Maui with children is a dream come true. Stunning seashores, rainbow-colored shaved ice, and luaus with fireplace dancers…what’s to not love? From infants to teenagers, there’s one thing for all ages to get pleasure from. Since I’ve visited this Hawaiian trip spot a number of instances with my kids, I’m comfortable to share a few of my favourite kid-friendly sights on the island, together with different journey consultants’ picks for the very best Maui actions for households. This checklist of the very best issues to do in Maui with children will make you wish to pack your luggage for paradise!
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Maui welcomes guests!
Despite the tragic fires Maui skilled in August 2023, tourism continues to be the island’s predominant income. Today, many of the Valley Isle is open for enterprise and comfortable to greet guests. Unaffected areas embody Makena, Kihei, Wailea, Central, North Shore, Upcountry, and Hana. With tourism down about 23% from 2019 ranges, you may count on 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. According to MSN, solely a handful of houses have been rebuilt on this historic and beloved city as of March 2025. Hawaii remains to be rebuilding. To help the folks of Maui and the reconstruction of devastated areas, please textual content the phrase HAWAII to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross for Maui.
1. Play on the seaside.
With 750 miles of shoreline within the state, it will be loopy to go to Hawaii and never spend time on the seaside. In reality, it will be virtually unimaginable. Whether you wish to swim, surf, or just construct sand castles on the shore, the seaside is a should in Maui.
With so many seashores, the place do you have to start? Erica Gellerman with The Hawaii Vacation Guide recommends Napili Bay for its “soft white sand, mostly calm water, and great snorkeling.”
And don’t let the oceanfront motels at Wailea Beach intimidate you. While this space is dwelling to many upscale resorts, together with Four Seasons Maui, remember the fact that all seashores on Maui are open to the general public.
If you intend to spend so much of your loved ones journey on the seaside, then e book a room at one of many many oceanfront motels in Maui to maximise your playtime. For extra options, check out among the greatest seashores on Maui.
2. Watch a dawn or sundown at Haleakala National Park.
Haleakala National Park is likely one of the most lovely and culturally important locations you may go to in Maui with children of all ages. Haleakala is the third largest volcano within the Hawaiian islands.
Corritta Lewis with Itz a Family Thing advises, “Plan to spend most of the day at Haleakala National Park. Also, you’ll need food and plenty of water since the nearest store is at least 20 minutes away. Be sure to stop at the visitors center to learn more about Hawaiian culture and the significance of this park. For hiking, the Sliding Sands Trail is best for young kids because you can walk up a mile or two to see old lava. Then turn around when your family gets tired. Children ages 7 to 12 will get a kick out of the Junior Ranger Program, too.”
Lewis continues, “This nationwide park is called the House of the Sun for being one of many world’s greatest locations to view attractive sunrises and sunsets. Book 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 may arrange a tent and spend the night time having fun with the beautiful surroundings and recent air. Be certain to decorate in layers because the temperature may be 30 levels cooler on the summit than at sea degree. Don’t overlook your binoculars!”
3. Attend a luau.
Everyone likes a celebration, particularly when that social gathering is a luau. Luaus are feasts that had been as soon as reserved for Hawaiian royalty, however at this time, 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 reside music, hips shaking the hula, gasp-inducing fireplace dancing, and Mai Tais for mother and pa. 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 get pleasure from conventional Hawaiian meals like roasted pulled pork and Lomi salmon made with lemon juice, tomatoes, and onions. Those with adventurous style buds should attempt conventional poi, a purplish grey paste comprised of taro root.
4. Tour the historic district of Lahaina.
Although elements 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 Green assured residents and vacationers that Lahaina will likely be rebuilt, though, “it will take years of work and billions of dollars,” in accordance with MauiInformation.com.
This outdated fishing harbor and former capital of Hawaii was famend for glitzy artwork galleries, bay-front bars, and attractive eating places. A centerpiece of Lahaina is its 150-year-old lovely banyan tree. Lahaina’s Banyan Tree was severely broken within the fires. Thankfully, the tree remains to be standing and stays a logo of hope for the realm’s rebuilding course of.
5. Sign up for a Molokini snorkel tour.
Hawaii is a improbable 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, “One of the best snorkeling areas in Maui lies just a few miles offshore on the crescent-moon atoll, Molokini. The unique shape of this small island was caused by the remnants of an ancient volcanic crater that has mostly collapsed into the surrounding ocean. This unique geology has created a wonderland for undersea life.”
Several firms run snorkel excursions out to Molokini Crater. For households, Wagar recommends reserving with the Pacific Whale Foundation, an environmental non-profit group. He explains, “This tour offers the perfect combination of good food, educational programming specifically geared towards families, and a good-sized boat that makes the journey there and back safe and comfortable.”
Most 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. Both areas supply mind-blowing views of coral reefs, unimaginable marine life, and heat waters with few waves.
