Top 12 Things To Do in Maui with Kids

When on Maui, or while planning a Maui vacation with your family, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out each and every detail of your itinerary. With such an abundance of activities to do on Maui, and so many options from which to choose, how can you know who offers the best tours and services? How can you find out which activities on Maui are the best to do with kids?

Don’t worry; we’ve done the research for you! We assure you that our Top 12 Activities on Maui For Families With Kids has the most up-to-date information. It is the best guide for choosing incredible activities on Maui so that you and your family can safely maximize all of the fun and adventure that the island has to offer. A hui hou!

Two Boys SNUBA Diving Underwater on a Maui Snorkeling Cruise

Without having done significant research, you may find yourself stumped, confused by too many choices or at a loss. You may even book an activity that isn’t appropriate for your whole family.

01

Molokini Snorkeling Tour

Perhaps one of the most treasured vacation memories that you could ever create for your family is a Molokini Snorkel Tour with Pride of Maui. Get ready for one of the most incredible experiences of your life! The folks at Pride of Maui have over 30 years of outstanding customer service and high guest ratings. They take special care to employ a team with extensive ocean-tour experience, kept sharp with ongoing training.

You and your family can rest assured that the crew will make you feel safe. They will also inspire you with underwater adventure and exploration, and successfully prepare you for the trip of a lifetime. Snorkel with confidence thanks to their expert lessons, hands-on guidance, top-of-the-line snorkel equipment, and full supervision.

Pride of Maui is well-known for being child-friendly, and their vessel is outfitted with amenities to ensure safety, comfort, and convenience. When you venture out on a snorkel tour, know that you will be exploring one of the most premier snorkel, SNUBA, and scuba diving locations in the world. Molokini Crater is believed to be over 150,000 years old and overflows with an abundance of ocean life thriving in their natural habitat. Witness the magic of the Hawaiian green sea turtles and Spinner dolphins first hand. Watch on in delight as they gracefully dance and play throughout their natural coral reef habitat.

The Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour with Pride of Maui offers guests breakfast, a BBQ lunch, and an open bar at no extra cost. SNUBA is also available by request for an additional charge.


View More about Molokini Snorkeling Tour

Pride of Maui
Molokini
snorkel tour

Discover amazing undersea life

Book now

Leilani
Molokini
snorkel tour

Memories not soon forgotten

Book now

02

Maui Ocean Center

Enjoy an afternoon out with your family and visit the Maui Ocean Center. It is the only state-of-the-art aquarium in the world dedicated to displaying and preserving Hawaiian marine life. They offer full exploration for all visitors, adults and children and it is one of the top things to do while on Maui. It is a truly unique experience to visit the largest tropical aquarium in the U.S.

Not only do they feature Hawaiian sea life, but they also offer educational displays on ocean ecology, Whale life, and Hawaiian culture. Through a guided walking path, guests will revel in the exclusive and rare attractions to be seen. Make sure to tour the outdoor Hawaiian sea turtle sanctuary and the Hammerhead shark pool. Explore the ever-engaging indoor aquarium, housing the famed Hawaiian Tako (octopus) and a host of unique sea creatures.

The Maui Ocean Center is well-known for their fully encircling sea-tunnel that gives the feel of a dry-land snorkel. Make sure to check out the massive indoor shark tank. It has Hammerhead sharks, Tiger sharks, White Tips, Grey Tips, and a variety of deep water fish. The staff is very friendly, approachable, and well-versed on Hawaiian marine life. They welcome your questions and discussions, and will openly share their knowledge of the Maui Ocean Center’s mission, events & community goals.


View More about Maui Ocean Center
03

Take Them Out for Maui Ice Cream

Who doesn’t love ice cream? We all love ice cream! Going out for ice cream may seem ordinary, but when you do it in Maui, you’ll be in for a special treat! Locally made ice cream served with a special Maui touch is sure to please kids of any age. Here are a few of the best spots for you to try:

Island Cream Co. – This Lahaina shop boasts over 150 different flavors with 36 of them made fresh each day! An unassuming family-run shop, Island Cream Co. is #1 on many sites’ lists for “Best in Maui,” “Best in Hawaii,” and “Best in America!” There is bound to be something here for everyone, and many of the flavors are so uniquely Maui. Try the Coconut Poi or the Golden Pineapple flavors–yum! If you prefer shave ice, they offer a huge variety of flavors to add to your ice. Try blending a few for fun! The googly eyes on your scoop will be sure to get the kids giggling.

Visit Island Cream Co.

 

Coconut Glen’s – Just off the Hana Highway, this shop should be on your to-do list when you plan to explore the Road to Hana. All of their ice cream is dairy-free (made with coconut milk and organic ingredients), and therefore, guilt-free! Their Chocolate Chunk and traditional Vanilla Bean will feel deliciously familiar, but you’re in Hawaii! While you’re here, you just have to try a scoop of Lilikoi and some of the Original Coconut ice cream. The imagination that goes into their flavors will tickle you and your taste buds!

