By: Jennifer Jeffcoat
Jennifer writes for Suite Paradise, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their Hawaiian getaway.
Awaking to the pitter-patter of raindrops on your island getaway doesn’t have to mean the day is a total wash. If you know where to go or how to navigate the rainy season, you may actually find a side of the island you never knew existed!
If you find yourself dealing with wet weather while you’re here, don’t worry. With a few tips and some great local recommendations, you’ll have a full itinerary mapped out in no time. Check out these top things to do on a rainy day in Kauai and start planning your next adventure today.
In This Article:
- When is the Rainy Season in Kauai?
- Does One Side of Kauai Get More Rain Than Another?
- How Long Do Rain Showers Typically Last on Kauai?
- What to Do on a Rainy Day in Kauai?
- Rainy Day Fun at Your Vacation Rental
- Where to Stay When Visiting Kauai
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When is the Rainy Season in Kauai?
Rainy season is November through March on Kauai, with December and January being the wettest.
Does One Side of Kauai Get More Rain Than Another?
Typically, the North Shore areas around Princeville and Hanalei and mountain areas around Mount Waialeale receive the most rain due to trade winds and winter storms. South Shore areas around Poipu Beach are the driest, receiving only 2 to 4 inches per month on average.
How Long Do Rain Showers Typically Last on Kauai?
Usually, showers are just passing events versus all-day affairs. Near Poipu Beach, you’ll often find storms pass within 5 to 20 minutes. Plus, just because it’s raining in one spot doesn’t mean it’s raining everywhere.
If you awake to rain, open your phone’s weather app. Odds are you’ll be able to find sunny skies just a short drive away.
What to Do on a Rainy Day in Kauai?
Here are our top 10 favorite things to do in Kauai on a rainy day. Between indoor activities, tasting rooms, shopping centers, spa treatments, and more, you’ll have an incredible day in Kauai, rain or shine.
1. Visit the Kauai Museum
Kauai is more than beautiful beaches and ocean views, and at the Kauai Museum, you can learn all about the vast history of this land and its people. The museum features weekly classes for things like lei making and weaving, special events like the First Thursday Courtyard Market and Heritage Jamboree, and even offers a guided tour with a knowledgeable docent. General admission is $15 with discounts for kids and seniors.
2. Check Out Koloa Rum Company
Pay a visit to the first licensed distillery on the island when you grab a drink or take a tour at Koloa Rum Co., located on the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue. The tasting room offers scheduled tastings every hour, 6 days a week (Monday – Saturday). During your tasting, you’ll try samples of their award-winning spirits and learn all about the distillation process. Tastings are free, but the online booking system has a $5 fee. Booking online is encouraged as walk-ins aren’t guaranteed.
3. Relax at a Local Spa
If storms have painted the skies grey, let’s take the meditative sound of the rain with us to a nearby spa for a relaxing massage or facial. After the long plane ride, it’s a well-deserved moment of recentering. Some top Poipu Beach spas include Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt and the Spa at Koloa Landing.
4. Explore Koloa Town
After your massage, why not take a short drive to Old Koloa Town, home of Hawaii’s first successful sugar mill. The historic village is a snapshot of plantation-era Kauai and the charming streets are lined with local shops and delicious restaurants.
5. Enjoy Some Retail Therapy
Keep the retail therapy going with visits to Poipu Village and the Shops at Kukuiula. These are great spots to find some island-made souvenirs or gifts for folks back home.
6. Learn about Island History at Kilohana Plantation
If you go to Koloa Rum, stick around and explore the full plantation. There’s a wonderful restaurant, a train ride through the grounds, a plantation store, flower farm, tropical fruit grove, zen garden, and so many other fascinating displays it’s easy to spend a few hours here. One of our favorite things to do at the plantation is next on our list!
7. Attend the Luau Kalamaku
You may think a luau is out of the question on a rainy day, but you’d be wrong! Luau Kalamaku takes place under a giant covered pavilion, so the weather never puts a damper on the fun. You’ll enjoy a delicious traditional meal and see fantastic entertainment, plus there’s an artists’ market.
8. Coffee and Chocolate Tasting
If rum isn’t your thing, perhaps you’ll enjoy sampling a few other Kauai delicacies: coffee and chocolate! There are several farm tours offering special lunches or tasting experiences where you can sample these items and learn about how they’re grown, harvested, and transformed into the products you love.
The Kaua Coffee Estate offers two unique ways to experience the farm:
- The Walking Tour - $35 — Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and stroll along a path as you learn about the process of transforming beans into coffee.
- The Farm Tour - $50 — Ride through the farm on an open-air (but covered) truck and learn about the entire plantation operation. Finish with a cup of perfectly roasted coffee.
At Kauai Chocolate Farm, the General Tour is the primary offering:
- $145 for adults and $115 for kids (children must be 9 years old or above) — Sample a variety of different chocolates, even the raw plant straight off the tree!
- You can opt for the deluxe experience and receive a customized box of chocolates to take home with you.
9. Treat Yourself to a Great Meal
The food scene on Kauai is impeccable, with restaurants serving the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted. If you’re waiting out a storm, why not treat yourself to an unforgettable meal in the process?
- Red Salt – Date night or special occasion
- Brennecke’s Beach Broiler – Casual beach fare perfect for keeping your eyes on the water, even if it’s rainy
- Kiahuna Sunrise Café – Great brunch option if the rain is early in the day. Ask for a table by the pond and enjoy the sound of the rain on the water
Explore More Kauai Restaurants
10. Take a Scenic Drive
If the rain isn’t bad, taking a scenic drive is a great way to spend a day on Kauai. Plus, as you drive, you may quickly find that the rain is behind you! Popular areas include Waimea Canyon and the North Shore Kuhio Highway. And don’t forget the iconic Tree Tunnel that welcomes you onto the South Shore near Poipu!
Rainy Day Fun at Your Vacation Rental
If the rain looks like it’s going to stick around all day, there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of being on vacation and fully leaning into the fact that you don’t have anything to do except relax.
Find a good movie on Netflix, order delivery, or cook something up in your vacation rental’s kitchen, and snuggle in on the couch with a blanket. Or grab a book and head to the lanai to listen to the waves crash on the shore.
At Suite Paradise, our vacation rentals are equipped with everything you need to enjoy a wonderful Kauai vacation, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Where to Stay When Visiting Kauai
Featured Property: Kahala 122 - Covered lanai perfect for watching storms roll by
You can still have an amazing vacation in Kauai even if some rainy day activities make their way into the to-dos. As you plan your stay, make sure you choose a rental that makes relaxing at home feel like part of the experience.
At Suite Paradise, our guests are welcomed into our stunning island homes with a complimentary bottle of wine and fresh baked goods. Luxury bath products are provided in each bathroom, along with starter packs of paper and kitchen goods. Our team also handles linens and ensures each condo or home is outfitted with your comfort in mind.
Enjoy free WIFI, smart TVs with streaming capabilities, large lanais for watching storms roll across the ocean, and plush furniture that makes it easy to sink in and relax at the end of each day.
You can explore our entire inventory right here and book directly with our team to avoid third-party fees from online travel agencies like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Find Your Kauai Vacation Rental Today
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