Maui with children is a dream come true. Beautiful seashores, rainbow-colored shaved ice, and luaus with hearth dancers…what’s to not love? From infants to teenagers, there’s one thing for all ages to take pleasure in. Since I’ve visited this Hawaiian trip spot a number of occasions with my kids, I’m glad to share a few of my favourite kid-friendly sights on the island, together with different journey specialists’ picks for the most effective Maui actions for households. This checklist of the most effective issues to do in Maui with children will make you wish to pack your baggage for paradise!
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Maui welcomes guests!
Regardless of the tragic fires Maui skilled in August 2023, tourism continues to be the island’s major income. At present, a lot of the Valley Isle is open for enterprise and glad to greet guests. Unaffected areas embody Makena, Kihei, Wailea, Central, North Shore, Upcountry, and Hana. With tourism down about 23% from 2019 ranges, you’ll be able to anticipate much less crowding and higher flight offers, making a Maui household trip particularly interesting now.
Some restrictions stay, together with the burn zone in Lahaina. In keeping with MSN, solely a handful of properties have been rebuilt on this historic and beloved city as of March 2025. Hawaii remains to be rebuilding. To assist the individuals of Maui and the reconstruction of devastated areas, please textual content the phrase HAWAII to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Pink Cross for Maui.
1. Play on the seashore.
With 750 miles of shoreline within the state, it could be loopy to go to Hawaii and never spend time on the seashore. In truth, it could be nearly unattainable. Whether or not you wish to swim, surf, or just construct sand castles on the shore, the seashore is a should in Maui.
With so many seashores, the place must you start? Erica Gellerman with The Hawaii Trip Information recommends Napili Bay for its “gentle white sand, largely calm water, and nice snorkeling.”
And don’t let the oceanfront motels at Wailea Seashore intimidate you. Whereas this space is dwelling to many upscale resorts, together with 4 Seasons Maui, take into account that all seashores on Maui are open to the general public.
In the event you plan to spend so much of your loved ones journey on the seashore, then e-book a room at one of many many oceanfront motels in Maui to maximise your playtime. For extra recommendations, check out a number of the finest seashores on Maui.
2. Watch a dawn or sundown at Haleakala Nationwide Park.
Haleakala Nationwide Park is likely one of the most stunning and culturally vital locations you’ll be able to go to in Maui with children of all ages. Haleakala is the third largest volcano within the Hawaiian islands.
Corritta Lewis with Itz a Household Factor advises, “Plan to spend a lot of the day at Haleakala Nationwide Park. Additionally, you’ll want meals and loads of water because the nearest retailer is no less than 20 minutes away. You’ll want to cease on the guests middle to study extra about Hawaiian tradition and the importance of this park. For mountain climbing, the Sliding Sands Path is finest for younger children as a result of you’ll be able to stroll up a mile or two to see previous lava. Then flip round when your loved ones will get drained. Youngsters ages 7 to 12 will get a kick out of the Junior Ranger Program, too.”
Lewis continues, “This nationwide park is called the Home of the Solar for being one of many world’s finest locations to view beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Ebook a dawn Haleakala tour to see what I imply.
Haleakala can also be the right place to stargaze. Since this park is open 24 hours a day, you’ll be able to arrange a tent and spend the evening having fun with the beautiful surroundings and contemporary air. You’ll want to costume in layers because the temperature will be 30 levels cooler on the summit than at sea degree. Don’t neglect your binoculars!”
3. Attend a luau.
Everybody likes a celebration, particularly when that occasion is a luau. Luaus are feasts that had been as soon as reserved for Hawaiian royalty, however immediately, anybody can attend. Many Hawaiian resorts host luaus, such because the spectacular Drums of the Pacific at Hyatt Regency Maui and Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock at Sheraton Maui.
