Things to do in Maui with Kids

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Travelling to Maui with kids is a fantastic experience that you and your little ones will remember for a lifetime. With so many incredible and unique things to do, your days on Hawaii’s second-largest island will be jam-packed and full of activities. From snorkelling and relaxing on the beach to exploring Maui’s history and its breathtaking national parks, there really is something for everyone. 

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Today, I’ll be covering all that there is to do in Maui with kids, so whether you’re taking a baby, a toddler, or a teenager, you’ll know just what to put on your itinerary, regardless of the weather. 

Travelling To Maui With Kids

Travelling to Maui with kids from the USA is fairly simple as there is only one airport, Kahului Airport (OGG), that you can fly directly into from the mainland. 

Surprisingly, there are seven different airlines that fly into Maui, with those being Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

If you’re looking for a direct flight into Maui, then it is possible from the airports below, however, you may have to settle with a connecting flight through one of the other Hawaiian Islands. 

• Chicago (ORD): United
• Dallas (DFW): American
• Denver (DEN): United
• Las Vegas (LAS): Hawaiian
• Long Beach (LGB): Hawaiian and Southwest
• Los Angeles (LAX): American, Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, and United
• New York (EWR): United
• Oakland (OAK): Alaska, Hawaiian, and Southwest
• Phoenix (PHX): American
• Portland (PDX): Alaska and Hawaiian
• Sacramento (SMF): Hawaiian and Southwest
• Salt Lake City (SLC): Delta
• San Diego (SAN): Alaska and Hawaiian
• San Francisco (SFO): Alaska, Hawaiian, and United
• San Jose (SJC): Alaska, Hawaiian, and Southwest
• Seattle (SEA): Alaska, Delta, and Hawaiian

Things To Do In Maui With A Toddler 

There are so many fun things to do on Maui with toddlers, especially as they’re at that age where they’re ready to walk on their own and explore everything around them. So, with their need for exploration in mind, here are some of the best things to do in Maui with toddlers. 

Surfing Goat Dairy

We all know that Hawaii is known for its incredible surfing conditions, and at the Surfing Goat Dairy, they have taken old surfboards and placed them into goat enclosures for goats to climb on. It really makes for a funny and unique photo. 

With different tour packages, your kids can not only learn how to care for the goats but also see how cheese is made and even milk the goats by hand. 

Maui Animal Farm

You just can’t go wrong with a petting zoo, and at the Maui Animal Farm, your little ones can get up close to guinea pigs, bunnies, horses, sheep, chickens, ducks, pigs, and tortoises! 

Cuddling, feeding, petting, and brushing are all activities your kids can take part in, all while learning interesting facts about the different animals.

Splash In A Toddler-Friendly Sprinkle Park

When the weather is hot, and you need a cool down, then look no further than a toddler-friendly splash park. Splash parks are an excellent activity for little ones, as they can usually run around and splash for hours, which then inevitably means they’ll sleep well come nightfall. 

The Hyatt Regency Maui and the Marriot Maui Ocean Club both have great pools for little ones, so they may be worth checking out if you’re on the search for a kid-friendly hotel.

Penguin Feeding and Bird Chatting at Hyatt Regency

Regardless of whether you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency Resort or if you just want to go there for a visit, you can join in with a penguin presentation that starts at 9:30 every morning in the Atrium. There are also several birds in cages that you can chat away with, which I’m sure will keep your little ones entertained. 

On Tuesday mornings, you can even meet and take photos with the resident mermaid. 

Visit the Lavender Farm

One of the best things to do in Upcountry Maui that lavender lovers will truly appreciate is the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, which has fields and fields of lavender that make the perfect photo backdrop. 

Once you’re done taking beautiful photos, then you can head out on a guided tour or partake in a treasure hunt before picking up lavender flavour products, treats, and gifts. 

Leilani Farm Sanctuary

The Leilani Farm Sanctuary is a place for animals who were rescued from unfortunate circumstances to roam freely and enjoy their lives in large green pastures. The farm has everything from cats and rabbits to donkeys and tortoises, so there’ll be lots of animals for your kids to learn about and love on. 

Things To Do In Maui With A Baby

Even families with babies will enjoy the island of Maui as there are a few activities that even the littlest members can partake in. 

Give Them Their First Taste Of Shaved Ice

Shaved ice is a popular sweet treat all throughout Maui, and babies, toddlers, and even adults will get on board with a bowl of shaved ice, especially after a long day at the beach. 

Maui Butterfly Farm

The Maui Butterfly Farm is one of the best things to do in Maui with a baby, as there are hundreds and hundreds of butterflies throughout the extensive grounds. 

It takes roughly an hour to get through the farm, and on your journey, you can see native butterfly species, learn all about the farm’s conservation efforts to raise butterfly populations in the area, and even hand-feed butterflies if you so wish. 

Tropical Express Tour

The Maui Tropical Plantation allows you to see some of Hawaii’s most famous fruits and plants. You can walk with a stroller through the plantation or hop on a 40-minute train to see the sights and learn about coconut dehusking. 

Unique Things To Do In Maui 

Maui is a dream holiday destination for many, and thanks to its extensive culture, there are so many unique experiences for your family to enjoy.

