Planning a family vacation to Maui, Hawaii? Lost on how to best plan your trip and what of the many activities to do with young children? This guide will outline the top six things to do in Maui with kids.
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The island of Maui is an enchanting isle and a family vacation there is a unique opportunity for children to visit a magical location in the US. However, as always, it is essential to plan your activities wisely to maximize on the quality time together and prevent unhappy little ones. A well planned itinerary can help to ensure safety, good memories and less whining!
The island of Maui offers a huge variety of tourist activities. After three trips to Maui, there are still so many I have yet to try. A Hawaiian vacation does not come cheaply and many of the activities require booking far in advance. In addition, there are numerous excursions that are not well suited for young children. This guide will help to define the best activities for children who are 10 and younger.
#6 Top Thing To Do With Kids in Maui: Wander Around Lahaina
Lahaina town is a charming and historical whaling village transformed into a tourist mecca. Wandering around Lahaina for a day is a day well spent! There are souvenir shops and restaurants to meet everyone’s needs. Once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, Lahaina gives travelers a taste of Maui’s history. Walking down Front Street entertains the young and old!
My favorite breakfast spot in Lahaina is the Aloha Mixed Plate with the best coffee and amazing eggs benedict! The view can not be beat, what better way to start your day!
After breakfast and a little shopping, cool off under the Banyan tree. Planted in 1873, this massive tree’s circumference is a quarter of a mile in diameter and consists of 46 main trunks. It is a great place for a family photo or just sit and take in the culture of downtown Lahaina.
Great for Kids Because…
Lahaina town offers many historical sightseeing opportunities including historical landmarks and museums, however feeds the need for a tourist experience as well. With great restaurants and shops, shaved ice and watering holes everyone will enjoy a day in Lahaina!
#5 Top Thing To Do With Kids in Maui: A Luau
Travel introduces children to diversity. Opening their eyes that the world is bigger than the small bubble they live their day to day within. Becoming aware of the differences between people and cultures offers the opportunity to develop compassion, empathy, and kindness. While a luau is tourism’s translation of the culture of Hawaii, it does represent the traditions indigenous of the people of Hawaii. A Hawaiian vacation without experiencing a luau would certainly be remiss of one of the Islands’ amazing activities!
Booking a Luau
There is a huge variety of luaus on Maui, making it a little difficult to choose the right one for your family. Obviously vicinity to your resort is one of the most important factors, as the luau’s do run later into the evening. Although Maui is not a huge island, it can take a while to get to your destination. You would want to avoid an early morning activity the next day as well!
Luau Recommendations
There are a few features of the show that you should take into consideration when booking a luau. First is all about planning. The Old Lahaina Luau is rated the best on the island and books up months in advance, so planning this requires forethought. Don’t fret if you did not plan ahead…there are many that you can book the day of the event.
The venue location influences the overall experience and hands down it should be located on the waterfront. There is nothing like a Hawaiian luau experience, Mai Tai in hand and watching the sun set over the Hawaiian seas. Many shows are located on the grounds of a hotel, such as the Royal Lahaina Luau and the Drums of the Pacific making them an easy choice if staying there. The Old Lahaina Luau is located right in downtown Lahaina, making it convenient to spend the day walking around the town and end the day at the luau.
Buffet Menu
Choose what is important to you in terms of the experience to help you make the best selection for your family, as not all luaus offer the same features. I have attended 3 of the top rated luaus on Maui and would recommend choosing one that includes an Imu ceremony, the unearthing of the Kalua pig from the in-ground oven. The food is pretty standard menu at all luaus, with Kalua pig and poi, as well as a fish and chicken option. Some offer a keiki’s (kids) buffet, such as the Myths of Maui Royal Lahaina luau.
The Show
Each luau show is a bit different. The Drums of the Pacific includes authentic Polynesian dances and chants in addition to those native to Hawaii, as well as an impressive fire dance. Not all luaus offer a fire dance, so be certain to choose one that offers this if you want that experience. The Old Lahaina luau and the Myths of Maui luau offer stories of the island of Maui and traditional Hawaiian hula.
