Things to Do in Kauai When it Rains

Are you looking for things to do in Kauai when it rains? If so, you have come to the right place. Often called the Garden Isle, this city is known for its lush, verdant landscapes and dramatic scenery. From the majestic Mt. Waialeale to the stunning Na Pali Coast, it houses numerous spectacular natural wonders. It also has many cascading waterfalls, golden beaches, and jagged cliffs.

Kauai is the wettest place on Earth. It experiences two seasons: dry from April to October and rainy from November to March. December and January experience the heaviest rainfall, with an average of 5.2 inches. However, you don’t have to worry about rain damaging your travel plans. You can enjoy many indoor activities during autumn, which we will discuss in this article.

Sip On Your Coffee At Kauai Coffee Company

Address: 870 Halewili Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM; Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Kauai Coffee is a leading Hawaiian Coffee brand in the US. Its distinct taste is triple-certified by leading sustainability advocates. In addition, Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee farm in the US and a perfect destination during rainy days. Visitors can enjoy self-guided or guided walking tours of the estate.

Visitors will hop on a covered, open-air truck to tour the coffee estate. Throughout the one-hour journey, they will see how coffee is planted, grown, and manufactured. Finally, they will finish the tour with a piping-hot cup of coffee from the freshly brewed beans. While the self-guided walking tours are free, guided tours cost $50 for adults and $45 for children.

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Stroll Around Old Koloa Town

Address: Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
Social Media: Official Website

Turn your rainy day into a productive one with a trip down the Old Koloa Town. This historic town was established in 1835 and reflects Kauai’s development from the past to the present. This charming town housed Hawaii‘s first successful sugar mill and was a significant part of the sugar plantation era in the state. It initially housed enterprising merchant families.

Visitors can explore shops, art galleries, restaurants, and stores in Old Koloa Town. Some renowned places are Mucho Aloha Brewhouse, Le’Ahi Health House, Na Koa Surf Co., Hawaiian Artisans, Kenji Burger, Koloa Pizza Kitchen & Bar, and more. This town often hosts free, family-friendly events, such as the Koloa Plantation Days festival in July. Visitors can also enjoy a self-guided historical walking tour.

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Go For A Scenic Drive At Waimea Canyon

Address: Waimea, HI 96796, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Things To Do: Scenic Drive, Hiking, Camping, Sightseeing

If you are stuck indoors with nothing to do during the rainy days in Kauai, how about going for a scenic drive to Waimea Canyon State Park? It is the largest canyon in the Pacific, ten miles in length. This place is infamous for its natural beauty, rich wildlife, and rare flora and fauna. Visitors can easily follow the driving route and enjoy a sightseeing journey.

After the rain has stopped, you can go hiking in the colorful Waimea Canyon. Hikers usually cover the route within two to three hours. You can also enjoy trout fishing, goat hunting, and picnics. Furthermore, the park is open 24 hours a day and offers free entry to Hawaii residents. It charges $5 for non-residents and offers free entry to children aged three and under.

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Set Up A Camp At Koke’e State Park

Address: Hanapepe, HI 96716, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Things To Do: Sightseeing, Hiking, Camping

Since you are already at Waimea Canyon, you might as well explore the nearby Koke’e State Park. It is 4,345 acres of lush forests, wildflowers, and hiking trails. From its 4,000-foot elevation, visitors will see breathtaking views of the amphitheater-heated Kalalau Valley. This park houses many rare forest birds and insects, making it a perfect destination for bird watchers and entomologists.

Since hiking is challenging during the rainy season, you can drive up the road through Waimea Canyon State Park to Koke’e State Park. The fee is $10 per non-Hawaii resident vehicle. Moreover, this park offers camping opportunities with minimally developed campsites. The fee is $30 per campsite per night for up to 10 persons for Hawaii and non-Hawaii residents.

Get The Unforgettable Luau Kalamaku Experience

Address: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, United States; Google Map
Duration: 2-3 hours
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

You should watch at least one Luau performance during your trip to Hawaii. Luau Kalamaku offers an unforgettable Luau experience in its open-air pavilion. Don’t worry about rainy days; the show goes on rain or shine every day. Luau’s origin dates back to the ancient Hawaiian days. It has evolved from intimate gatherings to extravagant shows with hula dancing, storytelling, and joyous celebrations.