Hiking The Iao Valley

The Iao Valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, as there are various hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural pools for you to explore and swim in. 

Hawaiians consider the Iao Valley to be sacred, believing that it houses ancient Hawaiian demigods, so during your visit, you really get a feel for Hawaiian culture, as well as the breathtaking scenery all around you. 

Maui Treasure Hunt

Kids are natural explorers, and a great way to get out and about, discovering Maui and its dense green jungles, is to head out on the Maui Treasure Hunt.

The hike takes roughly 3 hours, and along the way, your little ones will also get to swim and, of course, hunt for treasure, following a guide from start to finish.

Whale Watching On Maui

If you’re travelling to Maui in the winter months (don’t worry, the temperatures are still in the 70s to 80s), then you can head out on a whale-watching tour to see humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. 

Some boats even have hydrophones, so you can even hear the distinctive calls of whales and dolphins while they’re going about their everyday business. Pretty cool, right? 

Learn To Swim Like A Mermaid

By far, one of the most unique and unusual things to do in Maui with kids is to book them into a mermaid swimming lesson at Hawaii Mermaid Adventures. Children who are confident swimmers and who weigh 50 pounds and over will head out with a CPR-certified lifeguard and learn how to swim with a mermaid tail. 

You’ll receive photos of the experience, and your little mermaid will learn all about the ocean, marine conservation, and marine animals, making it a fun and educational opportunity.

Mermaid swimming is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and I can guarantee your child will be bragging to all their friends once they return back to school. 

Atlantis Submarine

One thing is for sure, and that’s if you have a submarine-loving little one, then you can’t pass up the opportunity to head down in the Atlantis Submarine to see the underwater world surrounding the island of Maui.

Children over 36” can descend down 100 feet to see everything from reef sharks and fish to whales and underwater ecosystems. 

Things To Do In Maui When It Rains

Rain doesn’t have to ruin your holiday, as there are some great indoor activities in Maui that’ll keep your little ones entertained. Here are some of the best things to do on Maui when it rains. 

Take a Lei-Making Class

Many hotels all over the island will offer lei-making classes, and I personally think it is a great activity that really immerses you in the Hawaiian culture. Some hotels may even offer hula lessons or ukulele classes, so definitely check with reception once you check-in.

Maui Ocean Center

One of the best family activities in Maui, Hawaii, when it’s raining, is the Maui Ocean Center which has more than 60 exhibits filled with ocean animals like sharks, stingrays, and turtles. 

The center offers daily presentations and tours to help educate children about the importance of the oceans and marine life. There is even an entire showcase dedicated to Hawaii’s humpback whales, so your kids can discover one of the world’s largest animals. 

Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center

The Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center is an educational attraction that teaches kids about the ocean and sustainability. The center has over 30 exhibits, a kids’ zone play area, and interactive displays, which will keep your kids engaged and excited to learn.

Cheap Things To Do On Maui

Doing lots of activities can get expensive, so it’s nice to switch it up and participate in some cheap or even free activities from time to time. Here are some cheap things to do in Maui, Hawaii, to help keep the costs down as much as possible. 

Hit the Beach

Maui is a tropical island paradise, so of course, you have to hit the beach (or two or ten) throughout your trip. It would be a crime not to.

Some of the best beaches all over the island for families with young children include the following: 

• Baby Beach or Pu’unoa Beach (Lahaina)
• Baby Beach (Paia)
• Kapalua Bay (Kapalua)
• Napili Bay (Napili)
• Kamaole Beach Park (Kihei)
• Ulua Beach (Wailea)
• Sugar Beach (Kihei)
• Wailea Beach (Wailea)

Take A Rainforest And Waterfall Hiking Adventure

Maui has so many rainforests and waterfall hikes you can head out on. And if you have kids who never seem to stop, then they’re a great way to burn up some of their energy, while enjoying the great outdoors in the process. 

You can book a rainforest and waterfall guided tour, which I recommend doing, as you’ll have a tour guide who will teach you all about the scenery and take you to all the best waterfalls and natural swimming pools. 

Paddle a Kayak, Canoe, or Paddle Board

When you get a bit bored of sitting in the sand, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board and take them out on the water for an afternoon adventure. Some companies may even offer up tours which is a great way to learn more about the history of the area. 

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park

Ho’okipa Beach is the place to go if you want to spot Hawaii’s green sea turtles out in the open. The turtles regularly take to the sands to bask in the sun and lay eggs, making it a great opportunity to see them up close. But not too close, of course, because you need to stay a respectful 10 feet away. 

One of the best times to see the turtles is at sunset, and by that time, the sun isn’t too hot, making it perfect for children. 

Visit Haleakalā National Park

The Haleakalā National Park is a dormant volcano that gives you impeccable views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. I highly recommend visiting the park at sunrise or sunset, as the sky lights up in beautiful shades of orange, pink, and red. 

You can even sign up for a full-day tour with a guide who will teach you all about the national park, its wildlife, and its unique fauna and flora, or you can get a sunrise audio-driving tour and take it at your own pace if you’d prefer.