Visit Coconut Glen’s

 

Banyan Treats – Serving up Maui-made Roselani ice cream, this Lahaina shop has a huge selection of tasty treats, including Mo’o. Mo’o is the Hawaiian word for lizard, but in this shop, it means a scoop of ice cream with sugar eyeballs and a fresh-baked cookie! They have some unique flavors of ice cream here, like Ube (purple sweet potato), Mango, and of course, Kona Coffee. Paired with a cookie and a comfy spot under the Banyan Tree, ice cream is the perfect way to take a cool break during your Maui adventure.

Visit Banyan Treats


View More about Take Them Out for Maui Ice Cream
04

Atlantis Submarine

For a truly unique family adventure, be sure to book an Atlantis Submarine underwater tour. Their tours have even been featured on National Geographic TV! This is one of the best things to do on Maui with your family, for sure. Guests will marvel and their jaws will drop as they journey 100 feet deep through the oceans that shelter West Maui, and the outer islands of Moloka’i and Lana’i.

The Atlantis is a 48-passenger air-conditioned vessel. It is quite spacious, having been designed for guest comfort. You and your family will be able to bear witness to the majesty of Maui’s underwater world. Travel through the Pacific Ocean as you observe the rare sea life. You will also find a sunken 19th Century supply vessel replica, and an artificial reef that was designed to sustain a growing habitat for indigenous Hawaiian species.

Between the months of December and May, keep your eyes peeled from the sea to the shore. You might have the rare chance to see some Humpback whales during their annual migration through Hawaiian waters. Atlantis Adventures offers quite a few family vacation packages and they have specials depending on the season.


View More about Atlantis Submarine
05

Old Lahaina Luau

When you’re looking for things to do in Maui, make sure you don’t miss a golden opportunity to be immersed in Hawaiian culture at the Old Lahaina Luau. Give your family the gift of experiencing some ancient offerings. Together, you will savor traditional Hawaiian foods, ceremonies, crafts and games for children. There are also amazing songs, ritual chanting and traditional hula dance.

Since 1986, the Old Lahaina Luau has been a Maui treasure. It fully invokes memories of true Hawaiian hospitality.

It has been voted time and time again by national publications and reader polls as the Best Luau in Hawaii, Best of Maui and Best in Hawaii. It’s safe to say you can bet that you and your family will be satisfied with your evening. Together, you will gain valuable insight into the culture and history of the Hawaiian Islands. Are you looking for the rest of the best Luaus on Maui?


View More about Old Lahaina Luau
06

Surf Lessons

Everyone in the world knows that surfing is synonymous with Hawaii. Visitors travel from all around the globe to explore Maui’s beaches and attractions. Without a doubt, surfing lessons are at the tops of the lists of most families traveling to Hawaii with their children.

Surfing is a fun, challenging, and rewarding sport for all of those who push themselves up on that board! With a proper introduction to surfing, and with an instructor who will take their time, your first surf lessons can jump-start a lifelong love for the lifestyle and sport of surfing.

On Maui, there is a host of incredible options for surf instruction. From beginner to advanced, all students can find a teacher and surf school that’s right for them. Surf lessons can take place on local Maui beaches or on the oceanfront at Maui resorts. Most surf lessons take place in the morning or early afternoon, and students can book large groups, small groups, and private classes.

In fact, if you plan to visit Maui with your family, why not book a group lesson for all of you? It will not only be tons of fun, but a fantastic bonding day activity to enjoy while in Maui.

Best Maui Surf Schools:

View More about Surf Lessons
07

Hiking

One of the most rewarding day trips on Maui is a family day at Iao Valley State Park. Iao is not only a cultural landmark, but it is a sacred site known to house ancient Hawaiian demigods. It serves as a pivotal location for the history of Hawaii. Mystical, lush and inviting, Iao Valley is breathtakingly beautiful. It is a perfect place to spend a day with your family on Maui. Hike through mellow trails, swim in the pools by the waterfall, and have a picnic or BBQ lunch.

While venturing out of Iao Valley, take the time to check out two other great places. Don’t miss the Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens or the Hawaiian Nature Center.


View More about Hiking
08

Maui Escape Rooms

Interactive escape rooms are all the rage these days. Up until recently, most of them have been limited to an “adults only” audience. The good news is that Maui Escape Rooms offers kid-friendly escape games for children 12 and over. This makes it a great adventure for your family while you’re on Maui. Maui Escape Rooms offers a fun-packed, 1-hour experience, perfect for giving your family a break from the sun or as a fun rainy-day activity on Maui.

