Maui is the perfect family destination for those looking to balance adventure and relaxation. As a Hawaii travel planner and Maui mama of two, I’ve gathered our top family-friendly activities to ensure your vacation is one for the books. From whale watching to exploring lush rainforests, Maui has it all!
Ready to plan your adventure? Here are the best things to do on Maui with kids.
National Parks and Landmarks
Haleakalā National Park (Upcountry)
Maui’s most popular landmark is the Haleakalā Crater, where you can watch one of the most spectacular sunrises of your life from 10,000 feet above sea level. Sunrise reservations are required (book 60 days in advance).
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If you expect to be jetlagged upon arrival, visit the crater on your first morning on Maui, as you will probably be waking up before the sun anyway! And, if you don’t feel like dragging the kids out of bed, you can also visit for a sunset or explore the park during the day.
Be sure to bring lots of layers and wear closed-toe shoes. It is surprisingly cold at the summit, with temperatures often dropping near or below freezing.
Skyline Hawaii offers the best tours with breakfast and a hotel pickup:
Haleakalā Sunrise tour – pickup from Maui’s Westside
Haleakalā Sunrise tour – pickup from Maui’s Southside
ʻĪao Valley State Park (Wailuku)
Located just outside historic Wailuku Town, ʻĪao Valley State Park is where we like to escape for a little reset. This is where King Kamehameha defeated the Maui army while unifying the Hawaiian islands, and the vibe here is pretty special.
Pack a picnic, wander around Kepaniwai Park and Heritage Gardens, or take an easy paved hike to the famous ʻĪao Needle. Just don’t forget to make a reservation to enter the park (60 days in advance).
This Treasure Hunt Hike is a great family-friendly tour popular with families of younger kids!
Wainapanapa State Park (Hana)
If you’re driving the Road to Hana, a stop at Wainapanapa State Park is a must. Famous for its black sand beach, sea caves, and dramatic cliffs, it’s a magical place for kids to explore. Reservations are now required and can be booked 30 days in advance (these go fast).
Find out: Do You Need a Rental Car on Maui?
Beach Days and Water Adventures
Kid-Friendly Beaches
Maui’s many stunning beaches make it ideal for families with kids of all ages. Some of the best kid-friendly beaches on Maui include:
• Kamaole Beach Park III: With swings and picnic areas, this is perfect for a sunset outing.
• Keawakapu Beach: Ideal for a relaxed beach day.
• Kapalua Bay: Calm waters and ample space to snorkel with little ones.
Read about all of Maui’s best kid-friendly beaches here.
Whale Watching Tours (Kihei)
Maui is hands down the best island for whale watching. You can see them from December to April before they migrate back to Alaska. Maui’s “peak whale season” occurs from mid-January to March. I’ve lived on Maui since 2016, and seeing them breach still takes my breath away!
Book a whale-watching tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation to see humpback whales up close and in action. Their eco-friendly tours are free for kids four and under and include a Jr. Naturalist Program. Or you can treat yourself to this catamaran whale-watching sail with appetizers and an open bar. (Can I come?)
Snorkeling (Wailea)
With its calm water and clear bays, Maui is my favorite island for snorkeling. You can easily rent inexpensive snorkel gear all over the island, but if you’re unsure where to go or nervous about heading out alone, check out this guided snorkel tour for beginners and non-swimmers.
If you’ve got a crew of adventurous explorers, I highly recommend this guided snorkel tour by Redline Rafting to explore the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater. This volcanic crater is just off the coast of Maui, and the ride out is an adventure in itself! This family-friendly company does a lot for the island and offers two-hour small-group tours.
Surf Lessons (Kihei)
Learn to surf at Kihei’s beginner-friendly beach (locally known as “The Cove” at Kalama Park). This is where I learned to surf with my six-year-old! I love Surf Club Maui because they provide a gentle introduction to surfing with experienced instructors who are great with kids and first-time surfers of any age.
Mermaid Swim Lesson (Wailea)
If you’ve got a Wanna-be-Mermaid or Merman in your fam, make their day with this fun Mermaid Swim Lesson in Makena Bay. This two-hour instruction includes a mermaid tail and an underwater photo shoot with free digital images to show off back home to their friends. Adults can participate, too!
Animal Encounters and Farms
Maui Ocean Center (Ma’alaea)
The Maui Ocean Center is our go-to experience on a rainy day. This indoor-outdoor aquarium is located within beautiful Ma’alaea Harbor next to Maui Golf and Sports Park. Watch sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles swim overhead in the underwater tunnel or pet a starfish in the touch pool. The 3D humpback whale experience is not to be missed (kids must be four and up to attend the show).
Maui Farms (Upcountry)
Sitting on the slopes of Haleakala, Upcountry Maui is arguably the island’s most peaceful region. Visiting one of Maui’s family-friendly farms is a great way to take in these rolling hills and sweeping views.
Pick strawberries at Kula Country Farms, take in the aroma at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, try fresh goat cheese at Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, or score some Maui honey at Maui Bees!
Maui Butterfly Farm (Olowalu)
Located in charming Olowalu, the Maui Butterfly Farm offers a hands-on experience where kids can learn about the lifecycle of butterflies, hold caterpillars, and release butterflies. It’s a unique, interactive way to explore Maui’s natural beauty.
