Fun for All Ages: Your Guide to Family-Friendly Activities on the Beautiful Island of Maui
Welcome to the sunny shores of Maui, where family adventures and unforgettable moments await! As a former island concierge and certified expert in all things Maui, I'm here to share the inside scoop on the best Maui family activities and attractions that will make your family vacation a breeze. Whether you're craving beachside fun, thrilling adventures, cultural immersion, or delicious local eats, Maui has it all. So, grab your sunglasses, slather on that sunscreen, and let's dive into the ultimate guide to family fun on the beautiful island of Maui!
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^^Snaps from an overcast sunrise session on Lahaina BeachBeach Activities
Snorkeling and swimming: If your kids love the beach, there are some great options on the island's West Side for you to enjoy. Baby Beach has calm, clear water that’s ideal for toddlers and adventurous little ones. Kaanapali Beach, Napili Bay, and Kapalua Bay are excellent choices for older kids that want a Maui snorkeling experience. Boss Frog is a franchise that carries beach gear like snorkel kits, water shirts, and sandals. You can rent beach accessories like snorkel kits and floats to enjoy the water comfortably.
Sandcastles and beach games: local convenience stores like the ABC will have an assortment of beach-friendly toys that you can enjoy throughout your vacation. If you’re staying at a hotel or a rental property, there may be beach accessories you can rent or borrow during your stay. You can also pick up beach gear in Kahului after you arrive at places like Costco, Target, or Walmart on Maui.
Catching sunrise or sunset: Many people who visit Maui (especially those on the east coast) find themselves waking at surprisingly early hours in the morning. Take advantage of the time change by planning a sunrise breakfast or walking down the beach with your family. Of course, we have stunning Maui sunsets here in Lahaina, so those are always worth seeing.
Nature and Adventure Activities
Hikes & Waterfalls: Dragon’s Teeth in Kapalua has stunning Pacific Ocean and beach views. You and your family can even walk a labyrinth while you take in the views. If you’re feeling up for a scenic 2-mile walk, the Kapalua Coastal Trail takes you along Ironwoods Beach, over volcanic cliffs, and to Kapalua Bay. Iao Valley (pronounced EE-OW) in Wailuku is a captivating natural wonder that will leave chatty little ones speechless with its lush greenery, waterfalls, and unmistakable spire. Twin Falls is two small waterfalls nestled at the beginning of the road to Hana. With easy parking and access, this is an easy stop where you can even take a dip in the water if you like.
Helicopter tours: take a helicopter tour to see Maui from the sky. Some tours even offer views of Molokai, with the highest sea cliffs in the world. Blue Hawaiian and Maverick Helicopters are trusted favorites for tours. A word of caution: if anyone planning to go gets motion sick, Bonine (non-drowsy) or Dramamine is recommended as motion sickness is likely. Believe me; I have more than a couple of horror stories!
Whale watching and the Maui Ocean Center: If you’re visiting from December 15-April 15, hopping on a boat for a whale watch is a must for a Maui family activity. Whales migrate to Hawaii every winter from Alaska to birth, feed, and raise their young. With Maui’s clear water and passionate ocean conservationists on boats, your family will surely have an unforgettable experience. If you’re here outside of that window, you can experience Maui’s natural wonders and more at the Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea Harbor.
Haleakala: Ascend Maui’s east volcano for island views at 10,000ft that you can’t get anywhere else. You must reserve your spot for sunrise, as reservations are required before 7:00 am. You can also catch the sunset with no reservations and enjoy the milky way views and visible constellations.
Boats on the water
The Reefdancer: If you’re in Lahaina Harbor, you may see the recognizable yellow boat in the distance. This semi-sub has windows above and below the water for an immersive experience. Perfect for little ones who love ocean life, the boat crew will safely point out sea creatures for kids to enjoy.
Atlantis Submarine: Join 48 passengers more than 100ft below the ocean surface with Atlantis Submarine. With a height requirement of 36 inches, people enjoy seeing tropical fish, reef sharks, and a shipwreck.
Family Dinner Cruise: Set sail into the Pacific sunset from the Lahaina Harbor with a dinner cruise for everyone to enjoy. Trilogy, Pac-Whale Eco Adventures, and Sail Maui all have excellent options.
Cultural Activities
Attend a Luau: Luaus are essential to the Hawaiian cultural experience. The Old Lahaina Luau is the most traditional luau, while Feast at Lele will take you on a tour of the Pacific islands with plated meals from each area. Maui Nui is an excellent option for children as there is plenty of room to run and play for energetic little ones.
Visit the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MAC): enjoy a selection of Maui favorite comedians, artists, and events throughout the year. Check the event schedule in advance to see what’s happening during your vacation here.
Resort cultural activities: most resorts offer a selection of cultural experiences from lei-making to hula lessons. These are often free and take place throughout the day. Check out what your resort offers, and don’t hesitate to ask about these activities when you check in! Some resorts allow non-guests to attend for a small fee.
Haku Maui Lei Workshop: Take a tour of Maui’s Upcountry and immerse yourself in the art of lei-making with this 1.5-hour kui lei-making session. Ask questions about Hawaiian culture and enjoy this beautiful art form you can take home with you.
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LOCAL FOOD & SWEET FAVORITES
Honokowai food truck park (Kaanapali): satisfy everyone in your group at the food truck park. With a selection of cuisines that mirrors Maui’s diverse population, you can try a few new favorites while sampling the fare. This spot is most popular for a casual evening dinner, from coffee and sweets to curry.
Ululani’s Shave Ice: No family can return home without trying Hawiian-famous shave ice. Everyone will find something tasty with combinations, including fruit juice, ice cream, and sweet combinations.
O’o Farm: Enjoy a tasty farm experience with a mouth-watering selection of local foods. You can choose between a coffee and brunch tour or a lunch tour. Ideal for kids who love to help in the kitchen or love the farm experience.
Maui has proven once again why it's the ultimate family destination, with many activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained. From building sandcastles on pristine beaches to embarking on thrilling helicopter tours, exploring lush valleys, and indulging in mouthwatering local delicacies, Maui offers a paradise of family-friendly experiences. So, pack your sense of adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime in this tropical wonderland. Get ready for an unforgettable vacation with abundant laughter, joy, and the aloha spirit.
Want to keep these Maui moments with you forever? Inquire and book your family photo session today!
