Maui is full of sunshine, soft beaches, and family-friendly fun. Parents love the safe, welcoming vibe, while kids enjoy endless adventures. Whether you’re swimming in the ocean, hiking in nature, or enjoying a Hawaiian show, your trip will be full of memories. With so many unique activities to choose from, every family can find something that fits their style and interests. Here are the 12 top things to do in Maui with kids!
1. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
A Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour is one of the best things to do in Maui with kids! You’ll ride across calm blue water, snorkel with bright tropical fish, and maybe even see a sea turtle! Molokini is a safe, protected marine area that feels like swimming in a giant tropical aquarium. It’s an experience that’s both fun and educational, giving kids a chance to learn about marine life in a hands-on way.
Kids love spotting bright fish and floating in calm water with their snorkel gear. Our tours include everything you need, so there’s no stress for parents. Watching your kids’ faces light up when they see their first turtle is something you’ll always remember! Moments like these turn a family vacation into a story you’ll share for years to come.
Molokini Crater Snorkeling Morning Tour: Runs 7 AM–12 PM from South Maui’s Maʻalaea Harbor. You’ll stop at Molokini Crater and then Turtle Town. Take this tour for a good chance at seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles. From December to April, you may spot humpback whales swimming nearby!
Afternoon Snorkeling Tour: A quieter choice with fewer people. If the water is calm, you’ll snorkel at Molokini. If not, you’ll enjoy Coral Gardens and ride our 25-ft fast waterslide!
👉 Tip: There’s a parking lot at Maʻalaea Harbor, but be sure to pay for parking!
2. Visit the Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is a fun way for families to learn about Hawaii’s marine life. Here, you can see sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The glass tunnel through the shark tank is a big favorite! For families looking for easy indoor activities, this is one of the top things to do in Maui with kids. It’s a great option for days when you want a break from the sun but still want to experience the beauty of the ocean.
Beyond the sea animals, kids can take part in hands-on programs where they learn about Hawaiian culture. Parents love that it’s both educational and kid-friendly, giving kids a chance to discover something new while staying cool indoors. With so many interactive exhibits, the whole family can spend hours exploring without ever feeling rushed.
📍 Open every day, 9 AM–5 PM.
Photo Courtesy of Maui Ocean Center
3. Explore Haleakala National Park
Seeing the sunrise at Haleakalā is an unforgettable family moment. The sky glows with pinks, oranges, and golds! The crisp mountain air and quiet atmosphere make the experience feel magical and completely different from anywhere else on the island.
After sunrise, take one of the many trails. Some are short and easy for young kids, while others are longer and better for older kids. Along the way, you’ll see rare plants and animals found only in the Hawaiian Islands. Exploring the trails together is a great way to bond as a family while staying active.
You’ll also find signs that share Hawaiian stories and culture. It’s a beautiful way to learn while enjoying the views. These cultural touches help kids feel more connected to the land. They also help parents understand the history of this special place.
Photo Courtesy of National Park Service
4. Attend a Luau
A Hawaiian luau is a mix of music, dancing, and tasty food. The Te Au Moana Luau in Wailea is family-friendly, with fire shows and hula dancing that kids will love. It’s not just entertainment—it’s also a great way for children to learn about Hawaiian stories and traditions.
Luaus are among the most cultural things to do in Maui with kids. Families say they highly recommend this luau because it’s fun and colorful. Kids will be thrilled by the bright costumes, drums, and dances, while parents enjoy local dishes and the warm evening air.
Photos courtesy of Te Au Moana
5. Drive the Scenic Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is one of the most famous drives in Hawaii. Families can stop at waterfalls, beaches, and scenic lookouts. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with winding turns and hidden gems along the way. The beautiful scenery and surprises make each mile feel like a new discovery. Many families say the journey feels like stepping into a real-life jungle adventure.
You can stop for snacks, play at a beach park, or explore a trail. Every stop offers something fun and new for kids to discover. Cool off under a waterfall, walk barefoot on soft sand, or listen to the calls of tropical birds as you explore the rainforest. Even the smallest stops along the way can spark curiosity and excitement. The Road to Hana is a full-day family trip. It is filled with laughter, exploration, and unforgettable sights.
👉 Pro tip: Use a guide map so you don’t miss the best stops.
6. Hike at Iao Valley State Park
The ʻĪao Valley is easy to reach and perfect for a short family hike. The green valley is calm and beautiful, with paths that lead to views of the ʻĪao Needle, a tall peak covered in plants. Mist often drifts through the mountains, giving the whole area a magical, almost storybook feel. The sound of the river flowing through the valley creates a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a place where families can relax and enjoy nature.
Families looking for peaceful things to do in Maui with kids will love this spot. It’s a great place for a picnic, and the short trails are easy for kids of all ages. Parents also enjoy the signs along the paths that share bits of Hawaiian history. Walking through the valley feels like stepping back in time, offering both natural beauty and a cultural experience. It’s the kind of spot where kids can run, explore, and learn all at once, while parents relax and take in the incredible views.
