What To Do On Maui With Toddlers
Stock up on snacks! I usually hit up Costco right by the airport to pick up pouches, crackers, and Hawaiian snacks. I also stop at Longs to get Hawaiian cookies and Asian snacks.
Find out if where youre staying has sand toys you can use during your trip. If they dont, they sell them at almost every store, including grocery stores.
Or, bring plastic cups/bottles so your toddler can fill them up with water at the beach and then dump them out.
When planning your Maui itinerary for kids, dont over-schedule your family. I like to plan an activity for the morning and then check moods in the afternoon and play it by ear.
Thinking about heading to Molokai? Get top Molokai tips here.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
This is a really nice resort on Maui for families. Gorgeous rooms and suites and several on-site restaurants.
Kids age 5-12 can participate in Camp Hyatt. And younger kids will love watching the penguin feedings and help feed koi fish!
They also have an on-site luau, which is convenient for families who want to bring kids straight to their rooms for bedtime.
Plus, Ululani Shave Ice is here! Its my favorite shave ice spot on Maui!
Hiking The Iao Valley
Another one of my favorite things to do with kids on Maui is to go hiking in the Iao Valley. This beautiful location is ideal to experience Maui’s lush and breathtaking landscapes. It is simply a breathtaking experience.
The Iao Valley is also a fantastic way to experience Hawaiian culture. This location is significant to Hawaiian history and is also considered sacred for housing ancient Hawaiian demigods.
I love learning about Hawaiian culture, as it is very much alive and present on the island. This mystical place is a great place to experience it first hand.
The Iao Valley is a great place to enjoy a special family day hiking the trails, visiting the waterfalls and swimming in pools, and enjoying a picnic. Hands down, this is one of the best experiences to do with kids in Maui.
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Shop For Unique Hawaiian Souvenirs
One of our favorite family things to do on Maui is visit Whaler’s Village or the town of Lahaina for shopping. There are so many wonderful places to get a lasting memory of your trip to Maui.
From handmade quilted items, gorgeous jewelry from Na Hoku or Maui Divers Jewelry, incredible artwork, or wonderful Hawaiian shirts or dresses, ukuleles, and more, shopping is a must-do activity on Maui!
In fact, our home has a gorgeous piece of sketched art to remind us of our favorite place. And my kids have come home with many special treasures from these shopping areas.
Watch A Sacred Ritual At Black Rock
Contributed by Sarah Vanheel from CosmopoliClan
Halfway along the Kaanapali shoreline, adjacent to the Sheraton Maui resort, lies an intriguing geographical landmark called Black Rock or Puu Kekaa.
While this headland may look like just another part of the coastal landscape, its of great significance in Hawaiian culture.
Black Rock is a sacred site where the souls of those who die vault into the spirit world. Many battles were fought in the proximity of Black Rock so that when death occurred, the fallen warriors would be at the right spot.
To this day, theres a daily sunset ceremony at Black Rock that begins with the blowing of a conch shell and tiki torches lighted to honour the importance of this landmark.
The person performing the ritual offers a torch and lei to the ocean, then dives off the cliff. Everyone can watch this ceremony free of charge.
During the day, Black Rock is popular for snorkelling. The reef is accessible right off Black Rock beach, so theres no need to venture out into deep water, and it is known for its optimal clarity.
You can encounter parrotfish, butterflyfish, cornetfish, Hawaiian triggerfish, and many more colourful creatures.
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Beaches And Waterfalls Along The Road To Hana
One of the most epic experiences in Maui is the road to Hana in West Maui. The road to Hana is an absolutely gorgeous 64.4 mile route between the town of Kahului in central Maui to the town of Hana on the western tip. This drive can easily take a day thanks to the countless beaches and photo stops along the way as well as the 52 one-lane bridges and 620 turns that often bring vehicle speeds down below 10 mph.
Kids will absolutely love stops like Waianapanapa State Park with its glorious black sand beach and lava tubes. There are spots to stop and swim under waterfalls, explore historic churches and more. And lets not forget the countless amazing food trucks along the way serving traditional Hawaiian dishes, handmade ice pops, and bbq. You can read all about our favorite stops on the road to Hana here.
Responsible Travel In Maui
Visitor numbers to Maui have soared since Hawaii reopened. Please do your part to be a responsible and respectful guest on the island. Here are a few suggestions:
- Keep Maui safe by wearing a mask indoors and in crowded places and keeping your distance from others.
- Obey signs such as no trespassing and no parking.
- Dont stop on the road however good the photo opportunityalways find a safe place to pull over.
- Dont touch, feed or get too close to turtles, seals or other wildlife.
- Dont litter or take any sand or rocks with you.
