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Maui with children is a dream come true. Beautiful seashores, rainbow-colored Hawaiian shaved ice, luaus with fireplace dancers…what’s to not love? From infants and toddlers to tweens and youths, there’s one thing for all ages to get pleasure from on this Hawaiian island. I’ve requested journey consultants to share their picks for the perfect Maui actions for households. Plus, my household has visited Maui a number of instances and Hawaii is one in every of my favourite locations on Earth, so after all, I’m sharing just a few of my favourite kid-friendly sights on the island. This record of the perfect issues to do in Maui with children will make you need to pack your baggage for paradise!
1. Play on the seaside.
With 750 miles of shoreline within the state, it might be loopy to go to Hawaii and never go to the seaside. In actual fact, it might be nearly not possible. Whether or not you need to swim, surf, or just construct sand castles on the shores, the seaside is a should in Maui.
Notably fashionable with dad and mom of toddlers and different younger youngsters, Child Seashore in Lahaina is a implausible alternative for these looking for swim time with younger children sans waves.
Wailea Seashore is dwelling to upscale resorts together with 4 Seasons Maui. However do not let that intimidate you, all seashores on Maui are open to the general public.
Erica Gellerman with The Hawaii Trip Information recommends Napili Bay for its, “tender white sand, largely calm water, and nice snorkeling.”
For extra ideas, check out a few of the finest seashores on Maui. If you happen to plan to spend so much of your loved ones journey on the seaside, then make sure to e-book a room at one of many many oceanfront lodges on Maui to maximise your playtime.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
2. Watch a dawn or sundown at Haleakala Nationwide Park.
Haleakala Nationwide Park is likely one of the most stunning and culturally important locations you may go to in Maui with children of all ages. Haleakala is the third largest volcano within the Hawaiian islands.
Plan to spend many of the day right here. Additionally, you’ll want meals and loads of water for the reason that nearest retailer is no less than 20 minutes away.
You’ll want to cease on the guests middle to be taught extra about Hawaiian tradition and the importance of this park. For mountain climbing, the Sliding Sands Path is the perfect one for youngsters as a result of you may stroll up a mile or two to see outdated lava, then flip round when your loved ones will get drained. Youngsters ages 7 to 12 will get a kick out of the Junior Ranger Program, too.
This nationwide park is named the home of the solar for being top-of-the-line locations to view beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the earth. Ebook a dawn Haleakala tour to see what I imply.
As if the dawn and sundown weren’t sufficient, Haleakala is the proper place to stargaze. (Don’t overlook your binoculars!)
Since this park is open 24 hours a day, you may arrange a tent and spend the night time having fun with the beautiful surroundings and contemporary air. You’ll want to gown in layers for the reason that temperature might be 30 levels cooler on the summit than at sea stage.
— Corritta Lewis, It’s a Household Factor
3. Attend a luau.
Everybody likes a celebration, particularly when that celebration contains stay music, hips shaking the hula, gasp-inducing fireplace dancing, and Mai Tais for mother and pa. Luaus are Hawaiian feasts that had been as soon as reserved for Hawaiian royalty.
At this time anybody can attend and revel in conventional meals like roasted pulled pork and Lomi salmon (salted fish marinated in lemon juice, tomatoes, and onions). For these with adventurous style buds, strive conventional poi — a purplish grey paste created from taro root.
Outgoing youngsters will like to get on stage for the viewers participation portion of the night to do the Hukilau, a fishing-inspired Hawaiian dance.
The Outdated Lahaina Luau is commonly hailed as essentially the most conventional luau on Maui. Many resorts additionally host luaus, together with the spectacular Drums of the Pacific at Hyatt Regency Maui and Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock at Sheraton Maui.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
4. Tour the historic district of Lahaina.
Behind the glitzy artwork galleries and bay-front bars and eating places, you may uncover the wealthy historical past and tradition of Maui in Lahaina. Embark by yourself DIY historic tour of this outdated fishing harbor and former capital of Hawaii.
In the course of the free Lahaina Historic Strolling Tour you’ll go to fantastic sights from the previous. For instance, the Masters Studying Room is an officers membership the place whaling ship captains as soon as gathered. You will additionally see the Baldwin Missionary Home, the oldest constructing in Lahaina, which gives an fascinating glimpse into the lives of early missionaries on the island.
Different highlights embody the attractive Lahaina Banyan Tree and the Lahaina Lighthouse. Your loved ones can simply do the strolling tour in just a few hours after which discover the trendy waterfront space, stopping to seize a drink or meal at one in every of Lahaina’s venues.