Outdoor Adventures
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a 64-mile-long highway that leads to a small, remote town on Maui’s Eastside. While the town of Hana is pretty sleepy, the road to it includes waterfalls, hiking trails, 59 bridges, and 620 hairpin turns on cliffside roads.
While the Road to Hana is legendary, I don’t recommend it if anyone in your family gets car sick, needs frequent bathroom breaks, or gets nervous on the road.
Customize a private tour to make the experience easier for your family (and keep your marriage intact). You can opt for a half-day tour (typically better for younger kids) or take the loop all the way around with the top down!
Ziplining
I’m terrified of heights, but my son recently talked me into going ziplining for the first time, and I have to admit, it was pretty epic. Our experience with NorthShore Zipline was the perfect introduction. This family-friendly company is great with scared-y cats and allows children 5 and under to participate, which is rare. They also allow non-participants to follow along on foot.
For the thrill-seekers in your family, try this 8-line Ka’anapali zipline by Skyline Eco Adventures. This tour is suited for older kids (10 and up) and anyone ready to face their fear of heights. Sour over a tropical forest with fantastic views of Maui, Molokini, and Lanai. I’ve never been brave enough, but people rave about this experience!
Horseback Riding (Wailuku)
Head to Maui Mountain Activities in Central Maui for a horseback ride in the West Maui Mountains. This tour is ideal for all riding levels (kids must be 7 and up). Their group rides are small, giving you lots of personal instruction, and the coastal trail provides views of some beautiful waterfalls.
Swimming in Waterfalls (Haiku)
Swimming in a waterfall is at the top of many visitor lists. However, navigating trails and knowing where to jump in can be dangerous and intimidating, especially with kids in tow.
Hike Maui is a great local company that takes small groups on half-day tours to lesser-known waterfalls. They take you on an easy/moderate hike through the rainforest, teach you about Hawaiian culture, feed you lunch, and show you exactly where to jump off cliffs into stunning Maui waterfalls. I highly recommend it!
Indoor Fun and Learning
Bailey House Museum (Wailuku)
Located in Wailuku, Bailey House Museum is set in a former missionary home dating back to the 1800s. It features artifacts, paintings, and exhibits that showcase Hawaii’s cultural heritage. Older kids enjoy seeing traditional Hawaiian artifacts like canoes, tools, and ancient fishing gear. We once took a private tour and learned much more than we would have on our own.
The beautiful garden surrounding the museum also provides a peaceful place to explore and enjoy native Hawaiian plants. It’s a great stop to weave a little culture and history into your family adventure on Maui!
Trampoline Park (Kahului)
Need to burn off some energy? Head to Ultimate Air Maui, the island’s only trampoline park, located in Kahului. It’s perfect for a rainy day or to get some last-minute wiggles out before boarding a plane.
Shopping Malls
Whalers Village in Ka’anapali offers a beachfront shopping experience with popular brands and island-themed stores. It also has a great climbing structure and splash pad for kids. For a more upscale outing, visit The Shops at Wailea, where designer boutiques meet local high-end brands.
Both malls offer free, family-friendly activities like ukulele lessons, hula, and live music, so check current schedules to help plan your trip!
Food and Farmers Markets
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Maui has no shortage of family-friendly dining options. Some of our favorites include:
Slappycakes (Ka’anapali): A fun, interactive breakfast experience where you can make your own pancakes right at the table. My kids love this place!
Nalu’s South Shore Grill (Kihei): A family-friendly, order-at-the-counter haunt known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes and casual island vibe.
Maui Brewing Co. (Kihei): An expansive, laid-back restaurant offering local craft brews, tasty bites, and a spacious outdoor area perfect for letting kids run around while you soak up a sunset.
Read about all of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants on Maui!
Farmers Markets
Maui’s farmer’s markets are great for sampling local produce, picking up some handmade goods, and enjoying fresh food:
Upcountry Farmer’s Market: The biggest and the best! Held in Pukalani only on Saturdays. Get there early!
Kumu Farms: Located in the beautiful Maui Tropical Plantation, this is also a great place to feed the ducks, ride the Tropical Express Train, or explore the gardens.
Napili Farmer’s Market: This charming outdoor market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Family Photography
Fen’AmberAmber Photography
Booking a photoshoot in Hawaii will allow you to put the phone down more and preserve your Maui memories. Fen’Amber Photography is my favorite to work with (she took most of the family photos you see on this site).
Fen is excellent with kids and great at capturing authentic, candid moments. I feel so awkward in front of the camera, but she somehow makes it look natural. Her spots fill up fast, so reserve yours well in advance.
Conclusion
Maui’s diverse landscape offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. My Ultimate Guide to Maui can help you plan your days! Whether you snorkel in volcanic craters, ride horses through scenic valleys, or spend most of your time indulging in shave ice, Maui is always a good idea.
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aloha, I’M FLO
Hawaii travel blogger + itinerary planning extraordinaire
I’m an island-hopping Maui mama of two, here to bring your Hawaii vacation dreams to life.
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