68 Things to Do in Maui with Kids (By Age): Your Family Will Love Them
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Our toddler can’t or shouldn’t go parasailing in Maui. Yet, we find parasailing on most things to do on Maui with kids lists. After living on Maui with kids, my wife Erica and I decided the internet deserved the proper things to do on Maui list for the family. One that is helpful for parents.
Maui is a wonderful destination to vacation with kids. The legendary Maui waters, sea animals, waterfalls, walks, and water sports are a playground for our kids. Plus the culture. The diversity of the island held together with the spirit of aloha makes Maui an ideal place to go out on adventures with your family.
So, enjoy this massive list of things to do on Maui with kids. You will find something for everyone in your family.
Jump to a few of our essential Hawaii family vacation planning resources:
– Check out our favorite resorts on Maui for families with kids.
– We know you’re going to the beach, so take peace of mind with you: these 8 Maui beaches are the safest for families
– Maui is THE island for whale watching, so take a look at our 7 Best Whale Tours on Maui Review
– We have a list of all our Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupon Codes, because what family doesn’t love savings?
Entertaining Your Kids in Maui
You may be sitting in your hotel room with kids who are tired of the hotel pool. Or you may be planning your Maui trip. Hint, pick Maui over Oahu for kids.
Whatever, your situation you need ideas to entertain your kids besides the 5 best luaus on Maui.
The mind can go blank when the kids need some fun. Let our Things to Do in Maui With Kids list spark your creativity.
We sorted this list of activities based on the age of your children and the level of adventure.
The ages are defined in the following four sections:
- Infant and Baby – birth to 12 months
- Toddler – 12 months to 36 months
- Child – 3 years to 12 years old
- Teenagers – 13 years to 18 years
We moved to Maui when our son, Henry, was 18 months old. Finding activities for an active 18-month-old was challenging. We had delusional plans of hikes, car trips like the Road to Hana, and checking out new restaurants. Henry wasn’t down for those activities.
Every child is different. Some toddlers may love a car ride. They may be eager to climb into their car seat after the 6th stop, 5 hours into the Road to Hana day trip.
Our Things to Do in Maui With Kids list is designed for parents who know their kids. The activities are in order of adventure. Therefore, we recommend looking at the sections for your child’s age and the activities before and after their age. Some activities may be suitable for your child or younger-geared activities may work better.
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our 33 Things to Do on Maui (leave the crowds behind).
Can’t miss Maui articles:
- The 10 Best Maui Resorts That’ll Make Your Kids Happy: A Maui Mom’s Review
- Is Maui Family-Friendly: What is the Best Hawaiian Island for Kids?
- What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation
Maui Family Itinerary for More Things to Do
In our biased opinion, no family vacation to Maui is complete without our Maui Family Itinerary. Finish your planning with perfectly planned excursion days around the island.
The itinerary also includes a where to stay section for picking a resort or vacation rental and our quick hits section. The quick hits section is a go-to for a parent looking for a beach or somewhere to eat wherever you are located in Maui.
Get The Maui Itinerary
The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.
Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Maui.
Free Kids Activities in Maui
There is so much to do for free in Maui. Outdoor activities are prevalent but also there are community and visitor activities that are free or low-cost.
We list the price in each of our reviews but prices have been changing frequently so don’t be surprised if the price has increased when you go to book! We will do our best to keep the list updated.
Maui is an amazing place. Your children won’t be disappointed in any activity you choose.
Tips for Things to Do With Kids in Maui
Here are some quick tips to make your family-friendly things to do more enjoyable.
- Reservations: make sure you have a reservation for the tour or activity. Some will require a booking.
- Look for discounts! Check out our Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupon Codes and our Maui Tours and Activities.
- Pack water, snacks, and mineral-based sunscreen for any activity.
- Keiki means kids in Hawaiian. For example, the keiki menu.
- Locations and directions are provided so you can quickly know the difference between driving 50-minutes to Upcountry or down the road to Lahaina
- Beach parking close to the beach, like the public parking lots, fills up fast. Try to get there before 9:30 AM to get a spot.
