Maui makes family travel easy—sunshine, scenery, and just the right mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're swimming with sea turtles, tasting tropical treats, or exploring the island’s natural wonders, there's something magical about seeing it all through your kids' eyes. These were the experiences that brought us together, made us laugh, and gave us moments we’ll be talking about long after the bags are unpacked.
Best Things to Do on Maui with Kids
Marveling beneath the sea at Maui Ocean Center
The moment we walked into the Maui Ocean Center, the world quieted. The kids pressed their hands to the glass, eyes wide as reef sharks drifted by and sea turtles floated past like ancient storytellers. It wasn’t just an aquarium—it was a full immersion into Hawaii’s marine world. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that makes learning feel like magic.”
What I Loved Most: Walking through the 240-degree tunnel while manta rays glided overhead. The kids were speechless, and so was I.
My highlights? Grabbing lunch at Seascape Restaurant, with ocean views and fresh island flavors. I had the grilled fish tacos with pineapple slaw and a ginger-lime aioli, while the kids had teriyaki chicken bowls with sticky rice. Everything tasted like sunshine and salt air.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 192 Ma?alaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Vibe: Educational, immersive, family-friendly
- Best For: Curious kids, marine life lovers, rainy day fun
- Don’t Miss: Living Reef exhibit, Open Ocean Tunnel, sea turtle feedings
- Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
- Cost: ~$44.95 adults, ~$31.95 children (ages 4–12); under 4 free
Cooling off with island sweetness at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
After a long morning in the sun, we needed a treat—and Ululani’s more than delivered. We stepped up to the counter, eyes darting across the rainbow of syrup flavors and topping options. The kids couldn’t decide fast enough, so we ordered a mix. I remember thinking, “This might be the most joy I’ve seen packed into a paper cup.”
What I Loved Most: Watching my kids giggle with blue tongues and sticky fingers, their faces lit up like the shave ice itself.
My highlights? I went for passion fruit, guava, and coconut with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk (the famous “snowcap”). It was soft, flavorful, and melt-on-the-tongue perfect. We sat on the curb outside, taking turns with each other’s flavors. It was pure vacation joy.
Plan your visit:
- Location: Multiple locations across Maui (Lahaina, Kihei, Kahului)
- Vibe: Bright, colorful, casual
- Best For: Kids (and grown-ups) with a sweet tooth
- Don’t Miss: Try a snowcap topping, order extra napkins, grab photos before it melts!
- Hours: Typically 10:30am–6pm (varies by location)
- Cost: ~$6–$9 depending on size and toppings
Learning and tasting at the Maui Chocolate Tour
The Maui Chocolate Tour started in the shade of cacao trees, where our guide broke open a pod and handed around raw beans. The kids were fascinated—this was chocolate in its wildest, most natural form. We followed the process from farm to bar, each step a little sweeter than the last. I remember thinking, “They’ll never look at a chocolate bar the same way again.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the kids roast and grind cacao beans by hand, eyes wide as the rich, earthy aroma filled the air. They were totally into it.
My highlights? The tasting at the end, of course. We sampled several types of single-origin chocolate with notes of vanilla, citrus, even honey. I paired mine with a small cup of Kona coffee. The kids voted unanimously for the creamy milk chocolate with sea salt—and tried to sneak extras.
Plan your visit:
- Location: Lahaina, Maui, HI (Hawaii Tasting Tours or local farms like Ku’ia Estate)
- Vibe: Hands-on, educational, delicious
- Best For: Chocolate lovers, curious kids, farm-to-table fans
- Don’t Miss: Bean grinding demo, final tasting, small gift shop
- Hours: Tour times vary; most last 1–2 hours
- Cost: ~$35–$60 per person (kids often discounted or free under a certain age)
Connecting with rescued animals at Leilani Farm Sanctuary
Leilani Farm Sanctuary wasn’t just a place to see animals—it was a place to connect with them. We were greeted by goats, pigs, donkeys, ducks, and cats, all rescued and deeply loved. The kids fed lettuce to bunnies and scratched a grateful pig behind the ears. I remember thinking, “This is the gentle kind of joy I want them to remember.”
What I Loved Most: Hearing the rescue stories and watching my kids grow quiet with empathy. The animals weren’t exhibits—they were individuals, each with a name and a story.
My highlights? No restaurant here—but we packed fresh pineapple slices and homemade banana bread for a post-tour snack under the shade trees. It was peaceful and grounding, a break from the busier tourist pace.