For an thrilling technique to discover Lahaina, think about reserving a Segway Tour of Lahaina to study this space of city from an area information.
— Noel Morata, This Hawaii Life
5. Join a Molokini snorkel tour.
One of the beloved snorkeling areas in Maui lies only a few miles offshore on the crescent moon-shaped atoll referred to as Molokini. The distinctive form of this small island is definitely the remnants of an historical volcanic crater that has largely collapsed into the encompassing ocean. This distinctive geology has created a wonderland for undersea life.
There are a number of firms that run snorkel excursions out to Molokini Crater. For households, I like to recommend reserving with Pacific Whale Basis, an environmental non-profit group. This tour gives the proper mixture of excellent meals, instructional programming particularly geared in the direction of households, and a good-sized boat that makes the journey there and again secure and comfy.
Many of the Molokini excursions embody two separate snorkeling experiences. One on the Molokini Crater, and one on the famed Turtle Arches, which is a well-liked place for recognizing sea turtles off the shores of Maui. Each places supply mind-blowing views of coral reef, unimaginable marine life, and heat waters with few waves.
— Kevin Wagar, Wandering Wagars
6. Deal with the children to Hawaiian shaved ice.
No go to to Maui with children can be full with out indulging in a colourful serving of Hawaiian shaved ice. Means higher than your customary snow cone, this deal with is made with finely shaved ice. The snowy texture soaks up the candy syrup flavors and melts in your mouth.
Kids will get pleasure from watching the ice machine magically make the frozen concoctions. Select from a myriad of flavors. There are tropical favorites like piña colada, mango, and papaya. Or persist with extra conventional choices like cherry, grape, and bubblegum.
Sometimes, Hawaiian shaved ice is served over a scoop of ice cream. You may even get yours topped with a drizzle of sweetened evaporated milk for an additional splurge.
Hungry but? Just a few favourite locations to do this deal with embody Peace Love Shave Ice in Kihei, Island Cream Firm in Lahaina, and Ululani’s at a number of places on the island.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
7. Discover ways to surf.
There’s no higher time to learn to surf than throughout a go to to Maui. In spite of everything, you’re surrounded by ocean waves and the alternatives to be taught are quite a few.
Many family-friendly resorts on the island supply surf classes for households or particular person youngsters. Browsing isn’t as simple because it appears, so reserving group or non-public classes is beneficial. The calm and exquisite seashores of Ka’anapali, Lahaina, and Kihei are perfect for Browsing 101.
Don’t be stunned in case your children begin using the waves earlier than you do. Kids have the benefit when getting up on a board, as their decrease middle of gravity provides them further stability on the surfboard.
Able to catch some waves? Check out this array of surf classes in Maui obtainable from GetYourGuide!
— Claudia Laroye, Claudia Travels
8. Go beneath the ocean with Atlantis Submarine.
Discover the depths of the ocean on a real-life, useful submarine! Atlantis Submarines takes you over 100 toes under the ocean floor to find Carthaginian, a sunken Nineteenth-century whaling brig. See how the sunken ship has created a synthetic reef that helps marine life of various sizes, shapes, and colours.
Situated off Lahaina, these kid-friendly submarine rides in Maui not solely entertains but additionally educate children concerning the ocean and its inhabitants. Geared up with massive viewing home windows and trendy comforts equivalent to air-conditioning, be prepared for an eye-widening underwater journey! (Youngsters should be 36″+ to take part.)
— Sean Lau, LivingOutLau
9. Drive the highway to Hana…and keep awhile.
Stretching 64.4 miles, the winding Hana Freeway connects Kahului on in West Maui (the place most vacationers keep) with the sleepy japanese Maui city of Hana.
Count on some white knuckle moments as you grip the steering wheel when making an attempt to cross one-way bridges and switchbacks whereas locals zoom previous with a smile and a pleasant hang-loose gesture.
Convey money to buy contemporary fruit and do-it-yourself banana bread from native stands alongside the way in which. Plan to spend ALL day driving to Hana and again.
Higher but, keep an evening or two on this city of just below 1,000 residents. If it’s worthwhile to unplug and reconnect as a household, then Hana is THE place to be.
Hana-Maui Resort (previously Travaasa Hana) gives the last word in leisure and luxurious. Need to be taught extra? Learn my full Hana-Maui Resort evaluation.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
10. Attend a lei-making class.
Probably the most colourful token of Hawaiian hospitality is the standard garland referred to as a lei. The preferred leis are made from orchids, however you will discover shell or kukui nut leis too.
