14 Fun Things to Do in Maui With Kids
Surfers catching waves, snorkelers gliding through schools of fish, honeymooners snuggling on lanais: Maui's legendary waters—and its scenic beauty—offer vacation fodder for adventurers and couples alike. But there's also lots to please families on this island—even those who prefer dry land. Maui's nickname, Valley Isle, nods to the lush landscapes in the center of the island, where there are things to see and do for kids of all ages and all activity levels: meander through a lavender farm, rappel down a waterfall, hike through eucalyptus trees, or zoom down a zipline. And, if you can’t get away from the water, consider a canoe tour through turtle town or head out on a giant catamaran to a distant snorkeling spot. Here, we've gathered up the best things to do in Maui with kids; make sure to consult it before that next big family trip.
GettyactivityRoad to Hana
The Road to Hana is one of the most spectacular road trips in the world, with nearly everything you could hope for: jaw-dropping scenery, thrilling curves, rainforests, waterfalls, lava tubes, and the occasional one-lane bridge. Because the drive is long—two-and-a-half hours if you make no stops, and you will make stops—and because it can be dicey at points, especially if stormy weather rolls through, making the trip with smaller children isn't ideal. But older children who are willing to hike and explore will get a lot out of it. Notable places to stop include Twin Falls, the Garden of Eden Arboretum, Naikhu Marketplace, the Hana Lava Tube (for cave tours), Kaumahina State Wayside Park, Aunty Sandy’s roadside stand, and the Seven Sacred Pools. Pack snacks and a change of clothes, and consider stocking up on remedies to soothe upset tummies—all those hairpin twists and turns add up.
GettyactivityMaui Ocean Center: Hawaii Aquarium
Although most people come to Maui to do their own snorkeling and diving, the Maui Ocean Center is a great way to show younger kids what actually lies beneath the ocean in Hawaii. This aquarium has a prime location on Ma‘alaea Bay, plus some completely jaw-dropping exhibits such as Open Ocean, an underwater tunnel where sharks, sting rays, and various fish swim overhead, as well as a turtle lagoon, a living coral reef, and an exhibit that touches on the cultures and traditions of early Hawaiians. It’s a popular attraction for families, sure, but it's somehow never too crowded.
GettyactivityMaui Waveriders - Lahaina
It's easy to end up with an impersonal surf lesson in Lahaina, where many instructors value quantity over quality, but the guides at family-owned and -operated Maui Waveriders take the time to make sure every student gets a meaningful experience. After spending 15 or 20 minutes going through the motions on sand, it's time to hit the water, and each participant takes a turn catching a wave as the instructor provides personalized feedback. Keep an eye on the water, too—you might paddle by some sea turtles and harmless blacktip sharks.
Courtesy Surfing Goat DairyactivitySurfing Goat Dairy
Take a break from the surf and sand and head to Maui’s Upcountry, on the southwestern side of Mount Haleakala, an area that feels more like farmland than an island. It's where you'll find the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, a working goat dairy farm with a variety of tours. (On one casual 20-minute walking tour, you'll get to feed and pet the goats; spy on the farm's resident dogs, cats, and pig; and peek at the dairy operation.) All you and yours kids need is a love of animals and a willingness to pet a few goats. Oh, and although there are surfboards stashed throughout the property, none of the goats actually get on them.
activitySkyline Eco-Adventures: Kaanapali Ziplines
You’ll get a jolt of adrenaline every time you fly down a zip line. And you’ll get killer views of the Maui coastline, too. Skyline Eco-Adventures offers two zip line courses: one near the resorts of Kaanapali and another that winds through the slopes of Mount Haleakala. Both courses have several zip lines within them, so you can make the journey as long or as short as you want. Children must be at least 10 years old to zip Kaanapali (and eight years old to zip Haleakala), and reservations are required.
GettyactivityHST Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Founded in 1985 by Alan Cadiz, HST is one of the longest-running providers of windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons on Maui. The school also offers stand-up paddle and regular surfing lesson. If you’re new to kitesurfing, your instructor will give you a full tutorial on the beach. Once you’ve mastered how to set up, fly, and land the kite, you’ll head out to the water with a 10-foot paddle board—and your instructor—in tow. If you’re more advanced, you'll leave the instructor back on the beach and communicate via a waterproof radio.