6. Treat children to Hawaiian shaved ice.
No go to to Maui with children could be full with out a colourful serving of Hawaiian shaved ice. Way higher than your normal snow cone, this deal with is made with finely grated ice slightly than lumpy cubes. The snowy texture soaks up the candy syrup and melts in your mouth.
Traditionally, Hawaiian shaved ice is served over a scoop of ice cream. You may even get yours topped with a drizzle of sweetened evaporated milk for an additional splurge.
Children will get pleasure from watching the ice machine magically make the frozen concoctions. Choose 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? A number of favourite locations to do this deal with embody Peace Love Shave Ice in Kihei, Island Cream Company in Lahaina, and Ululani’s at a number of areas on the island.
7. Learn easy methods to surf.
Family journey skilled Claudia Laroye of Claudia Travels says, “There’s no better time to learn how to surf than during a visit to Maui. After all, you’re surrounded by ocean waves and the opportunities to learn are numerous. Many family-friendly resorts on the island offer surf lessons for families or individual children. Surfing isn’t as easy as it looks, so I recommend booking group or private surfing lessons. The calm and beautiful beaches of Ka’anapali, Lahaina, and Kihei are ideal for Surfing 101.”
Laroye warns, “Don’t be surprised if your kids start riding the waves before you do. Children have the advantage when getting up on a board, as their lower center of gravity gives them extra stability on the surfboard.”
Ready to catch some waves? Take a take a look at this array of surf classes in Maui obtainable from GetYourGuide!
8. Go underneath the ocean with Atlantis Submarine.
Sean Lau with LivingOutLau recommends households, “explore the depths of the sea on a real-life, functional submarine!” He says, “Atlantis Submarines takes you over 100 feet below the sea surface to discover Carthaginian, a sunken 19th-century whaling brig. See how the sunken ship has created an artificial coral reef that supports marine life of different sizes, shapes, and colors.”
Located 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. Equipped with giant viewing home windows and fashionable comforts akin to air-conditioning, be prepared for an eye-widening underwater journey! (Kids should be 36″+ to take part.)
Note: Atlantis Submarines in Maui stays quickly closed as of April 2025 as a result of fireplace injury. However, you can also make reservations for submarine excursions departing from Kona on the Big Island or Waikiki in Oahu.
9. Drive the street to Hana…and keep awhile.
Stretching 64.4 miles, the winding Hana Highway connects Kahului in West Maui the place most vacationers keep, with the sleepy japanese Maui city of Hana. Plan to spend ALL day driving to Hana and again. Better but, keep an evening or two on this city of slightly below 1,000 residents. If it’s essential to unplug and reconnect as a household, then Hana is THE place to be.
Although Hana is as laidback as may be, count on 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. Bring money to buy recent fruit and do-it-yourself banana bread from native stands alongside the best way.
Hana-Maui Resort (previously Travaasa Hana) supplies the last word in rest and luxurious. Want to study extra? Read my full Hana-Maui Resort overview.
10. Attend a lei-making class.
“The most colorful token of Hawaiian hospitality is the traditional garland called a lei,” in accordance with Hawaii skilled Sarah Vanheel with LocationsToKeepMaui.com. She continues, “The most popular leis are made of orchids, but you can find shell or kukui nut leis too. Many family resorts in Maui organize lei-making classes for kids and parents. Making a full lei might be a bit too ambitious for little kids but they can just as well make an ankle or wrist lei. This fun family activity comes with a bonus since you keep the fresh-flower lei you make. It can be kept cool in your hotel room fridge to be worn at dinner.”
11. Hike with children in Maui.
There are fantastic hikes in Maui on all elements of the island. “It is so much fun to get outside with your kids and take a walk along the beach, to a waterfall, or up a mountain for spectacular ocean views,” says Whitney with Designs for Travel.
Not certain the place to go? Whitney advises, “Parents traveling with a baby or toddler in a stroller should choose the paved Wailea Beach Path to take in scenic views of the beautiful Wailea waterfront. Another great hike for families is the easy 1-mile roundtrip along a manicured path through tropical foliage to the lovely Twin Falls waterfalls, just outside of Paia. For one of the best views on the island of Maui, drive to the Thompson Road Walk located in Keokea in the foothills of Haleakala. From here you can see bicoastal views of Maui, Lanai, Kaho’olawe, and Molokini as you walk past Oprah’s impressive vacation home.”
12. Watch cliff divers at Black Rock.
Exploring Pu’u Keka’a, generally often known as Black Rock, is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Kaanapali, Maui with children. Jess Dockendorf from I’m Jess Traveling, says, “Black Rock is a popular place in Maui for cliff diving due to the calm waters. There are a variety of different spots to jump off into the ocean ranging from 10 to 25 feet in height.”
