Maui with youngsters 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 get pleasure from. Since I’ve visited this Hawaiian trip spot a number of instances with my kids, I’m completely happy to share a few of my favourite kid-friendly sights on the island, together with different journey specialists’ picks for one of the best Maui actions for households. This listing of one of the best issues to do in Maui with youngsters will make you wish to pack your luggage for paradise!
This web site generally receives compensation, hosted journey, or merchandise associated to weblog posts. This text could embrace affiliate hyperlinks at no additional value to customers. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn cash from qualifying purchases.
Maui welcomes guests!
Regardless of the tragic fires Maui skilled in August 2023, tourism continues to be the island’s major income. Right now, many of the Valley Isle is open for enterprise and completely happy 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. In line with 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 assist 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 Crimson 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 reality, 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 do you have to start? Erica Gellerman with The Hawaii Trip Information recommends Napili Bay for its “tender white sand, largely calm water, and nice snorkeling.”
And don’t let the oceanfront accommodations at Wailea Seashore intimidate you. Whereas this space is house to many upscale resorts, together with 4 Seasons Maui, remember the fact 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 accommodations 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 Nationwide Park.
Haleakala Nationwide Park is likely one of the most stunning and culturally vital locations you possibly can go to in Maui with youngsters 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 no less than 20 minutes away. You’ll want to cease on the guests middle to be taught extra about Hawaiian tradition and the importance of this park. For climbing, the Sliding Sands Path is greatest for younger youngsters 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 named the Home of the Solar for being one of many world’s greatest locations to view attractive 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 possibly can arrange a tent and spend the evening having fun with the gorgeous surroundings and contemporary air. You’ll want to costume in layers for the reason that temperature may be 30 levels cooler on the summit than at sea stage. 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 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 sometimes embrace 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 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 strive conventional poi, a purplish grey paste comprised of taro root.
4. Tour the historic district of Lahaina.
Though elements of Lahaina stay briefly 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 might be rebuilt, though, “it would 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 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 an emblem of hope for the realm’s rebuilding course of.
5. Join a Molokini snorkel tour.
Hawaii is a unbelievable place for snorkeling with youngsters 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 historic 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 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 protected and comfy.”
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 areas supply mind-blowing views of coral reefs, unbelievable marine life, and heat waters with few waves.
6. Deal with youngsters to Hawaiian shaved ice.
No go to to Maui with youngsters could be full with no colourful serving of Hawaiian shaved ice. Approach higher than your commonplace 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’ll be able to 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 that deal with embrace Peace Love Shave Ice in Kihei, Island Cream Firm in Lahaina, and Ululani’s at a number of areas on the island.
7. Learn to surf.
Household journey professional Claudia Laroye of Claudia Travels says, “There’s no higher time to discover ways to surf than throughout a go to to Maui. In spite of everything, you’re surrounded by ocean waves and the alternatives to be taught are quite a few. Many family-friendly resorts on the island supply 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 shocked in case your youngsters begin using 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 toes 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.”
Positioned off Lahaina, these kid-friendly submarine rides in Maui not solely entertain but in addition educate youngsters in regards to the ocean and its inhabitants. Geared up with giant viewing home windows and fashionable comforts reminiscent of air-conditioning, be prepared for an eye-widening underwater journey! (Youngsters should be 36″+ to take part.)
Be aware: Atlantis Submarines in Maui stays briefly closed as of April 2025 resulting from hearth injury. Nevertheless, 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 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’s worthwhile to unplug and reconnect as a household, then Hana is THE place to be.
Though Hana is as laidback as may 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. Convey 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 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 accordance with Hawaii professional Sarah Vanheel with PlacesToStayMaui.com. She continues, “The preferred leis are fabricated from orchids, however yow will discover shell or kukui nut leis too. Many household resorts in Maui manage lei-making lessons for teenagers and fogeys. Making a full lei is perhaps a bit too bold for little youngsters however they will 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 youngsters in Maui.
There are fantastic hikes in Maui on all elements of the island. “It’s so a lot enjoyable to get outdoors along with your youngsters 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, “Dad and mom touring with a child or toddler in a stroller ought to select the paved Wailea Seashore Path to soak up scenic views of the attractive Wailea waterfront. One other nice hike for households is the straightforward 1-mile roundtrip alongside a manicured path via tropical foliage to the beautiful Twin Falls waterfalls, simply outdoors of Paia. For among the best views on the island of Maui, drive to the Thompson Street Stroll positioned 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 likely one of the greatest issues to do in Kaanapali, Maui with youngsters. 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 toes in peak.”