My Top Pick
The Old Lahaina Luau given the ambiance created by the thatched roofs, ocean front venue, the quality of the show, the open premium bar, complimentary orchid lei, and the best food and service.
#4 Top Thing To Do In With Kids in Maui: Atlantis Submarine Adventure
A water based excursion is a necessity for your Maui vacation itinerary. There are so many options, however many are geared more for adult vacationers such as sunset sails and snorkeling cruises. While these are amazing experiences, not the most entertaining or appropriate for little ones. The Atlantis submarine gives kids a wonderful excursion out on the water. A short boat ride out to the submarine provides great views of the island of Maui, Moloka’i and Lanai. Once aboard the submarine, 48 passengers dive to depths of over 120 feet to view both natural and artificial reefs.
Great for Kids Because…
The Atlantis submarine adventure is great for kids as it is both entertaining and educational. Kids learn about the Hawaiian islands, the fish indigenous to the reefs, the precious and fragile life of ocean reefs. Witnessing the unique underwater habitat of a coral reef raises awareness of the need to protect our environment, a responsibility I want to impress upon my kids. Traveling to the deep of an ocean is a once in a lifetime experience for kids and adults alike!
#3 Top Thing To Do With Kids in Maui: The Maui Tropical Plantation
The island of Maui is a tropical paradise and the Maui Tropical Plantation affords an opportunity for kids to learn about the agricultural aspects of the island. A tram tour takes you on a 40 minute tour of a functioning plantation. You can see how pineapple are grown and how to husk a coconut. Learning about the flora of the island makes for a relaxing afternoon.
There is opportunity for adventure as well, with a zip line that goes tower to tower through the plantation and is appropriate for kids as young as 5!
Great for Kids Because…
The plantation itself is a beautiful setting to experience a bit of Hawaii! Nestled in the Waikapū Valley, the plantation is abundant with Plumeria and Hibiscus flowers, pineapple plants, and coconut trees. I want my kids to experience that Plumeria is the best smelling flower on the planet and that Maui gold pineapple is far sweeter than any you will ever buy in a grocery store. The plantation offers a truly Hawaiian experience through learning what is unique about this magical isle.
Make a day of it and grab lunch while at the Plantation, check out a review of The Mill House!
#2 Top Thing To Do With Kids in Maui: Visit the Haleakala Summit
Haleakala National Park offers the opportunity to visit the summit of a dormant volcano. Haleakala, meaning the “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian dominates the skyline of the whole island. The volcano covers 75% of the island and can be seen from anywhere while on Maui. Standing at 10,023 feet, the view from the summit is awe-inspiring.
Like the Lensball? Check it out here.
Day Trip to the Summit
A day trip to Haleakala National Park does require some planning. It can take about 2 hours to get to the summit from Kaanapali and planning to make the drive up earlier in the morning is well worth it. As the island heats up throughout the day, the cloud cover on the summit swells making it more difficult to see the island below. With forward planning, you can book entry into the park prior to sunrise to be able to watch from the summit. This however is more enjoyable for adults than for kids. I would recommend visiting in the early morning, to arrive around 10am or 11am. Bring warm clothes, as it is cool and windy at the top.
Unique Landscape
While Haleakala has laid dormant since the 17th century, the geography at the summit remains other-worldly. At the highest peaks of the volcano, the landscape is barren, with red and black volcanic rock. One could easily compare it to an alien landscape. Haleakala is home to unique flora and fauna found only on this volcano. The Silversword is an endangered plant found only on Haleakala. These plants live from 3 to 90 years, flower once, and then die. Catching one in bloom is a once in a lifetime experience.
Great for Kids Because…
Our planet is fragile. The National Park on Haleakala promotes the need to be environmentally conscious and outlines the efforts being taken to care for the endangered species indigenous to the island. Our children need to be aware of our responsibility to guard our planet and the beings we share it with. Haleakala offers a unique perspective into this and introduces children close up to a species almost driven to extinction by man.