Dockendorf elaborates, “Every night time at sundown a cliff diving ceremony is carried out. It begins with a conch shell blown in all 4 instructions. That is adopted by a chant and the lighting of tiki torches. Then a courageous diver jumps into the waters under. For a fantastic 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, “Typically whale watching season runs from November to May, but January to March is the best time to see these majestic creatures. Humpback whales are the most common whales sighted off the coast of Maui. You might also see false killer whales and other species.”
Nieminem provides, “Whale-watching boats are large and give families room to move about the vessel. That means kids will not get bored. It is an amazing experience to see children’s faces light up as they see whales out in the open ocean. For the best experience, bring a few snacks for your family and a small activity to keep young ones busy on board.”
Ready to e book? Take a take a look at these whale-watching tour choices!
14. View sea life at Maui Ocean Center.
Recommended by Dymphe with Dymabroad, “At the Maui Ocean Center, you will find an incredible aquarium where your family can learn about marine life in Hawaii. Your kids can see all kinds of tropical fish, sharks, and other sea creatures here. What’s amazing is that you can walk through a tunnel underneath one of the aquariums and feel as if you are in the ocean yourself.”
15. Pet goats and style cheese at Surfing Goat Dairy.
Take a break from the seaside with a day journey to Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula in Upcountry Maui. Sign up prematurely for a Daily Casual 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 Evening Chore & Milking Tour. There’s even a Baby Goat Interaction for households who go to in early spring. You can even 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 out of doors play space for youthful kids and shaded picnic tables right here.
16. Go zip-lining.
Hawaii aficionado Marcie Cheung from Hawaii Travel With Kids declares, “There are so many fun things to do on Maui that it’s easy to fill up your Maui itinerary in no time. That’s why you need to make sure to leave room for zip-lining in Maui with kids. Not only is it a super cool adventure, but also the views of Maui are epic.”
Cheung explains, “There are several Maui zipline companies to choose from depending on age and abilities. Maui Zipline can take kids as young as 5 years old, which is perfect for beginners. For families with older kids at least 10 years old, the Flyin Hawaiian Zipline is the longest, highest, and fastest zip on Maui. Zip-lining on Maui is a Hawaii adventure your family will always remember!”
17. Splash in a waterfall.
Do you wish to swim in a waterfall in Maui? Of course, you do! The hottest waterfalls for swimming in Maui embody the Seven Sacred Pools, Upper 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 Perfect Days says, “This gorgeous 100-foot waterfall is one of the lesser-known falls along the popular Road to Hana. It’s a wonderful family excursion in Maui because it tends to be much less crowded than many of the other stops on the popular winding road.”
Meisler advises, “There is a short half-mile hike along Punalau Creek to the falls. Not only will you find the impressive falls, but also there’s a swimming hole for family fun. Wear water shoes and don’t forget towels and sunscreen!”
18. Visit sea turtles at Ho’okipa Beach.
Ho’okipa Beach on the north aspect of the island is a superb place to take your children to see turtles within the wild. Luke Storey with Wild About BC says, “Every day, Hawaiian green sea turtles emerge from the water and crawl onto the sand to lie in the sun for a few hours at the eastern end of the beach, right below Ho’okipa Lookout. While you aren’t allowed to go right up to the turtles, watching them from a short distance is an amazing experience. This is especially true for kids who may not be able to snorkel or swim in 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. Stop 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 forms of lavender. You’ll additionally see and scent succulents, roses, hydrangea, and olive timber amongst different flora. The farm’s historical past originates from the late founder, Ali’i Chan, who began the whole farm from a single lavender plant gifted by a good friend in 2001.
Antoine and Marielle from Offbeat Escapades say, “The farm is one of the top things to do in Maui with kids for its walking tours, craft classes, and picnics. Ali’i Kula provides a truly unique and educational experience in nature, distinct from the typical outdoor activities. Furthermore, there is a secret garden scavenger hunt that is perfect for kids and adults of all ages. The Maui treasure hunt begins at the gift shop and takes families through hidden sections of the farm and ends with a prize for children.”
20. Visit a black sand seaside in Wai’anapanapa State Park.
Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated proper off Hana Highway. One of the primary options of the park is Pa’iloa Beach, also called Wai’anapanapa Beach.
The Discovery Nut‘s Daria Bachmann says, “This is considered by many to be the most beautiful black sand beach on Maui. It’s surrounded by sharp lava rocks and the surrounding lush tropical vegetation creates a stunning contrast with the cobalt blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. While swimming here is not always possible due to dangerous rip currents, you should absolutely take time to explore this 122-acre state park with a camera in hand. You will find many incredible lava caves fed by ocean springs and scenic hiking trails covered with black lava rocks.”
