Rainy Day Fun in Honolulu

I've pointed out the most popular attractions in Honolulu, and the majority of them are outdoors. And why shouldn't they be, given that Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth?

Unlike Snyder, it tends to rain frequently in Hawaii -- on my last trip, it rained virtually every single morning, but stopped by the time we went down for breakfast. But what to do if it doesn't stop? The Hawaiian islands saw a good week's worth of storms about a month ago, so how do you entertain yourself if that contingency happens?

Luckily, Honolulu is rife with things to do that aren't sunny-weather dependent. Even if the weather is picture-perfect for your entire trip, you'll want to check these out:

Shopping: I know, I know -- you don't go to Hawaii to shop, right? You might change your position for the bargain, and I've managed to find some in Honolulu. The primary shopping venue is Ala Moana Boulevard, and it tends to be overrun with tourists. But if you pop in to the Ala Moana Center, it will not only provide a shelter from the rain, but you can find veritable steals from the likes of Armani, Banana Republic and local Hawaiian brand stores. The last time I was there, I walked away with an Armani silk shirt for $30. I kept expecting to be stopped by the police for stealing. Ala Moana frequently stages peformances of native Hawaiian dancers, so you'll get a dose of authentic "Hawaiian" while you're there.

Museums: Again, not what normally comes to mind when you think of Hawaii, but this should really be part of your vacation. The Bishop Museum is great for adults and kids alike, as it has a large focus on the flora and fauna of the islands. I've seen people actually bring in strange-looking plants for their scientists to identify, and they're happy to do it! They also document the history of the islands, including the arrival of the first missionaries and their influence on subsequent cultural development.

For more purely artistic inclinations, be sure to see the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Their special exhibitions are fantastic, and tend to focus exclusively on Hawaiian artists. They also have one of the largest collections of Oceana to be found anywhere in the world.

In addition to these, there's also the USS Bowfin Submarine, which has been made into a museum; as well as the Hawaii Maritime Center, which any Navy veteran will love. Here's a run-down of the best museums in Honolulu. Enjoy!

Thanks to Champuru and Shimown for the photos!