Imagine the thrill of getting locked in a room with your kids where you all have to work together to discover clues and solve puzzles to find your way out! Escape Rooms are perfect for boosting your collaborative skills and fostering a true sense of teamwork. You and your family will have fun and spend some real quality time together.

Maui Escape Rooms offers four fun escape games: Pirate Ship, Prison Break, Tesla’s Inheritance and Ka Puka Bunker. Each game is unique and challenging, and promotes family bonding as you all work together to solve the challenges.

Book your Maui Escape Rooms adventure now to find out if your family has what it takes to escape!


View More about Maui Escape Rooms
09

Maui Treasure Hunt

The next time you plan a vacation on Maui with your kids, make sure to book the Maui Treasure Hunt! This is a super fun activity for kids on Maui. It includes a family tour with hiking, swimming in a private lagoon, and searching for the treasure with your map.

This activity is about 3 hours long, and is available for kids 5 years and older. Keep in mind that kids under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult. This is a great activity to enjoy as a family, or you can drop your kids off at the meeting point and go enjoy some well-deserved adult time while they search for treasure and explore Maui in a safe environment.

The Maui Treasure Hunt begins at a meeting point in Kahului (Central Maui) at 8:45 am. This fun-filled Maui activity runs from 9 am to 1 pm and includes a backpack, snacks and bottled water. The hiking trail is fit for any beginner and is 2 miles in length. Guests should prepare for the hunt with sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a swimsuit, and closed-toed shoes or sports sandals. Prepare to get muddy, dirty, and wet! If you would like to bring a camera or your phone for some photo opportunities, make sure to seal it in a plastic bag to prevent any water damage.

If you’re looking for a great adventure that your children will love, definitely check out this Maui hiking tour for kids. They will be entertained, educated and engaged for the duration of the tour. They’ll most definitely create some happy memories, and they will never forget that time that Mom and Dad took them on that awesome Maui treasure hunt!


View More about Maui Treasure Hunt
10

Tropical Express Tour

The Tropical Express Tour is offered at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Central Maui. It is the perfect thing to do for kids, families and couples. This is a Maui tour that offers guests the chance to view Maui’s fruits, produce, plants and tropical flowers growing in an active farm setting.

The Tropical Express is a bright green, three-car train-like truck that cruises through the property of the Maui Tropical Plantation. Only while on “The Express” can guests access and journey through this incredible Waikapu plantation.

During the 45-minute tour, the train loops around a freshwater lagoon, the orchards, and tropical gardens. Pending the season, participants will visit several farm sites that grow a variety of fruits. There are pineapples, coconuts, mangoes, bananas, papayas, starfruit, jackfruit, ulu, and avocados. They also grow coffee, macadamia nuts, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, taro, herbs, corn, and more. This tour also includes Hawaiian cultural demonstrations like a display of how to husk coconuts, and opportunities to taste some freshly harvested produce.

With the help of an expert guide, guests will learn about Maui’s farm seasons and how fruits like pineapples are grown. They will be surrounded by the fresh scent of tropical flowers growing in their natural environment. The Tropical Express Tour is available seven days a week, at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm. They are closed on major holidays.


View More about Tropical Express Tour
11

Best Family Beaches On Maui

  • Baby Beach at Baldwin Beach Park and Ho’okipa Beach Park

    North Shore

  • Ka’anapali Beach and Kahekili Beach

    Ka’anapali

  • Kamaole I, II and III

    Kihei

  • Secret Beach

    Wailea

  • Big Beach at Makena

    Makena

  • Hana Bay and Hamoa Beach

    East Maui

  • Check the weather reports and choose a beach that is appropriate for you and your family
  • Wear sunscreen and hats
  • Bring floating devices for kids and adults who aren’t strong swimmers
  • Bring snacks and a camera!
  • Be safe, watch the water, and never turn your back to the ocean
  • Enjoy your vacation with your family, create some awesome memories, and have the time of your life!!

View More about Best Family Beaches On Maui
12

UFO Parasail

For those of you who wish to soar the skies with a bird’s-eye view, check out UFO Parasailing and Hawaiian Adventures. This has been one of the top activities on Maui for over 25 years. Those who dare to launch into an in-flight adventure will be thrilled, and will feel triumphant that they took on the challenge.

With options to ride solo, tandem, in groups of three or to just watch from the boat, there is no doubt that smiles will stretch across your family’s faces.


View More about UFO Parasail

Thanks for reading our Top 12 Things To Do in Maui with Kids! We hope that you found something fun to add to your vacation itinerary! Mahalo nui loa!

Alexandra Mitchell

Alexandra is a marketing professional with a passion for writing about travel to the Hawaiian Islands, vacation rentals, and luxury real estate. She exposes readers to glimpses of 'Old Hawaii,' new destinations to explore, local events, and all the best things to do on Maui.