A Guide on How to Spend a Rainy Day on Maui
7 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day on Maui
| Maui is a tropical paradise and it rains in the tropics. But rain needn't spoil your vacation. Although it may be raining, it is usually still warm. Here is a guide on how to spend your day. | |
| 1. Do What You Had Planned To Do and Ignore the Rain | |
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If the rain is light or there are intermittent showers, consider continuing with your plans. If you planned on snorkeling, surfing or any other water activity, you probably won't even notice the rain. However, don't forget sun protection because you can burn even though it is cloudy. Golfers often play through inclement weather. Rain may be refreshing while hiking. Just remember that rocks and paths may be slippery when wet. Considerations: Heavy rain washes dirt into the ocean and makes it cloudy so activities like snorkeling are impossible. Shark attacks usually happen in cloudy water so it might be better to avoid ocean activities during a big storm. Of course if there is lightening, be safe and take cover especially if you are on a golf course or a beach. |
2. Go to the Aquarium |
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The Maui Ocean Center, aka MOC, is Maui's Top Rated Family Attraction (according to the Zagat Survey.) There's certainly plenty to do here. Not only will you see and learn about the fish, turtles, whales and seals that inhabit Hawaii's waters but, if you are scuba certified, you can dive with the sharks. (Reservations necessary.) The MOC boasts two restaurants both serving lunch fare and snacks. The gift shop stocks an array of collectibles and souvenirs, artwork, books, jewelry, Hawaiiana and marine fossils. |
3. Go Wine Tasting |
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Tedeschi Vineyards grows fine red, white and sparkeling wine on the historic Ulupalakua Ranch on the slopes of Haleakala volcano. Their specialty is the Framboise de Maui, a raspberry dessert wine.The tasting room is in one of the most historic buildings on Maui. The tasting room bar, at over eighteen feet long, is cut from a single mango tree. Free guided tours of the grounds and winery operation are also offered. Lunch and snacks may be purchased at the Ulupalakua Ranch store which also has gifts including clothing, lotions, glassware and gifts. |
4. Watch Hula Dancing |
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The Lahaina Cannery Mall puts on free Hula Show. The Keiki (Children) perform at 1:00 pm on weekends while the Polynesian show is at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The shows take place at the center stage. The Mall has a reputation of showcasing dancing talent and fun. You can also participate in Line Dancing each Sunday with lessons at 6:30 and a dance from 7:00-8:30. |
5. Take Afternoon Tea |
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How about spending a few hours in a traditional English-style tea room? The Makawao Steakhouse Tea Room (3612 Baldwin Ave, Makawao 808-572-8711) is a tea enthusiasts dream. The Tea Room is at the back side of the Steakhouse restaurant. The entrance is via a courtyard which is surrounded by interesting boutiques and artist's studios. The daintily decorated room sports lace covered tables, cabinets filled with china teacups and teapots, dolls and stuffed animals, and comfy sofas in front of the fireplace. They offer a full tea menu served on tiered trays. For those with smaller appetites, the menu also offers a la carte items. |
6. Go the the Museum |
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If your interests run to history, the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum tells the story of Hawaii's sugar plantation history and multi-ethnic culture. You can learn how Maui's geography and weather influenced the sugar industry, how immigrants from around the world came to work on Hawaii's sugar plantations, how cane is crushed and milled. The museum is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30-4:30. The gift shop closes at 4:00. |
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The Whaler's Village Museum takes you back in time to when Lahaina was a bustling whaling village. Whalers would sign 3-5 year contracts and travel to Japan and the Arctic. Learn about the different species of whale that visit or inhabit Hawaiian waters. Over 70 species of whale are on display. View the prized collection of pictures carved into the bone and teeth of whales called scrimshaw. The museum is located in the Whaler's Village Shopping Center and admission is free of charge. |
7. Go Shopping |
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Lahaina is filled with galleries, boutiques, tourist t-shirt shops, and restaurants. From parrots to Friday Night Art, there is always something interesting going on and much to see. The only problem with Lahaina is that it is so popular that crowds of people, traffic and parking are sometimes an issue. But it is well-worth the annoyance as millions of visitors will attest. |
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Labels do not adequately describe Paia. This former plantation town is now a quirky mix of surfer's hangouts, gourmets' paradise, artists' colony, boutique shopping and shops with unique, exotic wares that are not found elsewhere on Maui. Very eclectic and always entertaining. |
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Makawao Town's roots are with the Paniolo or cowboy. Though the town still celebrates the Paniolos with their July rodeo, it has evolved sporting an interesting mix of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and an occasional tack shop selling cowboy hats and boots. My favorite stops are the Casanova Deli or Komoda's Store (Bakery). |
The Noelani Vacation Condominium Resort
4095 Lower Honoapiilani Rd., Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
800-367-6030 or 808-669-8374
