when it rains, below.
1. Iolani Palace
America’s only royal residence
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Iolani Palace is the only official royal residence in the entire United States, which is a good reason to add it to your Oahu rainy-day itineraries. Even so, there’s more to this National Historic Landmark than the novelty factor. King Kalakaua had the grandiose structure built in 1882 to house the Hawaiian monarchs of the time, and the beautiful building is among Hawaii’s most majestic.
The palace features an American Florentine architectural style, with several sumptuous suites and extravagant halls. The State Dining Room, the Throne Room, and the Grand Hall are among the highlights. Check out the beautiful grand piano, which is made entirely out of the endemic koa wood. Read more
Location: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Sundays)
Phone: +1 808-522-0822
Iolani Palace
2. Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum
An impressive collection of warplanes
Good for: History, Photo
The Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum (Pacific Aviation Museum) is a must-visit for aircraft enthusiasts and history buffs in Oahu. And unlike the USS Arizona Memorial, which is the most popular Pearl Harbour attraction, this expansive exhibition space is entirely indoors and provides a much-needed respite from the rain.
The Ford Island museum has 2 separate 1930s-era seaplane hangars, both of which exhibit a wide range of vintage aircraft. Of particular interest is the Japanese A6M2 Zero, which crashed into the island of Ni’ihau during the Pearl Harbour attack. Tours of a B-17 bomber called Swamp Ghost that fought in the conflict are another major drawcard. Grab a self-guided audio tour to explore the site in your own time. Read more
Location: 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 808-441-1000
Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum
3. Hawaii Army Museum Society
Where to learn about the military history of Hawaii and beyond
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
The Hawaii Army Museum Society is a hit with military personnel or anyone interested in the history of warfare in the region. Also called the US Army Museum of Hawaii, this free museum occupies a 1911 coastal defense battery just north of Waikiki Bay.
Artifacts on display are from the early Hawaiian period right up until the Vietnam War. An AH-1 Cobra helicopter is the museum’s most impressive piece of hardware, though the artillery battery itself is well worth a look. Visit the Gallery of Heroes, which honors the country’s brave Medal of Honor recipients.
Location: 2131 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Phone: +1 808-955-9552
Hawaii Army Museum Society
4. Honolulu Museum of Art
One of the greatest art houses in Hawaii
Good for: History, Photo
The Honolulu Museum of Art is Hawaii’s biggest (and probably the best) fine arts museum. Its permanent exhibition has an impressive collection of Asian, European, and American works. There are over 50,000 individual pieces, ranging from Japanese woodblock prints to Renaissance art and finely woven textiles. Most of the artifacts are from the modern era to up to 5 centuries ago. Hawaii is particularly well represented, with numerous exhibits showcasing the artisanal prowess of its early inhabitants.
The Honolulu Museum of Art has served as a cultural hub since its inauguration in 1927. Throughout the year, it hosts musical performances, film screenings, art workshops, and academic presentations regularly. Visit the museum’s website to learn more about upcoming programs and events. Read more
Location: 900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, Friday from 10 am to 9 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 808-532-8700
Honolulu Museum of Art
5. Bishop Museum
A museum the whole family can enjoy
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Bishop Museum is a superb family-friendly option because there are exhibits here to suit all ages. The giant 5-building museum houses a mindboggling 24 million artifacts, so you could certainly spend the whole day here as you please.
The Hawaiian Hall comes packed full of Polynesian treasures that detail the region’s rich cultural history. Examples include an impressive array of seashells, apparel, handicrafts, and fossils. Kids will love the Science Adventure Center, particularly the Hot Spot theatre with its fantastic indoor volcano. Be sure to drop past the planetarium, a museum highlight that puts on 4 daily shows. Read more
Location: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 808-847-3511
Bishop Museum
6. Diamond Head Theatre
Known as the Broadway of the Pacific
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The Diamond Head Theatre attracts theatre buffs in search of a quick cultural fix in Oahu. Formerly known as the Footlights and Honolulu Community Theatre, the institute has been operating under its current name since 1915. It’s the third-oldest continually-operating community theatre in the USA.
The so-called ‘Broadway of the Pacific’ runs 6 productions each season. Spanning a wide range of genres, expect to find dramas, comedies, musicals, and vacation favorites on the billboard. The building is within the Diamond Head district of Honolulu, about a 10-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. Book your tickets in advance as they sell out fast. Read more
Location: 520 Makapuu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
Phone: +1 808-733-0274
Diamond Head Theatre
7. Ala Moana Center
One of the biggest shopping malls in Hawaii
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Food
The Ala Moana Center is a must if you fancy a little retail therapy in Oahu, especially on a rainy day. While it’s famous for being one of the largest open-air malls in the world, its covered arcades provide plenty of space to escape to when it rains.
There are around 350 stores to peruse, from big-brand outlets to unique boutiques. Get your souvenir shopping done in one swoop or check out designer outlets for the latest trends. With over 100 restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, you won’t go hungry at the Ala Moana Center. When you feel like taking a break, grab a coffee to go and check out live ukulele and hula shows. Read more
Location: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 808-955-9517
Ala Moana Center
8. Royal Hawaiian Center
A high-end mall with a Polynesian cultural program
Good for: Budget, Shoppers
The Royal Hawaiian Center is a big shopping mall on Kalākaua Avenue, one of Honolulu’s most well-known streets. Some say it’s fit for a princess – Her Royal Highness Bernice Pauahi, a 19th-century Hawaiian princess, indeed once resided on these grounds.
Aside from 100 or so retail stores and restaurants, the building serves as a cultural space. Ukulele and hula classes, lei-making lessons, and lomilomi massage give you an insight into local culture without having to forgo the comfort of air-conditioning. Check the schedules and details online. Read more
Location: 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 808-922-2299
Royal Hawaiian Center
9. Queen Emma Summer Palace
The grand summer palace of a beloved Hawaiian queen
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Queen Emma Summer Palace is an outstanding indoor option in Oahu if you fancy seeing how the Hawaiian royalty once lived. From the mid- to late-19th century, Queen Emma of Hawaii, her husband and son resided in the palace during the summer. Today, the magnificent place has become a museum to celebrate her achievements, from the conservation of Hawaiian culture to the commercial ties she formed with Europe.
Beautiful antique furniture and priceless family heirlooms such as porcelain and jewelry are on display. It’s a great spot to head to when it pours. When the rain dies down, head outside to stroll through the leafy gardens and take in the array of exotic and colorful plants. Read more
Location: 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Open: Wednesday–Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm (closed Sunday–Monday)
Phone: +1 808-595-3167
Queen Emma Summer Palace
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