Exploring Maui With Kids: A Guide

A vacation with Maui is a little trip to paradise, so why not bring the kids along? They’ll love exploring the exotic landscapes, sunny beaches, and fun activities too! Visiting Maui with kids requires some additional planning and preparation, but with a little research and some patience, both parents and children can enjoy the trip of a lifetime on the Valley Isle!

Where to Go

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park is a must-see for any Maui vacation, including those with kids in tow. Haleakala is a huge dormant volcano that makes up 75% of the island, spanning multiple climate zones and featuring a plethora of gorgeous animal and plant life. Take a Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour up to the volcano’s summit, hike the winding trails, explore the out-of-this-world landscapes, and finish up the day with views of a spectacular sunset and a visit to the Haleakala observatory. The kids will be amazed at the celestial wonders they’ll see at over 10,000 feet above sea level!

Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is another bucket list activity when visiting Maui. This 60+ mile drive around the northeastern perimeter of the island will wind you and the family through Maui’s diverse terrain, from beaches to farmland to rainforests to mountains…the Road to Hana has it all! End the trip with a visit to Kaihalulu Beach for the perfect end to the day. Don’t forget to bring along plenty of drinks and snacks, plus a well-stocked emergency kit, since there are stretches on the Road to Hana that go on for miles with nowhere to stop. If long drives aren’t your thing, consider taking one of the many Road to Hana bus tours instead.

Maui Ocean Center

Kids love the Maui Ocean Center! It’s Hawai’i’s main aquarium and the perfect place to see Maui’s unique marine life up close and personal. Maui is home to some of the most diverse animal and marine life on the planet, including several endangered species, so don’t skip the trip to the Maui Ocean Center for some once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Baby Beach

Take your older kids snorkeling on Baby Beach in Lahaina, which features some of the calmest waters on the island thanks to the reef that surrounds it. You’ll get to swim alongside sea turtles, starfish, and many other reef dwellers as the family explores this underwater spectacle up close!

Maui Butterfly Farm

Don’t miss the Maui Butterfly Farm in Lahaina for a 45-minute deep dive into all the different butterfly species that call Maui home.

Whale Watching Tour

Visit between December and April to catch some of the best whale watching on the planet. Maui’s northwest shores offer unparalleled views of this amazing experience, or catch a whale watching tour leaving from Lahaina Harbor or Maalea Harbor.

Kanapali Beach

Kanapali Beach is nestled close to some of the best family-friendly resorts that Maui has to offer. The whole family can enjoy awesome surfing, snorkeling, and other beach activities within a short walk to their rooms.

Lahaina Old Town

Be sure to add in at least one trip to Lahaina’s Old Town to learn more about the rich history and culture of Maui. Here you’ll find museums, cultural landmarks, local shops, and award-winning restaurants that will immerse your whole family in island life.

Where to Stay

Maui has many kid-friendly resort and hotel options with themes and activities designed just for the little ones. Check out some of these tried-and-true options that offer amenities with kids in mind:

Maui is the Family-Friendly Vacation You’ve Been Dreaming of

A trip to Maui with the whole family will create magical memories that last a lifetime. By focusing on locations and activities that are kid-friendly, you can experience all the wonder Maui has to offer while keeping the little ones happy. For families who love physical activity in the Great Outdoors, check out the guided bike tours of Mount Haleakala by Mountain Riders, Maui’s #1 visitor attraction. We offer both short and long bike rides to cater to any family’s needs, so book yours today!