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6 Fun Must Do in Maui with Kids

ByMari
Scenic view from our condo at the Wailea Ekahi Village with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and tall palm trees, set against a colorful sunset sky overlooking the ocean.

Maui is easy to plan and has plenty of variety, so it tops any family’s must do in Hawaii list. You’ll find lots of must do in Maui moments here: start the morning on a paved path in a green valley, then stand above the clouds by midday without a long hike. Pick one “big” day, either the Road to Hana or a summit drive, and keep the rest simple. Distances are short, parking is doable if you time it right, and most spots can handle a toddler meltdown or a snack break without ruining the day.

If you’re planning a first visit and want a clear line from “what should we do?” to “how do we do it with kids?,” these are the six must do in Maui we’d repeat. Each section gives you the overview, our experience, and a pointer to the full article where you can grab exact directions, current entry details, and packing notes.

Flying to Maui with the 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 across 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 a nicer condo 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.

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. 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.

If you’d like to see how we planned our Hawaii trip for almost free, you can find all the details here: How We Planned a Hawaii Family Vacation for Almost Free.

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 must do in Maui that surprised us with how easy it was and how complete it felt. It’s only about fifteen minutes from the airport. 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 inside. Cell service fades on the way up, so we downloaded our reservation and a simple 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.

A misty view of green mountain peaks and a river winding through the valley floor in ʻĪao Valley.
A boy stands smiling in a shallow, clear stream surrounded by rocks and forest in ʻĪao Valley. must do in Maui
A rocky riverbed surrounded by dense greenery under a cloudy sky in ʻĪao Valley.

Garden of Eden Arboretum: A Flexible Stop on or off the Hana Plan

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 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.

Entrance to the Garden of Eden Arboretum with a large wooden sign above the pathway, surrounded by tropical plants and a bird of paradise sculpture.
Close-up view of the intricate bark pattern of a rainbow eucalyptus tree, highlighting the different hues and smooth texture.
A child in a red rain jacket smiling while standing in front of a wooden railing overlooking a lush valley with a small waterfall in the distance.

Hana Lava Tube: An Easy Taste of Geology That Feels Like 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 drippy in places. That sounds challenging, but it’s controlled and short enough that school-age kids can handle it well.

This is not a stroller friendly activity. 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. There’s an ATM if you forget cash, though we recommend bringing what you need so you don’t lose time. Restrooms sit outside the cave. The walk itself takes about forty minutes, and that felt like the right length. It’s an easy addition to your must do in Maui plan because it offers something the rest of the island doesn’t: an underground chapter 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.

A child stands in front of an informational plaque inside the lava tube, using a flashlight to read the descriptions of the cave's formations.
A dark passage inside the Hana Lava Tube with rocky walls illuminated by a flashlight, showing a winding path with metal handrails. Must do in Maui

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 for getting in the car. Pua‘a Ka‘a was a good reset midday, with room to move and a clear structure for where to go next. Hāna Farms gave us an easy dinner on the way back, which helped us avoid the scramble of feeding kids at the end of a long drive. 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. This day belongs on a must do in Maui list if your crew tolerates car time and you resist the urge to over-commit. If that doesn’t sound like your family right now, keep the Garden of Eden and the Lava Tube, and make your Road to Hana a shorter, happier version.

For a full guide you can read this post: Best Road to Hana Stops for Families with Kids.

A waterfall flows into a bright green pool, surrounded by thick jungle foliage and plants, creating a serene and inviting natural scene. Maui, Hawaii.
Two young boys in swimwear standing near a waterfall in a lush, natural setting with green water and surrounding rock formations. Maui, Hawaii.
A bright yellow sign that reads "Halfway to Hana," mounted on a rustic stone wall with tropical plants in the background. Maui, Hawaii. Must Do in Maui

Haleakalā National Park: Summit Views Without the Sunrise Stress

Haleakalā is often marketed around sunrise. 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 with none of the friction. 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.

Driving down is where fear of heights can show up. My husband didn’t love the drop-offs, so I drove on the return. 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.

A young child in a red jacket sitting on a rocky ledge with the vast, rugged crater of Haleakalā National Park stretching out behind them.
A panoramic view of Haleakalā National Park’s crater, featuring barren, rocky terrain with faint walking trails and mountain ranges in the distance.

Te Au Moana Luau: An Easy Yes with Little Kids

We picked Te Au Moana for my birthday and because it sits close to our hotel. 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 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 felt kind. 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.

A family of four, dressed in Hawaiian prints and floral leis, stands together on the grass, enjoying the luau experience. Te Au Moana Luau, Maui, Hawaii.
Dancers in red and white costumes perform against a beautiful sunset backdrop, against the evening sky. Te Au Moana Luau, Maui, Hawaii.
A young boy receives a temporary Hawaiian tattoo on his arm from a performer dressed in traditional attire, with a tropical setting in the background. Te Au Moana Luau, Maui, Hawaii.

What to Pack for These Six Activities

The packing list for these must do in Maui activities is simple and doesn’t require special gear. 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.

Haleakalā needs real warmth at the top, so plan a jacket and 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, carry what works and don’t be shy about using it on the return.

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, keep lights low 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.
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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, that’s not failure: 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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