Things To Do In Maui With Teenagers

You’d think that entertaining babies is the hardest job, but no, sometimes entertaining the teenagers of the family can be a far more challenging task. To prevent any boredom, here are some great things to do in Maui with teenagers that are guaranteed to put a smile on their faces.

Zip Lining On Maui

One of the best things to do with teenagers, and actually any child, as long as they weigh over 19 kilos, is a zip-lining experience. Zip lines are such a fun family activity as they let you see the island from a different perspective, all while throwing a little bit of adrenaline into the mix. 

Take A Surf Lesson

Hawaii is known for its great surfing, and many people believe that Hawaii was one of the first places to practice the sport, so sign your teens (or children) up for a surf lesson so they can learn to ride the waves too! 

Parasailing To See Maui From Above

Maui is beautiful from the land, but it is even more beautiful from the sky. If your teens (or children, as children 6 and up can parasail) are brave enough, then send them up in a parasail that gets pulled along by a boat. West Maui Parasail runs from Lahaina Harbor and Kaanapali Beach and truly offers some of the best views of the island.

Visit the Nakalele Blowhole

If you’re driving along highway 340, then you simply have to stop at the Nakalele Blowhole. You can see the blowhole from the lookout at mile marker 38.5, or you can hike down via the Acid War Zone Trail to get an even better view.

The hike is roughly 1.3 miles long, and it’s fairly difficult, so wear appropriate shoes and only attempt it if you’ve hiked a fair amount before. Every 20 minutes or so, the hole blows up spouts of water, which is just one of those spectacular shows from mother nature herself.

Visit Maui Lave Tube at Waianapanapa State Park

Be amazed at the size of the lava tubes at the state park.

Kids Snorkelling Maui 

If your kids are slightly older and can already swim unassisted, then you just can’t pass up a snorkelling trip to see Maui’s underwater residents. Here are some excellent snorkelling options.

Snorkelling On Maui At Kapalua Bay Beach

Kapalua Bay Beach is a popular beach in itself, but it is also an amazing place for snorkelling. And what’s even better is you can simply take your own snorkelling set and head out straight from the shore, making it a completely free activity! 

I suggest getting your kids a mask with a built-in snorkel, as it makes it far easier for them to manage, and with Hawaii’s state fish, the humu humu, and even Hawaiian green sea turtles to discover, your kids will have a blast exploring the underwater world off of Maui’s beautiful shores. 

It’s important to remember, however, that in Hawaii, you aren’t allowed to swim up close to sea turtles, so remain 10 feet away and give the turtles the space they need. 

Eco-Adventure Snorkel Trip To Molokini Crater

If your kids really enjoyed snorkelling directly off the beach, then why not take them on a snorkelling tour to the Molokini Crater? I mean, after all, it’s not every day you get to snorkel in a volcanic crater now, is it? 

There are so many tour groups that take you out to the crater, typically stopping at two snorkel sites while providing lunch and information about the conservation efforts in the area. In my opinion, snorkelling the Molokini Crater is a must-do, as it’s something your kids will take about for years to come. 

Things To Do In Maui At Night

When you’re on holiday, it’s likely that your kids will stay up slightly later than usual. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do in Maui with kids at night to keep them entertained. Here are some of my recommendations.

Attend A Luau

One of the most Hawaiian things you can do when visiting any of the islands is to attend a luau. Many resorts and hotels have their own luaus for families to enjoy, but the Old Lahaina Luau is arguably one of the best luaus in Maui for families.

Throughout the show, you’ll taste traditional Hawaiian cuisine, listen to Hawaiian music, and see cultural Polynesian dances, which will truly take your breath away. 

(I also want to point out that you can also attend mid-day luaus if your children are too little to stay up late.)

Tour of the Stars (Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa)

Every night at 8 pm, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort puts on a lesson regarding astronomy and stargazing. Stargazers, astronomers, and even amateurs can take the tour, seeing 80 constellations through the hotel’s binoculars and telescopes. 

Watch the Sunset

Maui has some of the most incredible sunsets you’ll ever see, and at least once on your trip, you should head down to the beach and see the natural show through your own eyes. 

You could even pack up and picnic and have dinner on the beach, letting your little ones run off the last of their energy. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Maui Good For Kids?

Maui is a great place for kids as there are so many family-friendly activities and attractions that everyone will enjoy. From the beach and national parks to the aquarium and luaus, your family will be entertained the moment you step foot on the island of Maui. 

What Part Of Maui Is Good For Kids? 

Two of the best parts of Maui for kids are Wailea and Ka’anapali, as they both have excellent beaches, family-friendly resorts, and activities to keep children entertained.

Is 7 Days In Maui Too Long? 

Although some might say no amount of time on Maui is too long, I think 7 days would be ideal for exploring the island and learning all about Hawaiian culture.

Are Sharks A Problem In Maui?

Maui does have the highest shark populations out of all of the Hawaiian islands because of the deep offshore reefs that are ideal breeding grounds for tiger sharks. With that being said, however, there have only been a recorded 62 shark attacks since 1995, with only 7 of them being fatal. 

If you’re planning to go to Maui, be cautious, swim close to the shore, and listen to lifeguard instructions. 

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