- Rush hour starts at 4:00 PM, plan to leave your activity before 3:30 to be on the safe side.
- Plan for a 30 to 40-minute drive if your activity is across the island.
- If you have a state ID, remember to ask for Kama’aina
Explore more things to do on Maui and across the Hawaiian Islands here:
- 15 Amazing Things to Do in Upcountry Maui
- 23 Things to Do in Oahu with Kids
- 12 Epic Things to Do in Kona with Kids
Best Family Beaches in Maui
Maui has over 30 miles of beaches on its 120-mile coastline. Not all beaches are safe for swimming, even for adults, like Makena Beach.
Don’t worry, as most areas of the island have a kid-friendly beach. Baby Beaches are protected by a reef or break wall so only a ripple for waves (unless windy or bad weather) will be in the cove or swim area. Most are one to three feet deep.
They also don’t have kiawe trees so the beach won’t be littered with thorns.
These 8 Maui beaches are the safest for families but always be cautious when in the ocean with your children. The ocean is unpredictable, even with a protected reef. Baby Beach Lahaina is our absolute favorite!
There are other beaches and bays that are safe for kids but conditions can be more unpredictable. Growing up, Erica learned to snorkel in Napili Bay but we have seen 5-foot waves and a white-washed beach in that bay too.
Use your best judgment when in the ocean with kids. When in doubt, don’t go out.
Please read Maui County’s Ocean Safety Tips before stepping into the turquoise waters of Maui. And see Erica’s article – Swim Without Fear: The Safest Places to Snorkel in Maui.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Maui
Here is the full list of things to do in Maui with kids. As I mentioned, prices are listed but they may have changed. I provide a link to the activity or tour to learn more.
Things to Do in Maui With an Infant or Baby
We see so many infants in Maui on vacation with their parents. Maui is a great place to go with an infant as there are lots of beautiful walks, shady beaches, and restaurants.
Our son visited 4 countries before he was 12 months old. Traveling with him became more challenging once he could walk so enjoy those no-walking days to soak up the sun, long walks in a stroller, and places to avoid the heat.
1. Beaches with Shade
Price: Free
Beaches with shade locations:
- Kihei: Kamaole III
- Wailea: Ulua and Mokapu Beach
- West Maui: Launipoko Beach Park
Quick tips for Maui’s shady beaches: go early for maximum morning shade, especially on West Maui, and to get a spot in the shade.
For more shade, rent a beach umbrella or check your condo rental as they usually have umbrellas available or left-over from previous tenants.
2. Tropical Express Tour
- Price: $0 0 – 2 yrs old / $12.50 3 – 12 yrs old / $25 Adult
- Time: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Waikapu in Central Maui (click for directions)
Maui Tropical Plantation is a lush landscape to walk around with your baby in a stroller for free. For a little adventure and movement, take a ride on the Tropical Express Tour. An electrical train (aka, a tractor with trailers) does a 40-minute loop through the tropical plantation with a coconut husking demonstration and fruit tasting.
Maui Tropical Plantation is a good place to stroll, have lunch, try Maui coffee, and partake in local shopping at their impressive farm stand and market.
For older kids and adults, Maui Zipline is also located here.
3. Shopping Centers for Strolling
- Price: Free (if you don’t go shopping)
- Locations: West and South Maui
Peaceful and entertaining places to go for a stroll are the outdoor shopping malls of Whalers Village and The Shops at Wailea in Kaanapali and Wailea, respectively. Journey into the art galleries, restaurants, and Hawaii-themed shops while being entertained with free hula, Polynesian shows, coconut husking, ukulele lessons, and other events.
4. Historical Towns for Walking
- Price: Free
- Location: West and Upcountry Maui
Grab the stroller and take a walk through the historical Maui towns of Lahaina in West Maui or Makawao in upcountry Maui.
Lahaina was the capital city of the Kingdom of Hawaii and a former whaling village. There is a historical walking trail through the town, follow the signs.
