Top 12 Things To Do in Maui with Kids

You and your family can rest assured that the crew will make you feel safe. They will also inspire you with underwater adventure and exploration, and successfully prepare you for the trip of a lifetime. Snorkel with confidence thanks to their expert lessons, hands-on guidance, top-of-the-line snorkel equipment, and full supervision.

Pride of Maui is well-known for being child-friendly, and their vessel is outfitted with amenities to ensure safety, comfort, and convenience. When you venture out on a snorkel tour, know that you will be exploring one of the most premier snorkel, SNUBA, and scuba diving locations in the world. Molokini Crater is believed to be over 150,000 years old and overflows with an abundance of ocean life thriving in their natural habitat. Witness the magic of the Hawaiian green sea turtles and Spinner dolphins first hand. Watch on in delight as they gracefully dance and play throughout their natural coral reef habitat.

The Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour with Pride of Maui offers guests breakfast, a BBQ lunch, and an open bar at no extra cost. SNUBA is also available by request for an additional charge.

Not only do they feature Hawaiian sea life, but they also offer educational displays on ocean ecology, Whale life, and Hawaiian culture. Through a guided walking path, guests will revel in the exclusive and rare attractions to be seen. Make sure to tour the outdoor Hawaiian sea turtle sanctuary and the Hammerhead shark pool. Explore the ever-engaging indoor aquarium, housing the famed Hawaiian Tako (octopus) and a host of unique sea creatures.

The Maui Ocean Center is well-known for their fully encircling sea-tunnel that gives the feel of a dry-land snorkel. Make sure to check out the massive indoor shark tank. It has Hammerhead sharks, Tiger sharks, White Tips, Grey Tips, and a variety of deep water fish. The staff is very friendly, approachable, and well-versed on Hawaiian marine life. They welcome your questions and discussions, and will openly share their knowledge of the Maui Ocean Center’s mission, events & community goals.

Here are a few of the best spots for you to try:

Paia Gelato: Nestled in the charming town of Paia on Maui’s north shore, Paia Gelato will be your next favorite Maui sweet spot for all dessert enthusiasts. This cozy gelateria, known for its authentic Italian gelato, offers an array of exotic flavors that perfectly capture the tropical and homegrown flavors of island life. Each scoop celebrates local ingredients, from the creamy richness of the coconut to the zesty, tangy goodness of lilikoi (passion fruit). The lively atmosphere of Paia Gelato, coupled with its friendly staff, makes it a must-visit spot for anyone craving a sweet, tropical treat on their journey through Maui.

Maui Sweet Shoppe: In the heart of South Maui lies a delightful treasure, the Maui Sweet Shoppe, famous for its homemade ice cream. At this Kihei ice cream haven, each batch is carefully crafted using locally sourced ingredients that highlight the island’s rich flavors. The shop offers a whimsical array of choices, from traditional favorites to unique island-inspired creations like the Maui Mango Tango or the Hula Berry Swirl. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere and the joy of discovering a new favorite flavor make Maui Sweet Shoppe a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic, sweet taste of Maui’s culinary charm. But that is not all. Serving up more than just ice cream, Maui Sweet Shoppe also has yummy soft serve, sundaes, soda fountain drinks, cookie sandwiches, smoothies, their famous frozen banana bites, cookie dough, and candy for sale.

Ululani’s Shave Ice: Ululani’s Shave Ice is a must-visit destination for anyone craving an authentically icy Hawaiian treat on Maui. Renowned for its ultra-fine ice and an extensive selection of homemade syrups, Ululani’s elevates shave ice to an art form! Each serving is a burst of flavors, with options ranging from tropical lilikoi and guava to the rich, creamy sweetness of coconut and macadamia nut. The generous, fluffy servings, topped with extras like mochi and azuki beans, make Ululani’s a favorite local spot!

Coconut Glen’s: Tucked away in Nahiku, Maui, Coconut Glen’s is a coconut-based ice cream wonderland. This unique spot specializes in vegan ice cream made from organic coconuts, a true testament to Mauiʻs sustainable, local food sourcing. Visitors are enchanted by flavors like Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Chili, each offering a creamy, dairy-free delight. The quaint, colorful stand, surrounded by lush East Mauiʻs lush greenery, definitely adds to the charm. Coconut Glen’s is more than just an ice cream stop; it’s a must-visit destination for healthy and eco-conscious dessert seekers. Next time you’re on Maui, we encourage you to get zen with Glen!

Tobi’s Shave Ice & Poke: In the heart of Paia on Mauiʻs North Sore, Tobi’s Shave Ice & Poke is a beloved local haunt, offering more than just a traditional Hawaiian shave ice experience. Known for its generous servings and wide range of shave ice flavors, Tobi’s stands out with its local vibes, tasty menu options, and Maui authenticity. What makes Tobi’s truly special is its fusion of classic shave ice with innovative twists, like adding a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of sweet condensed milk. The shop’s relaxed, friendly vibe makes it a perfect pit stop for families and surfers looking to cool off with a delicious Paia-style treat. P.S.: They also have some of the best ahi poke on the island!

The farm’s tours are a hit with kids, where they can interact with friendly goats, learn about the milking process, and even participate in feeding.
The goat cheese tastings are amazing, and the dairy’s picnic area encourages families to relax in the Upcountry Maui vibes.

