Maui for Families

It’s no wonder families return to Maui year after year. The island’s iconic beaches and unique adventures deliver magic that turn great vacations into lasting memories no matter your age. Travel with toddlers, teens, or a mix of generations. The island offers a wide variety of experiences designed to help you make the most of time together, trip after trip.

Gather your crew and check out some of the best family‑friendly finds on the island.

HIT THE SAND AT KĀ‘ANAPALI BEACH

If there’s one thing every member of the family can agree on, it’s a day at Kā‘anapali Beach. Located on the west side of the island, you’ll sunbathe, snorkel, and surf from dawn to dusk on this 3-mile stretch of golden sand. Beyond the beach, there is also the Kā‘anapali Beachwalk, an oceanfront trail dotted with locally owned and nationally known shops and restaurants—perfect for a break from the sun.

BIKE HALEAKALĀ

For families looking to add a big highlight to the itinerary, visiting the summit of Haleakalā (Maui’s tallest peak and an active volcano) is a must-do experience. Once you’re on the summit you can choose your adventure. Take in an otherworldly sunrise or sunset. Spot the rare ‘ahinahina (silversword) plant. Hike the 11-mile Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail. Or bike all the way down the 10,023-foot mountain. Keep in mind that very young children and older adults with mobility or health considerations may find this excursion challenging. 

EXPLORE THE ROAD TO HĀNA 

The famous Road to Hāna is a 64-mile scenic drive filled with waterfalls, viewpoints, and black-sand beaches. Roll down the windows, feel the warmth, and follow a route that spotlights one of Hawai‘i’s top draws: majestic waterfalls. Twin Falls is near the start of the drive and is easily accessible from the parking lot. Toward the end of the Road to Hāna, the 4-mile round-trip Pīpīwai Trail leads to several stunning waterfalls, including ‘O‘he‘o Gulch, Makahiku Falls, and Waimoku Falls.

TREAT THE FAMILY TO SHAVE ICE

Shave ice (NOT shaved ice) is a popular Hawaiian treat. Made of small ice shavings topped with fruity syrups, this refreshing sweet is found across Hawai‘i. But nothing beats the Maui-grown Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, a longtime local favorite.* With its silky-smooth texture and natural fruit-based flavors like lilikoʻi (passionfruit), calamansi lime, and pineapple, you’ll likely find yourself making a few more shave ice stops during your Maui trip than anticipated.

PERUSE LOCAL FINDS AT THE SHOPS AT WAILEA*

With more than 70 shops and restaurants, The Shops at Wailea is the ideal place to indulge in a little retail therapy and pick up the perfect souvenir. Discover local- and island-themed finds from a mix of national retailers and Hawai‘i-based brands. Bring home a wildly patterned aloha shirt, a flowy floral dress, a koa-wood ring, or a fuzzy new friend.

When it’s time for a break, let older siblings babysit the kids at Lineage, an Asian- and island-inspired eatery owned by Top Chef alum Sheldon Simeon while parents slip away to Waikiki Brewing Company for daily happy hour. Or bring the whole family to Lappert’s Hawaii for a Kona coffee drink or ice cream in signature flavors like ube and coconut.

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL MARINE LIFE*

The Maui Ocean Center, which has one of the world’s largest tropical reef aquariums, is fun for kids and adults of all ages. This award-winning facility focuses on Hawai‘i’s marine life, putting local creatures like honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), Pacific corals, and humpback whales in the spotlight.

HIKE THE WAIHEʻE RIDGE TRAIL

Outdoor enthusiasts can get active on West Maui on the Waihe‘e Ridge Trail. Note that the hike is 4.2 miles long with 1,591 feet of elevation gain, so plan accordingly and consider a shorter outing if anyone in your group would be more comfortable with a less strenuous hike. The effort is rewarded with incredible views of the lush West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Hawai‘i-based travel writer and editor Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like Time Out, Tripadvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet.

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WHERE TO STAY 

Experience the sun and surf that can only be found on Maui. Walk the blue ocean waters just off the beach at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club. And you’ll never be far from authentic Hawaiian fun and flavors at The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas North, or The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas. No matter which resort you choose, you’ll make meaningful vacation memories.