7. Go Whale Watching (Seasonal)
From December to April, Maui’s waters fill with humpback whales. While we don’t offer an exclusive whale watching tour, our snorkeling tours are a must-do for families. Guests can see these whales while traveling to and from the snorkeling spots. Seeing a massive whale rise from the ocean is a once-in-a-lifetime sight that leaves both kids and parents in awe.
Kids love seeing whales jump, splash their tails, and hearing their big breath. These playful giants often put on a show, and every sighting feels different and special. Even if you’ve seen them before, the thrill never goes away, and for kids, it’s often the highlight of the whole trip. Families leave with memories of whales that they’ll talk about long after their Maui vacation is over.
8. Take Surfing Lessons
Maui’s gentle waves make it a great place for kids to learn surfing. Surf schools provide soft boards, calm water, and friendly teachers who make lessons fun and safe. It’s one of the most adventurous things to do in Maui with kids. The beaches used for lessons are usually shallow and calm. This way, children can enjoy riding waves without worrying about rough conditions.
Even if your child has never surfed, instructors keep it simple with games and challenges that make learning exciting. Parents love watching their kids gain confidence and balance while enjoying the ocean. The laughter, cheers, and high-fives from the surf school staff make the whole experience feel supportive and rewarding. By the end of a lesson, many kids are standing on their boards, grinning ear to ear, and begging to go back out for more.
9. Enjoy Maui’s Shave Ice
Shave ice is a Hawaiian treat that kids love. Flavors like pineapple, coconut, and guava turn each scoop into a taste of the islands. You can add ice cream to the bottom or a “snow cap” of condensed milk on top. The fluffy ice absorbs all the syrup, making every bite delicious and refreshing, especially in Maui’s warm sun. Kids love mixing colors and flavors, turning each cup into a sweet rainbow.
Stopping for shave ice is one of the easiest things to do in Maui with kids after a hot day at the beach. Popular spots include Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice and local food trucks. It’s a fun break for the whole family, giving parents a chance to relax while kids cool off with a cold treat. Many families make it a daily tradition on vacation, sampling new flavors and visiting different stands across the island.
Photo Courtesy of Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
10. Explore the Maui Butterfly Farm
The Maui Butterfly Farm is colorful, peaceful, and educational. Kids can see butterflies up close and learn how they grow from eggs to caterpillars to butterflies. The flight house is full of color, with butterflies flying all around you. It feels magical to have them land on your shoulder or hand, and kids are always amazed at how gentle and delicate they are.
The farm is full of bright colors, and guides explain everything in a way kids will love. The 45-minute tour is perfect for all ages, and kids under 2 are free. It’s short, simple, and hands-on, making it perfect for younger kids with shorter attention spans. Families leave with great memories and a better understanding of nature, learning how important butterflies are to the environment.
Photo Courtesy of Maui
Butterfly Farm
11. Spend a Day at Kaanapali Beach
Kā‘anapali Beach is one of Maui’s most famous beaches. It is known for its soft sand and clear water, where families can swim, build sandcastles, and relax in the sun. The beach stretches for miles, so there’s always plenty of space to spread out a towel or take a stroll along the shore. Gentle waves make it a fun and safe spot for kids to splash around, while parents can unwind and soak up the view of the Pacific.
This is one of the most classic things to do in Maui with kids. At sunset, you can watch the cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock. A diver lights torches before jumping into the ocean. Kids will love the excitement, and parents will enjoy the beauty of the show. The blend of tradition, stories, and natural beauty makes this ceremony a highlight of any trip. It turns a regular beach day into a memory your family will always cherish!
12. Go Ziplining
Ziplining is an adventure that combines fun with amazing views. Families can fly over valleys, forests, and the ocean, turning an ordinary day into a thrilling experience. Gliding through the air makes kids feel like superheroes. The views from above show everyone the beauty of Maui.
Popular spots include:
- Haleakalā slopes – soar over volcanic landscapes with wide open views of the island
- West Maui Mountains – zip past lush forests and waterfalls that feel straight out of a movie
- Kā‘anapali – enjoy ocean views near the beach while adding a little adventure to your day in the sun
Kids get helmets and safety gear, and guides walk everyone through the process step by step, so parents can relax knowing it’s safe. Laughter, excitement, and beautiful views make ziplining one of the best activities to enjoy in Maui with kids.
In Conclusion: Top 12 Things to Do in Maui with Kids
Maui is full of family adventures—from snorkeling with sea turtles to trying sweet shave ice. Kids can learn, explore, and play while parents enjoy the island’s beauty. Every beach, trail, and activity has something special to offer, making it easy for families to enjoy fun and discovery every day.
Every visit to Maui brings new memories. Whether it’s your first trip or a return, the island always feels special. Families often discover that small moments, like laughing on the beach or seeing a colorful fish, are the ones they cherish the most. What are your favorite activities in Maui? What do you think are the best things to do in Maui with kids? Share your experiences and keep the aloha spirit going!🌴🌺 Enjoy your trip to Maui!
