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 take pleasure in. Since I’ve visited this Hawaiian trip spot a number of instances with my kids, I’m joyful to share a few of my favourite kid-friendly sights on the island, together with different journey specialists’ 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 need 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 predominant income. At the moment, a lot of the Valley Isle is open for enterprise and joyful 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 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. In line 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 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 Pink 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 actual fact, it will be virtually inconceivable. Whether or not you need to swim, surf, or just construct sand castles on the shore, the seaside 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 “smooth white sand, largely calm water, and nice snorkeling.”
And don’t let the oceanfront lodges at Wailea Seashore intimidate you. Whereas this space is dwelling to many upscale resorts, together with 4 Seasons Maui, understand that all seashores on Maui are open to the general public.
If you happen to plan to spend so much of your loved ones journey on the seaside, then e book a room at one of many many oceanfront lodges in Maui to maximise your playtime. For extra strategies, 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’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 a minimum of 20 minutes away. You should definitely cease on the guests heart to study 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’ll be able to stroll up a mile or two to see outdated lava. Then flip round when your loved ones will get drained. Kids 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 attractive sunrises and sunsets. E book a dawn Haleakala tour to see what I imply.
Haleakala can be the proper 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 gorgeous surroundings and contemporary air. You should definitely gown in layers because the 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 had been as soon as reserved for Hawaiian royalty, however right now, 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 need 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 made out 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’ll take years of labor and billions of {dollars},” in accordance with 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 incredible 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, “Among the finest snorkeling areas in Maui lies just some 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 corporations 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 affords the proper 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 comfy.”
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 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 can be full with out a colourful serving of Hawaiian shaved ice. Means 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 may even get yours topped with a drizzle of sweetened evaporated milk for an additional splurge.
Kids 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 plain 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 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 learn to surf than throughout a go to to Maui. In spite of everything, you’re surrounded by ocean waves and the alternatives to study are quite a few. Many family-friendly resorts on the island provide surf classes for households or particular person kids. Browsing isn’t as simple because it appears, 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 using the waves earlier than you do. Kids have the benefit when getting up on a board, as their decrease heart of gravity provides them additional stability on the surfboard.”
Able to catch some waves? Check out this array of surf classes in Maui out there from GetYourGuide!
8. Go underneath the ocean with Atlantis Submarine.
Sean Lau with LivingOutLau recommends households, “discover the depths of the ocean on a real-life, practical 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 synthetic 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 additionally educate children concerning the ocean and its inhabitants. Geared up with giant viewing home windows and trendy comforts similar 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 resulting from fireplace injury. Nevertheless, you can also make reservations for submarine excursions departing from Kona on the Huge Island or Waikiki in Oahu.
9. Drive the highway 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 it is advisable to unplug and reconnect as a household, then Hana is THE place to be.
Though Hana is as laidback as might be, count on some white-knuckle moments as you grip the steering wheel throughout 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 do-it-yourself banana bread from native stands alongside the best way.
Hana-Maui Resort (previously Travaasa Hana) offers the last word in leisure and luxurious. Wish to study extra? Learn my full Hana-Maui Resort assessment.
10. Attend a lei-making class.
“Essentially the most colourful token of Hawaiian hospitality is the normal garland known as a lei,” in accordance with Hawaii skilled Sarah Vanheel with PlacesToStayMaui.com. She continues, “The most well-liked leis are made from orchids, however you will discover shell or kukui nut leis too. Many household resorts in Maui manage lei-making courses for youths and fogeys. Making a full lei is likely to be a bit too bold for little children however they’ll simply as effectively 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 great hikes in Maui on all elements of the island. “It’s so a lot enjoyable to get exterior along with your children and take a stroll alongside the seaside, to a waterfall, or up a mountain for spectacular ocean views,” says Whitney with Designs for Journey.
Undecided the place to go? Whitney advises, “Dad and mom touring with a child or toddler in a stroller ought to select the paved Wailea Seashore Path to absorb scenic views of the gorgeous Wailea waterfront. One other nice hike for households is the simple 1-mile roundtrip alongside a manicured path by way of tropical foliage to the stunning Twin Falls waterfalls, simply exterior of Paia. For the most effective views on the island of Maui, drive to the Thompson Highway 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 referred to 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 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 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 without doubt one of the most memorable issues to do with children in Maui. Lindsay Nieminem, journey skilled and writer of Step into Jordan says, “Usually whale watching season runs from November to Might, however January to March is the very best time to see these majestic creatures. Humpback whales are the most typical whales sighted off the coast of Maui. You may also see false killer whales and different species.”
Nieminem provides, “Whale-watching boats are giant and provides households room to maneuver concerning the vessel. Meaning children won’t 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 very best expertise, deliver a number 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.
