Despite popular belief that the weather is always perfect in Hawaii, the winter season (November through March) brings with it a bounty of moisture. Here are some ideas for what to do when the weather won't let up.
Explore the Sea Life at the Waikiki Aquarium
Photo © Clara Natoli
The Waikiki Aquarium, located on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki, is easily accessible and has plenty of parking. There are over 3,500 marine animals, including tropical fish, reef sharks, corals, the famous Hawaiian monk seal (they are endangered), jellyfish, squid, and octopus. The sea life is captivating, and the place is historic. Opened in 1904, it happens to be the third oldest aquarium in the United States. Undoubtedly, many of their 320,000 annual visitors came to find refuge from rainy Oahu days. Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Waikiki Aquarium
2777 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-923-9741
Check Out the Downtown Art Scene
Photo © Kevin Rosseel
The Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSAM) features Hawaiian art by 284 artists. While you're there, be sure to grab lunch at Ed Kenney's Downtown @ the HiSAM, where his trademark menu style is “local first, organic whenever possible, and with aloha always.” Did we mention admission to the museum is free? Open weekdays 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hawaii State Art Museum
250 S Hotel St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-0900
Another great option is the The Honolulu Academy of Arts, which boasts 50,000 pieces of fine art. The Academy does a great job of engaging the community with daily yoga classes on the grounds (classes are geared toward children), and monthly Art After Dark events. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m
The Honolulu Academy of Arts
900 South Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-532-8700
Make Lava at the Bishop Museum
Photo © J. Lewis
The Bishop Museum, founded by Princess Bernice Pauahi, is sure to fascinate for hours with highlights like the daily shows in the Jhamandas Watumull Planetarium, the Science Adventure Center where science instructors make 2000° lava twice daily, and the Pacific Plant Tour where you can learn about native greenery. Open Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-847-3511
Tour the Iolani Palace
Photo © Rice Tek
King Kalākaua built the Iolani Palace in 1882 for the Hawaiian monarchy. The official website states that “palace objects sold and dispersed at public auction have been recovered from 36 states and 4 foreign countries -- from porcelain plates returned from Australia, and a table found in the Governor's mansion in Iowa, to a chair in a local thrift store.” On the most wanted list? The larger furnishings from the King's Bedroom, Queen's Bedroom, and the Music Room. Indeed, the palace is only official residence of royalty to have existed within the United States. Open Monday through Saturday.
Iolani Palace
364 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96804
808-522-0822
Shop at Ala Moana
Photo © Clara Natoli
Ala Moana is the premier and mostly indoor shopping center of Oahu. With over 290 stores and restaurants (including several award winners: Mariposa in Neiman Marcus, Alan Wong's Pineapple Room in Macy's, and Italian favorite Assagio), the mall is sure to please. Shoppers will find everything from Forever 21 to J. Crew to Louis Vuitton. Be sure to go early on Saturdays, starting at 9 a.m., to catch the farmers market.
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-955-9517
