Best Kid-Friendly Activities On Maui

Our family has traveled to Maui about 10 times, starting when our children were babies all the way to pre-teens. We've experienced Maui pre-Covid and post-Covid, and we've figured out the best kid-friendly activities to do (and what to avoid).

If you're looking for fun and easy activities on Maui, here's our favorites that you can enjoy. It's important to note that while some of these are free, some of these can cost a pretty penny.

Here's our favorite kid-friendly activities on Maui.

1. Twin Falls

Twin Falls is a great easy hike that you can take that gets you to multiple waterfalls, including some areas where you can swim. 

Twin Falls is located at the beginning of the Road to Hana, but it's not a hard drive to get there. It's also on private property and very well maintained.

You can plan to spend a few hours here, relaxing and swimming in the water. Even pack a lunch and enjoy it. 

Note: It's important that you only park in the lot (which is paid now). This area is known for break-ins on vehicles if you park along the road.

2. Zip Lining

We've zip lined multiple times on Maui and had a blast every time. If you have adventurous children, this is a great way to spend a few hours.

There are a few zip line companies on Maui:

• Maui Zipline
• NorthShore Zipline
• Jungle Zipline
• Haleakala Zipline

Our favorite, to date, is Jungle Zipline. The reason? You're really in the jungle and it feels so tropical while you're ziplining.

We don't have anything bad to say about any of these places. Also, some of these places have weight restrictions, which can be tough for little kids. NorthShore, I believe, has the lowest weight requirement at 40 lbs.

Note: Expect to pay around $150 per person, plus tip. Some places might not have great WiFi, so you might want to bring cash to tip.

3. Seeing The Sea Turtles

There's so many great ways to see the turtles, but you can usually catch them in the late afternoon or close to sunset - when they're trying to avoid the sharks.

If you want to stay dry, head to Hookipa Beach a.k.a. Turtle Beach to catch them. There is a parking lot that, while busy, usually always has spots available.

Hookipa Beach is on the road to Hana - so it's a nice stop if you're going to Twin Falls, or catching Mama's Fish House for dinner.

4. Maui Ocean Center Aquarium

Indoor, air-conditioned, and filled with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Kids can get up close with marine life and learn about Hawaiian ecosystems.

If you're looking for a break from the sun, the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium is a great way to spend a few hours.

Located between Wailea and Lahaina, it's a really easy spot to get to. Lot's of parking. And plenty of things for your family to see.

As your kids get older, this will be more "boring". But it's a solid option for kids 3-8 years old.

5. ʻĪao Valley State Monument

The ʻĪao Valley State Monument is a beautiful area to check out with the family. There's two main ways to go: you can hike up about 100 stairs to get to the top and see the spire, or you can hike your way down to the river. 

Honestly, you should do both if your legs can handle it.

There's a lot of history here, and it's very beautiful. There is a parking lot and restrooms, though the restrooms are out of order a lot of the time.

Note: This requires an advanced reservation and parking fee since Covid. Make sure you book a time in advance on the official state website (we've never had an issue with same day reservations).

6. Maui Tropical Plantation

The Maui Tropical Plantation is another classic Maui family outing. Located along the side of the highway between the airport and Wailea or Lahaina, it's a great few hours of classical Hawaiian fun.

The plantation offers tours that last about 40 minutes where you can see the farm, watch the crew husk coconuts, and ask questions.

There's a shop where you can get all the classics - shave ice, fresh fruit, and more.

And there is the zipline which we mentioned earlier! 

7. Luau

Going to a luau is another classic Hawaiian experience, and it can be a lot of fun. We've attended a lot of luaus on the islands, and Maui has a couple that are solid.

Our favorite (and recommendation) is the Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort. Honestly, it's just a great location, with good food, the show is one of the better ones, and there's lots of room for the kids to run around without disturbing anyone.

