Maui is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Hawaii, offering a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From snorkeling at Turtle Town to chasing waterfalls on the Road to Hana, there’s something for every age group. We’ve visited Maui three times with our kids and discovered the best things to do on Maui that balance fun and exploration—without over-planning.
What are the must-do’s in Maui for a first-time visitor? Don’t miss the sunrise at Haleakalā, a snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater, and a luau for a taste of Hawaiian culture. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Maui with kids, unique experiences, budget-friendly activities, or romantic getaways, this guide has you covered.
1. Hike a volcanic crater at the Haleakalā National Park
Visiting Haleakalā National Park was one of the most surreal experiences of our Maui trip. Instead of just stopping at the lookout, we hiked Sliding Sands Trail (Keonehe‘ehe‘e Trail), which takes you down into the crater—a landscape that looks more like Mars than Hawaii. The trail is not that steep, but the altitude makes it so much harder, so we only hiked about 1.5 miles in before turning around. The views were incredible at that distance, with shifting red, orange, and purple hues across the volcanic rock.
It’s much colder and windier at the summit of Haleakalā National Park (10,023 feet), so layers are essential. While sunrise is the most popular time to visit (reservations are required), we visited twice during different times. We loved going mid-morning—no 3 AM wake-up required—and again for the sunset.
💡 Good to know
Do you need a car in Maui? We think renting a car in Maui is highly recommended since public transportation is limited, and having a car allows you to explore popular spots like the Road to Hana, Haleakalā, and Maui’s best beaches at your own pace.
- Where: Haleakalā National Park (2-hour drive from resort areas)
- Cost: $30 per vehicle (valid for 3 days), free with your America the Beautuful National Park Pass and 4th-grade Every Kid Outdoors Pass
- Tip: Bring layers, hats, sunglasses, and plenty of water—the sun is intense even when it’s cool!
2. Taste fresh pineapples at Maui Gold Pineapple Farm
Nothing beats the taste of Maui Gold pineapples fresh from the fields. Located in Haliʻimaile, this farm offers a kid-friendly tour where you can see pineapples at every growth stage, learn how they’re harvested, and taste them straight from the source. The best part? Each person gets a pineapple to take home—and yes, you can bring it on the plane!
- Where: Haliʻimaile (15 minutes from Kahului Airport)
- Cost: $75 adults, $65 kids (ages 3-12), free for under 2
- Tip: Book in advance—this tour sells out fast!
After the tour, we headed across the street to the Haliʻimaile General Store for lunch. It’s a must-stop spot with delicious local food! Their pineapple upside-down cake was the perfect way to finish off our pineapple-themed day—sweet, warm, and so good with vanilla ice cream.
3. Swim with sea turtles at Maluaka Beach
Maluaka Beach, also known as Turtle Town, is one of the best spots on Maui to see Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). The calm, clear waters make it perfect for beginner snorkelers, and we saw several turtles just a few feet from shore. Bring a snorkel set or rent one nearby. Just remember—Hawaiian law requires you to stay at least 10 feet away from sea turtles.
- Where: South Maui, near Makena
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Mornings have the calmest waters for snorkeling.
4. Explore the Maui Ocean Center
If you need a break from the sun, Maui Ocean Center is a fantastic indoor spot to learn about Hawaii’s marine life. The highlight for kids will be the 360-degree tunnel, where sharks and rays swim overhead. There’s also a hands-on tide pool exhibit and a stunning humpback whale 3D experience.
- Where: Ma‘alaea Harbor
- Cost: $49 adults, $39 kids (ages 4-12), free for under 4
- Tip: Visit in the afternoon when the sun is at its hottest.
5. Snorkeling at Maui’s best beaches and reefs
Maui has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii, and we made sure to experience it firsthand. Whether you want calm, kid-friendly waters or an adventurous boat trip to a crater, there’s a perfect spot for every family.
- Mokapu Beach (near the Andaz Maui) has easy shore access, clear water, and a reef just offshore.
- Molokini Crater is a half-submerged volcanic crater with some of the clearest water in Hawaii (think visibility up to 150 feet!).
- Honolua Bay is best in summer, with calm waters and vibrant marine life—including sea turtles!
- Kapalua Bay is perfect for kids, thanks to its protected cove and gentle waves.
Tip: Mornings are best for snorkeling—calmer waters, better visibility, and fewer crowds.
