Rainy Day Fun on Kaua‘i

Kauai • December 13, 2019

When you plan your vacation to Kaua‘i, it’s unlikely that you’re envisioning yourself relaxing…on a rainy day. Kaua‘i, however, gets a lot of rain, especially on the windward Hanalei side. Here are a couple of ways to turn a rainy day into one of the best of your vacation.

“We don’t even have to look outside to know whether it’s raining,” says Kauai Museum Director Chucky Boy Chock. “We can tell by the number of visitors. When people leave, they comment that they’re glad it rained, because they otherwise might have missed us.”

Kauai Museum
Kauai Museum

Visitors to one of the “best little museums in the world,” as it’s been called, have an opportunity to learn the rich, fascinating and controversial history of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i’s royal families. “King Kaumuali‘i is the star here,” says Chock. “He is the biggest difference between us and other island museums.

“Long before the small group of non-native Hawaiians plotted the overthrow of Queen Lili‘uokalani in 1893, which set in motion the annexation of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1898, there was Kaua‘i’s fight for independence in the early 1800s,” explains Chock. “Our amazing team of volunteers walk our guests through the preserved artifacts from the infamous ship Ha‘ahei o Hawai‘i, the luxury vessel King Kamehameha II used to capture King Kaumuali‘i. Smithsonian archaeologists excavated the Hanalei Bay shipwreck nearly two centuries later and have donated most of the rare discoveries to the museum.”

Less than half a mile from the museum is iconic Hilo Hattie . The 13,000-square-foot store carries the largest selection of Hawai‘i-made goods and apparel on the islands. In addition to their famous aloha fashions, you’ll find jewelry, bath and body products, footwear and island edibles. Visiting Hilo Hattie is one of those “must-do” stops for visitors. They’re also well respected by residents, having been voted as the “Best Place for Hawaiian Fashion” every year since 2001.

If you’re planning a family vacation photo, you’ll want to check out their family matching fashion. And if you spend $80 you’ll get a free pearl pendant with necklace and microfiber towel—but you gotta bring the coupon in the back of the book!

Not a bad rainy day after all, huh?

For rainy day activities on our other islands, click one of the below links:

[A version of this story appears in the December 2019-February 2020 print editions of This Week Kaua‘i]

Keywords: rainy day activities kauai kauai things to do rain rainy day fun kauai stay dry Hawaiian history

By Cheryl Lee August 29, 2025
Whether you prefer sit-down with a view or a quick bite, we offer choices based on cuisine, ambiance and location.
By Cheryl Lee August 29, 2025
Get out and explore! All points of interest contain This Week Map coordinates and are free unless noted.
By Cheryl Lee August 29, 2025
Treat yourself and your loved ones with a special gift from the Big Island. Below are some local retailers offering unique island finds.
By Cheryl Lee August 29, 2025
Makalei Golf Clulb is an upland course in Kailua-Kona with staggering views and challenging holes-so much you'll forget your handicap and just relish the stunning scenery.
Hawaii’s diverse national parks, from volcanic craters and sacred coastal sites to historic landmark
By Cheryl Lee August 9, 2025
Plan your visit to Hawaii’s national parks with tips on history, best times, fees, and must-see attractions across the islands.
By Cheryl Lee July 18, 2025
Isle of windswept beaches, no traffic lights
By Cheryl Lee July 18, 2025
Residents of the Valley Isle say “Maui no ka oi,” meaning “Maui is the best!” It could be because of the long stretches of white sand beaches …or the idyllic offshore views of neighboring Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe, Moloka‘i and the tiny islet of Molokini.
a big dark storm rolling in off the shore of waimea hawaii
By Gavin Hillman June 23, 2025
Many wonder if Hawaii has a dangerous hurricane season - and generally no, they don't. This guide goes over everything you should know about hurricanes in Hawaii.
By Gavin Hillman June 17, 2025
If you're planning a trip to Oahu, there's one thing you absolutely can't miss — the beaches. Oahu is home to some of the most famous and diverse coastlines in the world. Whether you want to snorkel with tropical fish, surf world-class waves, take long walks on soft sand, or simply relax under the sun, there's a beach on Oahu for you. In this guide, we'll take you through the top beaches to visit on Oahu , what makes each one special, and tips for getting the most out of your beach days.
By Gavin Hillman June 17, 2025
Hawai‘i’s breathtaking beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural traditions make it one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the world. But before you pack your bags and book that long-awaited trip, it’s essential to understand the current travel requirements and restrictions for visiting the Hawaiian Islands. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about traveling to Hawaii in 2025, including passport and ID rules, airline requirements, health-related protocols, inter-island travel, and tips for a stress-free island getaway.