What to Do in Maui When It Rains: 5 Amazing Indoor Activities

When it’s raining in Maui, it doesn’t mean that you can’t plan any adventures. The island that’s filled with beaches and mountains also offers numerous indoor activities that are great to plan on cloudy or rainy days. 

From artistic experiences to cultural immersions, visitors can uncover a different side of Maui that often goes unnoticed in the sunshine. 

Here are five unforgettable things to do in Maui when it rains, each offering a chance to enjoy the island’s charm in unique ways.

1. Discover the Art of Glass Blowing in Maui

If you’re wondering what to do in Maui, one of the most remarkable and unique activities to enjoy on a rainy day is glass blowing in Maui. This hands-on experience allows you to step into a studio, guided by skilled local artisans who share their passion for the craft. 

Watching molten glass transform under heat and skilled movement is something you’d probably have never experienced before.

You’re invited to create your own piece, be it a colorful fish, functional bowl, or a sparkling glass sculpture. The best glassblowing studio provides a safe, educational, and interactive environment, making this activity ideal for both adults and kids. 

The best of this experience is that you get to carry home a lasting memory, a handcrafted piece that you made yourself. 

No matter your art experience, glassblowing lessons in Maui by an expert guide will bring out the artist in you. Wear comfortable cotton clothes and closed shoes and you’re all set for your fun glassblowing lesson.

Book a glassblowing lesson at the only glassblowing studio in Lahaina, Moana Glass. The classes can be as short as 1 hour to create 1 piece, but the duration extends as you create more pieces. Classes can go on as long as 3 hours (if you’re creating 6 to 7 pieces with your group) and you’ll love  every minute! This can also be a great team bonding activity, making it one of the unmissable activities to do in Maui. 

2. Explore Maui’s Rich Museum Culture

Maui’s museums provide an excellent way to step indoors during rainy days and spend time understanding the island’s history and culture. From ancient Hawaiian artifacts to whaling heritage, each museum tells a distinct story.

• Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum: This museum explains the story of Maui’s sugar industry and its role in shaping the island’s economy and diverse communities.
• Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum: Nestled in Wailuku, this cultural gem displays Hawaiian art, historical relics, and missionary-era pieces.

Exploring these museums allows you to connect with Maui’s layered history while staying dry. The exhibits are immersive, and the narratives bring depth to the island beyond its beaches and waterfalls.

3. Try Maui’s Coffee

Rainy days provide the perfect excuse to indulge in coffee tours and tastings. Maui is home to lush plantations producing world-class beans. When outdoor exploration pauses, a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee inside a plantation café becomes a welcome retreat.

The Kaanapali Coffee Farm and smaller boutique roasters also provide intimate experiences where experts explain the roasting process and brewing techniques. This is one of the most recommended things to do in Maui.

For those who prefer something stronger, Maui’s local distilleries and breweries open their doors for tastings. Sampling rum, whiskey, or craft beer while learning about the production process creates a cozy way to spend a rainy afternoon.

4. Enjoy a Spa Retreat and Wellness Experience

The island is known for its wellness traditions that blend Hawaiian healing practices with luxurious treatments. Maui’s world-class spas are the perfect sanctuary to visitors and locals alike. 

Indulging in a traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, hot stone therapy, or aromatherapy session enhances relaxation. Many spas integrate local botanicals, volcanic stones, and essential oils, making the experience uniquely tied to Maui.

Resort spas in Wailea and Kapalua are also famous for their holistic wellness offerings, but independent wellness centers across the island provide equally enriching services. 

Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or hydrotherapy, these experiences help restore balance and take a break from your daily routine. 

5. Discover Maui’s Shopping and Culinary Scene

Maui’s markets, boutiques, and indoor shopping centers offer more than just shelter from the rain, they provide a cultural journey.

• Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Kahului offers a mix of local shops, national brands, and food courts with plenty of indoor entertainment.
  
• The Shops at Wailea combine upscale fashion with art galleries and Hawaiian cultural events, often hosted indoors.
  
• Local craft markets feature artisans selling jewelry, clothing, and handmade goods, allowing us to support Maui’s small businesses.
  

Alongside shopping, rainy weather offers a great opportunity to dive into Maui’s food culture. The island boasts an impressive range of dining from traditional Hawaiian cuisine to fusion fine dining. 

Indoor dining experiences are great to enjoy fresh seafood, taro-based dishes, and tropical desserts while staying dry. These experiences not only satisfy culinary curiosity but also enrich understanding of local traditions.

Final Thoughts

Maui’s allure extends far beyond sunny beaches and outdoor adventures. Rainy days remind you to slow down and embrace experiences that reveal the island’s creative, cultural, and culinary depth. 

From the artistry of glass blowing in Maui to the soothing luxury of spa retreats, each activity ensures that the journey remains unforgettable regardless of the weather.

By exploring museums, trying new activities like glassblowing, trying Maui’s famous coffee, shopping and dining, uncover a Maui that thrives indoors as much as it does outdoors.