Maui is a wonderful destination for families with kids of all ages. From stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to exciting outdoor activities and cultural experiences, there’s never a dull moment on the island. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, Maui has something to offer everyone.
One of the best things to do in Maui with kids is to visit the beaches. The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as Kaanapali Beach and Kapalua Bay. Kids can enjoy building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and exploring the tide pools. If you’re looking for a more adventurous beach experience, try snorkeling or paddleboarding in the clear waters. There are so many beaches to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that your family will love!
What To Do In Maui With Kids
Maui, the second-largest island in Hawaii, is a true paradise that offers something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, majestic volcanoes, farm-to-table restaurants, humpback whale sightings, and lush valleys, Maui is the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Maui is known as the “Valley Isle”. It boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities that make it a must-visit destination in Hawaii.
Trust me, a trip to Maui with kids is a perfect idea! Because it offers a range of activities that cater to all ages. For younger kids, the island has plenty of beaches with calm waters and gentle waves. There’s the Baby Beach in Lahaina and Napili Bay Beach. They’ll also love trying the local specialty, shave ice. Which can be found in many shops and stands throughout the island.
For a fun day out, head to Upcountry Maui, where you can visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm and take a tour of the lavender fields. The farm also offers workshops and activities for kids, such as lei-making and lavender satchel-making. Upcountry Maui is also home to many farms and ranches that offer tours and activities. And fun activities too, such as horseback riding and petting zoos.
Maui is one of the most kid-friendly destinations in the Hawaiian Islands, with plenty of activities and attractions that will keep the whole family entertained.
Let’s look at some other activities in Maui you are your kids can do together!
Experience solitude at Makena Beach State Park
Located in the southern area of the island, Makena State Beach Park is what you’d call a pristine beach thanks to the fact that it hasn’t yet been touched by development.
Makena Beach is divided into two different sections. One of them being named Big Beach and the other Little Beach. Both are surrounded by tropical vegetation. And provide wonderful views of the Molokini Crater, Kahoolawe, and the lush mountains of the island.
While here, you may notice there are no hotels, shops, or restaurants except for a few food trucks. Making it a perfect beach to visit if you prefer to stray away from crowds.
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is a beautiful and family-friendly destination located in Upcountry Maui. The farm spans over 13.5 acres and features more than 55,000 lavender plants, as well as a variety of other plants and trees that thrive in the cool, misty climate of the area.
There are many kid-friendly activities to enjoy at the farm, including a walking tour of the gardens, a guided tour of the distillery, and a chance to make your lavender sachet. Kids will also love visiting the chicken coop and seeing the resident goats and sheep. The farm’s gift shop is full of lavender products, including bath and body products, culinary treats, and home decor items, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Overall, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is a must-visit destination for families traveling to Maui. With its beautiful gardens, fun activities, and stunning views of the island, it’s a great place to spend a day exploring and enjoying the beauty of Maui. The farm’s staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always happy to answer any questions and provide recommendations for other family-friendly activities in the area.
Hike at Haleakala National Park
Named after the volcano that towers over the park, Haleakala National Park is the ultimate nature destination in Maui.
Even though most visitors to Haleakala visit the park to hike the volcano (the highest point on the island) for sunrise or sunset, there’s plenty more to do at this wonderful national park than meets the eye. Including plenty of hiking trails, tons of wildlife-spotting options, and more! You can also camp inside the park if you choose. Just make sure to check out the pass process as I believe you have to have a permit or reservation before arrival.
We loved (Steve hated the entire drive up and down as he’s scared of heights and the road is very curvy with the cliff right on the other side of your tire without any railing) going up during the daylight and just checking it out. It was quite chilly up top — like 50 degrees and very windy — and it was in the 80s at the bottom. So be sure to pack appropriate clothing if you want to do this. We didn’t stick around too much to hike, we drove up and looked. And then went back down because it is above the clouds and we were freezing!
Snorkel in Molokini Crater
Shaped like a crescent moon, Molokini Crater is a small island located just off the coast of Makena Beach.
Getting to the island is only possible by boat. This makes it a perfect day trip to take to explore one of the most beautiful islands that surround Maui’s mainland. You can find many tours which take you over to the Crater and guide you where to snorkel and stay safe.
Thanks to the fact that the water around Molokini Crater is crystal clear and boasts visibility of up to 150 feet, snorkeling here is an absolute treat. As you glide across the water, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of marine life. Including manta rays, parrotfish, yellow tang, and more! We went when Leila was 4 and didn’t know how to swim. So they have hard plastic boards with a plexiglass circle cut for the little kids to lay on and look into the ocean to see the fish. It made the whole experience amazing!
See Green Turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park
Featuring clear blue waters and soft white sand, Ho’okipa Beach Park is a great place in Maui to visit for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
Something that makes Ho’okipa Beach stand high above the crowds, though, is the fact that Honus (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles), loves hanging out around here. As a fun fact, ho’okipa translates into (“welcoming comfort”). Which the turtles seem to take very seriously!
