Planning a trip to Kauai during the winter and wondering what to do in Kauai if it rains? Find out the best things to do in Kauai when it rains!
This post about things to do in Kauai when it rains was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Kauai gets more rain than any other Hawaiian island. That’s just a fact. And if you’re planning a trip during winter, you’re probably going to see at least a few showers.
But here’s what nobody tells you: some of Kauai’s best activities are actually perfect for rainy days. A few are even better when it’s raining.
I’ve been visiting Kauai for over 25 years, and my mom lives there part-time. Trust me when I say I’ve dealt with my fair share of rainy Kauai days.
And you know what? Those rainy days created some of our favorite family memories.
My kids actually get excited when they see rain in the forecast now.
Last trip, my youngest literally said, “Can we go tubing in the rain again?” Because when you’re already going to get wet anyway, a little extra rain just adds to the adventure.
When Does It Rain in Kauai?
The rainiest months are November through March, with December and January getting the most rain.
But here’s the good news: it rarely rains all day. You’ll usually get brief showers that come and go.
The North Shore (Hanalei, Princeville) gets more rain than the South Shore (Poipu). But that’s also why the North Shore is so incredibly green and beautiful.
Pack a rain jacket, bring a towel for your rental car, and have a backup plan. That’s really all you need.
Want help planning your entire Kauai trip so you’re ready for any weather? Check out my Kauai Travel Guide for Families or sign up for my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Kauai.
Best Things to Do in Kauai When It Rains
1. Kauai Museum in Lihue
My kids surprised me here. I thought they’d be bored at a history museum, but they were actually fascinated by the exhibits.
The Kauai Museum has incredible artifacts from Hawaiian royalty, including items that belonged to King Kamehameha.
My youngest spent 20 minutes staring at the feather lei collection. My oldest loved learning about Captain Cook’s arrival.
It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for students, and $3 for kids under 7.
The gift shop is honestly one of the best places to buy souvenirs on the island. You’ll find locally made items and books about Hawaiian history that you won’t see at the ABC Store.
Address: 4428 Rice St, Lihue
Tours are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10am if you want a guided experience.
2. Kauai Mountain Tubing
This is hands down the best outdoor activity to do when it’s raining. Why? Because you’re going to get soaking wet anyway.
My kids have zero problem going in the water when it’s raining. They’re already wet. What’s a little more water?
Kauai Backcountry Adventures takes you through old sugar plantation irrigation canals on inner tubes.
You float through tunnels with headlamps on, which the kids thought was the coolest thing ever.
The whole experience takes about 3 hours and includes lunch. It’s perfect for ages 5 and up.
Here’s the thing: this activity books up weeks in advance. Like, seriously, book it as soon as you know your travel dates. I’m talking months ahead if you’re going during peak season.
Book your Kauai mountain tubing adventure here.
Pro tip: they provide gloves and helmets, but bring water shoes. The tunnels can be a little bumpy (in a fun way), and you’ll be glad you have something on your feet.
3. Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto
The boats are covered, which makes this perfect for drizzly days. Plus, the Fern Grotto looks even more lush and beautiful when it’s been raining.
Smith’s Family has been running these cruises since 1946. You’ll hear Hawaiian songs and stories as you float down the only navigable river in Hawaii. There’s even a hula lesson on board.
The whole cruise takes about 80 minutes. You’ll stop at the Fern Grotto, which is this gorgeous lava rock cave covered in ferns. They perform the Hawaiian Wedding Song there, and the acoustics are incredible.
Rain actually makes the grotto more dramatic because the ferns are dripping with water and everything looks super green.
Book your Wailua River cruise here.
4. Kauai Coffee Estate
This is the largest coffee farm in the United States. Yes, the entire United States.
The self-guided walking tour is free and you can do it any day. But here’s what makes it perfect for a rainy day: most of the good stuff is covered or indoors.
The visitor center has free coffee tastings. Like, you can try basically their entire line of coffees.
My favorites are the Peaberry (super chocolatey) and the Kauai Blue Mountain (fruity and smooth).
If you want to go deeper, they offer paid tours. The “Coffee on the Brain” tour is $25 per person and includes a class plus a walking tour.
The Farm Tour takes you through the fields in an open-air truck for $50 per person (kids 8-18 are $45).
They also do roasting demonstrations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 9am, which is pretty cool to watch.
The gift shop has every variety of their coffee, and you can ship it home if you don’t want to pack it in your luggage.
Location: Just off Highway 50 between Poipu and Waimea Canyon
Hours: Open daily for free walking tours
Check out my guide to where to find the best coffee in Kauai for more coffee spots around the island.
5. Warehouse 3540
Shopping when it rains is one of my favorite activities. And Warehouse 3540 is the best place to do it on Kauai.
It’s basically a warehouse that’s been converted into a marketplace with local boutiques, a coffee stand, and food options. Everything is locally made or locally owned.
