Best Rainy Day Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii
Oh no, is it raining on your dream vacation to Hawaii?! Don’t worry – your trip isn’t ruined! Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the unique things that the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. I have spent 2 weeks on the Big Island of Hawaii every single year for the past 20 years and have found some incredible things to do during the inevitable rain storms. I’m listing my favorite Rainy Day Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii for you below.
The Big Island of Hawaii is just that – very big. Therefore, if it is raining at your hotel, be sure to check the weather for other cities on the island. There is a good chance you’ll find some dry land to enjoy. However, if it seems to be raining everywhere, fret not! I’ve complied two lists below of perfect things to do in Kona during the rain and perfect things to do in Hilo during the rain!
Rainy Day Activities near Kona
It doesn’t rain too often in Kona, and when it does, it’s usually quick! Keep these recommendations in mind in the off chance it rains while you’re near Kona, Hawaii.
Visit Hulihe’e Palace
Cost: $22 per person
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday
Website: Hulihee Palace
This palace is in the center of downtown Kona and was once the Governor’s Palace in 1838. The palace was built using lava rocks from the island! The palace is small, so you won’t need much time here. However, you’ll be able to see get an insiders look at what life was like on the Hawaiian island hundreds of years ago. Guided tours are offered at 10AM and 1PM daily.
Mokuaikaua Church
Cost: FREE
Hours: 7:30AM to 4:30pm, daily
Website: Mokuaikaua Church
Across the street from the Hulihe’e Palace in downtown Kona, you’ll see the Mokuaikaua Church. This is the oldest Christian church in Hawaii, dating back 200 years ago!
Guided tours take you around the church and provide background info on the artifacts onsite. You may also enjoy worship here on Friday night or Sunday mornings.
Beer Tour & Tasting at Kona Brewery
Cost: $20 per person
Hours: 11AM to 8PM, daily
Website: Kona Brewery
Visiting the Kona Brewery is a must do whether its raining or not! Even if you’re not a beer lover, their pizzas and live music are a great way to enjoy the afternoon! On a rainy day, I also suggest checking out the brewery tour and sampling a few of the local beers brewing onsite.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm
Cost: $50 per person
Hours: 10am, 2pm, or 4pm guided tours, daily
Website: Octopus Farm
Kanaloa Octopus Farm located in Kona is an aquaculture facility dedicated to octopus! You’ll get an up close experience with these 8-tentacle sea creatures which includes feeding and petting!
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
Cost: $71 per person
Hours: 10AM – 3PM
Website: Seahorse Farm
Seahorses are cute and mysterious animals that are worth learning more about! Here at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm, you can take a 1-hour tour to learn more about seahorses! You’ll witness pregnant male seahorses in addition to thousands of other seahorses at this oceanfront farm.
There is also a giftshop onsite to enjoy before or after your tour to commemorate your seahorse experience!
The Vanillerie
Cost: $20 per person
Hours: 10AM or 12PM, Wednesday to Friday only
Website: Vanillerie
Ready to learn more about the tasty vanilla bean? Check out the Big Island’s Vanillerie and learn how vanilla is grown! You’ll also learn the history of the vanilla orchid. This is great to do on a rainy day because it is mostly located inside of a greenhouse.
Spa Day
Listening to the rain fall while having a massage on a tropical island is truly my definition of paradise. Be sure to make reservations as early as possible when you know it might rain – reservations fill up quickly at most of the spas on the island. Most of the best spas on the island are located on the Kona side in larger resorts. I’ve listed a few of the best below:
– Hualalai Spa
– Ohana Bali Spa
– Mandara Spa (Waikaloa Beach Marriott)
– Kohola Spa (Hilton Waikaloa Village)
Related Post: Best Resorts on the Big Island of Hawaii
Go Shopping
Rainy days are perfect for a shopping spree on the island. There aren’t a ton of shopping locations but the three listed below are great for souvenirs, retail therapy and more!
– King’s Market
– Queen’s Market Place
– Prince Kuhio Plaza
Rainy Day Activities near Hilo
Rain is a standard part of the Hilo, Hawaii forecast. Don’t be discouraged if you see rain every day on the forecast in Hilo – this is quite common. You can still have a great day in Hilo, even in the rain! Check out some of my favorites below!
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm
Cost: FREE
Hours:
Website:
Drive through 3 miles of macadamia nut groves before arriving at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. This location offers a behind the scenes look at how macadamia nuts are harvested. You can sample a few of their macadamia nut chocolates, walk through the store, and more!
But be forewarned, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with at least some type of chocolate purchase – they’re just too good not to!
Imiloa Astronomy Center
Cost:
Hours:
Website:
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Cost:
Hours:
Website:
This museum is located in the heart of Hilo and dedicated to two tsunamis that destroyed most of the east coast of the Big Island from their impact (1946 Pacific tsunami and 1960 Chilean tsunami). In general, you’ll learn more about how tsunamis have such a large effect on the land they hit. The museum is filled with educational snippets about tsunamis, including the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
Volcano Winery
Cost: $12 per person
Hours: 10AM to 5:30PM
Website: Volcano Winery
Taste local wines made in Hilo at the Volcano Winery. The vineyard is small, but they have a good variety of wines to sample and try. Tastings are $12/adult and are offered between 10AM and 5:30PM. There is also an option for a tea tasting ($5/adult) if wine isn’t your cup of tea.
Download the Tasting Menu here.
Big Island Candies
Cost: FREE, unless you purchase some chocolates or cookies
Hours: 8:30AM – 5PM, daily
Website: Big Island Candies
Sweet tooth lovers – this is your paradise. Big Island Candies is a must see destination on the Big Island of Hawaii.
MIsc Rainy Day Activities
Regardless of what part of the island you are on, try some of these miscellaneous rainy day activities to enjoy the day!
- Movie Theatre
- Snorkel
- Workout in Hotel Gym
- Souvenir Shop for family
- Board games
- Art Gallery
- Escape Room
- Read in a coffee shop
Things *not* to do in the rain
Don’t go for a hike in the rain. It is dangerous.
Don’t climb on lava rocks. They become very slippery when wet.
Don’t swim if there is thunder or lightening in the area.
Save this guide to the Best Rainy Day Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii!
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Yeah, sometimes it rains in paradise! Looks like there is a LOT to do for rainy days on the big island! I’d love to try out some of the spas or that beer tour! Amazing tips!
I haven’t been to the Big Island, but I was on Oahu. And guess what – it was raining. Therefore , I don’t have such great memories of Hawaii. I wish I had a guide like this on Oahu – instead we got sick 😉
Great ideas for spending a rainy day in Hawaii. The tour at the Bee Farm sounds like a lot of fun and very interesting. I’m not a huge fan of bees, but my daughter is always fascinated seeing things like this. A spa days sounds lovely to!
Due to Covid, I had to stop my trip to Hawaii. I was on Maui Island when the borders were closed and ordered to leave the island. I had a ticket and accommodation reservations for the Big Island. But I didn’t get to see it. That’s why I hope to visit it one day. Rain is a standard on the islands, so I use your tips for sure. I want to visit Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm and Tsunami Museum. As a wine lover, I also want to visit the Volcano Winery.
Love this! My family lives in Hawaii, and having grown up there, I can confirm we get a lot of rain. Luckily, it usually comes and goes quickly, and give way to our iconic rainbows. The Big Island is my dad’s favorite island so we visit a lot! Still haven’t done a lot of the things you mentioned so will save it for the next trip.
These are such great things to keep in mind, I have had a few trips to tropical islands and areas and the rain has put a halt to a lot of plans. The bee farm sounds like a lot of fun.