6 Fun Must Do in Maui with Kids
Whether you’re planning your first trip or next trip to Maui, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what’s actually worth your time, especially when you’re traveling with kids.
The good news is that Maui one of those rare destinations that really does have something for everyone. One day you can be watching the sunrise from above the clouds, the next you’re swimming at a beach with sea turtles, hiking through a bamboo forest, or grabbing shave ice after a morning adventure. The best part is you don’t have to cram everything into one trip. Read: How we went to Hawaii for two weeks for only $67.20 total for flights and hotels.
After exploring Maui as a family, these are the experiences we’d recommend over and over again. They’re the ones that made our trip unforgettable, and they’re all doable with kids in tow.
Below you’ll find our favorite things to do in Maui, along with tips to help you plan each one. If something catches your eye, I’ve also linked our detailed guides with everything you need to know before you go.
Flying to Maui with a Companion Pass and Points
We flew Southwest because the Companion Pass changes the math for families. Both my husband and I had active passes, which meant each of our boys flew as companions for only the taxes and fees. For our entire route (one mainland leg to Oahu, then Oahu to Maui, then Maui home), we paid $67.20 total in taxes and fees for the four of us. The base fares came from Southwest points we earned while working toward the passes and from Chase Ultimate Rewards we moved to Southwest.
The practical result is that you can say yes to another activity or nicer accommodations without feeling like flights swallowed the budget. If you’re building your own must do in Maui plan, running the numbers on the Companion Pass plus flexible points is worth the time, especially for a family of four. Need help with a points strategy? Join my Points and Miles Masterclass, or sign up for a consultation.
Where We Stayed and Why It Helped the Whole Trip
We based ourselves at Wailea Ekahi Village in South Maui through Hyatt’s Homes & Hideaways program. Having a two-bedroom condo changed our pace in the best way. The kitchen made breakfasts and simple dinners easy, which cut decision fatigue and kept everyone fed when the day ran long. This is also a great money saving trick, since meals out on an island like Hawaii can be pricey. Multiple pools and garden paths gave the kids an outlet on days when we asked them to sit in the car more than they wanted. If you like one activity per day with a slow afternoon, this setup supports that rhythm.
The Best Things to Do in Maui
From our time in Maui with the kids, we found six great activities that every family should try. These experiences are fun, engaging, and perfect for making your trip to Maui unforgettable.
ʻĪao Valley State Monument: A Short, Satisfying Half Day
ʻĪao Valley is a little bit of a different experience since it’s focused around a mountain and river, but it earns a spot on your must do in Maui list for so many reasons. You walk into a green valley with the ʻĪao Needle ahead and clouds moving across the peaks. The paved path to the viewpoint is short. There are stairs but nothing tricky, and the signs along the way make it simple to share a bit of history with kids. It’s a great first-morning outing if you’ve just arrived and want to do something real without pushing tired little ones.
After the viewpoint, we went down the stairs to the water and took the narrow side trail to the ʻĪao Stream. Even on warm days the water is cool, so we kept our time outside brief and packed dry clothes for the ride back. Water shoes helped on the slick rocks.
Reservations are required for non-residents, and the lot is small. We booked ahead, arrived early, and packed snacks and water because there’s nothing for sale once you’re there. Cell service fades on the way up, so we downloaded our reservation and an offline map. If the Needle plays hide and seek with clouds, be patient; breaks often come in waves. For more information you can read this post: Visiting Maui’s Sacred ʻĪao Valley with Kids.
Garden of Eden Arboretum: A Flexible Stop on the Road to Hana
If you’re building a family version of the Road to Hana, or you want a single scenic stop without committing to the entire drive, the Garden of Eden is the answer. This stop was my favorite on the Road to Hana. The property allows you to drive sections, while kids nap, and still enjoy the adventure. When someone wakes up ready to explore, you can park and walk short paths to overlooks, a small waterfall, and the rainbow eucalyptus trees. That flexibility is why it’s on our must do in Maui list. You don’t have to force a schedule or fight the clock to get some good time outdoors.
