It’s been nearly a year since the devastating Maui wildfires that swept through the historic town of Lahaina. Although the town itself is still in recovery and most areas are off-limits to tourists, the surrounding sections of West Maui and across the island are wide open, and businesses are welcoming tourists. If you’re planning your next family vacation, here are some fun things to do with kids in Maui and why now is a great time to visit this gorgeous Hawaii island.
Unprecedented hotel rates
The hotel rates on Maui are the lowest they have been in years, due to travelers canceling immediately after the wildfires. The island of Maui is lively and busy. Resorts, restaurants, and shops are open — but not as crowded as pre-2023.
Family-friendly volunteer opportunities
Volunteering is a great thing to do with kids in Maui — Photo courtesy of Eric Frankum
Volunteering together is a great way to create unforgettable family memories, and you’ll find several meaningful ways to help Maui right now. On our trip, we volunteered with the Hua Momona Foundation at Duckine, a local restaurant and commercial kitchen that serves as a home base for meal preparation for those in need. With other enthusiastic volunteers, we prepared about 500 meals for families who were displaced by the wildfires. This website lists many “voluntourism” opportunities. Also, Kipuka Olowalu, Leilani Farm Sanctuary (ages 7 and older), and Kaʻehu are wonderful places for families to volunteer.
The re-opening of Ku’ia Estate Chocolate
Tour Ku’ia Estate Chocolate is a sweet family activity in Maui — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
The cacao farm tour at Ku’ia Estate Chocolate is a fun and educational activity for families visiting Maui. It’s the largest chocolate factory in Hawaii and is run completely on solar energy. Our tour guide led us on a short walk through the cacao trees as we learned how the fruit is harvested by hand and how chocolate is made.
We also participated in a chocolate tasting two stories up in a shaded treehouse-like pavilion. The setting offered stunning views of the orchards and ocean. If you’re more hungry, there’s also a breezy outdoor café on-site with beautiful views of the cacao farm.
Heads up! The tours have age restrictions: Kids age 3 and older for the farm tour, and age 6 and older for the factory tour.
Best beaches to visit in Maui
The best Maui beaches for families have lots of amenities — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
Hawaii is known for its gorgeous beaches, but sometimes dramatic coastlines come with inherent risks, like strong currents and rocky shorelines. Families visiting Maui may want to opt for one of the island’s protected beaches with lifeguard stations.
Kā‘anapali Beach
This stunning stretch of golden sand is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and sunbathing. With the lifeguard tower located nearby at Hanakaoʻo Park, visitors to Ka‘anapali Beach can feel safe while enjoying the crystal clear waters and fun waves. This beach area is lined with resorts, beachfront restaurants, and excellent shopping, making it a convenient and vibrant destination for families.
D.T. Fleming Beach
This Maui beach is a popular spot for surfers and boogie boarders and is home to gentle, rolling waves in summer. This protected beach in northwest Maui is a great place for families to enjoy a day by the ocean, as it’s wide and spacious enough to relax, spread out, and soak up the sun. In addition to the lifeguards, there’s parking, shade, and restrooms.
Kamaole Beach Parks 1, 2, 3
These three beautiful beaches in Kihei are known for their soft sand and calm, clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Each beach offers its own unique charm, from the gentle waves at Kamaole 1 to the rocky tide pools at Kamaole 3. (You may spot a turtle or two!) With lifeguards, ample parking, showers, and picnic tables, these beaches offer convenient facilities and are ideal for families.
Maui catamaran cruises
Explore Maui’s treasures on a catamaran cruise — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
Maui is the perfect destination to enjoy a catamaran cruise. Families can choose from many excursions, from snorkeling cruises to dolphin-watching to relaxing sunset cruises. Teralani Sailing Adventures and Sail Maui are two outfitters offering family-friendly sailings throughout the week.
Best luau in Maui
Attending a luau is a classic family activity — Photo courtesy of Old Lāhainā Lūʻau
It’s not a family vacation in Maui without a traditional luau. The Old Lahaina Luau has twice ranked among the top 10 in the nation in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Family Attraction in Hawaii for good reason. This oceanfront performance and feast is thrilling — and delicious — for all ages.
Vote Now: Best Eco-Friendly Hotel (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
Where to take surfing lessons in Maui
Learn to surf in Maui — Photo courtesy of Eric Frankum
Hawaii is a top-notch destination for learning how to surf. Families can sign up for group or private lessons and learn the basics with professional instructors. You’ll also have some fabulous photos of yourselves catching some awesome waves! Check out West Maui-based Maui Surfer Girls (not just for girls and women) and Goofy Foot Surf School, among many other great surf schools around the island.
Family fun at Social Space
Social Space offers fun for the whole family — Photo courtesy of Eric Frankum
Social Space entertainment center at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, in Ka‘anapali, offers 10,000 square feet of fun and games for all ages. It’s a great complement after having fun in the sun all day. Here, you’ll find over 50 arcade games, a virtual reality play area, a mini bowling alley, simulated golf, and other sports-related games. There’s also a full bar and casual restaurant on-site.
Vote Now: Best Family Resort (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
Where to stay on Maui
Ready to book your trip to Maui? We recommend these three family resorts.
Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows
Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows, a USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award winner for Best Resort in Hawaii, is situated on nearly 30 acres of beachfront property. Featuring several swimming pools, a tropical garden, restaurants, and other amenities, it’s a tranquil destination for families seeking a truly authentic Maui vacation.
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Maui Westin Resort and Spa
In the heart of Ka‘anapali, Westin Maui Resort and Spa sits right on the beach and is within walking distance of plenty of shopping and family activities on the island. Another award-winning resort, it boasts several swimming pools and several fabulous on-site dining options, such as Ulu Kitchen. Bonus: You don’t need to rent a car, as the hotel offers a free shuttle to points of interest in the area.
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Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
For those with a larger budget, the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, another Readers’ Choice Awards favorite, overlooks picturesque Kapalua Bay. The expansive property features a multi-level swimming pool, several restaurants, a beach bar, and extensive upscale activities for families.
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