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Courtesy Kapalua Bay BeachactivityKapalua Bay Beach
Kapalua Beach is public, as are all Hawaiian beaches, although this one is mostly used by local guests and visitors. It’s small, and its great snorkeling makes it a perfect spot for families. (You can rent snorkel gear and paddle boards from a small shack at the end.) The historic Cliff House, built in 1940, is now part of the luxurious Montage resort. But just beyond that, are some some cliffs that are perfect for, you know, cliff-jumping. It's common to see people making a splash here; there’s even a ladder and handrails to pull yourself out of the water and back onto the rocks.
Courtesy Hawaiian Paddle SportsactivityHawaiian Paddle Sports: Makena Turtle Town Outrigger Canoe Tour
Keen to see turtles? Head to Turtle Town in Makena Bay, just south of Wailea, where Hawaiian Paddle Sports runs private canoe tours through the bay and its reefs. In addition to turtle sightings and snorkel time, you’ll learn to launch and anchor the canoes; all guides are also certified marine naturalists, and can tell you exactly what types of fish and turtles you're seeing and impart history lessons about the island and its canoe culture. All equipment is provided, and reservations are required.
GettyactivityMakawao Forest Reserve
The Makawao Forest Reserve is located in Upcountry Maui, but once you step into the forest, the temperatures cool down and the topography starts to look more like the Pacific Northwest than Hawaii. There are seven trails in the reserve and the Kahakapao Recreation Area is the best place to start; hit the Kahakapao Loop Trail, a six-mile winding walk. The reserve is also popular with bikers, and there’s a great rental shop—Kranky’s Cycles—about 10 minutes away. There are separate paths for hikers and bikers, so be sure to observe the proper etiquette.
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Tour of the Stars (Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa)
Every night at 8 p.m., the Hyatt Regency hosts Tour of the Stars, a stargazing and astronomy lesson. It’s here where guests can see 80 of the 88 constellations in the sky, including several that aren’t viewable from the mainland. There are two giant telescopes and some binoculars, which you can use while Eddie Mahoney, the hotel’s director of astronomy, walks you through what you're seeing. Groups are limited to 14 people, and reservations are required.
The Maui Darren/Courtesy Ali'i Kula Lavender FarmactivityAli'i Kula Lavender Farm
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is a 13.5-acre working farm in Upcountry with roughly 55,000 lavender plants and nearly 45 varieties of lavender, along with olive trees, hydrangeas, and succulents. You’ll learn more than you ever thought there was to know about lavender plants, which aren’t native to Maui. The backstory of the farm is an interesting piece of local history too: Horticulturist Ali’ Chang was gifted a lavender plant by a friend and turned that single specimen into a working farm, botanical garden, and shop.
GettyactivitySail Trilogy: Molokini
The 45-year-old Trilogy is one of the largest and oldest sailboat charter companies in Maui, with six sailing tours. If you glance out at the horizon from your hotel, chances are you’ll see one of Trilogy’s giant catamarans cutting through the water. Typically, about 30 to 40 passengers go out on the popular Discover Molokini tour, which offers an abundance of marine life sightings and crystal-clear visibility (up to 150 feet). For that reason, it’s often booked in advance (well in advance in peak season, and about 10 days during other periods).
Ben Kikuyama/Courtesy Rappel MauiactivityRappel Maui
Rappelling down waterfalls isn’t for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable thrill for those who can bear it. Rappel Maui operates out of a 30-acre botanical garden off the famous Hana Highway, where you're given pro-level equipment (footwear, harnesses, backpacks with dry kegs, flotation jackets, and helmets) and plenty of instruction before you're encouraged to practice on a dry rainforest wall. Once you've summoned the confidence—and perhaps the courage—you rappel down waterfalls and into natural pools. Keep in mind: This is a physically demanding tour, with a half-mile of hiking as well as some swimming, and children must be 10 and older and weigh at least 70 pounds.
Courtesy Old LahainarestaurantOld Lahaina Luau
$$$Old Lahaina Luau focuses on the history of Hawaii, beginning with the region's Polynesian ancestors. The experience here is a cut above; you’re given leis when you walk in and will sit at real tables, as opposed to the temporary ones erected by hotels on luau night (unlike many of its peers, Old Lahaina Luau isn't part of a hotel). There’s a permanent circular stage, ringed in lava rocks, where the hula dancers and storytellers perform. And at sunset the location—on the beach on Front Street—can't be beat.
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