6. Explore ʻIao Valley State Monument
Located near Wailuku, ʻIao Valley is one of Maui’s most scenic and culturally significant sites. With lush rainforest, misty peaks, and deep Hawaiian history, it’s a peaceful retreat into nature.
The highlight is the ʻIao Needle, a 1,200-foot rock pinnacle that served as a lookout during battles. A short 0.6-mile paved trail leads to breathtaking valley views, making it an easy walk for families. While the hike is brief, the real highlight for our kids was playing by the ʻIao Stream, a cool, shallow creek perfect for splashing and exploring.
Entrance: $5 per person, $10 parking (non-residents)
Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM daily
Tips: Arrive early as parking is limited, and wear sturdy shoes since trails can be slippery after rain. Bring water shoes if your kids want to wade in the stream.
7. Go on a whale-watching tour (winter only)
From December to April, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui, making it one of the best places in the world for whale watching. The boat tours leave from Ma‘alaea Harbor and you can see whales breaching just minutes after leaving the dock!
We did not take this tour ourselves, since we just took one in Juneau, Alaska. However, if you have never been on one, we highly recommend it!
- Where: Tours leave from Ma‘alaea and Lahaina
- Cost: $40–$80 per person
- Tip: Morning tours have the calmest waters for kids prone to seasickness.
8. Discover hidden waterfalls on the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a full-day adventure, but if you want to keep it short with kids, Twin Falls is an easy first stop. Just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, you’ll find a beautiful waterfall where kids can splash around. No long car rides required!
- Where: Twin Falls, along the Hana Highway
- Cost: Free, $10 parking fee
- Tip: Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds.
💡 Good to know
What is the best month to visit Maui? Honestly, Hawaii is great all year round, we have been in May, September, and November. Generally, the best months to visit Maui are considered April, May, September, or October when the weather is great, crowds are smaller, and hotel rates are more affordable compared to peak seasons.
9. Try local cuisine in Maui
Experiencing Maui’s food scene is as much a part of the adventure as exploring its beaches and trails. Hawaiian cuisine blends fresh island ingredients with cultural influences, making it a must-try for families visiting Maui.
For a casual, kid-friendly meal, Paia Fish Market (with locations in Lahaina, Paia, and Kihei) serves fresh fish tacos, burgers, and plate lunches in a laid-back setting.
Tin Roof Maui, a favorite from Chef Sheldon Simeon, offers delicious garlic noodles and mochiko chicken—perfect for takeout on a beach day. If your family loves breakfast, Kihei Caffe is known for its banana macadamia nut pancakes and massive portions.
For a quick and local snack, Huli Huli chicken from roadside stands is a must-try, and Foodland or Tamura’s is the go-to spot for fresh poke bowls. And no trip to Maui is complete without a visit to Ululani’s Shave Ice, where flavors like mango, passionfruit, and li hing mui are a refreshing treat after a day in the sun.
If you’re looking for a sit-down dinner, Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea, Ka‘anapali and Lineage are a family favorites.
10. Free activities in Maui
Maui offers plenty of free things to do and cultural activities in 2025, including hula shows, ukulele lessons, and lei-making classes. Catch a free hula performance at Lahaina Cannery Mall on Sundays or the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center on the fourth Sunday of each month. At Whalers Village, enjoy hula lessons, ukulele classes, and coconut weaving throughout the week.
The Shops at Wailea also offer Polynesian shows, lei po’o making, and coconut husking. For a deeper cultural experience, check out the Keiki Hula Show at Napili Kai Beach Resort, which has been running for over 50 years. Whether you’re interested in learning traditional crafts or watching a mesmerizing hula show in Maui, these activities are a great way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture—completely free!
Bottom line
Maui is the ultimate family-friendly destination, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re hiking above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park, snorkeling with sea turtles at Turtle Town, or chasing waterfalls along the Road to Hana, there’s something for every age and interest. Families can explore kid-friendly beaches, take a Maui pineapple farm tour, or enjoy an unforgettable whale-watching cruise during the winter months.
For those on a budget, there are plenty of things to do in Maui for free, like visiting Ho’okipa Beach to watch surfers or hiking the Kapalua Coastal Trail. If you’re searching for things to do in Maui today, check out local farmers’ markets, scenic drives, or sunset spots like Lahaina Pali Trail. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or on a romantic getaway, Maui has something for everyone.