The park also holds breathtaking views, long hiking trails and a few shorter hikes. Children are exposed to the diversity of our planet. The view also offers a backdrop perfect for epic family photos for Christmas cards.
What to avoid…
With younger children, there are a few activities to avoid. Biking down Haleakala is a popular activity for many, although it looks terrifying to me! There are very strenuous hikes and one that would be appropriate for children, being just a short distance. Assess the appropriateness of hiking on this terrain with your children’s needs and skills.
#1 Top Thing To Do With Kids in Maui: The Beach!
Kids and beach…need I say more?! Maui is home to some of the most breath-taking and unique beaches I have experienced. I encourage you to travel the island and explore as many beaches as you are able. The beaches offer diverse options for you to enjoy from the gigantic waves at Makena State Park (aka Big Beach) to Kapalua Bay for the sheltered cove that is perfect for young snorkelers trying out their fins for the first time.
Top Beach Picks
There are so many beaches to choose from on the island, each a bit different…here are my top picks for family beach time!
Big Beach- Makena State Park
Big Beach at Makena State Park is the most photographed beach on Maui and there is no wonder why. The impressive teal blue surf crashes into the sand with huge waves at times larger than six feet. Off in the distance is the Molokini Crater, making this beach a sight to see. The beach itself is expansive, making it easy to stake out some real estate for your afternoon.
A word of warning, while this beach is awesome for the sights, golden sand, and amazing shore breaks, it is not a good beach for kids to swim. Playing in the sand here is the best option for little ones, as the waves typically break right at the shoreline in huge 3 to 5 foot swells making it dangerous for kids in the water. Use your best parent-sense to decide if this is the right beach for your kids or if they will insist in going into the waves. Also, beware…a short walk over a hill will take you to Little Beach, Maui’s famed nude beach!
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is quite the opposite of Big Beach in terms of the water danger level. Protected by two reefs, there is minimal waves making it a safe beach for little ones to swim and try their hand at snorkeling. There are plenty of reef fish and an occasional sea turtle among the large rock and coral formations. The snorkeling is better along the north side of the cove, along the rocky wall. Parking is available at the beach, although very limited. Parking is also available at the Kapalua resort for a small fee.
Ka’anapali and Napili-Honokowai Beaches
Located on the western shores of Maui, the Ka’anapali and Napili-Honokowai beaches are family friendly and ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing in the hot Hawaiian sun, boogie-boarding, swimming, and snorkeling on these world-renown beaches Brave cliff divers plunge into the water from Black Rock beach and there is plenty of fish to see in the waters. Ka’anapali is located in front of 7 major resorts and has a heavy tourist feel. Great for water sports and beach rentals.
A bit further north, the Napili-Honokowai beaches are a bit less touristy but no less breathtakingly beautiful. Our most recent stay in Maui was beachfront in the Napili-Honokowai area and we thoroughly enjoyed some downtime laying on the beach at the resort.
To be honest, you can not really go wrong with beaches in Maui, no matter which you land on you will find yourself transported to a tropical paradise!
What to Avoid with Kids
There is not enough time in a week to fit in all of the wonderful experiences that Maui has to offer…a few I would eliminate if vacationing with kids are the following:
- The Road to Hana: A magical journey for adults, however frightfully boring and long for little kids
- The Maui Ocean Center: Aquariums are a wonderful experience, however a Hawaiian vacation is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Get out and see the marine life in their natural habitat!
- Snorkel Cruises: Snorkeling in the Molokini Crater is one of the most amazing excursions I have experienced, but not safe for little ones due to the need to be an experienced swimmer
Maui Hawaiian is an enchanting destination for your family to explore together, offering a healthy mix of cultural experiences with fun excursions. Maui will not disappoint and is worthy of your family vacation bucket list!
Wander well…