21. Embark on a family-friendly Jeep tour of Maui.
Nervous about tackling the Road to Hana? Jason Carlton with Carltonauts Travel Tips advises, “Let a local do the driving!” He recommends Hoaloha Jeep Adventures, which provides family-friendly excursions across the island, custom-made to your loved ones’s pursuits and tempo. For bigger households, the Jeeps caravan along with the kids in a single car and the adults in one other, if desired.
Carlton says, “Learn about Maui’s culture and history while exploring with an expert. During your tour, you can swim near a waterfall, explore a rare black sand beach, hike on a volcano, or grab a bite from a local hot spot. Hoaloha even provides life jackets for younger kids if they want to swim.”
22. Become a mermaid for a day with Hawaii Mermaid Adventures.
“If you’re coming to Maui with kids, then you’ll love the Hawaii Mermaid Adventures, says Victoria Heinz from Guide Your Travel. “They offer Mermaid Swimming Lessons, where you and your young children transform yourselves into real-life mermaids.”
Heinz continues, “Kids above 50 lbs can be a 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 attempt it simply but. The greatest information is that skilled images is included in each single session. What higher technique to maintain these reminiscences ceaselessly than with a improbable set of photographs to recollect the day! Kids will completely like it however swimming like a mermaid can also be enjoyable for adults. The entire household will get pleasure from this expertise so make sure to add it to your journey itinerary in your journey to Maui.“
23. Visit botanical gardens alongside the Road to Hana.
Due to the state’s distinctive local weather, there are many vegetation that develop solely in Hawaii and nowhere else within the United States. Tatiana with Family Road Trip Guru says, “If you love lush greenery and bright, beautiful flowers of all shapes and sizes, then you will be very happy strolling the paths of such pretty gardens as Garden of Eden or Kula Botanical Garden. Both are located along the Road to Hana and make nice pit stops for families with their paved stroller-friendly paths. A bonus for bird lovers, Garden of Eden has a resident peacock and Kula is home to Nene geese unique to Hawaii.”
24. Rappel down waterfalls.
As one of many extra thrilling out of doors sights in Maui, Rappel Maui provides a novel expertise for households searching for Maui’s lovely waterfalls. “Whether families are in Maui for two weeks or stopping in on a Hawaii cruise, Rappel Maui is sure to thrill. Those who gather enough courage to rappel down waterfalls will not forget this remarkable activity,” in accordance with Ellie Ewert from Ellie’s Travel Tips.
Ewert says, “If safety is a concern, don’t worry! Guests are provided with all necessary equipment and instructions to safely rappel down the falls into refreshing natural water pools. Kids must be at least 10 years old to rappel. But all ages can enjoy the scenic rainforest hike through the Hawaiian jungle as they discover Maui’s gushing waterfalls.”
25. Swim in a superb Maui resort pool.
Hawaii is dwelling to among the world’s most unimaginable swimming swimming pools. In reality, many households (like mine!) select the place to remain in Maui primarily based on the standard of the resort pool. Amazing 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 resort swimming pools. Meanwhile, Sheraton Maui wows pool followers with its meandering, palm-lined lazy river. Want further concepts? Take a take a look at the greatest resort swimming pools in Hawaii for households.
Soak up the spirit of aloha!
In addition to those family-friendly actions in Maui, the state’s distinctive spirit of aloha makes it one in all 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 type angle of Hawaii’s residents.
An encounter with an openhearted waitress at Hyatt Regency Maui’s Swan Court exemplifies this spirit of aloha. My then 6-year-old beamed as he advised our waitress, “Did you know something? It was my biggest dream to come to Hawaii. And now I am here!”
We watched the swans and geese swimming within the Swan Court’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, keep living your dreams!”
She advised him, “I think it’s wonderful that you dreamed of coming to Hawaii. I hope you will continue to dream because you can do anything you want in life.”
He couldn’t cease grinning as he thanked her and hugged his chocolate prize. Then he mentioned, “No one seems mean here. Everyone in Hawaii is happy.”
He’s proper. What’s to not be comfortable about in Maui?
Please assist Maui proceed to be a spot the place happiness is contagious by donating to any of those advisable charitable organizations.
Explore extra of Hawaii.
The two hottest resort areas on Maui are Wailea and Kaanapali. Discover my favourite issues to do in Kaanapali with children.
Four of Hawaii’s 5 lively volcanoes are on the Big Island. Read my ideas for exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with children.
Hawaii’s most populous island, Oahu, is dwelling to Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and far more. Discover why to plan an Oahu trip with children.
Ready for household adventures in paradise? I like flying to the islands with Hawaiian Airlines as a result of they make you’re feeling like your trip begins the minute you board the aircraft. Take a take a look at flight costs with Hawaiian Airlines now!
Take a take a look at my journey planning providers so I can plan your Maui household trip whilst you give attention to taking part in in paradise!
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A Note from Colleen: Thank you to Kaanapali Beach Resort, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for internet hosting one in all our many Maui holidays.