Makawao is famous for its cowboys. If you have a sweet tooth, go to The Maui Cookie Lady or Komoda Store and Bakery for donuts. Makawao also has boutique shops, a general store, and great coffee shops.
Both historical towns have old main streets that are worth walking with the baby in tow.
5. Easy Maui Hikes with a Stroller or Ergobaby
Prices:
- ‘Iao Valley: $10 for non-resident parking and $5 entrance fee
- Kapalua Coastal Trail: Free
Locations:
- ‘Iao Valley above Wailuku – Central Maui (click for trailhead)
- Kapalua Coastal Trail in Kapalua – West Maui (click for trailhead)
Head to the ‘Iao Valley State Park (0.4-mile loop) or the Kapalua Coastal Trail (2-mile loop). Kapalua Coastal Trail starts on the south end at our favorite West Maui beach – Kapalua Bay.
These hikes are part of our 3 Easy Maui Hikes, click the article for more details on these trails.
Both trails pack in a lot to be seen in a short distance (waterfalls, lava, rivers, ocean views, etc). The paved or well-compacted gravel makes for an easy walk with an infant.
6. Penguin Feeding
- Price: Free
- Location: Kaanapali at the Hyatt Regency Atrium Lobby
Resident African black-footed penguins waddle and swim to the delight of children every morning as they come out for breakfast at 9:30 AM. The penguins are out all day so you can stop by at any time to see them. The Hyatt usually has their resident parrot in the lobby also.
7. Resort Beach Boardwalks
- Price: Free
- Location: Wailea (1.8-miles) and Kaanapali (2.6-miles)
The two main places to stay in Maui are Wailea and Kaanapali. The developers built ocean boardwalks for those parents who want a morning or sunset stroll.
Join the strollers, speed walkers, and runners along the paved boardwalk. Grab a coffee and set off at your leisure to enjoy the ocean views, beaches, and palm trees swaying.
8. Coffee Shops with Maui Vibes
Price: $6 to $7.50 for a 12 oz. latte
- VigiLatte Artisan Coffee in Lahaina
- Drift Coffee in Lahaina
- Grandma’s Coffee House in Kula
- Paia Bay Coffee Bar in Paia
Relax with the young one at a very Hawaii coffee shop. Grab breakfast while you are at it and enjoy the local scene and fresh, Maui-roasted coffee. Explore all 15 of the best coffee shops on Maui for more options.
9. Picnic with a View
- Price: $45 for groceries
- Location: Kula (Upcountry)
It may be too hot for your baby near the shore so head to 3,600 feet in upcountry Maui. Stop at the Pukalani Superette to load up on a picnic hot lunch or deli sandwiches or a Maui food truck. Head to Keokea Park (click for directions) in Kula for a lovely picnic with views of the central valley and Haleakala. There is also a small playground at the park.
10. Baby Beaches on Maui
Price: Free
- Baby Beach Paia at Baldwin Beach (click for directions)
- Baby Beach Lahaina
- Launiupoko Beach Park in West Maui (click for directions)
These beaches have protected lagoons or are protected by a reef, all with shallow water. They are ideal for holding your baby and dipping their legs in the water. Remember to never turn your back on the ocean and check ocean conditions before you head out.
Explore all our favorite West Maui and Lahaina beaches and our 17 best Maui beaches.
Things to Do in Maui With a Toddler
A lot happens in a toddler’s life between 12 and 36 months. Henry arrived in Maui at 18 months old running and no longer willing to be indoors. If your toddler is similar, you are looking for open land or things to keep them engaged in 10-second increments.
For help planning your Maui trip with a toddler, see our free one-week Maui itinerary with a toddler for ideas.
11. Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii Aquarium
- Price: Free for toddlers, $26.95 ages 4 – 12, $39.95 ages 13+ (plus taxes and fees)
- Location: Maalaea Harbor (close to Kihei) (click for directions)
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Discover the aquarium of Hawaii – Maui Ocean Center. With indoor and outdoor exhibits, this is a great place to explore with a toddler.
