Are you bringing the whole family to Maui? If so, you’ll want to have some options for kids activities on Maui.
This guide may tend to favor younger children, since our kids are ages 1 and 4. However, there are lots of ideas here for all ages!
Top ten things to do in Maui with kids:
1. The Maui Ocean Center: Definitely one of the best aquarium’s in the islands, and the only aquarium on Maui. The Maui Ocean Center is a terrific place to go and see the variety of fish that swim in the waters of Hawaii. The Ocean Center features numerous indoor exhibits about whales, fish, and other marine life. There’s a tank full of Hammerhead sharks, and another tank with baby sea turtles. There’s a tank where you can touch sea sponges, stars, and other fish.
2. Baby Beach on the west side: This beach, as the name suggests, is perfect for babies… and kids who don’t like waves. It is by far the tamest beach on all of Maui. It features a large reef about 1,000 feet off shore which effectively prevents wave action. This makes for some great beaches for kids because the waves are so small. It’s seriously one of the best beaches in Lahaina, on the west shore of Maui. This beach doesn’t have any restrooms.
3. The Lavender Farm: If you’re tired of the beach, or just want an escape from the sunshine, I highly suggest the Lavender Farm. Beyond beautiful with excellent views of the island. This farm has lots of variety and lots of native Hawaiian flowering plants. There’s a sort of scavenger hunt, too! If you can find all of the stamp boxes, you can get a free lavender cookie from the bakery.
4. Baby Beach on the north shore: There’s a terrific beach for kids located on the north shore that features an offshore reef. This provides tremendous protection from waves and keeps the surf activity down. The beach is about 0.6 miles west of Baldwin Beach (and this also means the closest restroom is 0.6 miles away).
5. Iao Valley State Park: One of the highlights of the island and a terrific short-hike. The Iao Needle is often covered in clouds, and receives a terrific amount of rain each year. There’s a nice paved walkway with views of the needle. You can also walk down and see the creek which is often overflowing with water. Parking is usually less than $5 for the car. One of the best outdoor activities for kids.
6. Kalama Park on the south shore: There’s a terrific park located on the south shore called Kalama Park that has lots of swings, playground equipment, and picnic tables. They also have a roller skating arena, a football field, and basketball courts. Plenty of fun for the whole family, and it is located right on the beach across from popular restaurants and shops. Free public parking, too!
7. The Maui Mall in Kahului next door to Whole Foods and a Thai Restaurant has both a movie theater as well as a splash pad for kids. Our children, ages 4 and 1 absolutely love the splash pad, and spent close to an hour recently playing there. It’s perfect for a hot summer day! And, you can also stop and get groceries at Whole Foods!
8. Goat Farm: The Surfing Dairy Goat Farm is both an operating goat farm where they produce (among other things) delicious goat cheese. They offer tours and of course you can pet the goats. Lots of fun for the whole family. This is close to the Lavender Farm. There are also a few other places on the mountain worth seeing, such as a winery.
9. Maui Golf & Sports Park in Ma‘alaea, Mini-golf, bumper boats, rock climbing, trampolines, and much more!
10. Atlantis Adventures’ 1.5 hour submarine tours from Lahaina Pier include a visit to the Carthaginian (a sunken ship). The submarine is air-conditioned and goes about 130 feet underwater.
Enjoy your time in Maui! It’s a really great place to visit, especially with kids!