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 under. For an awesome 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 youngsters in Maui. Lindsay Nieminem, journey professional and creator of Step into Jordan says, “Usually whale watching season runs from November to Might, however January to March is one of the 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 in regards to the vessel. Meaning youngsters is not going to get bored. It’s an incredible expertise to see kids’s faces gentle up as they see whales out within the open ocean. For one of the best expertise, convey 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 Heart.
Really useful by Dymphe with Dymabroad, “On the Maui Ocean Heart, you will discover an unbelievable aquarium the place your loved ones can study marine life in Hawaii. Your youngsters can see all types of tropical fish, sharks, and different sea creatures right here. What’s superb is which you can stroll via 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 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 can even swing by simply to purchase a few of their scrumptious goat cheese.
Do the goats actually surf? No, however you wouldn’t understand 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 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’s worthwhile to be certain to go away room for zip-lining in Maui with youngsters. Not solely is it an excellent cool journey, but in addition the views of Maui are epic.”
Cheung explains, “There are a number of Maui zipline corporations to select from relying on age and skills. Maui Zipline can take youngsters as younger as 5 years outdated, which is ideal for freshmen. For households with older youngsters no less than 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 wish to swim in a waterfall in Maui? After all, you do! The preferred 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 attractive 100-foot waterfall is likely one of the lesser-known falls alongside the favored Street to Hana. It’s a beautiful 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 quick 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 Seashore.
Ho’okipa Seashore on the north aspect of the island is a superb place to take your youngsters 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 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 teenagers who could not be capable 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 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 types 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 likely one of the prime issues to do in Maui with youngsters for its strolling excursions, craft lessons, and picnics. Ali’i Kula offers a very distinctive and academic expertise in nature, distinct from the standard out of doors 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 via 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 positioned proper off Hana Freeway. One of many major options of the park is Pa’iloa Seashore, often known as Wai’anapanapa Seashore.
The Discovery Nut‘s Daria Bachmann says, “That is thought of by many to be probably 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 will not 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 digicam in hand. You will discover many unbelievable lava caves fed by ocean springs and scenic 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 an area do the driving!” He recommends Hoaloha Jeep Adventures, which presents 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 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 professional. 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 offers life jackets for youthful youngsters in the event that they wish to swim.”
22. Turn out to be a mermaid for a day with Hawaii Mermaid Adventures.
“When you’re coming to Maui with youngsters, 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 many 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 option to preserve these reminiscences perpetually than with a unbelievable set of images to recollect the day! Youngsters will completely adore 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 to your journey to Maui.“
23. Go to botanical gardens alongside the Street 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 USA. Tatiana with Household Street Journey Guru says, “When you love lush greenery and vibrant, stunning flowers of all styles and sizes, then you can be very completely happy strolling the paths of such fairly gardens as Backyard of Eden or Kula Botanical Backyard. Each are positioned alongside the Street to Hana and make good pit stops for households with their paved stroller-friendly paths. A bonus for chook 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 out of doors sights in Maui, Rappel Maui presents a novel expertise for households in quest of 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 accordance with Ellie Ewert from Ellie’s Journey Ideas.
Ewert says, “If security is a priority, don’t fear! Visitors are supplied with all needed tools and directions to soundly rappel down the falls into refreshing pure water swimming pools. Youngsters should be no less than 10 years outdated to rappel. However all ages can benefit from the scenic rainforest hike via the Hawaiian jungle as they uncover Maui’s gushing waterfalls.”
25. Swim in a superb Maui lodge pool.
Hawaii is house to among the world’s most unbelievable swimming swimming pools. In reality, 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 accommodations 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 extra 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 certainly one of 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 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 instructed our waitress, “Do you know one thing? It was my largest dream to come back 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 desires!”
She instructed him, “I feel 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 mentioned, “Nobody appears imply right here. Everybody in Hawaii is completely happy.”
He’s proper. What’s to not be completely happy 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.
Discover extra of Hawaii.
The 2 hottest resort areas on Maui are Wailea and Kaanapali. Uncover my favourite issues to do in Kaanapali with youngsters.
4 of Hawaii’s 5 energetic volcanoes are on the Massive Island. Learn my suggestions for exploring Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park with youngsters.
Hawaii’s most populous island, Oahu, is house to Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Heart, and far more. Uncover why to plan an Oahu trip with youngsters.
Prepared for household adventures in paradise? I really like flying to the islands with Hawaiian Airways as a result of they make you’re 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 give attention to taking part in in paradise!
Save these Maui household trip suggestions.
For future reference, preserve this listing of one of the best issues to do in Maui with youngsters. Merely pin the picture above or under to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest when you’re at it!
What are your favourite Maui household actions? Do you’ve any questions on visiting Maui with youngsters? Share your ideas within the feedback under!
A Be aware from Colleen: Thanks to Kaanapali Seashore Resort, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for internet hosting certainly one of our many Maui holidays.