You can find clothing, jewelry, home decor, beauty products, and kids’ items. The coffee from Kind Koffee Co. inside is fantastic. Grab a Kauai Latte and browse.
Location: 3540 Koloa Rd, Lawai (near Poipu)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sundays
This is one of my top things to do in Poipu, rain or shine.
Other good shopping spots: Kukui Grove Shopping Center in Lihue, Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa, and Poipu Shopping Village.
6. Grove Farm Museum
This one requires advance planning because you need a reservation, but it’s worth it.
Grove Farm is a preserved sugar plantation homestead from 1864. The guided tours take about 2-3 hours and show you what life was like on a working plantation.
You’ll see the main house (with original koa wood everywhere), a Japanese teahouse, workers’ cottages, and beautiful gardens. They serve mint tea and cookies in the kitchen, which is a nice touch.
Tours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10am and 1pm
Cost: $20 adults, $10 kids under 12
Important: Tours may be canceled on rainy days, so call ahead at (808) 245-3202
They also do free steam train rides on the second Thursday of each month, which is really cool if your timing works out.
7. Kilohana Plantation
This is like a one-stop rainy day destination. There’s a train ride, rum tasting, shopping, and a restaurant all in one place.
The Kauai Plantation Railway is a 40-minute train ride through the 105-acre estate. You’ll see orchards, learn about the plantation’s history, and stop to feed animals. Kids love this part.
For adults, the Kauai Rum Safari is a two-hour tour where you taste Koloa Rum and get cocktails made with fresh plantation fruit. It’s genuinely one of the most fun activities we’ve done on Kauai.
There are also about a dozen shops selling local crafts, a sweet shop, and Gaylord’s restaurant (which has excellent food and is mostly covered).
Location: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue
Train Tours: Daily 10am-2pm
8. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Sometimes the best thing to do when it’s raining is absolutely nothing. Just relax.
Kauai has some incredible spas, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to book a treatment. Hawaiian lomi lomi massage uses rhythmic movements that feel amazing after days of hiking and beach activities.
Most resorts have spas, but my favorites are:
- Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai (Poipu)
- Halele’a Spa at the Koa Kea Hotel (Poipu)
- HĀLOA Spa at Hanalei Bay Resort (Princeville)
Book treatments in advance, especially during peak season. These spas fill up fast.
More Rainy Day Ideas
Cooking Classes: Learn to make poke, kalua pork, or haupia. It’s a fun way to bring a taste of Kauai home with you.
Kauai Bowling Center: Old-school bowling alley in Lihue at 4303 Rice St. Perfect for families and surprisingly affordable.
Movie Tours: Several companies offer tours of famous Kauai filming locations. Since many movies were filmed here (Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean), this can be fun even in the rain. Book a Kauai movie tour here.
Indoor Dining: Make reservations at restaurants with covered seating. My favorites are Eating House 1849, The Dolphin in Hanalei, and Beach House Restaurant.
What to Pack for Rainy Days in Kauai
Don’t overthink it. Here’s what actually helps:
Packable rain jacket – Stash it in your day bag or car trunk. The lightweight ones fold up tiny and you’ll be glad you have it.
Closed-toe shoes – Flip flops get really slippery when wet. If you’re going out in the rain, wear sneakers or water shoes.
Microfiber towel for your car – Keep one in your rental car. When you get caught in a downpour, you can dry off before driving. It also helps prevent the windshield from fogging up.
Glasses cleaning cloth – If you wear glasses, rain spots make it impossible to see. Keep a cleaning cloth handy.
Check out my complete Kauai packing list for everything else you need.
The Truth About Rainy Days in Kauai
Here’s what I’ve learned after 40+ trips to Hawaii: rainy days in Kauai are rarely ruined days. They’re just different days.
Some of our best family memories happened because it rained.
We wouldn’t have discovered that amazing little bakery in Hanalei if we hadn’t been looking for somewhere dry to eat breakfast.
We wouldn’t have spent an entire afternoon at the Kauai Museum if the beach had been sunny.
Rain in Kauai usually comes in short bursts. You might get 20 minutes of heavy rain, then sunshine. Or a drizzly morning that turns into a gorgeous afternoon.
And honestly? The rain is what makes Kauai so green and beautiful. Those waterfalls everyone wants to see? They’re fed by all that rain.
So don’t stress about the weather forecast. Have a backup plan, stay flexible, and remember that Kauai is beautiful no matter what the weather’s doing.
Planning Your Kauai Trip
Need help putting together your entire Kauai itinerary? I’ve got you covered.
My Kauai Travel Guide for Families includes day-by-day schedules, restaurant recommendations, and tips I’ve learned from 25+ years of visiting the island.
Or start with one of my free email courses:
And if you want personalized help planning your trip, I offer Hawaii travel consultations.
As a Hawaii travel expert and Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, I can help you create the perfect itinerary for your family.
Book your Kauai rental car here to save money and lock in your vehicle early.
Looking for more Kauai inspiration? Check out:
Rain or shine, Kauai is going to be amazing. I promise.