Plan your visit:
- Location: Haiku, Maui, HI
- Vibe: Heartfelt, educational, nurturing
- Best For: Animal-loving families, slow-paced travelers, kind souls
- Don’t Miss: Guided tour, feeding animals, donation-based shop
- Hours: Tours by reservation only, typically 10am–12pm
- Cost: Suggested donation ~$20 per person
Cooling down island-style with Shaka Pops
Shaka Pops became our favorite afternoon treat—part reward, part refresh, and totally delicious. We stopped by a farmers market stand on a warm day, and the colors alone got the kids excited. One bite and we were hooked. These pops weren’t just frozen—they were handmade, naturally flavored, and bursting with the taste of Maui. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of simple joy that makes a vacation feel like summer.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the kids pick their flavors like it was the most important decision of the day—mango pineapple for one, strawberry lime for the other. Everyone was happy and quiet for a few sweet minutes.
My highlights? I had the lilikoi (passion fruit) pop with coconut milk—a creamy, tangy dream. We ate them outside under the shade of a banyan tree, laughing as they melted faster than we could keep up.
Plan your visit:
- Location: Available at Maui farmers markets and select shops (like Down to Earth in Kahului or Foodland)
- Vibe: Colorful, handmade, tropical
- Best For: Families on the go, snack breaks, beach day refreshment
- Don’t Miss: Rotating seasonal flavors, creamy coconut base options
- Hours: Varies by location and market
- Cost: ~$4–$6 per pop
Adventuring with purpose at Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment
This was the experience that stayed with us the longest. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s program wasn’t just a kids' club—it was a chance to see Maui through curious, respectful eyes. Led by naturalists, the kids explored tide pools, learned about marine life, and even hiked with intention. It felt more like a mission than a tour. I remember thinking, “They’re not just entertained—they’re empowered.”
What I Loved Most: Seeing our kids come back with stories—not just about what they saw, but about what they *understood*. They talked about coral reefs and turtles like little scientists.
My highlights? While the kids were out exploring, we sipped lattes at the Ritz-Carlton lounge, knowing they were in excellent hands. Everyone returned glowing—sun-kissed, sandy, and inspired.
Plan your visit:
- Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui, HI
- Vibe: Educational, empowering, immersive
- Best For: Curious kids, eco-minded families, hands-on learners
- Don’t Miss: Tide pool ecology walk, evening storytelling, sustainable practices
- Hours: Program times vary; reservations recommended
- Cost: ~$125+ per session per child; hotel guest priority
Soaking up the sun at Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach felt like the heart of a perfect island day—wide, golden sand, gentle waves, and the kind of energy that made it easy to stay all afternoon. We swam, snorkeled, and watched cliff divers leap from Black Rock while the sun dipped lower in the sky. Everything was close but never crowded. I remember thinking, “This is what effortless family beach days are made of.”
What I Loved Most: Floating in the calm water with the kids beside me and looking back at the curve of the beach framed by swaying palms and that iconic Hawaiian light. It was picture-perfect—and real.
My highlights? We grabbed acai bowls from Island Vintage Coffee at Whalers Village, topped with banana, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of local honey. We ate them barefoot on a towel, listening to waves and ukulele music drifting from a nearby lawn show. Pure Maui bliss.
Plan your visit:
- Location: Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, Maui, HI
- Vibe: Active, family-friendly, postcard-worthy
- Best For: Swimming, snorkeling, beach games, cliff watching
- Don’t Miss: Black Rock for snorkeling and cliff diving, Whalers Village shops and treats
- Hours: Open daily
- Cost: Free; nearby parking available (validate if shopping/dining at Whalers Village)
Making Maui Memories
From sticky shave ice smiles to hands-on marine adventures, Maui gave us the kind of vacation that didn’t just entertain—it connected us. It’s the gentle rhythm of the island, the way the ocean makes room for everyone, and the joy of discovering something new side by side. If you’re dreaming of a family trip filled with meaning and play, Maui is ready to welcome you.
More to Explore
From sticky shave ice smiles to hands-on marine adventures, Maui gave us the kind of vacation that didn’t just entertain—it connected us. It’s the gentle rhythm of the island, the way the ocean makes room for everyone, and the joy of discovering something new side by side. If you’re dreaming of a family trip filled with meaning and play, Maui is ready to welcome you.