Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Maui with Kids

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Maui is a dream destination for family vacations, offering endless activities for kids of all ages.

From stunning beaches to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful Hawaiian island.

A few summers ago, my husband and I took our three boys, ages 2, 5, and 7, to Maui.

It was one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever had. We discovered countless kid-friendly activities that made our trip enjoyable for the whole family.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Maui with kids, along with tips for making your trip stress-free and unforgettable.

➡️ Pro Tip: Traffic in Maui can be challenging, so we recommend splitting your stay between two areas—Kaanapali and Wailea—to fully enjoy different parts of the island. For more details on accommodations, check out my post on Where to Stay in Maui for Families.

1. Snorkeling

Maui’s crystal-clear waters make it one of my favorite spots for snorkeling.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, snorkeling is an easy and exciting way for your family see some of Maui’s marine life.

My kids had a blast spotting colorful fish and sea turtles beneath the surface! 🐠

One of the best parts? In many spots around Maui, you can simply step off the beach and start snorkeling.

During our trip, we snorkeled right at the beach at our resort, Sands of Kahana in Lahaina.

We also always enjoy snorkeling at Kapalua Beach as well! 🤿

2. Spend a Morning at Kapalua Beach

Kapalua Beach is one of my favorite smaller beaches for a relaxing day of snorkeling and family fun.

The calm waters and cozy size make it ideal for families with young kids or even toddlers who love to splash and play.

Things to Know:

• The small parking lot can fill quickly, but there’s additional parking along the road. 🅿️
• This beach has restrooms and a shower station, perfect for rinsing off the sand after a fun beach day. 🚿
• A resident sea turtle often frequents the area, which made our visit extra special. Remember to admire sea turtles from a distance—maintain at least 10 feet of space to ensure their safety and yours.

Located about 15 minutes from Kaanapali, Kapalua Beach is a quiet gem for snorkeling, playing, or simply enjoying Maui’s natural beauty. 🏖

3. Visit Kaanapali Beach for the Afternoon or Evening

Kaanapali Beach is a stunning stretch of shoreline, perfect for families seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.

It’s larger and busier than Kapalua, but with plenty of space to find your own spot in the sand.

This beach fronts many incredible hotels, resorts, and condominiums, making it a convenient choice for families.

This beach is especially great because of its easy access to dining and shopping at Whaler’s Village.

You can spend time on the beach, walk over to enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant, and then head back to your spot in the sand for more fun.

Many families choose to stay on Kaanapali Beach because of its convenience and fun atmosphere.

We’ve stayed here before, and it’s a fantastic option for accommodations because it’s so easy and enjoyable to eat, shop, and relax at the beach—all in one convenient spot!

Things to Do at Kaanapali Beach:

• Snorkeling and Swimming: This beach is another perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the stunning views. 🤿

• Black Rock: Located at the northern end, Black Rock is a hotspot for cliff jumping and snorkeling. Watching people take the plunge is a thrill in itself! 🌊

• Beach Walk: The paved pathway along the shore is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family walk. ☀️

Kaanapali Beach Parking Tips:

Parking can be a bit tricky. Public beach parking spots are available but often fill up quickly.

While Whaler’s Village has a parking garage, it’s technically not designated for beach access.

➡️ Pro Tip: If you are not staying at one of Kaanapali’s beachfront hotels, I suggest planning to have lunch or do a bit of shopping at Whaler’s Village so you can park in the garage, and then go spend some time on the beach!

If you’re staying at one of the beachfront hotels, access is simple—you can just step out the back door and onto the sand.

Kaanapali is located about 50 minutes from Maui’s main airport.

It’s an exciting, family-friendly destination that offers something for everyone and is definitely worth a visit!

🏖 Discover more family-friendly Maui beaches: Best Maui Beaches for Families

4. Visit the Maui Tropical Plantation

Another fun thing to do in Maui with kids is visiting the Maui Tropical Plantation.

The plantation offers several family-friendly activities, including the Tropical Express Tour, ziplining, and simply enjoying the stunning grounds. 🍍 🥥

Parking and admission are free, which is always a bonus!

I highly recommend the Tropical Express Tour, a 40-minute tram ride around the property where you’ll see and learn about the tropical plants and fruits grown on Maui.

🌟 A highlight of the tour is the coconut husking demonstration. During this stop, you get off the tram for about 15 minutes, which is a nice way to break up the ride—especially for kids.

• Tour Cost: $25 for adults (13+), $12.50 for kids (ages 4-12).

For adventurous families, the plantation also features ziplining, which sounds like so much fun.

Our kids were a bit young for it on this visit, but we’d love to try it in the future. Children as young as five can participate, making it a great option for families with older kids.

The grounds are beautifully maintained, featuring a lagoon, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a gift shop. It’s a wonderful spot to unwind for a couple of hours.

➡️ Pro Tip: We combined our visit to the Maui Tropical Plantation with the Iao Needle, as they’re only about 10 minutes apart. This made for a fun and convenient day of exploring.

• Distance from Key Locations:
  • About 30-35 minutes from Kaanapali.
  • About 25 minutes from Wailea.
  • Only 15 minutes from the airport, making it a perfect stop on your last day before heading out!

5. Experience the Beauty of Iao Valley State Park

The Iao Valley is a stunning destination, known for its lush, tropical landscape and its famous landmark, the Iao Needle.

