Best Family Activities in Maui

In Hawaiian culture, ohana (family) is very important, so the archipelago proves to be a family-friendly destination where children can also enjoy an unforgettable holiday with lots of activities.

This Maui holiday may be the first opportunity for many kids to get on a boat and sail the waters of the Pacific - it's an adventure for them!

Taking a boat trip along the Maui coast is a great way for kids to get in touch with the ocean and learn to respect nature. During the route they will be able to contemplate beautiful landscapes and see up close some marine animals such as spinner dolphins, humpback whales, albatrosses or tropical fish.

Also, if they are older, you can take advantage of the excursion to teach them basic concepts about sailing so that they can understand how a boat works while they watch the crew handling it. And if they're still little, you can always tell them stories of intrepid sailors and fearsome pirates as you ride the waves - they'll have a blast!

Every kid loves to dive and the crystal clear waters of Maui are one of the best places to snorkel in Hawaii - the perfect combination for a fun-filled day out!

Hidden deep in the Pacific Ocean is a fascinating underwater natural treasure trove of miles of coral reefs home to tropical fish, manta rays, sea urchins and starfish, green turtles, eels and even dolphins.

Having the opportunity to dive in such a unique natural environment and enjoy a day outdoors playing sports together is one of the coolest things you can do with your family during your trip to Maui.

Many of the best snorkelling spots like Turtle Town or Molokini can only be reached by boat, so the best way to get to know them is by joining a snorkelling trip in Maui.

There are many types of snorkelling trips! By catamaran, by boat, by kayak... if you like snorkelling and want to know the best tours on the island I advise you to read the post Snorkelling in Maui, you will surely find the ideal option for your family!

Another fun and educational way to see animals is to visit Maui's Ocean Center, one of the top 10 aquariums in the world.

The Hawaiian people have a special connection with the sea and have a very close relationship with it, so much so that one of their main deities is Kanaloa, the god of the ocean. To learn more about Hawaiian culture and traditions as well as the unique ecosystem of this archipelago, I recommend a visit to Maui' s Ocean Center where you can discover more about its rich marine life.

During the aquarium tour, the little ones will have a great time seeing native Hawaiian species such as tropical fish, octopus, moray eels, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea urchins and seahorses, among many others. There are also very interesting exhibitions about humpback whales, sharks and coral reefs that will arouse your curiosity.

It is a very entertaining visit to the marine world that you can complete in about 2 hours, so it is a good plan to do with children in Maui at any time of the day as they won't get bored and it won't take too long.

Isabel's Traveler Tip

Normally, in the morning is when there are more people in the aquarium. If you want to see it without the crowds I recommend going from 1 PM onwards.

Most travellers get a taste of Hawaii's underwater charms while scuba diving, but unlike the Atlantis Maui Submarine, these tours don't descend 100 feet into the water to observe the amazing underwater life that lives in Maui's warm waters.

This is an adventure that will thrill the kids! It's not every day that you get the chance to climb aboard a submarine to explore the ocean floor and see the multitude of animals that call Maui's waters home (coral reefs, tropical fish, green turtles, whales, manta rays, etc.) in their own habitat, as if you were a legendary explorer or just another sea creature.)

In addition, the guide who will accompany you will make the tour super friendly and will explain in detail a lot of curiosities about the flora and fauna that lives in the depths of the Pacific.

If you are curious and want to know more about this activity, then I recommend you to read the post Atlantis Submarine Tours in Maui as you will find more detailed information.

During your trip to Hawaii I'm sure you'll want to attend a traditional luau party in Maui. It is one of the best things to do on the island, even with children, because this kind of celebration is so much fun and joyful.

Hawaiian luau parties are an expression of Polynesian culture and revolve around the music, dance and cuisine of the archipelago.

Kids will love the Samoan fire dancing shows and other live Hawaiian music shows with lots of hula dancing. And of course, try the delicious Hawaiian-style feast that is prepared at these parties.

Participating in a Hawaiian luau party is quite an experience. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a lei necklace of flowers and drinks. The highlight comes later, when the conch shell sounds and the imu ceremony begins to bring out the delicious kalua pig from the underground oven. From there you'll enjoy a feast of food, dancing and music in style.

There are several places on Maui where you can experience an unforgettable Hawaiian luau party - check out the Luau on Maui post to discover the best!

There is no doubt that one of Hawaii's biggest tourist attractions are its paradise beaches. In the case of Maui, the second largest island of the archipelago, its beautiful beaches are known for being perfect for surfing and other water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling and windsurfing.

Maui's beaches are the ideal place to relax and disconnect from the world. They all have crystal clear waters that invite you to cool off and sand of all colours (black, red, white and green). The kids will love making sand castles and splashing in the sea!

If you were to ask me which are the coolest beaches on the island to spend a day with the family, I would recommend you to visit: