A Parent’s Guide to the Best Things to Do on Maui with Kids

Are you planning your next family vacation? Create memories that will last a lifetime when you bring your kids to the Hawaiian Islands! Maui’s welcoming community offers countless activities for keiki (children) of all ages. Spend a day at the aquarium, or meet some furry friends on a farm tour. You can even attend a traditional Hawaiian luau! Whatever you choose, we promise your family will reminisce for years to come. Check out our favorite things to do on Maui with kids and use our free Travel Guide for more trip-planning tips!

Top Things to Do on Maui with Kids

Admire Marine Life at the Maui Ocean Center

Did you know that the Maui Ocean Center is the largest tropical aquarium in the Western Hemisphere? It features more than 60 displays and thousands of Hawaiian sea creatures, from sharks and stingrays to sea turtles and fish. Kids can explore extensive ocean exhibits, visit outdoor touch pools, and walk through a 240-degree-view acrylic tunnel. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from the Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop on your way out!

Explore Leilani Farm Sanctuary

If you have an animal lover in your family, consider visiting Leilani Farm Sanctuary. The farm sits on eight rolling acres in Haiku and is an oasis for rescued animals. Donkeys, pigs, goats, chickens, cats, and ducks all call this island paradise their home! The staff offers a fun and educational experience for children where they can pet the animals and learn about animal rescue and care. Guided tours are also available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Discover the Pacific in a Submarine

Atlantis Submarine Adventures is ranked as one of the best things to do on Maui with kids on TripAdvisor. During this spectacular tour, you can marvel at Maui’s unique underwater world aboard a 48-passenger submarine. The air-conditioned vessel can reach depths of over 100 feet and is designed for your comfort and safety. It’s sure to be a highlight of your vacation!

Note: Tours sell out quickly. We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.

Take a Hike

The Waihe’e Coastal Dunes Preserve is pretty much a secret on the island, and it’s one of the first places we send our guests! Here, you’ll find interesting interpretive information that makes for a wonderful family outing. The preserve provides a habitat for native plants and animals, with coastal wetlands, dunes, marine shoreline, and near-shore reef systems. Enjoy an easy walk at sea level and snap a few photos along the way.

Local Tip: Make a day trip out of your hike and pack a picnic! We have complimentary coolers, beverages, snacks, and beach towels for guests.

Unwind at a Family-Friendly Beach

With over 30 miles of pristine shoreline, Maui boasts some of the best beaches in the world. Parents traveling with younger children should look for beaches with gentle waves where little ones will be able to skip and splash with ease. Some of the calmest spots include Kapalua Beach and Napili Beach on the west side of the island and Polo Beach on the south side.

For families with older kids, Ka’anapali Beach is an excellent option. You can sit back and relax on the sand or snorkel near the coral reef at Black Rock. You might even run into Volkswagen, Ka’anapali’s resident sea turtle! If you’re visiting between December and March, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales; this is a great place to see them during whale watching season.

Go on a Pineapple Tour

No trip to Maui is complete without trying our island’s famous golden pineapple! At the beautiful Hali’imaile Farm, visitors can learn about the growing cycle of pineapples, taste the fruit at different stages, and soak up spectacular views. You can even take home a free pineapple after your tour! Call (808) 665-5491 to make your reservations.

Attend the Old Lahaina Luau

The Old Lahaina Luau is perfect for an evening out with the family. Showcasing traditional music, dance, and food, this authentic Hawaiian party reflects the island’s rich history and culture. Enjoy a bountiful buffet of regional cuisine, like laulau, poi, and Ahi poke, accompanied by an outstanding hula show.

Eat Hawaiian Shave Ice

After a long day in the sun, there’s no better way to cool off than with some shaved ice. The ice is infused with flavored syrups made with local ingredients like guava, pineapple, passion fruit, and mango. It’s drizzled with sweetened condensed milk, then served in a plastic cup with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Check out our blog about the best Hawaiian shave ice shops for more info!

Plan Your Next Family Getaway at The Historic Wailuku Inn

There’s no need to book an expensive vacation rental or hotel room for your loved ones. Our bed and breakfast is the ideal home base on Maui! The Hibiscus Room and adjoining Lehua Room are great options for families and may be combined into a larger suite. Each room has its own private garden and lanai, plus top-notch amenities and bathroom essentials. A delicious, gourmet breakfast is available each morning. Bring your kids to our sunny dining room and fuel up for another day of adventure!

Check our availability and book your Hawaiian vacation today! We look forward to hosting you.