Many resorts in Maui set up lei-making lessons for youths and fogeys. Making a full lei is likely to be a bit too bold for little children however they’ll simply as effectively make an ankle or wrist lei.
This enjoyable household exercise comes with a bonus since you retain the fresh-flower lei you make. It may be saved cool in your lodge room fridge to be worn at dinner.
— Sarah Vanheel, CosmopoliClan
11. Hike with children in Maui.
There are fantastic hikes in Maui on all elements of the island. It’s so a lot enjoyable to get exterior together with your children and take a stroll alongside the seaside, to a waterfall, or up a mountain for spectacular ocean views.
Mother and father touring with a child or toddler in a stroller ought to select the paved Wailea Seashore Path to soak up scenic views of the attractive Wailea waterfront.
One other nice hike for households is the straightforward 1-mile roundtrip alongside a manicured path by tropical foliage to the beautiful Twin Falls waterfalls, simply exterior of Paia.
For top-of-the-line views on the island of Maui, drive to the Thompson Highway Stroll positioned in Keokea within the foothills of Haleakala. From right here you may see bi-coastal views of Maui, Lanai, Kaho’olawe, and Molokini as you stroll previous Oprah’s spectacular trip dwelling.
— Whitney, Designs for Journey
12. Watch cliff divers at Black Rock.
Exploring Pu’u Keka’a, generally referred to as Black Rock, is likely one of the finest issues to do in Kaanapali, Maui. Black Rock is a well-liked place on Maui for cliff diving because of the calm waters. There are a number of various spots to leap off into the ocean starting from 10 to 25 toes in peak.
In actual fact, each night time at sundown a cliff diving ceremony is carried out. It begins with a conch shell blown in all 4 instructions. That’s adopted by a chant and the lighting of tiki torches. Then a courageous diver jumps into the waters under.
For a terrific view of the ceremony, seize a desk at Sheraton Maui’s Cliff Dive Grill for al fresco meals and drinks.
— Jess Dockendorf, I’m Jess Touring
13. Go whale watching.
Whale watching is likely one of the most memorable issues to do with children in Maui. Sometimes whale watching season is from November to Might, however January to March is a superb time to see these majestic creatures. Humpback whales are the commonest whales to be sighted off the coast of Maui. You may also see false killer whales and different species.
Whale watching boats are massive and provides households room to maneuver concerning the vessel. Which means children won’t get bored. It’s a tremendous expertise to see their faces gentle up as they see whales out within the open ocean. For the perfect expertise, carry just a few snacks for your loved ones and a small exercise to maintain younger youngsters busy on board.
Able to e-book? Check out these whale watching tour choices!
— Lindsay Nieminem, Step into Jordan
14. View sea life at Maui Ocean Middle.
On the Maui Ocean Middle, you can find an unimaginable aquarium the place your loved ones can study marine life in Hawaii. Your children can see all types of tropical fish, sharks, and different sea creatures right here. What’s wonderful is that you may stroll by a tunnel beneath one of many aquariums and really feel as in case you are within the ocean your self.
— Dymphe, Dymabroad
15. Pet goats and style cheese at Browsing Goat Dairy.
Take a break from the seaside with a day journey to the Browsing Goat Dairy in Kula. Enroll prematurely for a Informal Tour to get an opportunity to feed and milk a goat, be taught concerning the cheese-making course of, and pattern the scrumptious creamy cheeses produced on the dairy.
For a extra in-depth expertise, e-book the Night Chore & Milking Tour. You too can swing by simply to purchase a few of their scrumptious goat cheese.
Do the goats actually surf? No, however you wouldn’t realize it from the entire surfboard decorations. You’ll additionally discover a small outside play space for youthful youngsters and shaded picnic tables right here.
— Colleen Lanin, TravelMamas
16. Go zip-lining.
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do on Maui that it’s simple to replenish your Maui itinerary very quickly. That’s why it’s worthwhile to be certain to go away room for zip-lining in Maui with children. Not solely is it a brilliant cool journey, but additionally the views of Maui are epic.
There are a number of Maui zipline firms to select from relying on age and skills. Maui Zipline can take children as younger as 5 years outdated, which is ideal for novices. For households with older children no less than 10 years outdated, the Flyin Hawaiian Zipline is the longest, highest, and quickest zip on Maui. Zip-lining on Maui is a Hawaii journey your loved ones will all the time bear in mind!
