Visiting Maui with Kids

Aloha! Let’s start by saying with confidence: Maui is the perfect place for a family vacation! ❣️ Maui’s blend of award-winning beaches, culture, and overall natural beauty makes it an ideal Hawaiian island to vacation; whether your kids are babies, toddlers, big kids, or teens, we have something for everyone on the list. 🫶 Trust us when we say— no matter your ideal vacay, you are certain to find it on the island of Maui. 🏖

Here at Flytographer we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over 4 million memories worldwide. 🌎 The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. 📸 Explore the island of Maui with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today we asked our local photographers in Maui to share their best family-friendly travel tips and activities to fully experience this beautiful Hawaiian island.

TLDR

1. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
2. Visit the Maui Ocean Center
3. Drive the Road to Hana Adventure
4. Attend a Traditional Luau
5. Book a Family Photoshoot
6. Explore Haleakala National Park
7. Schedule Beach Days
8. Try a Surf Lesson
9. Visit the Maui Tropical Plantation
10. Go Whale Watching
11. Frequently Asked Questions

Photo: Taena in Maui for Flytographer. Dana and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Ulua Beach on the South Shore.

1. Snorkel at Molokini Crater

Hawaii has no shortage of stellar snorkeling spots, but if you’re looking for an amazing spot that’s safe and comfortable for beginner snorkelers, Molokini Crater is a great place to start. 🤿 With calm, clear waters and abundant marine life (250+ species of fish!), crescent-shaped Molokini is a naturally serene destination where everyone can enjoy an abundance of beauty above and below the water. 🐠

Access to Molokini is by boat since the crater/island is about 2.5 miles/4 km from the Maui coastline (visible from Wailea beach!), making this excursion something you’ll want to book and plan for in advance. If you have little ones, remember you can trade off watching kids while the other parent snorkels so everyone can enjoy Molokini! Snorkel tours include snorkel gear, making this family adventure easy, breezy, and fun! Also, depending on the time of year you visit, there’s a good chance your boat ride could include humpback whale sightings! 🐳

Hot tip: try and book an early morning departure for calmer seas and fewer visitors. 👍

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Emily and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Po’olenalena Beach on the South Shore.

2. Visit the Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium and oceanography center. With interactive exhibits, a shark tunnel, and marine naturalist presentations, the Maui Ocean Center is one of our favourite things to do in Maui with kids particularly if you happen upon any inclement weather on your vacation. ☔️ The hands-on opportunities here also make the Maui Ocean Center a wonderful spot for kids of all ages to connect with marine creatures and learn even more about the beauty the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. 😍

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Prerna and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Kapalua Ironwoods on the West Shore.

3. Drive the Road to Hana Adventure

If you are up for a full day of adventure, taking in the lush scenery of Maui from the comfort of your rental car, consider the Road to Hana! 🚗 The Hana Highway is a 64-mile scenic drive winding along the coastline and passing beaches, forests, trails, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and more.

Prepare to spend your day trip exploring the road— grab some Dramamine and sufficient sunscreen, pack some snacks, fill up your gas tank, and hit the road early. Expect slow speeds ⚠️ and lots of pit stops where you can take in some of Maui’s most spectacular sights and scenery.

Wondering where to stop along the way? Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach (located at mile marker 32) is one of our favourite beaches for families. 🌊 Need to refill those snacks? We love the fruit stands, and don’t forget banana bread 🍌 (try the Halfway to Hana snack stand at mile marker 17). Ho’okipa Beach (mile marker 9) is a world-renowned windsurfing destination with often dramatic and impressive surf for sightseers as well- if you want to skip the seas but watch other’s windsurfing skills, keep an eye out here! 👏

An important consideration: although we love the Road to Hana, if you have kids (or adults!) who don’t fare well on windy car rides, you may want to skip this one. 🫣 The Road to Hana is not for the faint of heart, or the queasy of body.

Photo: Kevin in Hana for Flytographer. Andy and family capture memories in Hana with a family photoshoot at Hana Beaches Loop on Maui.

4. Attend a Traditional Luau

Traditional Hawaiian luaus are one of Maui’s most fun and (delicious!) interactive cultural activities! Finding a kid-friendly luau often means encompassing food and entertainment— repeat with us: “fire dancing!” 🔥 Add in hula lessons and buffet options that will please both kids and adults, and everyone is bound to have a good and filling time! 🍽

Family favourite: be sure to check out the Old Lahaina Luau— it’s one of our favourite things to do in Maui with kids. 🏆

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Caramel and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Kapalua Ironwoods on the West Shore.

5. Book a Family Photoshoot

Now for our very favourite thing to do in Maui: document your trip with a family photoshoot! 📷 Especially when kids are in-tow, booking a photoshoot with one of our professional photographers gives you more time to relax and savor because you no longer have to worry about getting your camera phone out to try and capture your family all on your own. 🤳

Wondering what locations are best? Our local photographers already know the best photo spots in Maui. Wondering when the best time of day is for photos? We love both sunrise and sunset shoots in Maui— our local pros can give you tips for where and when may be best for your crew.