These Hawaiian events usually embody stay music, hips shaking the hula, gasp-inducing hearth dancing, and Mai Tais for mother and pop. Outgoing kids will wish to get on stage for the viewers participation portion of the night to do the Hukilau, a fishing-inspired Hawaiian dance.
Partygoers take pleasure in conventional Hawaiian meals like roasted pulled pork and Lomi salmon made with lemon juice, tomatoes, and onions. These with adventurous style buds should strive conventional poi, a purplish grey paste produced from taro root.
4. Tour the historic district of Lahaina.
Though components of Lahaina stay quickly closed for rehabilitation functions as of spring 2025, fortunately some areas have reopened, together with Lahaina Harbor. Sadly, the devastating fires in Lahaina destroyed a lot of this beloved space of Maui. Hawaii Governor Josh Inexperienced assured residents and vacationers that Lahaina can be rebuilt, though, “it would take years of labor and billions of {dollars},” in response to MauiNews.com.
This previous fishing harbor and former capital of Hawaii was famend for glitzy artwork galleries, bay-front bars, and engaging eating places. A centerpiece of Lahaina is its 150-year-old stunning banyan tree. Lahaina’s Banyan Tree was severely broken within the fires. Fortunately, the tree remains to be standing and stays a logo of hope for the world’s rebuilding course of.
5. Join a Molokini snorkel tour.
Hawaii is a implausible place for snorkeling with children due to its heat, calm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundance of pleasant marine life. Kevin Wagar of Wandering Wagars says, “Probably the greatest snorkeling areas in Maui lies just some miles offshore on the crescent-moon atoll, Molokini. The distinctive form of this small island was brought on by the remnants of an historic volcanic crater that has largely collapsed into the encompassing ocean. This distinctive geology has created a wonderland for undersea life.”
A number of firms run snorkel excursions out to Molokini Crater. For households, Wagar recommends reserving with the Pacific Whale Basis, an environmental non-profit group. He explains, “This tour presents the right mixture of fine meals, academic programming particularly geared in direction of households, and a good-sized boat that makes the journey there and again secure and cozy.”
Many of the Molokini excursions embody two separate snorkeling experiences. One on the Molokini Crater, and one on the famed Turtle Arches, which is a well-liked place for recognizing sea turtles off the shores of Maui. Each places supply mind-blowing views of coral reefs, unbelievable marine life, and heat waters with few waves.
6. Deal with children to Hawaiian shaved ice.
No go to to Maui with children can be full with out a colourful serving of Hawaiian shaved ice. Method higher than your customary snow cone, this deal with is made with finely grated ice relatively than lumpy cubes. The snowy texture soaks up the candy syrup and melts in your mouth.
Historically, Hawaiian shaved ice is served over a scoop of ice cream. You possibly can even get yours topped with a drizzle of sweetened evaporated milk for an additional splurge.
Youngsters will take pleasure in watching the ice machine magically make the frozen concoctions. Select from a myriad of flavors. There are tropical favorites like piña colada, mango, and papaya. Or stick to straightforward choices like cherry, grape, and bubblegum.
Hungry but? Just a few favourite locations to do that deal with embody Peace Love Shave Ice in Kihei, Island Cream Firm in Lahaina, and Ululani’s at a number of places on the island.
7. Learn to surf.
Household journey skilled Claudia Laroye of Claudia Travels says, “There’s no higher time to discover ways to surf than throughout a go to to Maui. In any case, you’re surrounded by ocean waves and the alternatives to study are quite a few. Many family-friendly resorts on the island supply surf classes for households or particular person kids. Browsing isn’t as straightforward because it seems, so I like to recommend reserving group or personal browsing classes. The calm and exquisite seashores of Ka’anapali, Lahaina, and Kihei are perfect for Browsing 101.”
Laroye warns, “Don’t be shocked in case your children begin driving the waves earlier than you do. Youngsters have the benefit when getting up on a board, as their decrease middle of gravity offers them additional stability on the surfboard.”
Able to catch some waves? Check out this array of surf classes in Maui accessible from GetYourGuide!
8. Go below the ocean with Atlantis Submarine.
Sean Lau with LivingOutLau recommends households, “discover the depths of the ocean on a real-life, purposeful submarine!” He says, “Atlantis Submarines takes you over 100 ft beneath the ocean floor to find Carthaginian, a sunken Nineteenth-century whaling brig. See how the sunken ship has created a man-made coral reef that helps marine life of various sizes, shapes, and colours.”
Positioned off Lahaina, these kid-friendly submarine rides in Maui not solely entertain but in addition educate children in regards to the ocean and its inhabitants. Outfitted with massive viewing home windows and trendy comforts akin to air-conditioning, be prepared for an eye-widening underwater journey! (Youngsters should be 36″+ to take part.)
Notice: Atlantis Submarines in Maui stays quickly closed as of April 2025 as a result of hearth harm. Nonetheless, you may make reservations for submarine excursions departing from Kona on the Massive Island or Waikiki in Oahu.
9. Drive the street to Hana…and keep awhile.
Stretching 64.4 miles, the winding Hana Freeway connects Kahului in West Maui the place most vacationers keep, with the sleepy jap Maui city of Hana. Plan to spend ALL day driving to Hana and again. Higher but, keep an evening or two on this city of slightly below 1,000 residents. If you must unplug and reconnect as a household, then Hana is THE place to be.
Though Hana is as laidback as will be, anticipate some white-knuckle moments as you grip the steering wheel in the course of the journey. You’ll cross one-way bridges and switchbacks whereas locals zoom previous with a smile and a pleasant hang-loose gesture. Deliver money to buy contemporary fruit and home made banana bread from native stands alongside the best way.
Hana-Maui Resort (previously Travaasa Hana) gives the last word in rest and luxurious. Need to study extra? Learn my full Hana-Maui Resort overview.
10. Attend a lei-making class.
“Essentially the most colourful token of Hawaiian hospitality is the standard garland known as a lei,” in response to Hawaii skilled Sarah Vanheel with PlacesToStayMaui.com. She continues, “The preferred leis are manufactured from orchids, however yow will discover shell or kukui nut leis too. Many household resorts in Maui arrange lei-making lessons for teenagers and oldsters. Making a full lei is likely to be a bit too formidable for little children however they’ll simply as properly make an ankle or wrist lei. This enjoyable household exercise comes with a bonus since you retain the fresh-flower lei you make. It may be stored cool in your lodge room fridge to be worn at dinner.”
11. Hike with children in Maui.
There are fantastic hikes in Maui on all components of the island. “It’s so a lot enjoyable to get outdoors together with your children and take a stroll alongside the seashore, to a waterfall, or up a mountain for spectacular ocean views,” says Whitney with Designs for Journey.
Undecided the place to go? Whitney advises, “Mother and father touring with a child or toddler in a stroller ought to select the paved Wailea Seashore Path to soak up scenic views of the gorgeous Wailea waterfront. One other nice hike for households is the straightforward 1-mile roundtrip alongside a manicured path by tropical foliage to the beautiful Twin Falls waterfalls, simply outdoors of Paia. For the most effective views on the island of Maui, drive to the Thompson Street Stroll situated in Keokea within the foothills of Haleakala. From right here you’ll be able to see bicoastal views of Maui, Lanai, Kaho’olawe, and Molokini as you stroll previous Oprah’s spectacular trip dwelling.”
12. Watch cliff divers at Black Rock.
Exploring Pu’u Keka’a, generally often called Black Rock, is likely one of the finest issues to do in Kaanapali, Maui with children. Jess Dockendorf from I’m Jess Touring, says, “Black Rock is a well-liked place in Maui for cliff diving as a result of calm waters. There are a selection of various spots to leap off into the ocean starting from 10 to 25 ft in top.”
Dockendorf elaborates, “Each evening at sundown a cliff diving ceremony is carried out. It begins with a conch shell blown in all 4 instructions. That’s adopted by a chant and the lighting of tiki torches. Then a courageous diver jumps into the waters beneath. For an excellent view of the ceremony, seize a desk at Sheraton Maui’s Cliff Dive Grill for al fresco meals and drinks.
13. Go whale watching.
Whale watching is likely one of the most memorable issues to do with children in Maui. Lindsay Nieminem, journey skilled and creator of Step into Jordan says, “Sometimes whale watching season runs from November to Could, however January to March is the most effective time to see these majestic creatures. Humpback whales are the most typical whales sighted off the coast of Maui. You may additionally see false killer whales and different species.”
Nieminem provides, “Whale-watching boats are massive and provides households room to maneuver in regards to the vessel. Meaning children is not going to get bored. It’s a tremendous expertise to see kids’s faces mild up as they see whales out within the open ocean. For the most effective expertise, convey a couple of snacks for your loved ones and a small exercise to maintain younger ones busy on board.”
Able to e-book? Check out these whale-watching tour choices!
14. View sea life at Maui Ocean Middle.
Advisable by Dymphe with Dymabroad, “On the Maui Ocean Middle, you’ll find an unbelievable aquarium the place your loved ones can find out about marine life in Hawaii. Your children can see all types of tropical fish, sharks, and different sea creatures right here. What’s superb is you could stroll by a tunnel beneath one of many aquariums and really feel as if you’re within the ocean your self.”
15. Pet goats and style cheese at Browsing Goat Dairy.
Take a break from the seashore with a day journey to Browsing Goat Dairy in Kula in Upcountry Maui. Enroll prematurely for a Every day Informal Tour to feed and milk a goat, study in regards to the cheese-making course of, and pattern the scrumptious creamy cheeses produced on the dairy. For a extra in-depth expertise, e-book the Night Chore & Milking Tour. There’s even a Child Goat Interplay for households who go to in early spring. You can too swing by simply to purchase a few of their scrumptious goat cheese.
Do the goats actually surf? No, however you wouldn’t realize it from all the surfboard decorations! You’ll additionally discover a small outside play space for youthful kids and shaded picnic tables right here.
16. Go zip-lining.
Hawaii aficionado Marcie Cheung from Hawaii Journey With Youngsters declares, “There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do on Maui that it’s straightforward to refill your Maui itinerary very quickly. That’s why you must make certain to go away room for zip-lining in Maui with children. Not solely is it a brilliant cool journey, but in addition the views of Maui are epic.”
Cheung explains, “There are a number of Maui zipline firms to select from relying on age and talents. Maui Zipline can take children as younger as 5 years previous, which is ideal for rookies. For households with older children no less than 10 years previous, the Flyin Hawaiian Zipline is the longest, highest, and quickest zip on Maui. Zip-lining on Maui is a Hawaii journey your loved ones will all the time bear in mind!”
17. Splash in a waterfall.
Do you wish to swim in a waterfall in Maui? In fact, you do! The preferred waterfalls for swimming in Maui embody the Seven Sacred Swimming pools, Higher Puohokamoa Falls, and Waikamoi Stream. For guided hikes, check out these waterfall excursions for households.
For a extra secluded expertise, Punalau Falls is a hidden pure paradise in northeastern Maui. Alexa Meisler, creator of 52 Good Days says, “This beautiful 100-foot waterfall is likely one of the lesser-known falls alongside the favored Street to Hana. It’s an exquisite household tour in Maui as a result of it tends to be a lot much less crowded than most of the different stops on the favored winding street.”
Meisler advises, “There’s a brief half-mile hike alongside Punalau Creek to the falls. Not solely will you discover the spectacular falls, but in addition there’s a swimming gap for household enjoyable. Put on water footwear and don’t neglect towels and sunscreen!”
