Family-Friendly Things to Do on Maui
Maui is an incredible island paradise with so many family-friendly activities that both kids and adults will love. Whether your family enjoys adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone on the Valley Isle. After several visits with kids of all ages and stages, I have come up with a list of some of our favorites, and some of the best family-friendly things to do on Maui!
1. Experience a Traditional Luau
A luau is a must when visiting Maui with kids! It’s an exciting way to immerse your family in Hawaiian culture with hula dancing, fire knife performances, and delicious Hawaiian food. Some of the most family-friendly luaus include the Maui Nui Luau, Myths of Maui Luau Dinner and Show, Gilligan’s Island Luau in Kihei, and the Te Au Moana Luau. Your little ones will love watching the performances while enjoying classics like kalua pork and poi. My tip, if you can pay a little extra for the VIP experience, it is worth it, not waiting in lines, assigned seats up front, having first access to the food, and a personal server to keep the drinks coming, make it so much fun!
2. Have a Beach Day
Maui is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, and a beach day is an easy, fun, and budget-friendly way to spend time as a family. Kapalua Bay is great for little swimmers with its calm waters, while Baby Beach in Lahaina (Currently closed due to Maui Fires) is ideal for young children due to its shallow, protected waters. Don’t forget the reef safe sunscreen, snorkel gear, and sand toys for a perfect day in the sun!
Tip: If snorkeling with kids, a full face snorkel is a great way to go, making it way easier for them!
3. Go Parasailing
This is my children’s favorite activity on Maui. It is such a blast. For families with older kids (age 5 and up) looking for a bit of excitement, parasailing over the sparkling waters of Maui is an unforgettable experience. Kaanapali Beach Parasailing offers tandem and triple parasailing, so even first-timers can enjoy soaring high above the ocean while taking in breathtaking views of Lahaina and Ka’anapali.
4. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Don’t overlook the fun of a farmer’s market, especially with kids! Maui’s farmers’ markets are a great place to explore local flavors and pick up fresh tropical fruits, homemade treats, and handcrafted souvenirs. The Maui Swap Meet in Kahului is a fantastic spot to browse a variety of vendors, while Napili Farmers Market offers delicious local produce and goodies. Let your kids try unique fruits like rambutan, dragon fruit, and apple bananas!
5. Explore the Maui Ocean Center
I highly recommend this to families with small children who won’t be comfortable snorkeling or being out on the open ocean. The Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea is a fascinating and educational stop for families. This world-class aquarium showcases marine life native to Hawaii, including sea turtles, sharks, and colorful reef fish. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and the massive underwater tunnel where they can feel like they’re walking through the ocean. And they get to experience the sea life of Hawaii in a way that is comfortable for them.
6. Take a Road Trip on the Road to Hana
This is best for families with older children. For families who love scenic drives, the Road to Hana is a must! This legendary route is packed with waterfalls, lush rainforests, and hidden beaches. Make stops at Twin Falls, Wai’anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach), and Hana Lava Tube for an adventurous day of exploring. There are tons of waterfalls to see, hikes you can take, and scenic spots to stop and enjoy. Pack snacks and motion sickness bands for the little ones, as the road has many curves! You can hire a tour company, or do it on your own.
7. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
For families who love the ocean, a snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater is an unforgettable adventure. This partially submerged volcanic crater offers crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Many tours, provide family-friendly snorkeling experiences with gear and floatation devices included. You can determine what kind of boat/craft you want to go on, and if you want to just go to Molokini or snorkel Turtle Town too, and how big of a group you want to snorkel with. I have done several of these tours, some with lunches and breakfast included, some with multiple stops, some large boats, some smaller. They have all been wonderful, and
8. See Turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park
If your kids love sea turtles, Ho’okipa Beach Park on Maui’s North Shore is a great place to see them in the wild. These incredible creatures often rest on the sand in the late afternoon, providing a perfect opportunity for some up-close (but respectful) viewing. And if you want to make a bigger day of it, try and get reservations at Mama’s Fish House nearby for some of the best food on the island. Expensive, but worth it!
9. Hike the ‘Iao Valley State Monument
For a short but scenic nature walk, take the family to ‘Iao Valley State Monument. This lush, green valley features a paved trail leading to stunning views of the iconic ‘Iao Needle. It’s an easy hike suitable for kids and a great way to appreciate Maui’s natural beauty.
10. Surf Lessons in Kihei
If you visit Maui and you aren’t already a native surfer, you may want to take surf lessons. Kids love the personal attention, and great lessons, with small waves, and an easy learning curve, this could be the highlight of your trip! And just up the street from Kamala Park is a fun food truck park, that is perfect for after you work up and appetite in the water.
Maui is packed with incredible experiences for families, from beach days and luaus to thrilling adventures and cultural discoveries. No matter what kind of activities your family enjoys, you’ll find plenty of ways to create lasting memories on this beautiful island. So grab your sunscreen, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable family vacation in Maui!
Have you visited Maui with your family? Share your favorite activities in the comments below!
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