We all enjoyed the overlook connected to Jurassic Park history, but the chance to see the famous rainbow eucalyptus trees was the main reason I wanted to visit the Garden of Eden. We moved slowly and used the map from the entrance to choose flatter paths. The garden is open daily and doesn’t require a reservation. If you want a family-friendly nature break that will not turn into an all-day hike, this is it.
Bring a light rain layer even if the forecast looks friendly, and choose shoes that can handle wet gravel. Strollers can work on the smoothest stretches, though you’ll still carry on the small slopes. For more information you can read this post: Visiting the Captivating Garden of Eden Arboretum.
Hana Lava Tube: A Wild Underground Adventure
The Hana Lava Tube was my kids’ absolute favorite stop on the Road to Hana. The place gives the opportunity to be an authentic explorer without a tour group or a long approach. You pay the entry fee at a simple check-in table, receive flashlights for everyone, and walk a clear self-guided loop through the tube. The inside is cool, dark, and damp in places, but that’s part of the fun! Anyone who is stable walker, like those beyond the toddling phase, can handle it well. This is not a stroller friendly activity, thought because of the uneven terrain and stairs.
We moved slowly and stopped to read the plaques that explain what you’re seeing. If you’re sensitive to drips on the head, wear a hooded jacket or cap. The walk itself takes about forty minutes is an easy, unique addition to your must do in Maui plan. It offers something the rest of the island doesn’t: an underground adventure to balance the beaches and lookouts.
If your family wants the Road to Hana flavor without committing to every classic stop, you can combine the Garden of Eden and the Lava Tube and then turn back toward Wailea with no guilt. For more information you can read this post: Our Adventure into the Hana Lava Tube.
The Road to Hana with Kids
The Road to Hana is famous for a reason. The coastline is dramatic, and the stops can be wonderful. It’s also long, narrow, and full of curves. With kids in the car you can make it work by choosing a few stops, setting time limits, and letting go of the idea that you need to see everything. We built our route around places that solved basic needs first: bathrooms, simple food, a short walk, and then added one or two extras that felt right.
We liked starting with Twin Falls because it’s early, the walk is short, and the water feels like a small reward after being in the car. Pua‘a Ka‘a was a good reset midday, with room to move around. Hāna Farms gave us a great dinner spot, whether you’re taking it to go for the ride back or settling in Hana for the night. If the hours line up, Hana Bowls is a fun treat. When everyone needed space to breathe without tickets or reservations, Hana Bay Beach Park did the job.
Motion sickness is real on this drive. Our younger son struggled on the return. If your family is prone to it, bring what works for you and plan your timeline so you’re not rushing through the curviest sections in the dark. Download maps before you start, fill the gas tank in Pā‘ia, and keep valuables out of sight at every stop. The Road to Hana is really the ultimate must do in Maui and not to be missed, even if you only drive it for a short bit.
For a full guide you can read this post: Best Road to Hana Stops for Families with Kids.
Haleakalā National Park: Summit Views Without the Sunrise Stress
Haleakalā is often marketed as a sunrise hike, but we aren’t morning people, so we skipped the early alarm and drove up in the middle of the day. That choice fit our kids’ energy and gave us the same feeling of being above the clouds. The road climbs steadily, and the landscape changes enough that the drive itself becomes part of the experience. We stopped at the Headquarters Visitor Center to use the restroom and pick up a map, then continued to the summit where we found parking and walked short paths to different viewpoints.
It was cold at the top, forties when the shoreline was in the eighties, so we layered every jacket we had and kept our time outside brief. Our boys liked climbing the small hills and watching the cloud line shift below us. We spent time both in the observation area and outside. This day earned a place on our must do in Maui plan because it gives you a national-park-level payoff without a long hike or a complicated reservation window.
If you love sunrise and want that light, note that sunrise entry requires a separate reservation through recreation.gov (released 60 days in advance and they go fast), so book it early and pack heavier layers. If your priority is calm, clear logistics, the midday window works best.