Really helpful by Dymphe with Dymabroad, “On the Maui Ocean Middle, you can see an unbelievable aquarium the place your loved ones can study marine life in Hawaii. Your children can see all types of tropical fish, sharks, and different sea creatures right here. What’s wonderful is that you could stroll by way of a tunnel beneath one of many aquariums and really feel as in case you are within the ocean your self.”
15. Pet goats and style cheese at Browsing Goat Dairy.
Take a break from the seaside with a day journey to Browsing Goat Dairy in Kula in Upcountry Maui. Enroll upfront for a Day by day Informal Tour to feed and milk a goat, study concerning 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 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 the entire 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 Journey With Youngsters declares, “There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do on Maui that it’s simple to replenish your Maui itinerary very quickly. That’s why it is advisable to ensure to go away room for zip-lining in Maui with children. Not solely is it a brilliant cool journey, but additionally the views of Maui are epic.”
Cheung explains, “There are a number of Maui zipline corporations to select from relying on age and talents. Maui Zipline can take children as younger as 5 years outdated, which is ideal for newbies. For households with older children a minimum of 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 at all times 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 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, writer of 52 Good Days says, “This attractive 100-foot waterfall is without doubt one of the lesser-known falls alongside the favored Highway to Hana. It’s a beautiful 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 highway.”
Meisler advises, “There’s a quick half-mile hike alongside Punalau Creek to the falls. Not solely will you discover the spectacular falls, but additionally 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, “Daily, Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles emerge from the water and crawl onto the sand to lie within the solar for a number of hours on the japanese finish of the seaside, proper beneath Ho’okipa Lookout. When 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 youths who could 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 sorts of lavender. You’ll additionally see and odor succulents, roses, hydrangea, and olive bushes amongst different flora. The farm’s historical past originates from the late founder, Ali’i Chan, who began the complete farm from a single lavender plant gifted by a buddy in 2001.
Antoine and Marielle from Offbeat Escapades say, “The farm is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Maui with children for its strolling excursions, craft courses, and picnics. Ali’i Kula offers a very distinctive and academic expertise in nature, distinct from the everyday out of doors actions. Moreover, there’s a secret backyard scavenger hunt that’s excellent 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 kids.”
20. Go to a black sand seaside in Wai’anapanapa State Park.
Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated proper off Hana Freeway. One of many predominant options of the park is Pa’iloa Seashore, also called Wai’anapanapa Seashore.
The Discovery Nut‘s Daria Bachmann says, “That is thought of by many to be essentially the most stunning black sand seaside 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 is just not at all times attainable resulting from harmful rip currents, you must 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 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 affords 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’ll be able to swim close to a waterfall, discover a uncommon black sand seaside, hike on a volcano, or seize a chew from an area scorching spot. Hoaloha even offers life jackets for youthful children in the event that they need to swim.”
22. Grow to be a mermaid for a day with Hawaii Mermaid Adventures.
“If you happen to’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 rework yourselves into real-life mermaids.”
Heinz continues, “Youngsters above 50 lbs can be a part of the teachings and can have the time of their lives. Or, select Mermaid Meet-and-Greets for individuals who aren’t able to strive it simply but. The most effective information is that skilled images is included in each single session. What higher approach to preserve these recollections without end than with a incredible set of images to recollect the day! Youngsters will completely find it irresistible however swimming like a mermaid can 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 Highway to Hana.
As a result of 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, “If you happen to love lush greenery and vivid, stunning flowers of all styles and sizes, then you’ll be very joyful 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 dwelling to Nene geese distinctive to Hawaii.”
24. Rappel down waterfalls.
As one of many extra thrilling out of doors sights in Maui, Rappel Maui affords 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 won’t neglect this exceptional exercise,” in accordance with Ellie Ewert from Ellie’s Journey Ideas.
Ewert says, “If security is a priority, don’t fear! Company are supplied with all mandatory tools and directions to soundly rappel down the falls into refreshing pure water swimming pools. Youngsters should be a minimum of 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 wonderful Maui lodge pool.
Hawaii is dwelling to among the world’s most unbelievable swimming swimming pools. In actual fact, many households (like mine!) select the place to remain in Maui based mostly on the standard of the lodge pool. Wonderful waterfalls, splash areas, water slides, rope bridges, lush landscapes, and swim-up pool bars lure vacationers to linger within the pool space at lodges 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 greatest 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 all my favourite locations on Earth. The literal which means of aloha is “presence of breath.” This time period symbolizes the nice and cozy, welcoming, and sort angle 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 instructed 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, preserve dwelling your goals!”
She instructed him, “I feel 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 joyful.”
He’s proper. What’s to not be joyful 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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Check out my journey planning providers so I can plan your Maui household trip whilst 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 all our many Maui holidays.