Best Things To Do In Maui With Kids
Children are always welcome in Hawaii! Discover all the things you can do with your family during your stay in Maui.
In Hawaiian culture, ohana (family) is very important, so the archipelago proves to be a welcoming destination for family tourism where children can also enjoy an unforgettable vacation doing a lot of activities.
1. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the coast of Maui
This Maui vacation may be the first opportunity for many kids to get on a boat and sail the waters of the Pacific. For them it will be an adventure!
Taking a boat ride along the coast of Maui is an excellent way for children to get in touch with the sea and learn to respect nature. During the route they will be able to contemplate beautiful landscapes and see up close some marine animals such as spinner dolphins, humpback whales, albatrosses or tropical fish.
Also, if they are older, you can take advantage of the excursion to teach them basic concepts about navigation so they can understand how a boat works while they watch the crew handling it. And if they're still little, you can always tell them stories of intrepid sailors and fearsome pirates as you ride the waves, they'll have a blast!
2. Join a snorkeling excursion
Every kid loves to dive and the crystal clear waters of Maui are one of the best places to snorkel in Hawaii - the perfect combination for a fun-filled day!
Hidden in the depths of the Pacific Ocean is a fascinating underwater natural treasure trove of miles of coral reefs home to tropical fish, manta rays, sea urchins and starfish, green turtles, eels and even dolphins.
Having the opportunity to dive in such a unique natural environment and enjoy a day outdoors practicing sports together is one of the coolest plans you can do with your family during your trip to Maui.
Many of the best snorkeling spots like Turtle Town or Molokini can only be reached by boat, so the best way to get to know them is by joining a snorkeling excursion in Maui.
There are many types! By catamaran, by boat, by kayak... if you like snorkeling and want to know the best tours on the island I advise you to read the post Snorkeling in Maui you will surely find the ideal option for your family!
3. Visit the Ocean Center of Maui
Another fun and instructive way to see animals is to visit the Ocean Center of Maui, one of the 10 best aquariums in the world.
The Hawaiian people have a special connection with the sea and have a very close relationship with it, so much so that one of their main deities is Kanaloa, the god of the ocean. To learn more about Hawaiian culture and traditions as well as the unique ecosystem of this archipelago, I recommend a visit to Maui's Ocean Center where you can discover more about its rich marine life.
During the aquarium tour, the little ones will have a great time seeing native Hawaiian species such as tropical fish, octopus, moray eels, sharks, manta rays, jellyfish, sea urchins and seahorses, among many others. There are also very interesting exhibitions about humpback whales, sharks or coral reefs that will arouse your curiosity.
It is a very entertaining visit to the marine world that you can complete in about 2 hours, so it is a good plan to do with children in Maui at any time of the day as they will not get bored and it will not take too long.
Isabel's Traveler Tip
Normally, in the morning is when most people are in the aquarium. If you want to see it without crowds I advise you to go from 1 PM onwards.
4. Take a tour of the Atlantis Submarine
Most travelers get to know the underwater charms of Hawaii while scuba diving, but unlike the Atlantis Maui Submarine, these excursions do not descend 100 feet into the water to observe the amazing underwater life that lives in the warm waters of Maui.
This is an adventure that will thrill the kids! It's not every day that you have the opportunity to climb aboard a submarine to explore the ocean floor and see in their own habitat, as if you were a legendary explorer or just another sea creature, the multitude of animals that call Maui's waters home (coral reefs, tropical fish, green turtles, whales, manta rays, etc.).)
In addition, the guide who will accompany you will make the visit superamena and will explain in detail a lot of curiosities about the flora and fauna that lives in the depths of the Pacific.
If you are curious and want to know more about this activity, then I recommend you to read the post Atlantis Submarine Tours in Maui as you will find more detailed information.
5. Take them to a traditional show at a Luau
During your trip to Hawaii I am sure you will want to attend a traditional luau party in Maui. It is one of the best things to do on the island, also with children, because this kind of celebrations are so much fun and joyful.
Hawaiian luau parties are an expression of Polynesian culture and revolve around music, dance and the typical cuisine of the archipelago.
Kids will love watching the Samoan fire dancing shows and other live Hawaiian music shows with lots of hula dancing. And of course, try the delicious Hawaiian-style feast that is prepared at these parties.
Participating in a Hawaiian luau party is quite an experience. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a lei necklace of flowers and drinks. The highlight will come later, when the conch shell sounds and the imu ceremony begins to bring out the delicious kalua pig from the subway oven. From there you will enjoy a feast of food, dancing and music in style.
There are several places in Maui where you can experience an unforgettable Hawaiian luau party. Check out the Luau in Maui post to discover the best ones!
6. Enjoy the best beaches in Maui as a family
There is no doubt that one of Hawaii's greatest tourist attractions are its paradisiacal beaches. In the case of Maui, the second largest island of the archipelago, its beautiful beaches are known for being perfect for surfing and other water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling or windsurfing.
Maui's beaches are the ideal place to relax and disconnect from the world. They all have crystal clear waters that invite you to cool off and there are beaches with sand of all colors (black, red, white and green). The kids will love making sand castles and splashing in the sea!
If you asked me which are the coolest beaches on the island to spend a day with the family, I would recommend you to visit:
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Honolua Bay: it's a perfect beach for kids to have fun snorkeling.
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Makena Beach: the largest in South Maui and with fantastic views of the islands of Molokini and Kahoolawe.
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Wailea Beach: considered the best beach in the United States, it is the typical beach surrounded by lush vegetation that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii.
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Kamaole Beach: one of the most popular beaches on the island with a great family atmosphere.
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Polo Beach: ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
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Kaanapali Beach: is a huge beach located in West Maui, where you can attend the sunset Puu Kekaa ceremony that commemorates the feat of King Kahekili.
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Puamana Beach County Park: a beach with perfect waves for beginner surfers if the kids want to get in touch with surfing.