Maui is an excellent destination for a family vacation! 

Summer is the most popular time for families to travel to Maui, but there are plenty of fun family activities on Maui year-round. 

From snorkel tours and beach days to fun adventures like the road to Hana, you certainly won’t run out of options to keep everyone entertained. It’s more likely you’ll have a hard time deciding which activities to squeeze into your schedule. 

Following are a few suggestions for fun family activities on Maui.

FAMILY THINGS TO DO ON MAUI

 

 

• FIRST THING! If you’re staying at a resort, check out the activities offered at your accommodations. You’ll find some of the best family activities on Maui right where you’re staying. Most accommodations on Maui are family-friendly, and they make an effort to offer fun, creative activities and programs specifically for children or for families to enjoy together. Many also offer “day camp” programs where the kids can enjoy supervised fun while parents have a few hours to themselves. So, as soon as you arrive at your accommodations, familiarize yourself with the family-friendly activities right there in your own backyard.

• Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea is a great place for a family outing. It is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and boasts more than 60 exhibits— from touch tidepools to historical displays— suited for both keiki and adults. All ages are captivated by the aquarium’s walkthrough glass tunnel, where sharks, stingrays, and giant Trevally glide overhead. Another noteworthy feature of the center is its planetarium-like sphere, which features a 3D film about humpback whales filmed in Maui’s waters. It is an awesome experience — as if you’re swimming with whales! Maui Ocean Center is a fun, fascinating place for kids AND adults, and one of the top family activities on Maui.

• Boat trips like snorkeling tours and winter whale watching excursions are great family adventures. Don’t forget to keep reef-safe sunscreen handy throughout the day and take something to prevent seasickness if you or the kids are prone to motion sickness. More Maui boat tours.

 

• Beach Day! There are endless opportunities for family beach days and ocean activities— from exploring tide pools or building sand castles to more active adventures like surfing, snorkeling, or parasailing. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, which are often mistaken for rocks when they come up on the beach to rest. Just remember, sea turtles are protected by law, so don’t touch, approach, or disturb them in any way. Just appreciate them from a distance.

Some beaches on Maui are more child-friendly than others. One of our favorite kid-friendly beaches is the western edge of Baldwin Beach in Paia. If you have little ones with you, you can also ask your accommodations if there is a “baby beach” nearby. They will point you to the safest, family beach in your area. However, please be mindful of safety whenever you are in or near the ocean, even if it looks calm. Stay alert. The sea is beautiful but can be unpredictable and dangerous. Here are some Maui beach tips.

 

• The Road to Hana is Maui’s most famous road trip, and it’s a popular adventure for families. The road is dotted with state parks, waterfalls, and viewpoints, which offer are plenty of opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. Driving the entire road to Hana is an all-day affair, so many families — especially those with young children — choose to go just halfway to Hana. Or, some opt to break the trip up into two days. Check out Hana accommodations.

• A luau is great fun for families! You’ll be treated to a decadent feast of Hawaiian and Polynesian food (with plenty of kid-friendly options), as well as top-notch cultural entertainment. Most luaus usually offer games or crafts for kids before the show starts. Definitely plan to include a luau in your family activities on Maui.

• Explore beautiful Upcountry Maui on the slopes of Haleakala, and make sure you include a stop at Surfing Goat Dairy where children can pet (or feed) the goats while adults sample delicious gourmet goat cheese. Sign up for one of their tours— fun and interesting for all ages. Alternatively, you can book an alpaca feeding tour at Maui Alpaca— one of the most unique farms in Upcountry. Kiddos will love meeting the friendly alpacas and angora bunnies. 

• Haleakala National Park is a fascinating and beautiful destination, but it also offers some great activities for kids and families, including a fun Junior Ranger program. You can also take the keiki on a fun nature walk at Hosmer Grove, which is located just past the entrance to the park on the left hand side. The easy trail winds through conifers, eucalyptus, and native trees, and there are plenty of opportunities to look for brightly colored native birds. Nature loving kiddos will love it. 

• Iao Valley State Park in Central Maui offers a scenic and easy walk for all families. Here you can also view one of Maui’s most famous landmarks: the Iao Needle (pictured here— a columnar rock formation that resembles a needle). There’s also a ton of informational signage throughout the park that details the historical significance of the valley— which was the site of an important battle between Hawaiian warriors in 1790. Iao Valley State Park requires reservations ahead of time (similar to Haleakala and Wainapanapa Parks).

• Maui Tropical Plantation in Central Maui is home to a family-friendly zip line. (Most Maui zip lines are too intense for young children.) This one was designed specifically with kids in mind, and is offered to children as young as 5 years old, with a minimum weight requirement of 45 pounds. The 45-minute tram tour of the plantation is also fun and interesting, including a coconut husking demonstration. 

• Events, activities, and festivals are always happening around the island. Shopping centers on Maui regularly host things like hula shows, ukulele lessons, or movie nights. On weekends, you’ll usually be able to find events like farmers markets, craft fairs, swap meets, and even occasional town parties. Check for fun concerts and events at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, check with your accommodation for current event information, or grab a copy of the local newspaper. You and your family will experience an authentic slice of Maui life!

• Meander through Maui’s small towns, like Paia (North Shore) and Makawao (Upcountry). These are fun little towns with countless shops and eateries. Make sure to treat the family to some shave ice, which is similar to snow cones. If you’re in Paia, plan to also drive to nearby Hookipa Beach. It’s a great place to watch surfers and windsurfers in action, and you might catch a glimpse of sea turtles there, too–especially in late afternoon.

 

• Looking for great places for your family to stay on Maui? You’ll save by BOOKING DIRECTLY with the owners/managers of these accommodations.

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Happy Travels!