31 Fun Things to Do in Maui with Kids (Updated) – 2024
There’s something for everybody in Maui: parents, kids, couples, ocean lovers, nature lovers.
Valley-Isle tourists are spoiled for choices, with everything from stunning lilac gardens to globally renowned surfing and scuba on hand.
You’ll find something for everyone in Maui, offering much to do. However, if you wish to genuinely amaze the children and make it a memorable trip, here’s a selection of the most incredible things to do in Maui with kids.
Best things in Maui for children
1. Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is among the country’s gorgeous road drives, with magnificent landscapes spanning from cascades to jungles to rock formations, exhilarating twists, and single-lane highways.
Why visit?
Even though it’s somewhat a lengthy drive, specifically if you halt (which you’ll be likely to! ), and if the wind chooses to be uncooperative, the younger children might not enjoy the journey as much.
Older kids who enjoy trekking and sightseeing will enjoy it, notably with halts along the route, such as the Twin Falls, Hana Lava Tunnel, and Seven Sacred Pools.
2. Maui Ocean Center: Hawaii Aquarium
The Maui Ocean Center, a terrific site to introduce toddlers to the area’s unique flora, wildlife, and traditions, follows the checklist of activities to do in Maui with children.
Why visit?
This reef, with a beautiful position on Ma’alea Bay, is an excellent opportunity to blend pleasure and study.
The variety of fantastic displays, ranging from the Open Ocean to the underwater cave to the turtle’s pond to a natural coral reef, may cause a few eyes to dilate!
Hawaii aquarium also features an excellent display that shows tourists native Hawaiian practices and customs.
3. Maui Waveriders – Lahaina
Indeed, there appears to be an infinite number of surfing facilities on Maui, particularly in a hotbed like Lahaina.
Why visit?
Go to the family-owned Maui Waveriders for extremely delightful, personalized surfing instruction for the entire crew.
At this surfing school, each individual receives personalized attention; sessions begin on the beach and progressively dive into the sea.
Every learner has an opportunity to grab a surf and receives customized feedback from the teacher, resulting in a memorable experience.
If you’re exceptionally lucky, you might be able to swim with adorable marine mammals and harmless blacktip sharks!
4. Surfing Goat Dairy Farm
Go on a getaway to Maui’s Upcountry for something interesting to experience (and We imply much more entertaining than the usual surf and sand!)—you’ll be excused if you forget you’re on an island and not a traditional countryside!
Why visit?
You won’t find real surfers’ goats on Mount Haleakala’s southwestern slope. However, you will discover a lovely functioning ranch with a variety of excursions!
Toddlers will like the visit since they can feed and stroke the goats, form friendships with the domestic pigs, cats, and puppies, and determine how a farm operates.
5. Skyline Eco-Adventures: Kaanapali Ziplines
If you have a thrill-seeking household, Skyline Eco-Adventures is a terrific spot to satisfy your excitement while getting the kids started early!
Why visit?
Skyline presents multiple fascinating zipline courses, one across Haleakala’s summit and another through Kaanapali’s restaurants. Still, whichever track you select, incredible views of Maui’s shoreline are promised.
You may also choose the duration of a zip-lining adventure, but remember that children have to be at least ten or above for the Kaanapali route and Eight or above for the Haleakala route, and prior reservations are required here.
6. Hst Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
HST has a longstanding experience as one of Maui’s oldest facilities for kite and windsurfing training, making it among the best Maui play dates.
Why visit?
Alan Cadiz, a Tournament Pro, founded HST in the mid-1980s, giving tuition in windsurfing, paragliding, regular surf, and stand-up kayaking.
Don’t fret if you’re a total beginner—the professional instructors will provide you comprehensive tuition, beginning on the beachfront and progressing to the sea until you’ve mastered how to configure, sail, and place the kite while supported by your 10 feet paddle.
Newbies are guided by teachers, while expert surfers are left undisturbed.
7. Kapalua Bay Beach
Residents and tourists use the public Kapalua Bay Shore, which is ideal for family outings.
Why visit?
Though its relatively more minor than most beachfront in Hawaii, the superb diving brings visitors to Kapalua Bay Shore; visitors may even rent inflatable kayaks and snorkel equipment at the little shop at the end of the shoreline.
There are magnificent ledges for cliff diving further than the historically significant Cliff House (current property of the Montage complex); additionally, there are railings and ramps to help the climb back to the peak faster and simpler for divers/jumpers.
8. Hawaiian Paddle Sports: Makena Turtle Town Outrigger Canoe Tour
Besides viewing the most adorable sea turtles in Makena Bay’s Turtle Beach, Hawaiian Water Sports also offers delightful guided canoe rides (and train to release and moor canoes) across the bay’s magnificent corals.
Why visit?