Talented local performers tell the epic tale of Kalamaku with live music and dancing. Hula dancers wear stunning costumes and move gracefully to the beats. You will also watch fire poi balls and incredible fire knife dancing during the show. In addition, you can sip on your local Mai Tai and savor local dishes while watching the performances. Wear a Hawaiian print button-down shirt with shorts or khakis, and get comfortable.

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Seek Shelter From Rain At Allerton Garden

Address: 4425 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Social Media: Official Website

Botanical gardens look perfect after a quick wash from the rain. Allerton Garden, aka Lawa’i-kai, is adjacent to McBryde Garden in Kauai. John Gregg Allerton and Robert Allerton created this masterpiece in the 1930s. It covers 80 acres and is one of the five gardens of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Allerton Garden’s beautiful architectural landscape is praiseworthy. It has been used as a Hollywood film location for decades. In addition, the National Geographic Traveler listed it as one of the 50 Places of a Lifetime. Visitors must book a guided tour to explore the garden, the Allerton house, and other attractions. Make reservations beforehand, as tours often sell out.

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Go For A Wailua River Cruise

Address: Wailua, HI 96746, USA; Google Map
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Price: $125 onwards

River cruising might sound surprising on a rainy day, but it isn’t as dangerous as some believe. The Wailua River is perfect for a leisurely float during the summer and rainy season. These boat cruises are usually 5 to 7 hours long, making them a whole-day activity. Visitors will board a kayak and paddle down the Waliua River Valley alongside their guide.

Throughout the way, they will follow gorgeous waterways while marveling at their green surroundings. After kayaking, the guide usually leads visitors on a hiking expedition to Secret Falls. The group will rest and take pictures before returning to their starting point the way they came. It will be a fruitful outdoor expedition.

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Have A Shopping Spree

Kauai Shopping — Explore Kauai’s local fruit markets and shopping centers.

Opening Hours: 24 hours; 9 AM – 9 PM
Top Destinations: Kauai Village Shopping Center, Kukui Grove Shopping Center

There is no better thing to do than shopping during rainy days in Kauai. This city houses many vendor shops, retail malls, and luxurious boutiques throughout the island. You will find everything from groceries and fruits to Hawaiian jewelry, aloha wear, and local branded products. Some shopping centers are open 24 hours, while others operate during working hours.

Check out some of the renowned shopping centers in Kauai down below:

Kukui Grove Center: 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy Ste 1710, Lihue, HI 96766, United States; 9:30 AM – 7 PM
Jewel Of Paradise: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy #102, Hanalei, HI 96714, United States; 10 AM – 5 PM
Kong Lung Trading: 2484 Keneke St, Kilauea, HI 96754, United States; 10 AM – 6 PM
Kauai Village Shopping Center: 4-831 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, United States; 24 hours
The Shops at Kukui’ula: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756, United States; 9 AM – 9 PM
Shops at Wailua Kai: 4-369 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, United States; 6:30 AM – 10 PM

Step Back In Time At Kauai Museum

Address: 4428 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Finally, we are concluding our list with a visit to the Kauai Museum. It is located in a lava rock structure in Lihu’e and welcomes thousands of visitors annually. In addition, it houses numerous collections from the artisans of Ni’ihau and Kaua’i. Seasonal cultural exhibits also occur, which you can find in the Events Calendar.

This museum also hosts weekly classes for members and the public. You can take painting, weaving, and feather-making classes with the professionals. Kauai Museum also houses a gift shop selling authentic and handmade products. You can purchase local garments, handbags, accessories, books, and alcohol to take home as souvenirs.

Explore Kauai Tours, Tickets, And Activities

To summarize, there are many things to do in Kauai when it rains. You can enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and river cruises. In addition, you can explore local restaurants and go on food tours. If you don’t like doing anything extravagant, simply watch the rain from your hotel room.

After the sky clears up, explore everything this city offers. You can visit beaches, indulge in watersports, enjoy mountain biking, and go on extended shore excursions. As Kauai is a top tourist destination, it is pretty expensive. You can expect to spend $1,332 for a one-person, one-week trip. Nonetheless, you can save money by adopting budget-friendly tips.