To visit, there is a $10 parking fee and a $5 admission fee per person, with children 3 and under admitted for free.

🌟 Important: Advance reservations are required for out-of-state residents. Be sure to plan ahead and book your visit at gostateparks.hawaii.gov.

One of the best ways to experience this beautiful area is by walking the paved trail to the Iao Needle viewpoint.

The trail is 0.6 miles long and includes some steps but is manageable for most visitors, making it a great activity for families.

The Iao Needle is often covered in clouds, which adds a mystical feel to the experience, but even if the Needle is partially hidden, the views of the valley along the trail and at the top are absolutely breathtaking.

• Distance from Key Locations:
  • About 45 minutes from Kaanapali.
  • About 35 minutes from Wailea.

6. Explore the Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center is a fantastic family-friendly activity in Maui and a great option for your last day on the island.

Conveniently located just 10 miles from the airport, it’s perfect for squeezing in some memorable moments before heading home.

Same day admission costs $49.95 for adults (13-64) and $39.95 for kids (4-12), plus tax. Parking is affordable at $2 per hour.

On the website it does state that admission rates may vary depending on weather-related attendance surges so to ensure you get the best deal, pre-purchasing your tickets ahead of time is highly recommended.

🌟 If you buy tickets for a future date (even one date ahead), you’ll save $5 on admission per ticket.

We spent about two hours at the Maui Ocean Center, and it was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the exhibits.

Our favorite was the Turtle Lagoon, where we enjoyed watching the graceful sea turtles. We also loved the Open Ocean Exhibit, which featured sharks, stingrays, and a variety of tropical fish. 🐠 🦈

➡️ Note that there are no dolphins or whales at the Maui Ocean Center, in accordance with County of Maui Ordinance.

The Maui Ocean Center is also conveniently located—about 30 minutes from Kaanapali and 25 minutes from Wailea.

7. Go to a Luau

One of the most unique and memorable experiences you can have with kids in Maui is attending a luau. 🌺

Many resorts in both Kaanapali and Wailea offer luaus right on-site, making it easy to add this fun cultural experience to your trip.

One of the most highly rated luaus is the Old Lahaina Luau, located in Lahaina Town.

This luau is one of the most recommended and popular choices for families.

Typically lasting about 3 hours, luaus usually begin between 5:15-6:15 PM and wrap up between 8:15-9:15 PM, depending on the season.

When considering a luau with younger kids, keep the timing in mind. We actually skipped a luau on our last trip because our two-year-old wouldn’t have been able to stay engaged for that long or stay up so late.

Based on our experience, I’d recommend waiting until your kids are around 4 or 5 years old before taking them to a luau. While they’re fun and entertaining for little ones, the longer duration can be tough on younger children.

Attending a luau is a great way to create lasting memories with your family in Maui. If you have the chance to experience one, I definitely recommend it!

8. Take a Ride on the Atlantis Submarine (Currently Closed)

The Atlantis Submarine is another awesome family attraction in Maui!

It’s an undersea adventure where you’ll get to see coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine life up close.

To board the submarine, kids need to be at least 36 inches tall, so it’s perfect for families with kids of multiple ages.

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and check-in is in Lahaina Town.

My husband took two of our sons when they were 5 and 7, and they absolutely loved it! It was such a cool experience for them.

Based on our experience, I’d recommend this attraction for kids around 5 and older.

It’s located just 7 minutes from Kaanapali and 45 minutes from Wailea, making it super convenient to fit into your Maui itinerary.

💔 Please note: The Atlantis Submarine was unfortunately damaged by the Lahaina fire and is currently not operating. Please check the Atlantis Submarine availability before your visit.

9. Get a Shaved Ice at Ululani’s

A visit to Maui is not complete without a couple of fun treats including a shaved ice from Ululani’s.

There are numerous Ululani’s located throughout Maui including the Hyatt in Kaanapali, Kihei, and many more.

Most of these locations are located just feet from the ocean so get a shaved ice and enjoy the ocean views with your family.

10. Spend Time at Whaler’s Village

Whaler’s Village is a great spot for families, located right on the beach in Kaanapali. It’s the perfect place to shop, grab a bite to eat, and take in the beautiful ocean views. 🛍 🏖 👩‍🍳

Aside from the shops and restaurants, Whaler’s Village offers fun activities like hula lessons, lei-making classes, and more.

For the kids, there’s a climbing structure and a splash pad, along with grassy areas to run around and burn off some energy.

We usually spend an afternoon or evening at Whaler’s Village.

The kids love browsing the shops, having a snack, playing, and then walking along the paved path by the beach. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time together while soaking in the ocean views.

Whaler’s Village is conveniently located in Kaanapali, just 50 minutes from Wailea.

More Things To Do with Kids in Maui

A few other options for things to do with kids that did not make my main list but would be great if you had older kids include:

• Road to Hana
• Haleakala National Park
• Surfing Lessons
• Zip lining
• Whale Watching Tour

Maui is truly a magical destination for families, offering a wide range of activities that will keep kids of all ages entertained and create lasting memories.

From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring lush valleys, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re lounging at a beach, enjoying a luau, or discovering the island’s natural beauty, Maui has it all.

Download my complimentary travel itinerary planner to help you plan your family vacation to Maui or wherever your next adventure takes you!

May you love your adventure! KW