Maui with children is a dream come true. Gorgeous 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 occasions with my kids, I’m blissful to share a few of my favourite kid-friendly points of interest 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 need to pack your luggage 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 most important income. At present, many of the Valley Isle is open for enterprise and blissful to greet guests. Unaffected areas embrace Makena, Kihei, Wailea, Central, North Shore, Upcountry, and Hana. With tourism down about 23% from 2019 ranges, you possibly can 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. Based on 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 help 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 Crimson Cross for Maui.

1. Play on the seashore.

With 750 miles of shoreline within the state, it might be loopy to go to Hawaii and never spend time on the seashore. Actually, it might be nearly unimaginable. Whether or not you need 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 “mushy white sand, largely calm water, and nice snorkeling.”

And don’t let the oceanfront resorts at Wailea Seaside intimidate you. Whereas this space is house to many upscale resorts, together with 4 Seasons Maui, remember that all seashores on Maui are open to the general public.

When 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 resorts in Maui to maximise your playtime. For extra solutions, check out among the greatest seashores on Maui.

2. Watch a dawn or sundown at Haleakala Nationwide Park.

Haleakala Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most stunning and culturally vital locations you possibly can 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 many of the day at Haleakala Nationwide Park. Additionally, you’ll want meals and loads of water for the reason that nearest retailer is at the least 20 minutes away. Be sure you cease on the guests heart to be taught extra about Hawaiian tradition and the importance of this park. For mountaineering, the Sliding Sands Path is greatest for younger children as a result of you possibly can stroll up a mile or two to see outdated 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 greatest locations to view beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Ebook a dawn Haleakala tour to see what I imply.

Haleakala can also be the proper place to stargaze. Since this park is open 24 hours a day, you possibly can arrange a tent and spend the night time having fun with the gorgeous surroundings and recent air. Be sure you gown in layers for the reason that temperature might 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 social gathering is a luau. Luaus are feasts that have been as soon as reserved for Hawaiian royalty, however as we speak, 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 sometimes embrace dwell music, hips shaking the hula, gasp-inducing fireplace dancing, and Mai Tais for mother and pop. Outgoing kids will need 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. These with adventurous style buds should attempt conventional poi, a purplish grey paste constituted of taro root.

4. Tour the historic district of Lahaina.

Though 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 Inexperienced assured residents and vacationers that Lahaina will probably be rebuilt, though, “it should take years of labor and billions of {dollars},” in response to MauiNews.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 stunning banyan tree. Lahaina’s Banyan Tree was severely broken within the fires. Fortunately, the tree remains to be standing and stays an emblem of hope for the realm’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, “The most effective snorkeling areas in Maui lies only a few miles offshore on the crescent-moon atoll, Molokini. The distinctive form of this small island was attributable to the remnants of an historical volcanic crater that has largely collapsed into the encircling 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 proper mixture of fine meals, instructional programming particularly geared in direction of households, and a good-sized boat that makes the journey there and again protected and cozy.”

 

A lot of the Molokini excursions embrace 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 provide 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 could be full and not using a colourful serving of Hawaiian shaved ice. Method higher than your normal snow cone, this deal with is made with finely grated ice fairly 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 may even get yours topped with a drizzle of sweetened evaporated milk for an additional splurge.

Youngsters will get pleasure from 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? A number of favourite locations to do this deal with embrace Peace Love Shave Ice in Kihei, Island Cream Firm in Lahaina, and Ululani’s at a number of places on the island.

7. Discover ways to surf.

Household journey skilled Claudia Laroye of Claudia Travels says, “There’s no higher time to learn to surf than throughout a go to to Maui. In any case, you’re surrounded by ocean waves and the alternatives to be taught are quite a few. Many family-friendly resorts on the island provide surf classes for households or particular person kids. Browsing isn’t as straightforward because it seems to be, so I like to recommend reserving group or non-public browsing classes. The calm and exquisite seashores of Ka’anapali, Lahaina, and Kihei are perfect for Browsing 101.”

 

Laroye warns, “Don’t be stunned 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 heart of gravity offers them further stability on the surfboard.”

Able to catch some waves? Check out this array of surf classes in Maui obtainable from GetYourGuide!

8. Go beneath the ocean with Atlantis Submarine.

Sean Lau with LivingOutLau recommends households, “discover the depths of the ocean on a real-life, useful submarine!” He says, “Atlantis Submarines takes you over 100 ft under 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.”