— Marcie Cheung, Hawaii Journey with Youngsters
17. Splash in a waterfall.
Do you need to swim in a waterfall in Maui? After all, you do! The preferred waterfalls for swimming in Maui embody the Seven Sacred Swimming pools, Higher Puohokamoa Falls, and Waikamoi Stream.
For a extra secluded expertise, although, Punalau Falls is a hidden pure paradise in northeastern Maui. This beautiful 100-foot waterfall is likely one of the lesser-known falls alongside the favored Highway to Hana. It is a fantastic household tour in Maui as a result of it tends to be a lot much less crowded than lots of the different stops on the favored winding Highway to Hana.
There’s a quick half-mile hike alongside Punalau Creek to the falls. Not solely will you discover the spectacular falls, but additionally there is a swimming gap for household enjoyable. Put on water footwear and do not forget towels and sunscreen!
For guided hikes, check out these waterfall excursions for households.
— Alexa Meisler, 52 Excellent Days
18. Go to sea turtles at Ho’okipa Seashore.
Ho’okipa Seashore on the north aspect of the island is a superb place to take your children to see turtles within the wild. Day by day, Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles emerge from the water and crawl onto the sand to lie within the solar for just a few hours on the japanese finish of the seaside, proper under Ho’okipa Lookout.
When you aren’t allowed to go proper as much as the turtles, watching them from a brief distance is a superb expertise. That is very true for youths who might not be capable of snorkel or swim within the open water.
After watching the turtles, go to the highest of Ho’okipa Lookout to soak up expansive coastal views and watch surfers hanging ten.
— Luke Storey, Wild About BC
19. Cease to odor the flowers at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is a working farm on the slopes of Haleakala in Upcountry Maui. It options 25 forms of lavender. You will additionally see and odor succulents, roses, hydrangea, and olive timber amongst different flora. The farm’s historical past originates from the late founder, Ali’i Chan, who began the complete farm from a single lavender plant gifted by a good friend in 2001.
The farm is likely one of the high issues to do in Maui with children with its strolling excursions, craft lessons, and picnics. Ali’i Kula gives a really distinctive and academic expertise in nature, distinct from the standard seaside actions.
Moreover, there’s a secret backyard treasure hunt that’s excellent for youths and adults of all ages. The hunt begins on the reward store and takes households by hidden sections of the farm and ends with a prize for youngsters.
— Antoine and Marielle, Offbeat Escapades
20. Go to a black sand seaside in Wai’anapanapa State Park.
Wai’anapanapa State Park is positioned proper off Hana Freeway. One of many important options of the park is Pa’iloa Seashore, often known as Wai’anapanapa Seashore. That is thought-about by many to be essentially the most stunning black sand seaside on Maui. It is surrounded by sharp lava rocks and the encompassing lush tropical vegetation creates a shocking distinction with the cobalt blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Whereas swimming right here isn’t all the time potential as a consequence of harmful rip currents, you must completely take time to discover this 122-acre state park with a digital camera in hand. You will discover many unimaginable lava caves fed by ocean springs and scenic mountain climbing trails coated with black lava rocks.
— Daria Bachmann, The Discovery Nut
21. Embark on a family-friendly Jeep tour of Maui.
Nervous about tackling the Highway to Hana? Let an area do the driving! Hoaloha Jeep Adventures gives family-friendly excursions across the island, custom-made to your pursuits and tempo.
Find out about Maui’s tradition and historical past whereas exploring with an professional. Throughout your tour you may swim close to a waterfall, discover a uncommon black sand seaside, hike on a volcano, or seize a chew from an area sizzling spot. Hoaloha even gives life jackets for youthful children in the event that they need to swim.
For bigger households, the Jeeps caravan along with the children in a single car and the adults in one other, if desired.
— Jason Carlton, Carltonauts Journey Ideas
22. Turn out to be a mermaid for a day with Hawaii Mermaid Adventures.
If you happen to’re coming to Maui with children then you definately’ll love the Hawaii Mermaid Adventures. They provide Mermaid Swimming Classes, the place you and your little ones can remodel your self into real-life mermaids.
Youngsters above 50 lbs can be a part of the teachings and may have the time of their lives. Or, select Mermaid Meet-and-Greets for individuals who aren’t able to strive it simply but.
The most effective information is that skilled images is included in each single session. What higher technique to maintain these recollections ceaselessly than with a implausible set of images to recollect the day!