Every one of the tourist guides is a licensed marine ecologist who will exhibit to you the most delicate areas to capture tortoises, educate you about the colonies of fish swimming around, and tell you about the region’s heritage and culture.
You’ll need to make a booking; if you don’t have one, visitors can still go to Turtle Town for incredible diving and turtle encounters, which is a terrific place to visit with children.
9. Makawao Forest Reserve
If you’re contemplating where to take kids for fun in Maui, the Makawao Forest Reserve is essential; regardless of whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or not, you’ll appreciate the stunning vistas, charming pathways, and a nice respite from Hawaii’s real hot, springtime!
Why visit?
Makawao Forest Reserve, situated in Upcountry Hawaii, provides tourists with seven hikes; the Kahakapao Recreation Center is a lovely location to begin, leading to the Kahakapao Loop Trail—six meandering kilometers of good trekking.
There are also numerous cyclists in Makawao; if you wish to rent a motorcycle and tour the trails, visit Kranky’s Cycles. Riders and trekkers use different routes.
10. Tour of the Stars (Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa)
Every evening at 8 p.m., stargazers, astronomers, newbies, and professionals assemble for the Hyatt’s cosmology and stargazing session, the Tour of the Stars.
Why visit?
The Tour of Stars is among the most kid-friendly activities in Hawaii. It will also attract parents because they may get breathtaking sights of Eighty of the 87 constellations throughout the Mauian celestial sphere, including many not visible from central Maui.
Visitors are led through each course and instructed on utilizing the facility’s two telescopes and lenses.
11. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Ali’i Kula is a functioning lilac estate stretched on 13.5 acres of cultivated land in Countryside, a wonderland of about 55000 mauve plants comprising 45 types, with shrubs, orchards, and fresh flowers contributing to the property’s charm.
Why visit?
Although perhaps not indigenous to Maui, earthy scents flourish at this estate, where visitors can learn everything about the attractive flower in a picturesque environment.
In fact, the tale as to how lavenders arrived in Maui is fascinating—a friend offered Ali’ Chang, the farm’s originator, a lavender flower, which grew into the Ali’i Kula Lavender Estate that we see today!
12. Sail Trilogy: Molokini
Sail Trilogy, a few of the island’s most prominent and oldest sailboats rental businesses, has been in business for more than four decades and offers passengers six beautiful cruising trips.
Why visit?
The organization’s most popular excursion—the ‘Discover Molokini’ tour, which provides customers an up-close-and-personal look of the area’s spectacular aquatic life, offering glass sights even at 150 ft—can seat thirty to forty tourists.
Such perspectives imply that this trip is one of the best experiences to have with kids in Maui, even with toddlers but that you need to schedule a trip well ahead of time, particularly during peak summer.
13. Rappel Maui
If you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind activity on your Maui holiday, nothing beats rappelling down cascades!
Why visit?
Though many people fear this exhilarating experience, individuals who have done it can’t stop gushing about the extraordinary experience. Rappel Maui is a beautiful place to witness it for yourself.
Participants are given the necessary supplies and extensive training before rappelling down cascades into pristine waters!
However, children must be over ten, and overall fitness is essential!
14. Old Lahaina Luau
The Old Lahaina Luau is a journey through Hawaii’s rich heritage, transporting tourists to the time when the earliest Polynesians arrived.
Why visit?
Visitors are spoiled at the Old Lahaina Luau. They are greeted with leis and given actual seats to sit on rather than the arbitrary reference that many hotels provide on luau evenings.
Furthermore, because it is not affiliated with any resort, Old Lahaina is distinct from the other luau encounters in the province.
Lava rocks surround the unique spherical platform here, wherein hula performers and storytelling entertain guests in the background of the sinking Hawaiian sunlight.
15. Hawaii Mermaid Adventures
If you’re traveling to Maui with children, Hawaii Mermaid Adventures is a must-see; the mermaids, folklore, and quantity of educational facts about Hawaii’s ecology and wildlife are unequaled.
Why visit?
The mermaids will captivate the little ones. Meanwhile, older children will appreciate plunging into Hawaii’s beautiful seas and discovering the native aquatic life in a 2-hour session guided by experienced teachers who assure complete safety.
It is also possible to document unique family memories undersea with complimentary digital undersea images taken during the course.
Unquestionably one of the best Maui kids’ activities!
16. Atlantis Submarine
Last but not least on this selection of the finest Maui activities for children is the Atlantis Submarine, a one-of-a-kind submerged excursion that has even been featured on National Geographic!
Why visit?
You won’t go to 20000 galaxies beneath the ocean here, but you can dive as down as 100 ft while discovering the Pacific seas that encompass West Maui, Moloka’i, and Lana’i.
The air-conditioned torpedo seats 48 passengers and allows you to peacefully witness Maui’s undersea wonderland, unique marine species, a recreation of a buried 19th-century shipwreck, an engineered reef, and sometimes even pilot whales during their yearly voyage!