Preparing for your shoot by gathering easy-to-coordinate clothes (including comfortable, breathable fabrics), and some discussions with little ones in advance about your upcoming vacation photos will help make your photoshoot successful before and during, with awesome results after. 😅

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Melissa and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Po’olenalena Beach on the South Shore.

6. Explore Haleakala National Park

Seeing the sun rise or set from Haleakala National Park is a jaw-dropping sight that will remain in your Maui vacation memories forever. 🌄 If you’re traveling west to Hawaii, remember you’ll likely have those first mornings working in your favor regarding time changes (parents, you know the wake-up calls we’re talking about)— utilize that jetlag 🥱 and see the sunrise early in your trip! Haleakala has a handful of easy hiking trails for families, a Junior Ranger program, and incredible star gazing both before sunrise and after sunset. For a stunning, humbling experience, add Haleakala to your Maui itinerary.

Note: While this is our list for the best things to do in Maui with kids, it’s another activity that may not be ideal for those who don’t fare well on windy car rides, so keep that in mind! 

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Matthew and partner capture memories in Maui with a couples photoshoot at Haleakala National Park.

7. Schedule Beach Days

We love Ka’anapali Beach, and absolutely recommend planning a beach day here when you visit Maui with kids. Frequently listed as one of the best beaches in America, three-mile long Ka’anapali offers clean, safe swimming areas, with great nearby amenities. Ka’anapali is also home to plentiful sea turtles! 🐢 If you’re still around in the evening be sure to stay for the daily cliff diving ceremony from the beach’s northernmost Black Rock cliff. Ooooooh! 🤩

Makena Beach State Park, Kapalua Bay, Baldwin Beach, and Napili Bay are other favourite beaches great for exploring, lounging, and enjoying Maui as a family!

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Lillian and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Po’olenalena Beach on the South Shore.

8. Try a Surf Lesson

Surfers and aspiring surfers, we’re looking at you! 🏄‍♀️ Have older kids or teens in your family? We looooove the idea of family-friendly surf lessons! (There are often age restrictions for young kids, so keep this in mind when you look into lessons or surf schools during your time on Maui.) Two of Maui’s most popular surf beaches for beginners are The Cove in Kihei and Launiupoko Beach Park in West Maui.

Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer (shot in Maui). Sarin and family capture memories on Maui with a family photoshoot.

9. Visit the Maui Tropical Plantation

The Maui Tropical Plantation in Wailuku not only is beautiful, it’s also really cool. 🌺 With tram-guided tours available through the grounds and zip-line options for older kids, teens, and adults, learning here is actually fun! Crops grown at the Maui Tropical Plantation include coffee, macadamia nuts, avocado, and papaya, and while you’re here, be sure to plan to try and take some of their tasty eats to-go (hello, ice cream!) thanks to their delicious gift shop.

Photo: Lauren in Maui for Flytographer. Alina and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Kapalua Bay on the West Shore.

10. Go Whale Watching

If you’re visiting Maui in between December and April, consider taking a guided boat tour or sunset cruise to whale watch! Remember to dress appropriately for the windy seas, bring binoculars, and have your camera handy for this unique and mesmerizing opportunity. 🐋

Photo: Lauren in Maui for Flytographer. Rosanna and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Ulua Beach on the South Shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maui a good place to take kids?

Maui is an wonderful place to take your whole family! Whether your crew is small or large, Maui is amazing for kids of all ages.

Which part of Maui is best for families?

Maui has four major areas, Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina and Upcountry Maui. The two most popular areas to stay in Maui are Wailea (south) or Ka’anapali (west)— either area is well-suited for kids, and offers tons of fabulous activities, dining options, and of course jaw-dropping nature (aka: stunning beaches).

How many days in Maui is enough?

Is forever an option? 😉 If not, we recommend a week, particularly if you’re traveling with little ones; due to the travel time required and the time changes, give yourself enough time to really relax (we know, an ironic word for those traveling with kids, but TRY!).

Which is better for kids Maui or Honolulu?

Maui and Honolulu are very different islands, and your favourite may depend on your personal preferences and desired vacation activities. For those who want a little hustle, bustle, and boost of metropolitan culture, Honolulu may be best; for those wanting a true, relaxing nature escape, Maui is the spot for you!

Photo: Nicole in Maui for Flytographer. Melissa and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Po’olenalena Beach on the South Shore.

Capturing memories in Maui

With so many things to do in Maui with kids, you’re positive have a magical, memorable vacation with your peeps and capture everyone in the frame with a family photoshoot to remember the trip by! ⛱

Be sure to check out our guide to planning the perfect maui family vacation as you dream of beachy sunsets, immersive Hawaiian culture, and delicious shaved ice. 🍨

Mahalo!