8. Kula Country Farms

Kula Country Farms is in the Upcountry area of Maui and is another fun few hour stop for families with younger kids. Depending on the season, they have U-Pick strawberries, a pumpkin patch, and more.

One Saturday per month they also host a farmers market type event, which can be fun to see.

If you're heading to the Upcountry area, make sure to stop here!

9. Haleakalā (Older Kids)

Haleakalā National Park is the large mountain that dominates one side of the island. There are so many beautiful outlooks and fun things to do, but it could be challenging with younger kids.

The visitors center is almost at 10,000 ft elevation, and it's and 1hr 15min to an 1hr 45min drive depending on where you're staying on the island.

Many people recommend getting up to see the sunrise on the mountain. While amazing, the logistics with young kids are near impossible.

Other recommend doing a tour and biking down the mountain. Again, fantastic idea, but not really possible with young kids.

If you're checking out the summit, make sure you plan ahead. It's a national park, so you can bring your park pass if you have one. If you plan to go for sunrise, you have to book a reservation.

10. Whale Or Snorkel Tour (Older Kids)

While many resorts offer snorkeling right off the beach, and you can usually see whale's migrating from the shore, it can be fun to take a whale watching or snorkel tour.

However, we only recommend this if you have older kids, and are certain they'll be fine in both the boat and the ocean (especially for snorkeling). If your child is not a strong and experienced swimmer yet, wait a few years before doing ocean snorkeling.

Most of the tours leave from Maalaea Harbor these days, since Lahaina is under reconstruction. Many of the snorkel tours go to Molokini Crater, which is straight south of the harbor anyway.

There are a lot of options for tours leaving, check out Viator here >>

Wailea Area

If you're staying in the Wailea area, you have to check out and use the Wailea Beach Path. This is a nightly walk for our family. It goes from past the Andaz down to the Fairmont. 

It's fun to check out the other luaus, see the sunset, enjoy the beach!

Of course, it makes it easy to walk to the other hotels for dinner, or walk to the Wailea Shops mall.

Important to note, that it is about 1.5 miles from end to end. While it looks close on a map, it can be a long walk. It also gets very dark at night (no lights to save the turtles). If you're planning to walk back to your hotel from a luau at another hotel, make sure you have your phone or flashlight.

Kaanapali or Kapalua Area

If you're staing in the Kaanapali or Kapalua area, another side of Maui is very easy to enjoy. Not that you can't do this if you're staying in other spots, but these areas are a 1+ hour drive from Wailea or other major hotel spots. That's really hard when you have younger kids.

If you're staying north, there's always the beach front path in Kaanapali. It's great to get to Whaler's Village. 

If you're thinking of a drive, consider going out to Nakalele Blowhole, then coming back with a stop at Honolua Bay and Napili Bay.

Honolua Bay: This is just a short and flat walk from the parking on the side of the road to an awesome snorkel spot. The jungle walk is the epitome of what you expect when walking in the rainforst. It's beautiful. The snorkel and bay is rocky! I mean like big rocks. You need to be careful!

Napili Bay: Probably one of the most idyllic beaches and bays in Maui. It's beautiful. The challenge here is parking. There isn't much. There also aren't many food options, except some fine dining. 

What To Avoid

These are things specifically to avoid if you have young kids. This is my take, but if this is your first time to Maui, and you have kids under 10, I'd simply wait on these until next time (seriously - do see them, just not with littles). 

Road To Hana

The Road To Hana is something that everyone talks about, but it can be challenging with young kids. The farthest I really recommend anyone go down the road if you have kids under 10 is Twin Falls.

Beyond that, it can be hard driving, slow, and the sights and activities require a lot more monitoring for younger kids. Plus, it takes a long time! Especially if you're leaving from a resort area. 

From Wailea of Kaanapali, its at least a 2.5 hour drive without stops to Hana. You could easily spend 4 hours one way. That's a long day.

Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful. It can be done. But I recommend this for older kids or adults.