17. Kapalua Bay Beach
Kapalua Bay Shore is our top choice in Maui for a quick day excursion or early snorkeling. It is among the most incredible snorkeling locations in the city. You must have your own snorkeling equipment, although a kiosk on shore rents equipment if necessary.
Why visit?
Given that you are in the pacific sea, I urge that your children have nice, kid-friendly snorkeling gear. This guarantees that they can relish the occasion since it will fit well and ensure their safety.
The sheltered bay has a superficial reef with a wide range of wildlife, such as the renowned humuhumunukunukuapua’a (or perhaps just humu humu for brief), a triggerfish referred to as the state fish of Hawaii. There is also a live shell there, but keep in mind that it is illegal in Maui to come within 10 ft of marine mammals.
Exploring Kapalua is a terrific thing to do if you are traveling to Maui with babies. Kapalua Bay is among Maui’s top resorts for children.
Because there is usually no rough surf, children may comfortably splash in the sea and explore in the sand. It’s one of our lovely Maui family events, and we allow arrangements for it every time we visit.
18. Visit Haleakala National park
Experiencing Maui from the shore, ocean, and sky is a component of what makes it so wonderful. You can undoubtedly accomplish this by visiting Haleakala National Park, which is located at 10000 ft above sea level.
Why visit?
This dormant volcano has a diverse terrain and is residence to the uncommon Haleakala Silverswords shrub. The vistas alone are worth a stop, but for an extra spectacular encounter, go around dawn or twilight.
You may visit the earthquake on your own or on a group tour. There are several options available.
You can plan an early morning bike excursion if you are vacationing with older children. After the trip takes you to the summit of Haleakala, you will witness the dawn and then ride down the volcano.
19. Hiking The Iao Valley
Climbing in the Iao Valley is yet another of my favorite pastimes to engage in with children on Maui. This lovely setting is excellent for exploring Maui’s luscious and magnificent surroundings. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Why visit?
The Iao Valley is also a great place to learn about Hawaiian culture. This place is crucial in Hawaiian culture and is also revered as a holy site for the residence of vintage Hawaiian divinities.
I enjoy studying Hawaiian culture since the island is so vibrant and flourishing. This mysterious location is ideal for experiencing it personally.
The Iao Valley is a beautiful area to spend a lovely family day trekking the trails, admiring cascades, splashing in ponds, and having a picnic.
This is, without a doubt, among the most incredible family activities in Maui.
20. Maui Treasure Hunt
If you don’t wish to undertake a full-day trek but yet want to explore wildlife on Maui, try a family’s Maui Treasure Hunt. This three-hour family-friendly adventure includes a family trip, a trek, and a dip on the beach or a secluded pond.
It also features a scavenger hunt with a group chart ideal for families. It’s a terrific way to keep the children entertained while exploring the luscious beauty of Maui and having a lovely family excursion on Maui
It is a unique and entertaining activity for teenagers to do in Maui and is ideal for children aged 5 and above.
21. Aloha Hula
Learn How To Make A Lei, Hula, Or Play The Ukulele
Another great thing to do in Maui with children is to engage in something traditional and distinctive. Maui’s family-friendly resorts frequently offer lei-making workshops, hula instruction, and even ukelele classes.
Why visit?
At Aloha Hula, you may also attend Hawaiian cultural workshops, lei-making courses, hula instruction, and perhaps even master some Hawaiian phrases.
It is an excellent approach for children to learn about Hawaiian culture. It’s also among the key places to visit in Maui with kids.
22. Shop for unique Hawaiian Souvenirs
You would obviously want to commemorate this trip for when your kids grow up. This place will help you take back memories and memoirs.
Retail therapy at Whaler’s Village or Lahaina is among our preferred family activities in Maui. There are numerous beautiful sites to take photos of to remember your time in Maui.
Why visit?
Browsing in Maui is an essential pastime, with everything from hand-carved quilted goods to exquisite accessories from Na Hoku (our favorite) or Maui Diving Ornaments, unique artworks, beautiful Hawaiian shirts or skirts, acoustic guitars, and much more!
23. Honolulu Cookie Company
The Honolulu Cookie Company is essential on each and every vacation for families with kids. These distinctive macaroon biscuits, which can be found throughout the island, are impossible to resist.
Why visit?
They are available in a number of flavors, including plain, espresso, and macadamia nuts. As well as, the chocolate-dipped wafers with vanilla sprinkles are unbeatable.
Although there are other stores on the island, our personal favorite is in Lahania, where you may enjoy it while learning about the Lahaina Banyan Tree.
They also make beautiful keepsakes to take home or give as gifts and a terrific in-room treat. They generally offer tasting sections (literally the best part), but Honolulu Cookie Company is a must-stop bakery on your vacation to Maui!
