An island isn't tropical without rain. Maui is no exception. Although travelers head to Hawaii for fun in the sun, the reality is rain is unavoidable. That luscious green paradise needs watering. In fact, the west side of Maui is one of the wettest places on Earth with more than 400 inches of rain a year. And although the leeward side of Maui gets far less rain, one still has to have a plan for a rainy day.
Museums and Aquarium
The Maui Ocean Center is a premier aquarium and ocean park that highlights Hawaii's undersea life. Besides traditional aquariums, the center offers a walk through an acrylic tunnel within a 750,000-gallon open ocean display, touch pools and an opportunity for certified divers to see sharks in a guided tour of the open ocean display. As of July 2009, entry for the day costs $25 for adults, $18 for children and $22 for seniors.
The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum in Puunene is located next to Hawaii's largest working sugar factory. The museum teaches not only about the agriculture and manufacture of sugar itself, but also about the industry's history in Hawaii and how it influenced the islands. Admission is $7 for adults, $2 for children between ages 6 and 12, and free for children 5 and under.
The Whalers Village Museum in Lahaina highlights the history of whaling in Hawaii. It features one of the world's largest scale models of a whaling ship. Admission is free.
Shopping
When the outdoors aren't desirable, it can be a great time to head inside and do some shopping.
The Maui Crafts Guild in Paia has a gallery featuring the work of more than 30 local artists and artisans. The gallery itself is a cooperative staffed completely by guild members, so creators of the work are always present during business hours.
The Lahaina Cannery Mall is Maui's only indoor, air-conditioned mall. Besides featuring some typical mall national chains like Orange Julius, it has several locally owned business and products. The mall also features hula performances several times a week.
Spas and Golf
Maui has fantastic resorts and hotels with first-class spas, as well as a number of independent spas. A rainy day is a great time to relax and get a message or facial. A few well-known options include spas at The Four Seasons Resort Maui, Spa Grande at Grand Wailea Resort, Spa Kea Lani at the Fairmont Kea Lani and Spa Moana at the Hyatt Resort Maui.
And while some may think otherwise, golf experts say playing in the rain in Hawaii can be great because the precipitation is warm and it may be a cooler, refreshing experience than competing under the tropical sun. For serious golfers who like the fairways to themselves, a rainy day may be a treat.
Tags: adults children, great time, more than, ocean display, open ocean