Sharks, turtles, a playground, interactive exhibits, and more all in the largest reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The park features only local animals. There is a lot to touch, see, and explore for the kids, and then celebrate with a good happy hour at the aquarium’s restaurant.
Maalaea Harbor has a few restaurants around the shopping center that are worth checking out, including an ice cream shop.
12. Maui Tropical Plantation
- Price: Free to enter
- Location: Waikapu in Central Maui (click for directions)
Our son loves to run through the tropical gardens while we sip our coffee and learn about sugar cane and pineapple farming. There is no entrance fee to explore the grounds but you may opt to spend $5 to feed the ducks and get some snacks and coffee for yourselves.
13. Eat Pie at Leado’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
- Price: $12 to $16 sandwiches
- Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Location: Olowalu in West Maui (click for directions)
Treat your little one to a sweet or savory pie after a long day of Maui fun at Leado’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a kid’s menu.
Leado’s is famous for its personal-sized pies like mac nut chocolate, banana cream, pineapple mac nut, and coconut cream. Pick a couple up at the counter and enjoy them inside or outside.
Pro Tip: call ahead to place your order to avoid the line.
14. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
- Price: Free for 12 and under, $3 per adult
- Hours: Friday – Monday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Kula in Upcountry Maui (click for directions)
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, a 13.5-acre farm on the slopes of Haleakala at 4,000 feet elevation, is a nice stop to explore their large garden, see the gift shop, and smell the lavender when in bloom from June through September.
Henry loves running around the lavender and tropical gardens. The whole family enjoys the views, the flowers, and having scones and lavender tea in the gift shop. When in upcountry, this is worth a stop.
15. Lahaina Banyan Court Park
- Price: Free
- Location: Lahaina in West Maui (click for directions)
I love this tree. Covering 2 acres and with 16 trunks, it is the largest banyan tree in the country. Run around under the shade, let your imagination let go, tour the local events like art and music shows, and then check out Lahaina’s historic courthouse for its art gallery and free Lahaina Heritage Museum.
16. MauiWine and Ulupalakua Ranch Store
- Price: Tasting flights $16 to $22 and tours are available
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Kula in Upcountry Maui (click for directions)
We like to end our day in Upcountry Maui by visiting Ulupalakua Ranch Store for an early dinner at their farm-to-table grill and then do some wine tasting at MauiWine.
We grab sandwiches and ice cream from the famous farm-to-table Ulupalakua Ranch Store. Across the street, at MauiWine we play corn hole with our kids and run around the gardens.
17. ‘Iao Valley State Park
- Price: $10 for parking and $5 entrance fee
- Location: Wailuku in Central Maui (click for directions)
‘Iao Valley State Park is so much more than an easy 0.4-mile hike. Drive up Wailuku’s Main Street right into a lush, tropical valley. The road ends at the state park and the adventure begins. Our son took great pride to climb the 180 steps to the observation deck and then back down to the river past waterfalls. It is worth the journey.
He also enjoyed exploring the taro patch with its cascading waterfalls. You can choose to do short or long walks near the rushing river.
18. Shave Ice
- Location: across the island
- Our Favorite Shave Ice Shop: Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (across Maui)
- Price: $6 for a regular size
Shave ice is not a snow cone. The ice is fluffy like snow, the flavor combinations are delicious and interesting, and a shave ice will cool you down on a hot Maui day. Visit the husband and wife stores of Ululani’s.
We like to grab shave ice when exploring Lahaina town, along with these 16 Lahaina things to do.
Check out our video below for our favorite unique Maui food experiences as there are a lot of great eats that are unique to Maui.
19. Dole Whip
Shave Ice is a Hawaii classic but Dole Whip is a good option for the family too. Most tourist areas and ABC Stores serve up this pineapple soft serve. Toddlers who like ice cream will probably enjoy Dole Whip. Get it in a float or inside a pineapple for something special.