For the best chances of seeing a ton of green turtles, visit Ho’okipa right before sunset. Around this time, they usually start arriving at the shore to settle for the night. But you may also be able to spot them eating, resting, or just hanging out any other time of the day.
Witness the Nakalele Blowhole
Located on the coast of northwestern Maui, Nakalele Blowhole is a striking natural geyser that gushes out water trapped under an underwater lava tube.
This strange phenomenon happens every few minutes every time the waves and wind are strong. But the best time of the day to witness it is usually during the morning when sunlight creates a rainbow as it hits the mist the water creates.
Make sure to keep a safe distance from the blowhole. As it can get pretty dangerous when the floor gets slippery and the water spews out at full force. We found it best to look from far away, on the mountaintop. It took a minute to figure out what we were supposed to be looking at. But I’m happy to say we saw it and loved it from about 300 feet away. The views are incredible so this is worth the trip!
Hike the Waimoku Falls Vía Pipiwai Trail
If what you’re after is a beautiful hiking trail that features a ton of variety when it comes to scenery, the Pipiwai Trail is sure to please.
This 4-mile round-trip hike will take you to a gorgeous panoramic view of Waimoku Falls. A stunning 400-foot waterfall is guaranteed to get your jaw on the floor. As you make your way to the viewpoint, you will also be treated to many other wonderful sights. Including a bamboo forest, swimming holes, lush vegetation, and a few other smaller waterfalls.
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Drive the Road to Hana
Starting in Kipahulu and ending in Kaipo, the Road to Hana is a 70-mile-long highway dotted by some of the best destinations Maui has to offer.
Even though this winding road isn’t very long, it has plenty of incredible places to make stops at scattered along the way. Including lush state parks, tons of beaches, waterfalls, taro fields, and more. Make sure you plan at least a full day to complete the drive to get to fully enjoy them!
A few of the can’t-miss stops to make on the Road to Hana include Wai’anapanapa State Park, Wailua Falls, Maui Garden of Eden, Pua’a Ka’a Falls, Ho’okipa Beach Park, Twin Falls, Hanawi Falls, Wailua State Wayside, Hamoa Beach, Huelo Lookout, and the Venus Ponds.
Make sure you visit the Upcountry when you are on your way back. Or if you decide to drive the Road backward. You won’t want to miss out on Maui Winery, a great pizza place. And a fun country store that has pretty great food. We have attempted to drive it twice by ourselves. But just haven’t mustered up enough strength to do it! There are several tour companies to take you and that will drive you, so maybe we will get it done by doing that. But neither Steve nor I were brave enough with all the crazy turns and drops right out our window!
How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Maui?
Maui is a beautiful island in Hawaii that boasts stunning beaches, lush greenery, and scenic drives. If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you might be wondering how long it takes to drive around the island. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the route you take, the traffic conditions, and how often you stop to take in the sights.
The most popular route for driving around Maui is the Road to Hana. it is a 64-mile stretch of highway that winds along the island’s northeastern coast. This route is known for its stunning views of waterfalls, beaches, and lush rainforests. But, it can be quite slow-going due to the numerous hairpin turns and one-lane bridges. It typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to drive the Road to Hana, but many people choose to make a day trip out of it and stop at various points along the way to explore and take photos.
And, if you’re planning to drive the Road to Hana, be sure to start early in the day to avoid traffic and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the journey. If you’re looking for a quicker way to drive around Maui, you can take the island’s main highway, which is known as the Honoapiilani Highway.
What Is Maui Known For?
Maui is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its beaches, mountains, and rainforests. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and surfing. One of Maui’s most famous attractions is the Road to Hana. It’s a scenic drive that takes visitors through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, and stunning coastline views. The island is also known for its whale-watching opportunities, as humpback whales migrate to the waters surrounding Maui between November and May.
It’s a kid-friendly destination with plenty of activities for younger kids. Families can enjoy a day at the beach, visit the Maui Ocean Center, or explore the island’s upcountry region. Which is home to attractions such as the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm and the Surfing Goat Dairy.
For a unique beach experience, visitors can head to the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. Or, watch the cliff divers at Black Rock in West Maui. No trip to Maui is complete without trying some shave ice.
Plan your trip to explore Maui, a destination with something for everyone.
So there you have it, folks! Maui is truly a destination that has it all. Whether you’re an adventure lover looking to explore Haleakala National Park or a beach bum wanting to relax on the sand, Maui has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit the Nakalele Blowhole or Iao Valley State Park for a more off-the-beaten-path experience. With so much to see and do, Maui is sure to provide an unforgettable vacation for all.
What are some other amazing destinations in Maui you feel should be included on this list? Let me know if you have any other recommendations worth mentioning in the comment section below!
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