How to Spend a Rainy Summer Day in Waikīkī

A little rain in Hawaiʻi doesn’t mean your vacation plans are ruined. In fact, some of our favorite island memories happen on those cozy, rainy days! Luckily, The Imperial Hawaii Resort is located in the heart of Waikiki, putting shopping, dining, and entertainment just steps away. So, grab your umbrella and let’s dive in.

Here are a few ways to make the most of a rainy summer day in Waikiki.

Start Your Morning with Coffee and Breakfast

There is something especially relaxing about enjoying a warm cup of coffee while listening to the rain fall outside.

Dean & Deluca has two convenient Waikīkī locations just a short walk from The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort, including the popular Royal Hawaiian Center location and the café at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikīkī Beach. Dean & Deluca is known for its beautiful pastries, gourmet breakfast sandwiches, and locally roasted coffee. Their famous strawberry croissants and matcha drinks have become a favorite among both visitors and locals.

Explore Waikīkī Beach Walk

One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Imperial Hawaii Resort is your location directly within Waikiki Beach Walk, one of Waikīkī’s premier shopping and entertainment districts.

Stretching along Lewers Street and just outside our doors, this vibrant open-air promenade features boutique shopping, restaurants, cafés, local gifts, and regular live entertainment throughout the week. Even on rainy days, much of the area is covered, making it easy to browse while staying dry.

If you’re visiting on a Monday, don’t miss the Waikīkī Makers Market at Waikīkī Beach Walk Plaza, located just steps from The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort. Many of the vendors and nearby shops are set up beneath tents and covered walkways, making it easy to browse even if a summer shower rolls through. From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, local artisans offer handmade jewelry, island-inspired artwork, locally made gifts, and delicious treats, all while live music fills the plaza. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and discover unique souvenirs to bring home from your Hawaii vacation.

Enjoy Lunch at One of Our Local Partners

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort proudly partners with several nearby restaurants that offer exclusive discounts for our guests and owners. Whether you’re craving local flavors, Italian cuisine, fresh seafood, or a casual happy hour, you’ll find plenty of options within just a few minutes of the resort.

Many of Waikīkī’s best restaurants are conveniently located along Beach Walk and Kalākaua Avenue, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without venturing far from your accommodations. After all, a little rain only makes that bowl of pasta or warm plate lunch taste even better. Click here to see the full list.

Spend the Afternoon Shopping Indoors

If the showers continue into the afternoon, take the opportunity to explore one of Waikīkī’s most iconic shopping destinations.

Located a short walk from the resort, International Marketplace offers three levels of shopping, dining, and entertainment beneath its famous century-old banyan tree. From local boutiques to international brands, it’s an excellent place to spend a few hours while staying comfortably out of the rain. Don’t forget to check our list of partners to see if you can get a discount!

For movie lovers, the nearby theaters in Honolulu offer the perfect rainy-day activity. Grab some popcorn, catch the latest blockbuster, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon before returning to Waikīkī.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

What better way to spend a rainy afternoon than by unwinding with a massage or spa treatment?

Guests don’t even need to leave the property to enjoy a little relaxation. Aloha Therapy Massage, conveniently located on the second floor of The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort, offers massage services and special discounts for resort guests and owners.

With the sound of rain outside and a relaxing massage inside, it may become one of the most memorable parts of your vacation.

End the Day with a Sunset

Rain showers in Hawaiʻi don’t usually last long. If the skies begin to clear, take the short five-minute walk to Waikīkī Beach and you may be rewarded with one of Hawaiʻi’s most beautiful sunsets. Sometimes, the most colorful sunsets happen after the rain. If a sunset isn’t in the cards, a rainbow might be. Hawai’i isn’t called the rainbow state for no reason. The combination of sunshine and passing showers makes Oʻahu one of the best places to spot them. If the rain starts to clear, take a look outside, you may be treated to one of Hawaiʻi’s beautiful rainbows, making your rainy day in paradise a little more magical.

Embrace the Island Pace

Rainy days are simply another part of island life. They offer the perfect opportunity to slow down, discover a new favorite restaurant, enjoy a little shopping, or simply relax and take in the beauty of Waikīkī.

No matter the weather, there’s always something to enjoy just steps from The Imperial Hawaii Resort.