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Maui with youngsters is a dream come true. Gorgeous seashores, rainbow-colored Hawaiian shaved ice, luaus with hearth dancers…what’s to not love? From infants and toddlers to tweens and youths, there’s one thing for all ages to get pleasure from on this Hawaiian island. I’ve requested journey specialists to share their picks for the most effective Maui actions for households. Plus, my household has visited Maui a number of instances and Hawaii is certainly one of my favourite locations on Earth. Subsequently, I’m sharing a number of of my most well-liked kid-friendly points of interest on the island, too. This checklist of the most effective issues to do in Maui with youngsters will make you wish to pack your luggage for paradise!
Regardless of the tragic fires Maui skilled in August 2023, the island’s fundamental income is tourism and The Valley Isle is able to greet guests, with some restrictions. Unaffected areas embody Makena, Kihei, Wailea, Central, North Shore, Upcountry, and Hana. To assist the individuals of Maui and the rebuilding of devastated areas, please textual content the phrase HAWAII to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Purple Cross for Maui.
1. Play on the seashore.
With 750 miles of shoreline within the state, it will be loopy to go to Hawaii and never go to the seashore. Actually, it will be nearly inconceivable. Whether or not you wish to swim, surf, or just construct sand castles on the shore, the seashore is a should in Maui.
Wailea Seashore is residence to many upscale resorts together with 4 Seasons Maui. However do not let oceanfront lodges intimidate you, all seashores on Maui are open to the general public.
Erica Gellerman with The Hawaii Trip Information recommends Napili Bay for its, “tender white sand, principally calm water, and nice snorkeling.”
For extra strategies, check out a few of the finest seashores on Maui. For those who plan to spend so much of your loved ones journey on the seashore, then ebook a room at one of many many oceanfront lodges in Maui to maximise your playtime.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
2. Watch a dawn or sundown at Haleakala Nationwide Park.
Haleakala Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most lovely and culturally important locations you’ll be able to go to in Maui with youngsters of all ages. Haleakala is the third largest volcano within the Hawaiian islands.
Plan to spend a lot of the day right here. Additionally, you’ll want meals and loads of water for the reason that nearest retailer is no less than 20 minutes away.
You should definitely 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 finest for younger youngsters 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.
This nationwide park is called the Home of the Solar for being one of many world’s finest locations to view beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Ebook a dawn Haleakala tour to see what I imply.
As if the dawn and sundown weren’t sufficient, Haleakala is the proper place to stargaze. Don’t neglect your binoculars!
Since this park is open 24 hours a day, you’ll be able to arrange a tent and spend the night time having fun with the beautiful surroundings and contemporary air. You should definitely gown in layers for the reason that temperature may be 30 levels cooler on the summit than at sea stage.
— Corritta Lewis, It’s a Household Factor
3. Attend a luau.
Everybody likes a celebration, particularly when that occasion is a luau. Luaus are feasts that had been as soon as reserved for Hawaiian royalty however at this time anybody can attend. These Hawaiian events usually embody reside music, hips shaking the hula, gasp-inducing hearth dancing, and Mai Tais for mother and pa.
Partygoers get pleasure from conventional Hawaiian meals like roasted pulled pork and Lomi salmon (salted fish marinated in lemon juice, tomatoes, and onions). These with adventurous style buds should attempt conventional poi — a purplish grey paste constituted of taro root.
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.
Many 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.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
4. Tour the historic district of Lahaina.
Sadly, the devastating 2023 fires in Lahaina destroyed a lot of this beloved space of Maui. At the very least 115 individuals died on this tragedy.
Hawaii Governor Josh Inexperienced assures residents and vacationers that Lahaina might 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 was its 150-year-old lovely banyan tree. Lahaina’s Banyan Tree was severely broken within the fires however continues to be standing. It stays to be seen if this pure surprise will survive in the long term.
5. Join a Molokini snorkel tour.
Among the best 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 historic volcanic crater that has principally 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, I like to recommend reserving with Pacific Whale Basis, an environmental non-profit group. This tour affords 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 secure and cozy.
A lot 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 areas supply mind-blowing views of coral reefs, unbelievable marine life, and heat waters with few waves.
— Kevin Wagar, Wandering Wagars
6. Deal with youngsters to Hawaiian shaved ice.
No go to to Maui with youngsters can be full with out indulging in a colourful serving of Hawaiian shaved ice. Method higher than your commonplace snow cone, this deal with is made with finely grated ice slightly than lumpy cubes. The snowy texture soaks up the candy syrup flavors and melts in your mouth.
Kids 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 plain choices like cherry, grape, and bubblegum.
Historically, Hawaiian shaved ice is served over a scoop of ice cream. You possibly can even get yours topped with a drizzle of sweetened evaporated milk for an additional splurge.