Situated 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. Geared up with massive viewing home windows and trendy comforts similar to air-conditioning, be prepared for an eye-widening underwater journey! (Children should be 36″+ to take part.)

Be aware: Atlantis Submarines in Maui stays quickly closed as of April 2025 resulting from fireplace injury. Nevertheless, you can also make reservations for submarine excursions departing from Kona on the Large 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 japanese 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 just 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 might be, anticipate some white-knuckle moments as you grip the steering wheel through the journey. You’ll cross one-way bridges and switchbacks whereas locals zoom previous with a smile and a pleasant hang-loose gesture. Carry money to buy recent fruit and home made banana bread from native stands alongside the way in which.

Hana-Maui Resort (previously Travaasa Hana) gives the last word in rest and luxurious. Wish to be taught extra? Learn my full Hana-Maui Resort evaluation.

10. Attend a lei-making class.

“Essentially the most colourful token of Hawaiian hospitality is the normal garland known as a lei,” in response to Hawaii skilled Sarah Vanheel with PlacesToStayMaui.com. She continues, “The most well-liked leis are made from orchids, however yow will discover shell or kukui nut leis too. Many household resorts in Maui manage lei-making courses for youths and oldsters. Making a full lei may be a bit too bold for little children however they’ll simply as nicely 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 resort room fridge to be worn at dinner.”

11. Hike with children in Maui.

There are great hikes in Maui on all elements of the island. “It’s so a lot enjoyable to get exterior 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.

Unsure the place to go? Whitney advises, “Mother and father touring with a child or toddler in a stroller ought to select the paved Wailea Seaside Path to absorb scenic views of the gorgeous Wailea waterfront. One other nice hike for households is the straightforward 1-mile roundtrip alongside a manicured path by way of tropical foliage to the stunning Twin Falls waterfalls, simply exterior of Paia. For among the best views on the island of Maui, drive to the Thompson Highway Stroll situated in Keokea within the foothills of Haleakala. From right here you possibly can see bicoastal views of Maui, Lanai, Kaho’olawe, and Molokini as you stroll previous Oprah’s spectacular trip house.”

12. Watch cliff divers at Black Rock.

Exploring Pu’u Keka’a, generally generally known as Black Rock, is without doubt one of the greatest 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 number of various spots to leap off into the ocean starting from 10 to 25 ft in peak.”

Dockendorf elaborates, “Each night time 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 under. For an important 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 without doubt 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. Which means children is not going to get bored. It’s an incredible expertise to see kids’s faces mild up as they see whales out within the open ocean. For the most effective expertise, deliver just a few 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 discover 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 wonderful is you could stroll by way of 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. Join upfront for a Every day Informal Tour to feed and milk a goat, be taught 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 too can 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 the entire 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 Children declares, “There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do on Maui that it’s straightforward to replenish your Maui itinerary very quickly. That’s why you must be sure 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 skills. Maui Zipline can take children as younger as 5 years outdated, which is ideal for learners. For households with older children at the least 10 years outdated, 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 need to swim in a waterfall in Maui? In fact, you do! The most well-liked waterfalls for swimming in Maui embrace 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 without doubt one of the lesser-known falls alongside the favored Highway to Hana. It’s an exquisite household tour in Maui as a result of it tends to be a lot much less crowded than lots 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 sneakers and don’t neglect towels and sunscreen!”

18. Go to sea turtles at Ho’okipa Seaside.

Ho’okipa Seaside 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, “Day-after-day, Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles emerge from the water and crawl onto the sand to lie within the solar for just a few hours on the japanese finish of the seashore, proper under Ho’okipa Lookout. Whilst you aren’t allowed to go proper as much as the turtles, watching them from a brief distance is an incredible expertise. That is very true for youths 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 absorb expansive coastal views and watch surfers hanging ten.

19. Cease to odor 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 odor succulents, roses, hydrangea, and olive timber 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 without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Maui with children for its strolling excursions, craft courses, and picnics. Ali’i Kula gives a really distinctive and academic expertise in nature, distinct from the everyday outside actions. Moreover, there’s a secret backyard scavenger hunt that’s good for youths and adults of all ages. The Maui treasure hunt begins on the reward store and takes households by way of hidden sections of the farm and ends with a prize for youngsters.”

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 most important options of the park is Pa’iloa Seaside, also referred to as Wai’anapanapa Seaside.

