Things to Do in Oahu When It Rains (and You’ve Got Kids to Entertain)

Rainy Day in Paradise? Here’s What to Do on Oahu with Kids

Driving rain and gusty wind have kept us cooped inside for days. People are wearing pants. Sweaters, even. That’s how you know it’s winter in Hawaii. But don’t worry—I know I’m not allowed to complain. A client from Minnesota scoffed at me the other day when I mentioned the chilly, gloomy weather and said, “Oh, you’ll survive.”

She’s not wrong. For locals, rain is annoying. For visitors on a family vacation, it can feel devastating. The tropical dream—dashed by soggy skies and bored kids in swimwear. But fear not! There’s still fun to be had, even when the beach towels stay packed.

Here are some family-friendly things to do on a rainy day in Oʻahu—no sunshine required.

☀️ Seek the Sunshine (It Might Be Just Down the Road)

Hawaiian winter weather can’t sit still. One minute it’s pouring, the next—rainbow. If the skies over your hotel are stubbornly gray, try chasing the sun to a different part of the island.

Your best bets:

• Waikīkī (South Shore): Dry, walkable, and full of easy activities.
• Ko Olina (Leeward Side): More sunshine, less wind, and calm lagoons perfect for little ones.

Tip: Download the Weather Underground app for spooky-accurate, hyper-local forecasts. It can help you decide whether to wait out the drizzle or head for drier ground.

💦 Embrace the Wet (You Were Gonna Get Wet Anyway)

If the rain’s light or on-and-off, grab your raincoat (or don’t) and lean in. Some of the best Oʻahu sights show off after it rains.

• Manoa Falls: A lush, family-friendly hike that’s even more dramatic when the trail is damp and the waterfall is roaring. (Skip if it’s been pouring all day—mud and flash floods are not your friends.)
• Waikīkī Aquarium: Stay dry while exploring a surprisingly charming little aquarium filled with jellyfish, giant clams, reef fish, and Hawaiian monk seals.
• Take a Scenic Drive: Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful car ride. H-3 highway cuts through the Koʻolau Range, where waterfalls pour from seemingly every ridge. Keep an eye out for the Haʻikū Stairs clinging to the cliffs like something out of an action movie. (Do not climb them—they’re officially closed.) If you want to stay closer to Waikiki, try driving up Tantalus. If it’s not too rainy you will be rewarded with sweeping city views and more hiking opportunities.

And if the kids were planning to get wet anyway? Throw on your swimsuits and head to the beach. You might just have it to yourselves. Avoid the ocean near stream mouths after heavy rain, though—brown water usually means runoff (and bacteria).

🏛 Explore Museums (Dry, Educational, and Actually Fun)

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to dive into Oʻahu’s museums—and you’ve got some great ones:

Pacific Aviation Museum
Tucked inside historic WWII seaplane hangars on Ford Island, this one’s a hit with aviation lovers. Self-guided audio tours and docent-led options available. Expect vintage aircraft and a fascinating backstory of Pearl Harbor. P.S. Did you know you can host a unique airplane-themed birthday party here?

Honolulu Museum of Art
A surprisingly big collection of Asian, American, and European art. Go on the third Sunday of the month for Bank of Hawaiʻi Family Sundays, which includes free crafts and kid activities.

Bishop Museum
A treasure trove of Hawaiian culture and natural history. Kids especially love the Science Adventure Center and the planetarium shows.

🛍 Visit Ala Moana Mall (Yes, Really)

Normally, I wouldn’t file shopping under “family fun,” but Ala Moana is the exception. It’s more like a city within a city, and you can spend a surprisingly happy afternoon here. Seriously. There’s a post office, grocery store, doctors and a barber.

• Stop by the LEGO Store to browse or make your own mini figures
• Catch a live hula show on the center stage
• Play old-school arcade games at Dave & Buster’s or hit the bowling lanes at Lucky Strike
• Cat lovers will enjoy sipping drinks with furry friends at Cat Cafe Moff
• Browse the books at Barne’s and Noble for a throwback of pre-Amazon days
• Dessert tour, anyone? Tasty found is found in every nook and cranny of the mall
• Poto Box recreates those cute photo booths of malls long ago
• Of course you can also shop. Shops range from Ross Dress for Less to Cartier so you have options.
• And after it all you can even schedule a massage with Popoki Massage

Rain or Shine, Oʻahu Delivers

So yes, the rain may have chased you off the beach, but it doesn’t have to ruin the adventure. From waterfalls and fish tanks to toy capsules and tempura, Oʻahu’s rainy days come with their own kind of magic—especially when shared with your favorite people.

Pack a raincoat, download a weather app, and leave room for dessert. You’ve got this.

If you’re still in the travel planning stages you can read here to discover the best time to visit Hawaii.

Need help planning your photo session around the weather? I’ve danced around enough tropical downpours to know where the sun hides—and how to find fun when it doesn’t show up. [Reach out here.]