Rainy Day Guide to Hawaii Big Island: 9 Fun Activities
What to Do When Rain Spoils Your Plans on Hawaii Island
It’s common for rain to wash out a traveler’s plans on the Big Island; the Hawaiian archipelago is America’s wettest state, after all. But in a destination famed for its awe-inspiring outdoor attractions from belching volcanoes, gushing waterfalls, pristine beaches, and the like. What’s left to do when the heavens open up, and the weather turns foul?
Though the Big Island’s star attractions may reside outdoors, a downpour doesn’t mean your whole day has to be a write-off. From historical sites to chocolate factories and museums to breweries, there’s plenty of indoor entertainment the entire family can enjoy. Read on to find out fun things to do on Hawaii Island when it rains.
1. Hulihee Palace
The home of former Hawaiian kings
Good for: History, Photo
Head to the Hulihe Palace to escape the rain and unleash your inner monarch. Once the summer residence of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi’olani, the Hulihe Palace now serves as a living history museum to showcase the lives of 19th-century Hawaiian royalty. A wide array of intriguing Victorian-era artifacts sits on display alongside solid koa wood furniture and elegant ornaments, both replica and original.
Drop by on the first Sunday of the month, if possible, to catch a free concert of a local orchestra belting out traditional Hawaiian symphonies. To learn more about the palace, take a public tour or feel free to explore on your own.
Location: Hulihee Palace Grounds, 75-5718 Ali’i Drive, 75-5718 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Open: Wednesday–Saturday from 10 am to 3.30 pm (closed Sunday–Tuesday)
Phone: +1 808-329-1877
Hulihee Palace
2. Big Island Candies
Where you can feel like a kid in a candy store
Good for: Families, Food
Big Island Candies is a working chocolate factory and upmarket candy outlet in Hilo Bay is not to be missed for sweet tooths. Kailua Candy Company is an excellent alternate for those who’d rather stick to the west side of the island. The star of the show here is the divine diagonally dipped shortbread though the roasted Big Island macadamia nuts bathed in Kona chocolate are equally heavenly.
The staff hand out free samples the moment you step foot in the store, and visitors are encouraged to use the viewing room to watch the magic unfold on the factory floor. Be sure to grab a box of the shortbread or other treats to take home.
Location: 585 Hinano St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 808-935-8890
Big Island Candies
See also
3. Kona Wine Market
Hawaiian wines and more
Good for: Shoppers, Food
If you’re looking for a bottle of local wine to take home, head over to Kona Wine Market. As the name implies, wine is the main product on offer here, with countless varieties of the good stuff here sourced from all over the globe.
In addition to the Hawaiian vino, the store boasts an impressive selection of spirits, cigars, and beer. The pomegranate and ballast point sour wench beers are especially tasty, both available to sample on tap. Keep an eye on their events calendar to see if there are any upcoming wine tasting sessions.
Location: 73-5613 Olowalu St #1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 808-329-9400
Kona Wine Market
4. The H.N. Greenwell Store Museum
A blast from the past in a centuries-old general store
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Head to the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum for your Big Island history fix. Founded by an entrepreneurial Englishman back in 1875, this charming stone-brick general store once sold produce from local farms and now serves as a regional history museum. Fully costumed interpreters greet guests on arrival and provide a fascinating portrayal of daily Hawaiian life in the 1890s. “Hands-on History” workshops take place most days for more detailed insight into the past.
The Big Island has several other indoor museums worth visiting on a rainy day: the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Lyman Museum, the Imiloa Astronomy Center, and the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, just to name a few.
Location: 81-6581 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750, USA
Phone: +1 808-323-3222
The H.N. Greenwell Store Museum
5. Ola Brew Co
Stellar beverages and tasty food
Good for: Couples, Food, Shoppers
Ola Brew Co offers an excellent antidote to those rainy-day blues: beer and their cider is worth tasting too. The beloved local microbrewery has an extensive selection of citrus-infused ciders, light, refreshing lagers, and heavy hoppy ales to savor, all of which go down a treat regardless of the weather outside.
To accompany your beverage of choice, the kitchen whips up classic comfort foods as well as a delicious Ali’i Mushroom flatbread. Can’t decide which you want most? Grab a taster flight and work your way through them all. Look for their Ma’a Island Lager, Ola Brew IPA, and the Kiawe Vanilla Porter.
Location: 74-5598 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 11.30 am to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11.30 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 11.30 to 8 pm
Phone: +1 808-339-3599
Ola Brew Co
6. The Vanillerie
Where to learn about the world’s second most expensive spice
Good for: Families, Shoppers
The Vanillerie is Hawaii’s premier boutique vanilla farm, and it’s very much worth visiting on a rainy day. The farm resides a few minutes from the airport, north of Kailua-Kona town. Your best bet is to embark on the hour-long greenhouse and curing area tour, where an enthusiastic guide will explain the complex growing process behind the world’s second-most expensive spice after saffron.
The informative tour of these picturesque grounds finishes up with a cup of their signature vanilla ice cream. Take a minute to peruse the gift shop at the end to pick up locally made souvenirs.
Location: 73-4301 Laui St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Open: Tuesday–Friday 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday from 9 am to noon (closed Sundays and Mondays)
Phone: +1 808-331-8535
The Vanillerie
7. Mokuaikaua Church
One of the oldest Christian churchs in Hawaii
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Mokuaikaua Church, one of the oldest Christian temples on the archipelago, is a fun place to visit for both history buffs and the devout. Missionaries first brought Christianity to Hawaii back in the early 19th century, and this 1820 stone brick chapel was once the epicenter of it all. The edifice, which has survived several earthquakes and tsunami over the years, features a steeple and a cemetery outback.
Guided tours quickly take you around the site and include an explanation of the artifacts stored on site. If you’d like to join or witness worship here, attend a praise service on Friday night and a spirit service on Sunday.
Location: 75-5713 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 3 pm, Sunday from 10 am to noon (closed on Saturdays)
Phone: +1 808-329-0655
Mokuaikaua Church
8. Hawaiian coffee farms
Sampling through the world-famous Kona coffee district
Good for: Couples, Food, Photo
Wedged between volcanoes and the western coast, the Big Island’s coffee farms in the Kona coffee district grow some of the finest beans on earth. And even though the rain might turn you off trudging through its plantations, the area’s numerous coffee farms are a must for caffeine addicts during a downpour.
No less than 600 specialty farms reside line the 20-mile-long scenic route in the hills above Kailua-Kona, many of which offer free tastings to create a ‘wine tour’ kind of experience. Grab a rental car and check out highlights such as Buddha’s Cup Kona Coffee and Tea Farm and Ka’U Coffee Mill.
Hawaiian coffee farms
9. Art galleries
Exploring the Big Island’s budding art scene
Good for: Shoppers, Photo
With its gorgeous topography and infectious laidback vibes, the Big Island has long been a haven for artists and bohemians. And for vacationing art aficionados stuck here on a rainy day, there are a plethora of exciting galleries around the island to explore.
Among the main highlights is the Volcano Art Center, a non-profit exhibition that’s been promoting community culture for over 50 years. Other exciting artistic spaces include Kona Henna to get a temporary tattoo, Lava Light Galleries, and Extreme Exposure for the passionate photographer. Check out Genesis Gallery to admire the landscapes of talented local painters.
Art galleries
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.