Hungry but? Just a few favourite locations to do that deal with embody Peace Love Shave Ice in Kihei, Island Cream Firm in Lahaina (at present closed however not broken), and Ululani’s at a number of areas on the island.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
7. Learn to surf.
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 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 straightforward because it seems to be, so reserving group or non-public browsing classes is really useful. The calm and delightful seashores of Ka’anapali, Lahaina, and Kihei are perfect for Browsing 101.
Don’t be shocked in case your youngsters begin driving the waves earlier than you do. Kids 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 out there from GetYourGuide!
— Claudia Laroye, Claudia Travels
8. Go underneath the ocean with Atlantis Submarine.
Discover the depths of the ocean on a real-life, practical submarine! 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 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 youngsters in regards to the ocean and its inhabitants. Geared up with massive viewing home windows and trendy comforts reminiscent of air-conditioning, be prepared for an eye-widening underwater journey! (Children have to be 36″+ to take part.)
— Sean Lau, LivingOutLau
Word: Atlantis Submarines are at present closed in Maui because of the fires however reservations could also be made in Kona on the Massive 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 jap Maui city of Hana.
Anticipate some white-knuckle moments as you grip the steering wheel. You will 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 selfmade banana bread from native stands alongside the way in which. Plan to spend ALL day driving to Hana and again.
Higher but, keep an evening or two on this city of slightly below 1,000 residents. If it’s essential to unplug and reconnect as a household, then Hana is THE place to be.
Hana-Maui Resort (previously Travaasa Hana) gives the last word in rest and luxurious. Need to be taught extra? Learn my full Hana-Maui Resort evaluation.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
10. Attend a lei-making class.
Essentially the most colourful token of Hawaiian hospitality is the normal garland known as a lei. 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 lessons for teenagers and fogeys. Making a full lei could be a bit too formidable 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.
— Sarah Vanheel, PlacestoStayMaui.com
11. Hike with youngsters in Maui.
There are fantastic hikes in Maui on all components of the island. It’s so a lot enjoyable to get exterior along with your youngsters and take a stroll alongside the seashore, to a waterfall, or up a mountain for spectacular ocean views.
Mother and father 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 straightforward 1-mile roundtrip alongside a manicured path via 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 positioned 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 residence.
— Whitney, Designs for Journey
12. Watch cliff divers at Black Rock.
Exploring Pu’u Keka’a, generally referred to as Black Rock, is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Kaanapali, Maui. Black Rock is a well-liked place in Maui for cliff diving because of the calm waters. There are a selection of various spots to leap off into the ocean starting from 10 to 25 ft in top.
Actually, 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 beneath.
For an awesome view of the ceremony, seize a desk at Sheraton Maui’s Cliff Dive Grill for al fresco meals and drinks.
— Jess Dockendorf, I’m Jess Touring
13. Go whale watching.
Whale watching is without doubt one of the most memorable issues to do with youngsters in Maui. Usually 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 also see false killer whales and different species.
Whale-watching boats are massive and provides households room to maneuver in regards to the vessel. Meaning youngsters is not going to 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 most effective expertise, convey a number of snacks for your loved ones and a small exercise to maintain younger ones busy on board.
Able to ebook? Check out these whale-watching tour choices!
— Lindsay Nieminem, Step into Jordan
14. View sea life at Maui Ocean Middle.
On the Maui Ocean Middle, you can see an unbelievable aquarium the place your loved ones can find out about marine life in Hawaii. Your youngsters can see all types of tropical fish, sharks, and different sea creatures right here. What’s wonderful is that you would be able to stroll via a tunnel beneath one of many aquariums and really feel as if you’re within the ocean your self.
— Dymphe, Dymabroad
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. Enroll prematurely for a Day by day Informal Tour to get an opportunity 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, ebook a Grand Dairy Tour or the Night Chore & Milking Tour. You may also 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.
— Colleen Lanin, TravelMamas
16. Go zip-lining.
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do on Maui that it’s straightforward to refill your Maui itinerary very quickly. That’s why it’s essential to ensure to depart 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.
There are a number of Maui zipline firms to select from relying on age and talents. Maui Zipline can take youngsters as younger as 5 years outdated, which is ideal for inexperienced persons. 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 at all times keep in mind!
— Marcie Cheung, Hawaii Journey with Children
17. Splash in a waterfall.
Do you wish 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 a extra secluded expertise, although, Punalau Falls is a hidden pure paradise in northeastern Maui. This beautiful 100-foot waterfall is without doubt one of the lesser-known falls alongside the favored Highway to Hana. It is a fantastic 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.
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 is a swimming gap for household enjoyable. Put on water footwear and do not forget towels and sunscreen!
For guided hikes, check out these waterfall excursions for households.
