Maui is the right Hawaiian island to go to with youngsters of all ages. It isn’t as crowded as Oahu, however there are extra issues to do on Maui with youngsters than on different islands like Kauai or The Big Island of Hawaii. On our Hawaiian trip, we cut up our time between Kona on the Big Island and the Kā’anapali space of Maui.
If you’re visiting Maui with youngsters, it would be best to divide your time between enjoyable on the seaside, having fun with native water sports activities, and different enjoyable issues to do on Maui. During our 5 days on the island of Maui, these have been our favourite issues to do on Maui with youngsters.
If you haven’t booked your lodge but, try the greatest areas to remain on Maui and the greatest Maui resorts for households.
5 Things to Do on Maui with Kids
Note: This put up could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
1. Snorkeling by Molokini
While you’ll be able to sometimes snorkel off the seaside, the waves could be a bit tough for a newbie. For a real Hawaiian snorkeling expertise, take a snorkel cruise out to Molokini Crater. This volcanic atoll types a crescent off the coast of Maui and its clear waters function a house to protected chook and ocean life. There are a number of firms that provide snorkeling excursions to Molokini.
The boat experience takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and the water could be a bit uneven so in case you are vulnerable to seasickness, take some Dramamine earlier than you go. Luckily, the waters off Molokini are calmer and you’ll be able to see many lovely tropical fish.
The good factor about snorkeling with youngsters at Molokini is that a few of the tour operators provide floats for rookies, that are like boogie boards with a porthole for viewing underwater and handles to assist keep afloat. This was an ideal approach for our six-year-old to “get her feet wet” (pun meant). After some time, she ditched the prop and went proper in.
The solely downside is that the water was chilly (I want snorkeling within the Caribbean) and it acquired crowded as soon as a number of snorkel boats arrived on the identical spot, so you’ll want to be careful that you just don’t get kicked within the head by somebody swimming by.
2. Tour of the Stars on the Hyatt
Since we didn’t get to go to the highest of Mauna Kea on the Big Island, I promised our toddler a have a look at the celebs. The Hyatt in Ka’anapali affords a Tour of the Stars rooftop astronomy program. The Hyatt has been named the World’s Top Hotel for Stargazing, providing astronomy applications on Thursdays by means of Mondays at both 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm (reservations are really useful).
The Director of Astronomy and NASA Solar System Ambassador makes use of a pc to pick out an agenda, and find and determine 1,000 objects within the sky together with stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae. We have been in a position to get a close-up have a look at the moon, in addition to check out Mars and Saturn by means of their telescopes.
Who is aware of, perhaps this program was a part of why she developed a lifelong love for astronomy.
3. Watch the Sunset Ceremony at Black Rock
If you’re staying in Ka’anapali, you should take a stroll as much as Black Rock at sundown for the cliff diving ceremony on the Sheraton Maui. This conventional ceremony begins with the blowing of a horn and males with torches run up the rock, current an providing to the ocean, after which dive off the cliff into the ocean. It is sort of an incredible spectacle and a style of native tradition that’s typically neglected.
During the day, it is usually enjoyable to observe locals and vacationers climb Black Rock and dive off the cliffs. My husband tried it, however the climb was somewhat an excessive amount of. Of course, I’m an excessive amount of of a rooster to even try it however simply swimming within the waters across the cliffs you’ll be able to see sea turtles and different wildlife.
4. Driving the street to Hana
Driving the street to Hana is among the “to-do” issues if you’ll Maui. For these of you that don’t know, the Hana Highway is a stretch of winding, slim street between Kahalui and Hana on the east coast of Maui. The drive will not be about attending to Hana, which isn’t imagined to be something wonderful, however extra in regards to the sights you will note alongside the way in which.
If you’re going with youngsters, don’t be afraid to name it quits earlier than you get to Hana…you gained’t be the one one. You’ll wish to get began early and plan to spend an entire day on the street. Remember, it’s a must to come again the way in which you went, so except you’re staying in a single day in Hana, you could wish to head again earlier than late afternoon so that you aren’t making an attempt these curves at the hours of darkness.
Before you permit, you may wish to make a dinner reservation at Mama’s Fish House for the way in which again, simply carry a change of garments or one thing to clean up since this is among the greatest eating places on the island.
On our drive to Hana, we stopped in Paia to select up a picnic lunch on the Hana Picnic Lunch Company. We began off with some scrumptious tropical smoothies, then ordered some field lunches, which they packed up in a useful, reusable cooler bag for the street.
Our first cease was at Twin Falls, one of many greatest stops on the street to Hana (and due to this fact crowded) pitstop alongside the way in which. It is situated simply previous mile marker 2 after the Jaws General Store. While the falls aren’t spectacular, I used to be in a position to fulfill my dream of swimming in a waterfall and strolling behind the falls.