Location: across the island
20. Maui Food Truck Parks
- Price: $12 to $18 per adult plate
- Location: Food truck parks in Lahaina, Kihei, Kaanapali, and near Costco
Food Truck Connoisseur was my title when I moved to Maui. I love their island grindz and low-cost, delicious food selection. When going to a sit-down restaurant becomes a lot to handle with a toddler, a food truck park is a way to get food for the whole family while letting the kids run and play amongst the picnic tables. Check out our guide to Maui food trucks and go to a food truck park.
21. Maui Animal Farm
- Price: Free 0 – 2 years, $20 3 – 12 years, $25 13+ years
- Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
- Reservations only
- Location: Lahaina in West Maui (click for directions)
We met Tonka, a 140-pound tortoise who may own Maui Animal Farm, unclear.
Heidi, our guide, charmed us with stories of her animals’ lives, facts, and how they live, eat, and are cared for at her farm. Henry enjoyed cooling down the Kune Kune Pig Hau’oli with a hose as much as feeding the animals. Well worth a trip up the hill above Lahaina.
22. Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center
- Price: Free
- Location: Makawao in Maui Upcountry (click for directions)
A mansion perched on Haleakala has been a visual arts center since 1937. Your toddler will enjoy running around the gardens while you can enjoy the art exhibits and a free walking tour. We went during a special kids’ event where Henry could express his artistic side. Check the calendar to see what is going on but worth a trip just for the gardens and history.
Things to Do in Maui With Kids
Maui is an ideal vacation spot for kids. They would enjoy everything listed before this section plus these things to do with kids.
While we picked out the best activities for 36-months-old to 12-year-old children in this section, the sweet spot for more adventurous activities is 5 years and older.
Bring sunscreen and water and enjoy these things to do in Maui with kids!
23. Maui Playgrounds
- Price: Free
- Location: across the island
Sometimes you just gotta go swinging. Here is a list of all the Maui playgrounds that we recommend. We have found them to be well maintained and clean for our kids to play.
24. Surfing Goat Dairy
- Price: Free ages 0 – 2, $12 ages 3 – 11, $18 ages 12+
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday
- Location: Kula in Upcountry Maui (click for directions)
Lush green pastures on the side of Haleakala volcano awaits a goat farm to explore. The casual tour (price shown above) is a walking tour of a working goat cheese farm. Your child will enjoy petting, feeding, and learning how goats are milked.
Herd the goats, try hand milking, and cheese tasting with the evening chore and milking tour at $15 for kids.
25. Maui Alpaca Farm
- Price: $99 ages 1 – 18 / $139 adults
- Hours: Sunday – Friday, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
- Location: Makawao in Upcountry Maui (click for directions)
Spend a few hours with some unique Maui residents: Alpacas! Your kids will love the Maui Alpaca Paniolo Picnic on the slopes of Haleakala. Enjoy a comfortable lunch in the pasture and then enjoy feeding and learning about the alpacas.
Save 10% on this tour with promo code HVG10. Learn more about the Maui Alpaca Paniolo Picnic.
26. Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center
- Price: pay what you wish for entry
- Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Location: Kaanapali in Whalers Village (click for directions)
Located in the heart of Kaanapali, in Whalers Village, the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center is the place to go with kids. The center teaches them about the ocean, sustainability, and all in a multi-media immersive experience. A lot of planning and thought went into this design. Watch Henry explore the center below.
27. Leilani Farm Sanctuary
- Price: $50 per person, 1-hour tour
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
- Location: Haiku in North Shore (click for directions)
- Restriction: 7 years old minimum age
Get your hands on rescued and loving cows, pigs, ducks, goats, chickens, tortoises, and more on the 8-acre tropical farm at Leilani Farm Sanctuary. Hear the animals’ stories and learn about the land from the loving caretaker, Laurelee.