In addition to the tours and tastings, they have a great gift shop, and host various kid-friendly events throughout the year. Visit them online to learn all about their farm and family-friendly activities.

As the sun sets over the ocean, the evening begins with traditional Hawaiian games and crafts, offering a hands-on experience for all ages. Children will love the traditional poi pounding and lei-making, which provide a fun and interactive way to learn about Hawaiian culture.

The luau feast is full of yummy traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian foods. From the mouthwatering kalua pork, cooked in an imu (earth oven), to the citrus and herb marinated Mahi-Mahi and coconut-glazed Molokai sweet potatoes, their luau menu is one of the best in Hawaii, hands down.

The incredible live performances are the heart of Te Au Moana. Guests will be captivated by the skilled dancers and musicians who narrate the legends of the islands through mesmerizing hula and fiery Tahitian dances. The fire knife performance is always the anxiously awaited finale, and leaves everyone in awe.

Te Au Moana isn’t just your regular luau; itʻs a Polynesian cultural experience that brings families together in the spirit of Aloha.

Surfing is a fun, challenging, and rewarding sport for all of those who push themselves up on that board! With a proper introduction to surfing, and with an instructor who will take their time, your first surf lessons can jump-start a lifelong love for the lifestyle and sport of surfing.

On Maui, there is a host of incredible options for surf instruction. From beginner to advanced, all students can find a teacher and surf school that’s right for them. Surf lessons can take place on local Maui beaches or on the oceanfront at Maui resorts. Most surf lessons take place in the morning or early afternoon, and students can book large groups, small groups, and private classes.

In fact, if you plan to visit Maui with your family, why not book a group lesson for all of you? It will not only be tons of fun, but a fantastic bonding day activity to enjoy while in Maui.

Best Maui Surf Schools:

• Zack Howard Surf
• Maui Surfer Girls
• Hawaiian Paddle Sports
• Maui Wave Riders
• Goofy Foot Surf School
• Maui Surf Lessons

While venturing out of Iao Valley, take the time to check out two other great places. Don’t miss the Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens or the Hawaiian Nature Center.

Imagine the thrill of getting locked in a room with your kids where you all have to work together to discover clues and solve puzzles to find your way out! Escape Rooms are perfect for boosting your collaborative skills and fostering a true sense of teamwork. You and your family will have fun and spend some real quality time together.

Maui Escape Rooms offers four fun escape games: Pirate Ship, Prison Break, Tesla’s Inheritance and Ka Puka Bunker. Each game is unique and challenging, and promotes family bonding as you all work together to solve the challenges.

Book your Maui Escape Rooms adventure now to find out if your family has what it takes to escape!

This activity is about 3 hours long, and is available for kids 5 years and older. Keep in mind that kids under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult. This is a great activity to enjoy as a family, or you can drop your kids off at the meeting point and go enjoy some well-deserved adult time while they search for treasure and explore Maui in a safe environment.

The Maui Treasure Hunt begins at a meeting point in Kahului (Central Maui) at 8:45 am. This fun-filled Maui activity runs from 9 am to 1 pm and includes a backpack, snacks and bottled water. The hiking trail is fit for any beginner and is 2 miles in length. Guests should prepare for the hunt with sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a swimsuit, and closed-toed shoes or sports sandals. Prepare to get muddy, dirty, and wet! If you would like to bring a camera or your phone for some photo opportunities, make sure to seal it in a plastic bag to prevent any water damage.

If you’re looking for a great adventure that your children will love, definitely check out this Maui hiking tour for kids. They will be entertained, educated and engaged for the duration of the tour. They’ll most definitely create some happy memories, and they will never forget that time that Mom and Dad took them on that awesome Maui treasure hunt!

The Tropical Express is a bright green, three-car train-like truck that cruises through the property of the Maui Tropical Plantation. Only while on “The Express” can guests access and journey through this incredible Waikapu plantation.

During the 45-minute tour, the train loops around a freshwater lagoon, the orchards, and tropical gardens. Pending the season, participants will visit several farm sites that grow a variety of fruits. There are pineapples, coconuts, mangoes, bananas, papayas, starfruit, jackfruit, ulu, and avocados. They also grow coffee, macadamia nuts, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, taro, herbs, corn, and more. This tour also includes Hawaiian cultural demonstrations like a display of how to husk coconuts, and opportunities to taste some freshly harvested produce.

With the help of an expert guide, guests will learn about Maui’s farm seasons and how fruits like pineapples are grown. They will be surrounded by the fresh scent of tropical flowers growing in their natural environment. The Tropical Express Tour is available seven days a week, at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm. They are closed on major holidays.

Safety is paramount at UFO Parasail, where children as young as five can participate. The experienced crew ensures a smooth, secure experience, offering tandem and triple flights so families can enjoy the excitement together. The gentle takeoff and landing (directly from the boat) make the experience accessible even for the littlest adventurers.

UFO Parasail’s commitment to a safe, family-friendly adventure makes it a standout attraction on Maui. Please note that they operate seasonally in the spring and summer.

• Check the weather reports and choose a beach that is appropriate for you and your family
• Wear sunscreen and hats
• Bring floating devices for kids and adults who aren’t strong swimmers
• Bring snacks and a camera!
• Be safe, watch the water, and never turn your back to the ocean
• Enjoy your vacation with your family, create some awesome memories, and have the time of your life!!