Youngsters will completely find it irresistible however swimming like a mermaid can be enjoyable for adults. The entire household will get pleasure from this expertise so make sure to add it to your journey itinerary to your journey to Maui.
— Victoria Heinz, Information Your Journey
23. Go to botanical gardens alongside the Highway to Hana.
Because of the state’s distinctive local weather, there are many vegetation that develop solely in Hawaii and nowhere else in the USA. If you happen to love lush greenery and vivid, stunning flowers of all sizes and shapes, then you’ll be very glad strolling the paths of such fairly gardens as Backyard of Eden or Kula Botanical Backyard.
Each are positioned alongside the Highway to Hana and make good pit stops for households with their paved stroller-friendly paths. A bonus for chook lovers, Backyard of Eden has a resident peacock and Kula is dwelling to Nene geese distinctive to Hawaii.
— Tatiana, Household Highway Journey Guru
24. Rappel down waterfalls.
As one of many extra thrilling outside sights in Maui, Rappel Maui gives a singular expertise for households trying to find Maui’s stunning waterfalls. Whether or not households are in Maui for 2 weeks or stopping in on a Hawaii cruise, Rappel Maui is certain to thrill. Those that collect sufficient braveness to rappel down waterfalls won’t overlook this exceptional expertise.
If security is a priority, don’t fear! Company are supplied with all vital tools and directions to securely rappel down the falls into refreshing pure water swimming pools.
Youngsters should be no less than 10 years outdated to rappel. However all ages can benefit from the scenic rainforest hike by the Hawaiian jungle as they uncover Maui’s gushing waterfalls.
— Ellie Ewert, Ellie’s Journey Ideas
25. Swim in a wonderful Maui lodge pool.
Hawaii is dwelling to a few of the world’s most unimaginable swimming swimming pools. In actual fact, many households (like mine!) select the place to remain in Maui based mostly on the standard of the lodge pool.
Superb waterfalls, splash areas, waterslides, rope bridges, lush landscapes, and swim-up pool bars lure vacationers to linger within the pool space at lodges and resorts throughout the island. Hyatt Regency Maui boasts the world’s first fantasy lodge swimming pools. In the meantime, Sheraton Maui wows pool followers with its meandering, palm-lined lazy river.
Need extra concepts? Check out the very finest lodge swimming pools in Hawaii.
— Colleen Lanin, Journey Mamas
Take in the spirit of aloha!
It isn’t simply all of those wonderful family-friendly actions that make Hawaii one in every of my favourite locations on the earth, it is also the state’s distinctive spirit of aloha. The literal that means of aloha is “presence of breath” nevertheless it actually symbolizes the nice and cozy, welcoming, and sort angle of Hawaii’s residents.
An encounter with an openhearted waitress at Hyatt Regency Maui’s Swan Courtroom exemplifies this spirit of aloha. My then 6-year-old beamed as he advised our waitress, “Do you know one thing? It was my greatest dream to return to Hawaii. And now I’m right here!”
We watched the swans and geese swimming within the Swan Courtroom’s pond and ate our fill of pancakes and different breakfast buffet goodies. Then our waitress returned with a present for Leo. She handed him a field of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts throughout which she had written, “To Leo, maintain residing your goals!”
She advised him, “I believe it is fantastic that you just dreamed of coming to Hawaii. I hope you’ll proceed to dream as a result of you are able to do something you need in life.”
He could not cease grinning as he thanked her and hugged his chocolate prize. Then he mentioned, “Nobody appears imply right here. Everybody in Hawaii is glad.”
He is proper. What’s to not be glad about in Maui?
Discover extra of Hawaii.
The 2 hottest resort areas on Maui are Wailea and Kaanapali. Uncover all of the enjoyable issues to do in Kaanapali with children.
4 of Hawaii’s 5 lively volcanoes are on the Massive Island. Learn our suggestions for exploring Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park with children.
Hawaii’s most populous island, Oahu, is dwelling to Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Middle, and rather more. Uncover why to plan an Oahu trip with children.
Prepared for household adventures in paradise? I like flying to the islands with Hawaiian Airways as a result of they make you’re feeling like your trip begins the minute you board the airplane. Check out flight costs with Hawaiian Airways now!
Save these Maui household trip suggestions.
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What are your favourite Maui household actions? Do you’ve any questions on visiting Maui with children? Tell us within the feedback under!
A Observe from Journey Mamas: Thanks to Kaanapali Seashore Resort, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for internet hosting my household’s most up-to-date Maui go to!
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