28. Kula Botanical Gardens
- Price: Free ages 0 – 5, $3 ages 6 – 12, $10 ages 13+
- Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Kula in Maui Upcountry (click for directions)
Your child can run through a covered bridge and see waterfalls, a koi pond, and a carved tiki exhibit at Kula Botanical Gardens. This family-operated garden has been painstakingly cared for since 1968. While feeling a bit worn in places, the native Nene and chameleon exhibit will wow your kids.
29. Punakea Palms Coconut Farm
- Price: $40 ages 5 – 12, $55 ages 13+
- Location: Lahaina in West Maui (click for directions)
Located above Lahaina is the gorgeous Punakea Palms Coconut Farm and coffee stand. This farm was fascinating and beautiful, and Henry loved sipping fresh coconut milk. Learn plantation farming, husking, and the coconut’s iconic status in Hawaiian culture in 2-hours. Plus, take home some coconuts.
Explore all our favorite Maui farm tours for more information.
30. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
- Price: Free ages 0-5, $2 ages 6-12, $7 ages 13+
- Location: Puunene in Central Maui (click for directions)
180 years of sugar farming ended in the mid-2010s but the culture and history of the sugar plantations continue on Maui. Your child can touch, feel, and see the old equipment and tractors in the outdoor exhibits at the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum. The indoor exhibits are less touching and more on reading. The museum is a quick and informative stop on the way to Upcountry or Paia.
31. Maui Historical Society – Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House
- Price: Free ages 0 – 4 / $4 ages 5 – 18 / $10 per adult
- Location: Wailuku in Central Maui (click for directions)
- Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House are caretakers of Maui’s cultural artifacts, photographs, and the land. Visit to explore pre-contact artifacts, learn the rich history of ancient Hawaii, and enrich your trip to Maui.
32. Atlantis Submarine
- Price: $58 36-inches to age 12, $134 ages 13+
- Location: Lahaina in West Maui (click for directions)
- Restriction: 36-inch height minimum
On the Atlantis Submarine, sink 125 feet below the surface to inspect a sunken ship teeming with marine life.
While your child may not be old enough to snorkel, the Maui Ocean Center, the ReefDancer Semi-Sub, or the Atlantis Submarine will plunge them underwater into tropical reefs during their Maui vacation. Book the Atlantis here.
Trying to decide between the Atlantis Submarine and the ReefDancer Semi-Sub tours? Read my full review here: ReefDancer vs Atlantis.
33. ReefDancer Semi-Submarine
- Price: $5 ages 0 – 3 / $20 ages 4 – 12 / $45 adults
- Location: Lahaina in West Maui (click for directions)
When not everyone in the family can go snorkeling, let the ReefDancer crew let you explore Mau’s reefs. All ages are welcomed making it the perfect activity for the whole family, without getting wet. Tours leave throughout the day and are 75 minutes long. Book the tour here.
34. Outrigger Canoe Tour
- Price: $100 ages 5+
- Location: West and South Maui
This is an adventure and a great way to learn about Hawaii watermen. Enjoy the water safely while your kids learn to navigate the waves as they captain an outrigger canoe. They will not forget their paddle experience on Maui. Most tours are paired with snorkeling, whale watching, or cultural and turtle tours.
- Hawaiian Outrigger Experience in Wailea
- Ali’i Maui Outrigger in Ka’anapali
35. Tour of the Stars
- Price: Free for Hyatt Maui Resort and Spa guests
- Location: Hyatt Regency in Ka’anapali (West Maui)
Hawaii is one of the best places to stargaze. Take the opportunity to take your kids to the 9th floor of the Hyatt Regency to look through a 16-inch reflector telescope. The rooftop astronomy program is nightly at 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm – Tour of the Stars.
36. Kula Country Farm Strawberry Picking
- Price: $5 per pound
- Location: Kula in Upcountry Maui (click for directions)
While in Maui’s upcountry, stop by Kula Country Farm to pick some strawberries and sample local produce. The farm offers amazing views for you and plenty of space for your kids to run around the strawberry patch. We did the pumpkin patch around Halloween and will be going back.
37. Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour
- Price: Free ages 0-1 years, $195 ages 2 – 12, $240 ages 13+
- Location: Tours can depart from Maalaea Harbor in Central Maui or South Maui (Wailea and Kihei)
The calm waters of Molokini Crater are a wonderful place to take your kids snorkeling. You will see reef fish, moray eels, octopus, and most likely whales on the journey out during the winter months. Lanai has more vibrant marine life but Molokini provides reliably calm waters.
Our favorite Molokini Crater snorkel tour leaves from Wailea in South Maui. Your kids won’t forget the beach loading and the sailboat trip out to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. We prefer their early morning tour but their mid-day tour is also fun if you don’t want to wake up before sunrise.
38. Maui Private Snorkel and Sail Charter
- Price: $2,200 for 4 hours, 6 passengers max
- Location: Maalaea Harbor in Central Maui (click for directions)
This has a steep price tag but wow, it is an amazing experience for the family. We have done it twice thanks to being invited by Maui Custom Charters and had more fun than we could have imagined. The sailing, fishing, and snorkeling with our son, daughter, and grandparents was an experience our son wouldn’t stop talking about for months. And he goes out on sailboats often!
Check out Maui Custom Charters to learn more and save 5% with promo code HVG.
39. Hawaii Mermaid Adventures
- Price: $132 per person
- Location: Kihei in South Maui (click for directions)
- Restrictions: Confident swimmer, minimum of 50 lbs., and a minimum shoe size of 1-4
Your child can transform into a mermaid in an undersea paradise with Hawaii Mermaid Adventures. With trained lifeguards as instructors, your child can swim with a mono tail and learn about the marine life they are experiencing as one of them. I like the mission of the company to spread ocean awareness to the new mermaids.
40. Haleakala National Park
- Price: $30 per private vehicle
- Location: East Maui
Every child should see the volcanic landscape when on Maui. Drive to 10,023 feet to witness Haleakala National Park. Choose to go on a light hike or mill around the visitor center. Your pass is good for 3 days so use it on the Road to Hana if you stop in the Kipahula District to hike the Pipiwai trail and visit The Pools of ‘Oheo. Your kids and wallet will love you forever.
41. Safe Snorkeling Beaches
- Price: $10 to $50 for snorkel gear
- Location: South and West Maui
Go to the calmest bays and lagoons in Maui to teach your kids how to snorkel. Read our Swim Without Fear: The Safest Places to Snorkel for places to go and snorkel safety in Maui waters.
42. Humpback Whale Watching
- Price: varies based on the tour
- Location: Most tours depart from Lahaina (West Maui) and Maalaea Harbor (Central Maui)
Locals and visitors line the beaches and cliffs during whale season from mid-December to mid-April. Your kids will be ecstatic when they see a whale breach. It gets me every time.
Try a larger ship or catamaran as they will have more space to move around when the boat stops for whale watching. Tours include a marine naturalist and a chance to listen to whale songs with their underwater microphone.
You can find the right tour for you in our 7 Best Whale Tours on Maui Review (plus our discounts!). Learn all about humpback whales on Maui in our Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching on Maui.
43. Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park
- Price: Free
- Location: Paia in North Shore (click for directions)
Visit the famous beach to see large Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles sunbathing on the sand at Ho’okipa Beach. The best time to visit is at sunset.
They are big so your kids won’t mind staying a respectful 30 feet away. See the map below for more places to see turtles on Maui.
44. Maui Horseback Riding
- Price: $135 to $150
- Restriction: Ages 7 and up
- Location: Across the island
Take your kids on a morning or afternoon ride in Upcountry Maui. Take in the views and experience the rich Hawaii cowboy culture firsthand.
We recommend going riding with the professionals at Triple L Ranch in Upcountry Maui. They offer open-range private tours. Book their 1.5-Hour Private Tour or a 2-Hour Private Tour.