The Discovery Nut‘s Daria Bachmann says, “That is thought of by many to be essentially the most stunning black sand seashore on Maui. It’s surrounded by sharp lava rocks and the encircling lush tropical vegetation creates a shocking distinction with the cobalt blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Whereas swimming right here shouldn’t be all the time potential resulting from harmful rip currents, you need to completely take time to discover this 122-acre state park with a digital camera in hand. You can see many unbelievable lava caves fed by ocean springs and scenic mountaineering trails coated with black lava rocks.”

21. Embark on a family-friendly Jeep tour of Maui.

Nervous about tackling the Highway to Hana? Jason Carlton with Carltonauts Journey Ideas advises, “Let an area 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 car 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 possibly can swim close to a waterfall, discover a uncommon black sand seashore, hike on a volcano, or seize a chew from an area scorching spot. Hoaloha even gives life jackets for youthful children in the event that they need to swim.”

22. Develop into a mermaid for a day with Hawaii Mermaid Adventures.

“When you’re coming to Maui with children, then you definately’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, “Children above 50 lbs can be part of the teachings and can have the time of their lives. Or, select Mermaid Meet-and-Greets for many who aren’t able to attempt it simply but. The very best information is that skilled images is included in each single session. What higher approach to hold these recollections ceaselessly than with a implausible set of photographs to recollect the day! Children 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 you’ll want to add it to your journey itinerary on your journey to Maui.“

23. Go to botanical gardens alongside the Highway to Hana.

Because of the state’s distinctive local weather, there are many crops that develop solely in Hawaii and nowhere else in the US. Tatiana with Household Highway Journey Guru says, “When you love lush greenery and vivid, stunning flowers of all styles and sizes, then you’ll be very blissful strolling the paths of such fairly gardens as Backyard of Eden or Kula Botanical Backyard. Each are situated alongside the Highway to Hana and make good pit stops for households with their paved stroller-friendly paths. A bonus for hen lovers, Backyard of Eden has a resident peacock and Kula is house to Nene geese distinctive to Hawaii.”

24. Rappel down waterfalls.

As one of many extra thrilling outside points of interest in Maui, Rappel Maui presents a singular expertise for households looking 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 vital gear and directions to securely rappel down the falls into refreshing pure water swimming pools. Children should be at the least 10 years outdated to rappel. However all ages can benefit from the scenic rainforest hike by way of the Hawaiian jungle as they uncover Maui’s gushing waterfalls.”

25. Swim in a superb Maui resort pool.

Hawaii is house to among the world’s most unbelievable swimming swimming pools. Actually, many households (like mine!) select the place to remain in Maui based mostly on the standard of the resort 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 resorts and resorts throughout the island.

Hyatt Regency Maui boasts the world’s first fantasy resort swimming pools. In the meantime, Sheraton Maui wows pool followers with its meandering, palm-lined lazy river. Need further concepts? Check out the greatest resort swimming pools in Hawaii for households.

Take in the spirit of aloha!

Along with these family-friendly actions in Maui, the state’s distinctive spirit of aloha makes it considered one 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 type perspective of Hawaii’s residents.

An encounter with an openhearted waitress at Hyatt Regency Maui’s Swan Courtroom exemplifies this spirit of aloha. My then 6-year-old beamed as he informed our waitress, “Do you know one thing? It was my greatest dream to come back to Hawaii. And now I’m right here!”

We watched the swans and geese swimming within the Swan Courtroom’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, hold residing your goals!”

She informed him, “I believe it’s great that you just 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 blissful.”

He’s proper. What’s to not be blissful about in Maui?

Please assist Maui proceed to be a spot the place happiness is contagious by donating to any of those really helpful charitable organizations.

Discover extra of Hawaii.

The 2 hottest resort areas on Maui are Wailea and Kaanapali. Uncover my favourite issues to do in Kaanapali with children.

4 of Hawaii’s 5 lively volcanoes are on the Large Island. Learn my suggestions for exploring Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park with children.

Hawaii’s most populous island, Oahu, is house to Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Middle, and far more. Uncover why to plan an Oahu trip with children.

Prepared for household adventures in paradise? I 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 providers so I can plan your Maui household trip when you give attention to taking part in in paradise!

Save these Maui household trip suggestions.

For future reference, hold this checklist of the most effective issues to do in Maui with children. Merely pin the picture above or under to Pinterest. I hope you’ll observe Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest when you’re at it!

What are your favourite Maui household actions? Do you might have any questions on visiting Maui with children? Share your ideas within the feedback under!

A Be aware from Colleen: Thanks to Kaanapali Seaside Resort, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for internet hosting considered one of our many Maui holidays.

 

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