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Snorkel With Sea Turtles And Other Marine Life
Maui is known for its large turtle population and the best way to spot one is to join them underwater. Book a trip toMolokini for a day of snorkeling alongside the submerged walls of the volcanic crater. There are lots of tour operators but Trilogy is known for their cinnamon rolls. Pack sea sickness medication because the sailing can be bumpy.Black Rock, behind the Sheraton in Kaanapali Beach, is popular because its walking distance to several resorts. Even if youre chasing a turtle, dont snorkel past the end of the rock theres a strong current! This spot is suitable for children, but be prepared for waves that crash hard close to shore. Youll be in awe at the underwater world ofHonolua Bay. Anytime you snorkel with kids in Maui, stay to the edges for your best chance at spotting turtles or schools of fish.
Snorkeling is one of the most fun things to do in Maui with kids! Other popular spots to snorkel includeKapalua Bay,Napili Bay, andKahekili Beach Park ..
Pro Tip: Youll park on the side of the road and travel a jungle path to arrive at Honolua Bay. Its surrounded by rocks, with no restrooms, so its a spot to store your towel and have a snack but dont plan to lounge for long. This spot is best to visit during the spring and summer.
Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise
Maui sunsets are truly magical! This makes a great date night with your kids. Its a plated dinner followed by dancing, if you choose to partake.
A lot of boat rides dont allow little kids, but this one does. Thats why I included it in this list.
Depending on when you go, you might even get to see some whales!
Ive been hearing about this Maui Treasure Hunt this year. Families will get wet and muddy as they trek around the Maui forests looking for a treasure.
It sounds like a creative way to get your kids excited about hiking on Maui.
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Combine Snorkeling & Kayaking
Private & Small Group Tours Available Now.
Youve probably been snorkeling, and you may have been kayaking, but have you done both on a single tour? Whether youre kayaking around the beautiful shores of South Maui or snorkeling West Mauis Coral Gardens, we combine the best of both worlds for a look above and below the surface. Youll be greeted by many of our honu friends along the way and our team of experienced guides will lead your private group while you focus on having fun.
Local tip
Eating Malasadas In Makawao
Think of malasadas as Portuguese doughnuts the delicacies are fried balls of yeast dough stuffed with something yummy and then coated with sugar. At the Komoda Store & Bakery in the sleepy town of Makawao, these dough balls are an honest-to-goodness delicacy. Try one filled with guava it’s the best jelly doughnut you’ll ever have. Just call first, because the store keeps odd hours.
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Lei Greeting At Airport
Sometimes small gestures make the biggest impression on kids.
My kids always get a kick out of getting a lei in Hawaii. Some fancier resorts offer complimentary leis for guests, but most dont.
You can book a lei greeting at the airport to ensure your whole family gets a fresh flower lei as soon as they arrive in Hawaii. Find the best prices here.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
This is another fabulous Maui resort for families. Its right by Whalers Village, which has lots of shops and events.
They have an 87,000-square-foot aquatic playground with five pools, water slides, tropical gardens, waterfalls plus a cave with a hidden jacuzzi.
They also have an on-site luau.
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Visit Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
If you visit Haleakal, on the way home be sure to stop at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. This is a lovely place to discover something you wouldn’t expect to see on Maui fields of a variety of beautiful lavender.
You can also get a breathtaking view of Maui from this spot. It is a great place for kids to stretch their legs, explore the farm, take photos, try some lavender flavored treats, and pick up beautiful art or a special gift to take home.
Maui With Kids: Best Maui Luaus
The Old Lahaina Luau is known for being a best luau in Maui for families. Thats because its been around for years and they have a good reputation.
Like the name implies, its located right in Lahaina which makes it really convenient for families staying in Lahaina or even Kaanapali.
They have lots of hands-on activities, good food, and excellent entertainment. Check latest rates and availability.
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Celebrate Hawaiian History At A Luau
Experiencing a Luau is almost synonymous with a Maui family vacation. The food, song, and dance of a Hawaiian Luau is a perfect way to get a taste for the rich history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. The Old Lahaina Luau is one of the oldest and best Maui Luaus for families. The show is excellent, and youll also be blessed with the famous West Maui sunset.
Giddy Up In South Maui
Private tours are available.
La Perouse Bay, located directly past Makena, is the site of the most recent lava flow in Maui and popular resting location for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. Saddle up with Maui-born paniolo Pat Borge, owner of Makena Stables, for a ride through one of the most striking areas of Maui. Each rider is matched to a horse based on their ability, and groups are kept to a maximum of six people. Choose from a 2.5 hour morning ride with panoramic views of Haleakala, lava fields and neighbor islands, or a 2.5 to 3 hour sunset ride through the slopes of Ulupalakua Ranch. Private tours are also available on request. Fruit, snacks and water are included on all tours.
Local tip
Ask for a horse based on your exerience and abilites. Some horses are better for beginners.