45. Maui Pineapple Farm Tour
- Price: $65 ages 3-12, $75 ages 13+
- Hours: Daily with tours starting from 9:30 AM to 1:45 PM
- Location: Hali’imaile in Upcountry Maui (click for directions)
- Restriction: Ages 3+
Hop aboard a shuttle to tour a working Maui Gold pineapple farm. Don’t worry, over half the 1.5-hour tour is off the shuttle as you walk the fields, sample pineapple, and learn how it is farmed. Kids get red sand on their shoes and learn about their favorite Maui fruit. Parents can add on a vodka distillery tour. Learn more, watch our experience, and book the Maui Pineapple Tour here.
46. Twin Falls Walk and Banana Bread
- Price: $10 parking fee (55 spots available)
- Location: Haiku in North Maui (click for directions)
Twin Falls is a perfect hike for kids as it is 1.5 miles on a well-traveled trail through a well-cared-for jungle that ends in an amazing waterfall and swimming hole. Have drinks and banana bread at the local food stand as it is one of the best on the Road to Hana.
There are three waterfalls to explore on this farm and swimming is allowed when the conditions are good. Respect private property and heed the signs when there is rushing water.
47. Road to Hana Guided Tour
- Price: $255 for ages 12 and under / $275 for ages 13+
- Location: Hotel or Vacation Rental Pickup
- All ages are welcome!
The Road to Hana is getting busier every year and parking at the best stops has been restricted by the county. While we enjoy driving the Hana Highway, now that our family is bigger and the road is harder to drive, we appreciate the comfort of a guided tour.
This is a 12-hour day out with a lot of driving so older children are likely to do better on this tour. But, the kids will love the food, the waterfall swim, and the black sand beach. As a parent, just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Save 10% on your booking, learn more here – Road to Hana Guide Tour. You can also watch my experience via that link!
48. Glass Blowing Lesson
- Price: Starting at $200
- Location: Kahului in Central Maui (click for directions)
- Restriction: minimum age of 5 years old
Have your child make their own Maui souvenir in a 3,100-degree oven at Moana Glass. The whole family can participate in making hand-blown glass with a private lesson.
49. Hotel Kids Clubs
- Price: Free (included in the resort fee)
- Location: Fairmont Kea Lani and Wailea Beach Resort in South Maui and The Westin Ka’anapali (West Maui)
- Restrictions: ages 5-12
Keep the kids entertained with professional help. Three Maui hotels offer kids’ clubs for their guests. Counselors have tons of ocean and Hawaiian-themed activities for the indoors and outdoors. Some other resorts offer kids’ activities or daycare but they come with an additional fee so check the fine print.
Things to Do in Maui with Teenagers
I’ve heard traveling with teenagers can be a love-hate relationship. In the young years, they love being with you, and then a line is crossed when they don’t know why they got dragged to an island paradise.
Keep them entertained and thankful for having you in their lives with these more adventurous and unique Maui activities for teenagers.
Besides the hikes, these are mostly guided tours.
51. Rappel Maui
52. Road to Hana
53. Helicopter Tour
54. Surf Lessons – Bully’s Surf School or Maui Wave Riders
55. Kapalua Ziplines
56. Chartered 34-foot Sailboat – private day sail or private sailing lesson
57. Sunset Cruise – South Maui with Kai Kanani or West Maui with Sail Maui
58. Island of Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch
59. Day Trip to Lanai – Is Lanai Worth It? and 21 Things to Do on Lanai
60. Windsurfing Lessons
61. Kitesurfing Lessons
62. Parasailing out of Lahaina
64. Sunrise to Haleakala or Sunset at Haleakala
65. Nakalele Blowhole (exercise caution and pay attention to signs!)
66. Hike the lava field at La Perouse Bay in South Maui
Find more things to do with your family on Maui with our Maui Family Itinerary. Our Wayfinder and Adventure Itineraries are also a lot of fun. With our quick hits section and perfectly planned out days, you’re going to have a memorable trip to Hawaii.
Get The Maui Itinerary
The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.
Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Maui.
Enjoy these Maui things to do with your family! Erica and I will keep updating this list as we continue to explore more of the island with our family.
Always, with Aloha.