— Alexa Meisler, 52 Excellent Days
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. Each day, 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 jap finish of the seashore, 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 teenagers who could not be capable to snorkel or swim within the open water.
After watching the turtles, go to the highest of Ho’okipa Lookout to absorb expansive coastal views and watch surfers hanging ten.
— Luke Storey, Wild About BC
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 kinds of lavender. You will 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 entire farm from a single lavender plant gifted by a good friend in 2001.
The farm is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Maui with youngsters for its strolling excursions, craft lessons, and picnics. Ali’i Kula gives a very distinctive and academic expertise in nature, distinct from the standard outside actions.
Moreover, there’s a secret backyard scavenger hunt that’s good 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.
— Antoine and Marielle, Offbeat Escapades
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 fundamental options of the park is Pa’iloa Seashore, also referred to as Wai’anapanapa Seashore. That is thought of by many to be essentially the most lovely black sand seashore on Maui. It is 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 just isn’t at all times doable attributable to harmful rip currents, you must completely take time to discover this 122-acre state park with a digicam in hand. You’ll find many unbelievable lava caves fed by ocean springs and scenic climbing trails lined with black lava rocks.
— Daria Bachmann, The Discovery Nut
21. Embark on a family-friendly Jeep tour of Maui.
Nervous about tackling the Highway to Hana? Let a neighborhood do the driving! Hoaloha Jeep Adventures affords family-friendly excursions across the island, custom-made to your pursuits and tempo.
Study Maui’s tradition and historical past whereas exploring with an professional. Throughout your tour, you’ll be able to swim close to a waterfall, discover a uncommon black sand seashore, hike on a volcano, or seize a chew from a neighborhood scorching spot. Hoaloha even gives life jackets for youthful youngsters in the event that they wish to swim.
For bigger households, the Jeeps caravan along with the kids in a single automobile and the adults in one other, if desired.
— Jason Carlton, Carltonauts Journey Suggestions
22. Turn into a mermaid for a day with Hawaii Mermaid Adventures.
For those who’re coming to Maui with youngsters, then you definately’ll love the Hawaii Mermaid Adventures. They provide Mermaid Swimming Classes, the place you and your younger kids remodel yourselves into real-life mermaids.
Children above 50 lbs can be part of the teachings and could have the time of their lives. Or, select Mermaid Meet-and-Greets for many who aren’t able to attempt it simply but.
One of the best information is that skilled images is included in each single session. What higher method to maintain these reminiscences perpetually than with a implausible set of pictures to recollect the day!
Children will completely find it irresistible however swimming like a mermaid can 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.
— Victoria Heinz, Information Your Journey
23. Go to botanical gardens alongside the Highway to Hana.
As a result of state’s distinctive local weather, there are many vegetation that develop solely in Hawaii and nowhere else in america. For those who love lush greenery and shiny, lovely flowers of all sizes and styles, then you may be very completely happy strolling the paths of such fairly gardens as Backyard of Eden or Kula Botanical Backyard.
Each are positioned alongside the Highway to Hana and make good pit stops for households with their paved stroller-friendly paths. A bonus for chicken lovers, Backyard of Eden has a resident peacock and Kula is residence to Nene geese distinctive to Hawaii.
— Tatiana, Household Highway Journey Guru
24. Rappel down waterfalls.
As one of many extra thrilling outside points of interest in Maui, Rappel Maui affords a novel expertise for households seeking Maui’s lovely 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.
If security is a priority, don’t fear! Visitors are supplied with all needed gear and directions to securely rappel down the falls into refreshing pure water swimming pools.
Children have to 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.
— Ellie Ewert, Ellie’s Journey Suggestions
25. Swim in a wonderful Maui lodge pool.
Hawaii is residence to a few of 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 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 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 easiest lodge swimming pools in Hawaii.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
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 Courtroom exemplifies this spirit of aloha. My then 6-year-old beamed as he advised 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 for Leo. She handed him a field of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts throughout which she had written, “To Leo, maintain residing your goals!”
She advised him, “I believe it is fantastic 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 could not cease grinning as he thanked her and hugged his chocolate prize. Then he stated, “Nobody appears imply right here. Everybody in Hawaii is completely happy.”
He is proper. What’s to not be completely happy about in Maui?
Please assist convey pleasure again to Maui by donating to any of those really useful charitable organizations.
Discover extra of Hawaii.
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Prepared for household adventures in paradise? I really 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 airplane. Check out flight costs with Hawaiian Airways now!
Save these Maui household trip ideas.
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What are your favourite Maui household actions? Do you may have any questions on visiting Maui with youngsters? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
A Word from Journey Mamas: Thanks to Kaanapali Seashore Resort, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for internet hosting certainly one of our Maui visits.
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