Driving down is where fear of heights can show up. If that’s you, build in extra time for a slower pace and bright daylight. Bring snacks, water, and one extra warm layer per person, even in summer. For more information you can read this post: Visiting the Breathtaking Haleakalā National Park with Kids.
Te Au Moana Luau: An Unforgettable Experience
We picked Te Au Moana for my birthday because a luau had been on my bucket list for years. Kids five and under are free, which allowed us to choose premium seating without pushing the budget. The pre-show activities matter more than you’d think because they kept the wait fun instead of restless. Our boys liked the temporary tattoo station and the chance to try a bit of hula dancing before dinner. The buffet offered enough variety that we didn’t have to worry about picky eaters or our choice to avoid pork.
As the sun dropped, the setting turned into a ready-made family photo. Staff helped take pictures and even brought a small birthday dessert, which was lovely. The kids were invited onstage at one point and treated the moment like a small personal victory. If you’re looking for a must do in Maui that doubles as a family celebration, this is the one we’d book again.
Parking was straightforward, but we still aimed to arrive early to give ourselves time to walk in with small legs and settle at the table. Light layers helped once the breeze picked up after sunset. For more information you can read this post: Te Au Moana Luau: The Best Luau for Kids in Maui.
What to Pack for These Six Activities
The packing list for these must do in Maui activities is simple and based around staying dry and comfortable. Bring shoes that handle wet ground for the valley, the garden, and the lava tube. We have pairs we like for me, my husband and the kids. Add water shoes if your kids will splash in the stream. Pack a light rain jacket for quick showers (women’s, men’s, and kids’) and one set of dry clothes to keep the ride home comfortable.
For Haleakalā, you need real warmth at the top, so plan for a jacket and a maybe a hat, even in summer. For the Road to Hana, prepare like you might not find exactly what you want when you want it. Snacks, refillable water bottles, wipes, and a small trash bag cover most of what will come up. If motion sickness is part of your reality, medicine, sick bags, and a change of clothes will go a long way.
Safety and Respect
- ʻĪao Valley is sacred. Talk with your kids about staying on marked paths and leaving everything as they found it. The streams can rise fast with rain; use caution around the water and avoid it if storms are nearby.
- On the Road to Hana, watch for one-lane bridges, blind curves, and people stopping in unsafe spots.
- At the lava tube, shine your flashlight on the path and hold hands where footing is uneven.
- On Haleakalā, cold and wind are part of the deal, so let the weather set the time limit rather than pushing through.
Final Thoughts
The best version of a must do in Maui plan is the one that fits your family, not the one that tries to cover every famous stop. For us, the six above hit the sweet spot.
You can choose three or four, and leave space for the pool and the beach at your hotel. If you miss something, it’s the start of a list for next time. For more detailed information on each activity, be sure to read our full posts linked above!
If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you.
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Family | Featured | Hawaii | North America | United States | USA
5 Fun Must Do in Oahu with Kids
You might be wondering … is Oahu good for families? After visiting with our family of four, we can confidently say that Oahu is an exceptional destination for in Hawaii for families! Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and diverse activities for visitors of all ages. Families can explore everything from rainforests and stunning beaches to historical landmarks. If you’re want to know what to do in Honolulu with kids, we’ve got kid-friendly things to do in Honolulu and beyond, if you’re up for a little adventure! Oahu is an ideal choice for families looking to create unforgettable memories together. Here are 5 Must Do in Oahu with Kids.
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Family | Featured | Hawaii | North America | United States | USA
Kualoa Ranch Jungle Tour Review & Our Recommendations for Your Visit
Ever wondered, “What island in Hawaii was Jurassic Park filmed on?” We did, too: The answer is the incredible island of Oahu—specifically, at Kualoa Ranch. This spot was an unforgettable stop on our trip to Oahu, bringing some major throwback magic for me and my husband, as some of our favorite childhood movies and series were filmed here. And for the kids, what little boy doesn’t like riding in a big truck through the jungle in search of adventure and maybe some dinosaurs? We chose the Kualoa Ranch Jungle Tour and really enjoyed it! Let’s dive into our experience.