The hike to the primary falls was about 1 mile alongside largely even terrain, however there have been sections that have been bumpy or slippery over rocks so that you’ll wish to take care when going with younger youngsters. If you’re carrying sneakers for the hike, make sure that to carry alongside some water footwear as a result of you have to them for strolling into the water. To get behind the falls you’ll have to stroll by means of knee to thigh-deep water over very slippery and uneven rocks. Quite tough when carrying somewhat one.
After our adventures on the falls, we have been beginning to get hungry so our subsequent cease was the Waikamoi Ridge Trail. From our analysis, we thought we might take a hike as much as the highest and revel in lunch within the picnic space on the prime of the path. What we didn’t understand was that there have been no lavatory amenities and the stroll was fairly arduous for the view it afforded. Given the chance to do that once more, we most likely would have skipped the hike and located one other spot for our picnic.
We acquired a greater view (and a rest room) at Kaumahina State Wayside Park, the place a brief stroll gave a sweeping view of the Keanae Peninsula. It appeared so lovely, we determined to take a detour and get a more in-depth look. We took the street right down to the water and spent a while hanging out with some locals fishing and hanging out on the seaside with their households. After taking full benefit of the picture ops, we determined we had come far sufficient.
We truthfully couldn’t image it getting any prettier than that spot and felt we had completed sufficient. We felt full (which is uncommon for me to not thoughts lacking one thing on our listing), we swam in waterfalls, hiked by means of bamboo, walked on lava, and noticed some lovely sights. It was in regards to the journey.
If you go additional, remember to cease on the Black Sand Beach in Honokalani in Waianapanapa State Park.
When driving the street to Hana, remember to carry alongside the next:
- Dramamine for automobile illness
- Plenty of liquids
- A picnic lunch
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Sneakers or climbing boots
- Water footwear or flip-flops/sandals
- Charmin to go (simply in case…there aren’t many restrooms and people aren’t totally stocked)
- Hana Highway audio information or cell app
- Change of garments, and many others for dinner in your approach residence
5. Sugar Cane Steam Train
Note: this attraction is presently closed, however the web site hints that it’s going to reopen sooner or later. While this attraction could also be a bit boring for adults, you probably have youngsters into trains, then it’s price spending an hour on an old school steam prepare.
Places to Eat On Maui with Kids
These are a few of our favourite locations to eat on Maui with youngsters.
1. Lahaina Grill
Lahaina Grill has been named the perfect restaurant in Maui for 20 years in a row by Honolulu Magazine and I consider it! This was undoubtedly our favourite meal. Located in downtown Lahaina, the restaurant is one thing of a shock.
Inside the decor is decidedly upscale with a mix of quaintness (just like the tin ceiling) and fashionable (black and white tile ground). The meals is wonderful and superbly offered. What we appreciated most was their youngsters’ menu. Instead of simply the everyday rooster fingers and french fries, they provided choices like Grilled Mahi Mahi with rice and greens (our daughter was thrilled!)
Lahaina Grill is situated at 127 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, Maui.
2. Smoothies at Whaler’s Village
We typically walked as much as Whaler’s Village, a buying space on Ka’anapali Beach, for breakfast and lunch to keep away from the steep costs on the lodge. In addition to the fish tacos on the beachside eating places, we liked getting tropical smoothies as breakfast or a day snack on the Island Vintage Shave Ice. We additionally liked to poke across the outlets, particularly the Cinnamon Girl boutique.
Whaler’s Village is situated at 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
3. Roy’s Kaanapali
On our first night time in Maui, we took a drive as much as Roy’s to attempt a few of his well-known Hawaiian delicacies. I fell in love with the guava martini!
Roy’s Kaanapali is situated at 2290 Kaanapali Parkway, Suite A, Lahaina, HI
4. Pacific’o on the Beach in Lahaina
As the title suggests, Pacific’o is situated proper on the seaside in Lahaina and affords a soothing ambiance that could be a step up out of your typical beachside restaurant. We have been in a position to attempt some freshly caught Ono fish and take a stroll to dip our toes within the water between programs.
After dinner, we loved a stroll by means of the Shops at 505 Front Street and got here very shut to buying a portray at one of many artwork galleries (I considerably remorse not going by means of with it however the price and carrying a really drained baby pushed me towards the door.)
Pacific’o on the Beach is situated at 505 Front St Suite 114, Lahaina, HI
Need extra strategies on what to do on Maui? Want to know the greatest luaus on Maui? If you’re headed to Hawaii, additionally try our strategies for what to do with youngsters on the Big Island! Also, in search of issues to do in Oahu? If you head to Oahu, remember to try the Disney Aulani.