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The 25+ Very Best Things To Do In Maui With Kids For All Ages
Hawaii is far from the Mainland of the United States, but boy is it ever worth it. If you are coming to Maui, I recommend at least seven days to really experience a variety of the best things to do with kids in Maui.
But, whether you have one or several days, there are many ways to discover this incredible island with amazing family activities on Maui. Be sure to include your snorkel and hiking shoes, along with your flip flops and swimsuits, on your Hawaii packing list because there are many adventures to be had!
Here are some of our family’s favorites.
Windsurfers Kiteboarders And Pizza Oh My
On the other side of the island, take a drive past historic Paia Town to Hookipa Beach. This high-wind beach offers the perfect location for windsurfers and kiteboarders to show off their best tricks. You can park high above on the cliff for the optimal vantage point. Kids are sure to be amazed at the fanciful flights of these Maui athletes. It can be a bit cooler here due to the winds, so do bring a sweater.
After building up an appetite watching the action, stop at the Flatbread Company in Paia. This all natural, organically conscious pizza joint features a huge wood-burning oven right in the middle of the restaurant. Most ingredients are organic and locally grown or raised. They offer the keiki pizza dough to play with while you wait for your oven-baked pie its super fun and extremely kid-friendly. My favorite pizza is the Kalua pig pizza with goat cheese, local pineapple and barbecue sauce on a crispy flat dough. They also serve a ton of vegetarian options for those who walk on the green side.
TIP: Try and request one of the large booths in the front of the restaurant. This allows kids to keep an eye on whats happening outside and offers plenty of room for everyone to spread out, or even for a little one to take a nap.
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Unforgettable Things To Do In Maui With Kids
Visiting Maui with kids makes for one of the most amazing family vacations imaginable. Discover all of the best things to do in Maui with kids right here.
A Maui family vacation is one of the ultimate travel dreams. But part of planning an amazing Hawaii holiday is including some amazing activities. And if youre looking for the best things to do in Maui with kids, we have some amazing experiences to share with you. We traveled to Maui with children with some amazing plans. And Maui had a lot to live up to after our wild experiences in Kauai with kids. But with legendary beaches, epic road trips, cascading waterfalls, and amazing family adventures, a family holiday in Maui offers an unforgettable vacation.
We spent a week on Maui and traveled from the eastern tip near Hana to the western beaches of Lahaina. Our Maui itinerary gave us a taste of the best of Maui. Our 5 and 8-year-old boys absolutely fell in love with the island. And what is not to love? We snorkeled with turtles, swam under waterfalls, hiked volcanic craters and watched some of the most amazing sunsets ever. Visiting Maui with kids lived up to and blew away every one of our expectations. And here are our tips for making the most of your family trip to Maui.
Exploring Iao Needle In Maui
Im not a fan of hiking, but I LOVE Iao Valley State Park! Its not super far from the Kahului Airport, so it makes a great first stop in Maui.
Its the most kid-friendly hike on Maui. The trail is paved and my 2 year old was able to climb all the way to the top without help
Since its a state park, it costs $5 to park, but its well worth it.
My biggest tip is to wear bug spray! The first time I went with my toddler, his little legs got so many bug bites.
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Best Things To Do In Maui Hi Top Activities & Places To Go
- Emily Appelbaum
Palm trees, lots of fine sand beaches, nature trails, wildlife, volcanic remnants, and tropical scenery what else do you need for a perfect getaway to Hawaii?
Well, Maui has a lot more to offer than the usual tropical paradise.
From a lavender farm, brewery, and bamboo forest to the worlds most majestic golf course, youll be surprised at the many secrets tucked away in an island named after an ancient demigod.
If youre thinking of dropping by Maui when in Hawaii, here are the best things to do in Maui, HI for you to consider.
Complete Guide To Maui With Kids
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Are you planning a trip to Maui, Hawaii with kids and want to know the best Maui family resorts, attractions, and cool things to do in Maui with kids? Keep scrolling for all my top Maui tips for families!
This post about Maui with kids was originally written September 10, 2018 and was updated February 18, 2021 and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
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Top Family Resorts On Maui
As mentioned earlier, the many family-friendly resorts heave with things to do in Maui with kids. When people come to me wanting to plan Maui trips, they typically choose these places to stay :
Four Seasons Maui : This is my most booked Hawaii resort because they do an amazing job with consistent five-star service, excellent restaurants, kid-friendly activities , and rooms.
Fairmont Kea Lani : Its an all-suite resort next door to Four Seasons that people choose because it usually has a lower price point and families want the extra space. Its also five-stars and my clients love it.
Hyatt Regency Maui : Children love the penguins that live in the lobby, having breakfast near the swans, and the resident tropical birds, not to mention the fun kids club and swimming pool.
For more information, you can check my full list of Maui hotels.
What are your favorite things to do in Maui with kids?