24. Helicopter Tour
Helicopter trips are prevalent on all coastlines, but they are incredibly popular on territories with active volcanic eruptions. You’re in luck; Big Island and Maui are two Hawaiian locations with active volcanoes.
Why visit?
Soaring above an active volcano and observing lava plains from above is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Visitors can see the whole island of Maui from the sky in less than an hour, making it simple to incorporate into busy days.
25. Horse Riding
Fields and pastures may appear to be similar things, yet they couldn’t be more diverse. Farming produces food, whereas herders rear livestock such as cows, piglets, and, most significantly, ponies.
Why visit?
Taking a horse ride through the breathtaking beauty of Maui and thereafter experiencing paniolos (Hawaiian cowboy) is an absolute blast.
Because Maui has a rich history of ranchers and horsemen, this activity will appeal to everybody at your party. Plus, luaus are overblown, and the most incredible way to experience Hawaiian food is with paniolos and an excellent BBQ.
26. Makena Beach State Park
Makena Beach State Park, situated a few kilometers southeast of Wailea, has over 170 acres of natural beauty as well as two coastlines.
Why visit?
Makena Shore is 2.5 kilometers long and 100 feet in diameter, making it ideal for stretching and sunbathing without getting congested. Puu Olai Shore is just 5 min walking distance away and is among the handful of beaches that allows naked tanning, but it has gotten tighter in recent years.
This beach, though, would be only 660 feet in length and may become rather busy. However, there are additional paths and routes to explore since the nature reserve has a great deal to offer other than its gorgeous beaches.
27. Hookipa Beach
Paddling and Maui have a past and rich history, with the latter being the birthplace of sports and home to a number of the world’s finest surfers.
Why visit?
Everybody who tours the beaches must give it a shot at surfing once in their lives minimum, and Hookipa Shore is a great location to begin.
The beachfront is well-known for its high tides and is a famous sightseeing and kitesurfing venue, with natives offering instruction. Obviously, the shore features fishing piers and creatures for kids to discover and interact with.
28. Play Golf
The Hawaiian Islands are among the most popular golfing places on the planet. Maui is ideal for sports enthusiasts because of its gorgeous sunshine, abundant natural vegetation, and superb hotels.
Why visit?
The Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay conducts the PGA Tournament of Golfers. The King Kamehameha Country Club and the Gold Course at Wailea Beach Club are among the top golf venues in the entire state. However, there are numerous other ways through which you can engage in the activity.
29. Molokini Crater
The diving part referenced Molokini Crater. This crater, on the other hand, deserves its very own description. The crater was formed by an explosion around 23000 decades previously, which created a half-moon-shaped island in Maui’s seas.
Why visit?
It has spectacular volcanic structures formed by molten lava colliding with cool seawater and fascinating ocean life. This is an absolute must-see while visiting Hawaii and is among the most renowned snorkeling locations in all of the Hawaiian islands.
30. Dragon’s Teeth
It’s important to highlight this scenic gem at Makaluapuna Point, but it’s something that everybody should witness. Where the ground touches the ocean, a peculiar volcanic deposit with rocky cliffs sticking into the skies creates a lengthy series of sharp teeth.
Why visit?
Dragon’s Teeth are indeed an experience to behold, built from hot lava shooting into the Ocean and tides forcing the magma away, and it feels like you’re going into the jaws of a massive fire-breathing dragon.
31. Hale Paahao Old Lahaina Prison
Followers of literature may go back in time to the early 1850s when boisterous seamen boarded fishing boats and lived in Hale Paahao or the Old Lahaina Penitentiary in Lahaina.
Why visit?
The community recognized the need to manage the unruly seamen and constructed the jail to hold them in check once their revelry grew out of control. It enables people to journey back in time to a period and location rarely encountered by Hawaiians.
Take note
Maui is the ideal spot if you wish to view an active volcano while on vacation. It is also one of two islands featuring active volcanoes, so keep an eye on the news, although it’s rather pleasant. Simply be cautious when heading near the volcano.
When preparing for a trip to Maui, stock up on staples and research the facilities offered by accommodations and resorts.
If you’re embarking on a long drive across Maui, make sure to reserve your accommodations in advance.
Because the coasts are busy throughout the year, there is no certainty that there will be available in the resorts. An excellent option is to lodge in a campground on Maui.
Maui has 1 nature reserve and 8 state parks, resulting in many camping places. If you intend to purchase or rent camping equipment in the area, you’ll need to add additional baggage.
However, campgrounds sell out fast, so prepare in advance for your vacation. However, camping could be an excellent method of saving money while seeing Maui.
Conclusion
Except for these little things, we have taken care of everything you will need to have the perfect vacation in Maui. This listicle has the curation of the best things to do in Maui with kids.
Don’t forget to take back memoirs along with memories and giggles. Maui is a beautiful destination, and you should witness that with your eyes.
