THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MAUI WITH KIDS
Are you thinking of visiting Maui with a toddler or young kids? I have you covered on all the best things to do and where to stay with your little ones. I will be sharing everything we loved doing as a young family with kids ages 3 and 6 on this beautiful island of Hawaii.
Our 6 night trip gave us enough time to explore this diverse Hawaiian island, from the west to the south as well as the North shore.
During our stay in Maui we stayed in the west coast of the island, in Kaanapali. It was the perfect area for us as it allowed us to get adjusted and easily get beach access. While there are no bad places to stay in Maui, Kaanapali is my favorite area for its nice beaches, close to Lahaina town (restaurants and shops), and most importantly for the drier climate and more sunshine than other parts of Maui.
This time as a family of 4 with 2 young kids (ages 3 and 6) we hand picked a few things that we knew we would all enjoy. Here I share some tips to make the most of your time as a family.
And for more help planning your trip to Maui, don’t miss my list of favorite Maui restaurants/cafes and my collection of the best things to do on the West coast of Maui.
For more family travel tips, read my Printable family checklist or my Carry on only/summer edition if you want to pack minimal for your trip to Maui.
Your guide to visiting Maui with a toddler/kids
THINGS TO DO //
1.Explore the first few spots on Road to Hana
Road to Hana is one of my favorite things to do in Maui, and I definitely wanted to take the kids on some of the stops to make it easier. One of the most serene and sacred places on the island, this historical site is a must-see (even if you are only able to do one stop). The Twin waterfalls & bamboo trail was incredibly kid friendly, with a short loop trail to the waterfall and back. There is a parking fee of $10 and when we arrived around 9am during January, there were plenty of spots.
I suggest starting early if you plan to do Road to Hana to avoid the crows or even consider doing it from the last stop anti clockwise.
2. Go on a Whale watching experience
Out of Ma’alaea harbor, the PacWhale Eco Adventure tour was such a fun and amazing way to get out on the water and see wildlife. We chose the 2-hour small group package which was just the right amount of time for our kids to be out there. The whalewatch is led by certified Marine Naturalists for a fun and informative interpretation of humpback whale behaviors and characteristics. We got to see males competing for females, hear underwater whale songs and the sunrise.
Almost as soon as we got out of the harbor, not even a 10minute sail in, we saw humpback whales, a whole family of them. The sunrise tour was incredibly beautiful and serene, and fit into our schedule well as we were jet-lagged and waking up early anyway. I would highly recommend the sunrise tour to avoid crowds, less sitting in direct sun and the water tends to be more calm and flat.
Also, with PacWhale Eco Adventures, whale sightings are guaranteed or you get to go again on another free whale watch.
Children 4 and under are free with a paying adult. Book online and save 20%
Adults $89.95 / Kids (5-12) $69.95
3. Explore the West coast beaches
Spend a few days just exploring the different beaches of the West coast and all of its gems. Our favorite was the little trail that led us to Honolua Bay, the most enchanting and beautiful jungle hike. (more info on that below)
Try visiting mid-week or earlier in the morning to avoid traffic and crowds. A few eateries and beaches, here are a few highlights:
Head to Baya Bowls. This Maui food truck is serving up nutritious and delicious açaí bowls made with a variety of fresh ingredients.
pineapple acai bowl at Mokuroots
The best beach we found for our family was actually our hotel front beach - Kaanapali beach, it’s wide and has plenty of space to roam, walkable just right outside our hotel room, beach umbrellas and chairs for rent from the hotel.
Afterward, we made our way to Honoapiilani Farmers market. It’s an indoor farmers market type supermarket where they serve salads, soups, acai bowls, paninis, sandwiches and burgers. One of our favorite to go spots for a beach day, you can get to go boxes and get their fresh smoothies.
Honoapiilani Farmers market -dips/precut fruit/dessert etc
food menu at Honoapiilani Farmers market
4. Take the enchanted jungle trail to Honolua Bay
Honolua bay beach is accessible by passing through this enchanted jungle trail which is only about a 10minute walk - easily doable with young kids and toddlers. The only thing is the beach itself isn’t a sandy beach but a rocky one. Honolua bay is known for great snorkeling so if you are looking for a good snorkeling spot this could be it.
Parking is limited so park on the street side and walk through the trail which leads through a lush rainforest jungle where you will see avatar like trees and chickens everywhere. Even if it isn’t for snorkeling at the bay, I would highly recommend checking this gem out on the west coast of Maui for it's serene and beautiful views.
5. South Maui Gardens for local food in a beautiful outdoor nursery setting
If you have a car, consider spending time at the South Maui Gardens - a hidden oasis gem with a variety of cuisines to choose from, cafes, desserts, live music, and a plant nursery. Its a peaceful and gorgeous spot to spend with the family with plenty of outdoor space for the kids to roam around.
Check their calendar for artisan markets, hula shows, yoga, and concerts offered throughout the week.
FAQ:
Do I need to rent a car?
My short answer would be yes. Maui is a large island and to be able to explore different parts of the area, having your own car will help a lot to travel in comfort. Especially when it comes to traveling with kids, there are extra things to carry.
Best time to visit?
The best part is that Maui can be visited year-round due to its mild temperatures and relatively warm waters. Shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September - November) are great to avoid the crowd and pleasant weather compared to the peak summer and winter seasons.
How many days?
If you are staying for a short trip under 4days, I would suggest staying in one location. A good amount of time would be at least a week to fully enjoy Maui and see various parts of the island.
save pin for later!
