When you imagine Honolulu, you probably picture endless sunshine, turquoise water, and beach days that seem to last forever. But even paradise gets a rainy day now and then and during March of 2026, Honolulu experienced a mega storm that caused lots of flooding and turmoil to vacationers. As new empty nesters in our fifties, we’ve learned that a little (or a lot of) rain doesn’t ruin the adventure—it just changes it.
In fact, some of our favorite Honolulu experiences have happened on rainy days. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, it’s actually the perfect excuse to explore the island in a different way. From rainy day hikes in Honolulu to cozy wine bars and incredible local food, here’s how active couples can turn a gray day into one of the best days of their trip.
1. Go on a Rainy Day Hike (Yes, Really)
If you love hiking in Honolulu, rain doesn’t have to stop you—it can actually make the experience better. Light rain cools the trails, makes waterfalls stronger, and gives the jungle that lush, cinematic look Hawaii is famous for. Also, the sun normally peeks through there and there so your entire hike may not be rainy. We were blessed to have moments of sunshine and drizzle throughout the week. Great rainy day hikes near Honolulu include:
Manoa Falls Trail – One of the best hikes for a rainy day. The trail winds through a tropical rainforest and ends at a stunning waterfall that becomes even more dramatic after rainfall.
Makiki Valley Loop – Less crowded and incredibly peaceful, this trail feels like stepping into a hidden forest right in the middle of the city.
Diamond Head – If the rain is more of a drizzle, this iconic hike is still worth doing. The cooler weather makes the climb much more enjoyable than a hot midday hike.
2. Take a Scenic Coastal Walk
Not every outdoor activity requires perfect weather. Some of our favorite rainy day moments have been long walks along the coast. A coastal walk (or run) in Honolulu during light rain feels refreshing rather than inconvenient. Try these scenic routes:
Waikiki Beach Walk – Grab coffee and stroll along the beachfront path while watching the ocean.
Ala Moana Beach Park – A quieter place to walk, stretch your legs, and enjoy views of the harbor and surfers.
Magic Island Loop – Perfect for couples who like to stay active while enjoying dramatic ocean views.
As empty nesters, we’ve come to appreciate simple moments together, and a rainy beach walk can be surprisingly romantic. Plus, they are a great way to start your day together.
3. Sneak in a Great Tour
One of the perks of traveling in your fifties is not having little kids who complain about taking historic tours. We booked a tour of Pearl Harbor. Normally, this is a good rainy day activity but the day we went the wind gusts from the historic storms were too large for us to tour every attraction like the Arizona Monument. We enjoyed the submarine museum, the films and reading all of the exhibits. During our tour, we got to see a swearing in ceremony for new recruits who joined the Navy!
4. Explore Honolulu’s Incredible Food Scene
Rainy days are made for lingering over great food, and Honolulu delivers. This city is a paradise for couples who appreciate great food and wine in Honolulu. Our favorites included:
Earls – Earls Waikiki quickly became one of our favorite dining spots in Honolulu. Located along bustling Kalākaua Avenue, the restaurant combines an open-air tropical atmosphere with a stylish, modern design that perfectly captures Waikiki’s laid-back yet vibrant energy. The menu features globally inspired dishes and creative cocktails, making it a great choice whether you’re stopping in after the beach or enjoying a night out.
During my visit, I ordered the Bulgogi Beef. The dish featured tender, thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory Korean-style sauce with rich notes of soy, garlic, and sesame. The meat was beautifully caramelized, delivering a perfect balance of smoky char and umami flavor. Served with fresh accompaniments that added texture and brightness, it was both comforting and elevated—a standout entrée that showcased Earls’ talent for blending bold global flavors with approachable dining. This was easily one of the most memorable meals I enjoyed in Waikiki so much so that we went there twice during our stay and I ordered it again.
Marugame Udon -If you’re looking for an authentic and affordable meal in Honolulu, Marugame Udon is a must-visit. Located in the heart of Waikiki, this popular Japanese restaurant is known for its freshly made udon noodles, prepared throughout the day in an open kitchen where guests can watch the process from start to finish. The cafeteria-style service moves quickly despite the often long lines, and the aroma of simmering broth and crispy tempura makes the wait worthwhile. During my visit, we ordered the Curry Nikutama Udon and the Gyudon Rice Bowl. The Curry Nikutama featured thick, chewy udon noodles served in a rich Japanese curry broth with thinly sliced beef and a perfectly cooked onsen egg that added a creamy texture to every bite. The Gyudon Rice Bowl was equally satisfying, topped with tender, savory beef simmered with onions and served over steamed rice. Both dishes were comforting, flavorful, and showcased the simple yet authentic Japanese cuisine that has made Marugame Udon a favorite among both locals and visitors alike. Perfect meal for a rainy day!
Donut King – After lunch at Marugame Udon, we couldn’t resist stopping by Donut King, conveniently located right next door. This unassuming local favorite is known for serving fresh, classic donuts that perfectly satisfy a sweet craving. We chose a traditional glazed donut, and it turned out to be the ideal way to end our meal. Light, airy, and incredibly fresh, the donut practically melted in our mouths with every bite. The delicate glaze added just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering, creating a simple yet unforgettable treat. Sometimes the best desserts aren’t the most elaborate, and Donut King’s donuts are life changing according to my daughter in law!
Noi Thai Cuisine – For a memorable dinner in Honolulu, Noi Thai Cuisine offers an elevated take on traditional Thai flavors in a beautiful setting overlooking Waikiki. The restaurant combines elegant décor, attentive service, and a menu filled with authentic dishes crafted from fresh ingredients and vibrant spices. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt both sophisticated and welcoming, making it an excellent choice for a special night out. The menu features a wide variety of classic Thai favorites, from rich curries and flavorful noodle dishes to expertly prepared seafood and stir-fries. Each dish was beautifully presented and balanced sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors in a way that showcased the depth of Thai cuisine. One of the reasons we chose this restaurant was its name, Noi, which was Andy’s mom’s name. (It means little in Thai.)
Finally, our personal rainy day move is to find a restaurant with covered outdoor seating, order a bottle of wine, and watch people watch those walking nearby.
5. Remember Why You Love Traveling Together
One unexpected joy of becoming empty nesters is rediscovering how fun it is to travel as a couple again. Rainy days in Honolulu remind us that the best parts of travel aren’t always the postcard moments. Sometimes it’s laughing during a muddy hike, sharing a bottle of wine while watching the rain, or discovering an amazing restaurant you never planned to visit. That’s the beauty of Honolulu. Rain or shine, there’s always something memorable waiting around the corner.