18. Go to sea turtles at Ho’okipa Seashore.
Ho’okipa Seashore on the north aspect of the island is a good place to take your children to see turtles within the wild. Luke Storey with Wild About BC says, “Day by day, Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles emerge from the water and crawl onto the sand to lie within the solar for a couple of hours on the jap finish of the seashore, proper beneath Ho’okipa Lookout. Whilst you aren’t allowed to go proper as much as the turtles, watching them from a brief distance is a tremendous expertise. That is very true for teenagers who might not have the ability to snorkel or swim within the open water.”
After watching the turtles, Storey recommends going to the highest of Ho’okipa Lookout to soak up expansive coastal views and watch surfers hanging ten.
19. Cease to scent the flowers at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is a working farm on the slopes of Haleakala in Upcountry Maui. It options 25 types of lavender. You’ll additionally see and scent succulents, roses, hydrangea, and olive bushes amongst different flora. The farm’s historical past originates from the late founder, Ali’i Chan, who began your complete farm from a single lavender plant gifted by a pal in 2001.
Antoine and Marielle from Offbeat Escapades say, “The farm is likely one of the high issues to do in Maui with children for its strolling excursions, craft lessons, and picnics. Ali’i Kula gives a really distinctive and academic expertise in nature, distinct from the standard outside actions. Moreover, there’s a secret backyard scavenger hunt that’s excellent for teenagers and adults of all ages. The Maui treasure hunt begins on the reward store and takes households by hidden sections of the farm and ends with a prize for kids.”
20. Go to a black sand seashore in Wai’anapanapa State Park.
Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated proper off Hana Freeway. One of many major options of the park is Pa’iloa Seashore, also referred to as Wai’anapanapa Seashore.
The Discovery Nut‘s Daria Bachmann says, “That is thought-about by many to be probably the most stunning black sand seashore on Maui. It’s surrounded by sharp lava rocks and the encompassing lush tropical vegetation creates a shocking distinction with the cobalt blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Whereas swimming right here isn’t all the time potential as a result of harmful rip currents, it is best to completely take time to discover this 122-acre state park with a digicam in hand. One can find many unbelievable lava caves fed by ocean springs and scenic mountain climbing trails lined with black lava rocks.”
21. Embark on a family-friendly Jeep tour of Maui.
Nervous about tackling the Street to Hana? Jason Carlton with Carltonauts Journey Ideas advises, “Let a neighborhood do the driving!” He recommends Hoaloha Jeep Adventures, which presents family-friendly excursions across the island, personalized to your loved ones’s pursuits and tempo. For bigger households, the Jeeps caravan along with the youngsters in a single automobile and the adults in one other, if desired.
Carlton says, “Study Maui’s tradition and historical past whereas exploring with an skilled. Throughout your tour, you’ll be able to swim close to a waterfall, discover a uncommon black sand seashore, hike on a volcano, or seize a chew from a neighborhood scorching spot. Hoaloha even gives life jackets for youthful children in the event that they wish to swim.”
22. Grow to be a mermaid for a day with Hawaii Mermaid Adventures.
“In the event you’re coming to Maui with children, you then’ll love the Hawaii Mermaid Adventures, says Victoria Heinz from Information Your Journey. “They provide Mermaid Swimming Classes, the place you and your younger kids remodel yourselves into real-life mermaids.”
Heinz continues, “Youngsters above 50 lbs can be part of the teachings and could have the time of their lives. Or, select Mermaid Meet-and-Greets for individuals who aren’t able to strive it simply but. One of the best information is that skilled images is included in each single session. What higher strategy to maintain these recollections without end than with a implausible set of images to recollect the day! Youngsters will completely find it irresistible however swimming like a mermaid can also be enjoyable for adults. The entire household will take pleasure in this expertise so make sure to add it to your journey itinerary to your journey to Maui.“
23. Go to botanical gardens alongside the Street to Hana.
Because of the state’s distinctive local weather, there are many vegetation that develop solely in Hawaii and nowhere else in the USA. Tatiana with Household Street Journey Guru says, “In the event you love lush greenery and vibrant, stunning flowers of all sizes and styles, then you’ll be very glad strolling the paths of such fairly gardens as Backyard of Eden or Kula Botanical Backyard. Each are situated alongside the Street to Hana and make good pit stops for households with their paved stroller-friendly paths. A bonus for chicken lovers, Backyard of Eden has a resident peacock and Kula is dwelling to Nene geese distinctive to Hawaii.”
