Some people think of Maui as an ultra-romantic destination exclusive to honeymooners. And while we’ll admit, the island is super romantic; it’s also a fantastic place for a family vacation! There are a ton of kid-friendly accommodations and activities on the island to suit all types of traveling families.
If you’re heading to the Valley Isle soon, check out our picks for the best things to do on Maui for families. From snorkeling and hiking to fun boat rides, prepare for an action-packed family vacation of a lifetime!
Things To Do On Maui For Families
Boat Tours
There are countless boat tour opportunities on Maui for you and your little ones, from seasonal whale watches to snorkel tours. Some snorkel boats even feature water slides, jump platforms, and all the water toys you can dream of. Your keiki will love it!
Maui Ocean Center
Located in Maalaea, the Maui Ocean Center is the largest aquarium in Hawaii. It’s a great place for families to learn more about the ocean and see sea creatures like sharks and Hawaiian sea turtles up close. Kids will love the touch tide pools, the interactive exhibits, and the glass tunnel walkway, which runs through a large tank filled with sharks and stingrays. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the Humpbacks of Hawaii sphere, where a mesmerizing 3D film about Maui’s humpback whales is shown twice an hour.
Luau
Believe it or not, there are many kid-friendly luaus on Maui. Some offer pre-show activities for keiki, like temporary tattoos, lei-making, hula lessons, and Hawaiian games. Some luaus (though not all) feature kids’ menus, too — or at the very least, serve crowd-pleasing staples like dinner rolls, white rice, and chicken. Parents might be a little nervous about bringing their young children to a luau, but luaus are exciting, professional productions that bring the stories of Hawaii to life. Plus, most Maui luaus feature fire knife dancers, which captivates even the youngest audience members making it one of the best activities on Maui for families.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is a great option if you want to do some light hiking as a family. Twin Falls is a string of waterfalls located near mile marker two on Hana Highway — at the very beginning of the Road to Hana before the twists and turns start. You can hike a mile up the “trail” (which is really a gravel road) to the tallest waterfall or stop to explore some of the smaller waterfalls along the way. There’s also a fruit stand near the parking lot where you can buy fresh coconuts and smoothies. Twin Falls is an excellent stop for families who want a taste of the Road to Hana experience without driving the entire road.
Farm Tour
Does petting alpacas, meeting friendly goats, or watching butterflies hatch sound like something your keiki might be interested in? If so, Maui is the place to be. Fun-filled farm tours are nestled in just about every corner of the island, from the Butterfly Farm in Olowalu to Maui Alpaca in Kula. There are also lavender farm tours, fruit tours, and chocolate factory tours on Maui. The possibilities are endless!
Beach Photo Session
Capturing your family’s memories on Maui through photography is a priceless souvenir that will forever evoke the joy and beauty of your vacation. With Coconut Creative HI, an experienced photographer on the island for a decade, you can trust in her ability to skillfully capture genuine smiles and candid moments, creating lasting memories for you to cherish. From the stunning beaches to the breathtaking landscapes, these photographs will transport you back to the magical moments spent with your loved ones 0n Maui!
Zip Line
Zip lining has been blowing up on Maui over the last few years, and now it is one of the most popular activities for both kids and adults. If you’re traveling with teens or older kids, you can’t go wrong with going on a tour with Skyline, which offers zip line tours in Kaanapali and Upcountry on the slopes of Haleakala. But if you have young kiddos, Maui Zipline at the Maui Tropical Plantation is the way to go. This course is designed with kids in mind and isn’t as intense as some of the other zip lines on Maui. Kids as young as five are welcome to zip with an accompanying adult.
Beach Day
Beachin’ it is one of the best things to do on Maui for families. And the greatest part — it’s free! While some beaches on Maui are treacherous, there are a handful of beaches that are perfectly suited for keiki. Some good beach options for families with toddlers include Kalepolepo Beach in Kihei and Launiupoko. Alternatively, older kids might enjoy Olowalu Beach, Maluaka Beach, and Kapalua Bay Beach. But no matter where you go, assess the conditions and use your best judgment before letting your keiki jump in the water.
Surfing Lesson
Why not pick up a new hobby during your family vacation? Surfing lessons are a fun way to bond with the whole family and learn a new skill. Most Maui surf lessons take place in Kihei or Kaanapali, where the waves and currents are usually the calmest. You can opt for a group lesson or a private lesson with just the fam. While group lessons are usually a little cheaper, private lessons give you more personalized attention from your instructor – and your surfing skills are bound to improve faster! No matter which you choose or what break you surf at, a surf lesson with your keiki is bound to be one of the highlights of your time on Maui.
Hotel Activities
Most hotels and resorts on Maui offer complimentary activities for their guests. Families can learn how to play ukulele, make lei, take a hula lesson, or paddle a canoe together. Or, if parents need a few hours to themselves, most resorts offer kids camps, where kids can enjoy creative activities, games, and supervised fun. Be sure to ask your accommodation about any activities or kids’ programs.
What are you most looking forward to doing with your family on your next Maui vacation? As always, we can’t wait to see you and your little ones having a blast here on the Valley Isle soon.
Happy Travels!
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Aloha! Tiffany here. I've been blessed to call Maui home since 2011. With a background in the island's finest restaurants and hotels, guiding visitors to create unforgettable Maui memories is more than a skill I've mastered—it's a profound source of joy for me.