24. Rappel down waterfalls.
As one of many extra thrilling outside sights in Maui, Rappel Maui presents a novel expertise for households searching for Maui’s stunning waterfalls. “Whether or not households are in Maui for 2 weeks or stopping in on a Hawaii cruise, Rappel Maui is bound to thrill. Those that collect sufficient braveness to rappel down waterfalls is not going to neglect this outstanding exercise,” in response to Ellie Ewert from Ellie’s Journey Ideas.
Ewert says, “If security is a priority, don’t fear! Friends are supplied with all essential gear and directions to securely rappel down the falls into refreshing pure water swimming pools. Youngsters should be no less than 10 years previous to rappel. However all ages can benefit from the scenic rainforest hike by the Hawaiian jungle as they uncover Maui’s gushing waterfalls.”
25. Swim in a superb Maui lodge pool.
Hawaii is dwelling to a number of the world’s most unbelievable swimming swimming pools. In truth, many households (like mine!) select the place to remain in Maui primarily based on the standard of the lodge pool. Superb waterfalls, splash areas, water slides, rope bridges, lush landscapes, and swim-up pool bars lure vacationers to linger within the pool space at motels and resorts throughout the island.
Hyatt Regency Maui boasts the world’s first fantasy lodge swimming pools. In the meantime, Sheraton Maui wows pool followers with its meandering, palm-lined lazy river. Need further concepts? Check out the finest lodge swimming pools in Hawaii for households.
Absorb the spirit of aloha!
Along with these family-friendly actions in Maui, the state’s distinctive spirit of aloha makes it one in every of my favourite locations on Earth. The literal that means of aloha is “presence of breath.” This time period symbolizes the nice and cozy, welcoming, and sort perspective of Hawaii’s residents.
An encounter with an openhearted waitress at Hyatt Regency Maui’s Swan Court docket exemplifies this spirit of aloha. My then 6-year-old beamed as he informed our waitress, “Do you know one thing? It was my largest dream to return to Hawaii. And now I’m right here!”
We watched the swans and geese swimming within the Swan Court docket’s pond whereas we ate our fill of pancakes. Then our waitress returned with a present of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, which she handed to my son. Accross the highest of the field she had written, “To Leo, maintain residing your desires!”
She informed him, “I believe it’s fantastic that you simply dreamed of coming to Hawaii. I hope you’ll proceed to dream as a result of you are able to do something you need in life.”
He couldn’t cease grinning as he thanked her and hugged his chocolate prize. Then he stated, “Nobody appears imply right here. Everybody in Hawaii is glad.”
He’s proper. What’s to not be glad about in Maui?
Please assist Maui proceed to be a spot the place happiness is contagious by donating to any of those really useful charitable organizations.
Discover extra of Hawaii.
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Hawaii’s most populous island, Oahu, is dwelling to Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Middle, and rather more. Uncover why to plan an Oahu trip with children.
Prepared for household adventures in paradise? I really like flying to the islands with Hawaiian Airways as a result of they make you are feeling like your trip begins the minute you board the aircraft. Check out flight costs with Hawaiian Airways now!
Check out my journey planning companies so I can plan your Maui household trip when you concentrate on taking part in in paradise!
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A Notice from Colleen: Thanks to Kaanapali Seashore Resort, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for internet hosting one in every of our many Maui holidays.
