Top Kid Friendly Activities & Fun on Maui

Discover the Wonders That Await You Under the Sea

Snorkeling: With the favorite morning Molokini Crater snorkel tour aboard the Four Winds II morning or afternoon snorkel cruise and seasonal whale watching trips or the the slightly adventurous Maui Magic Dolphin Discovery, you will discover why so many visitors make us part of their Maui vacation plans year after year!

Maui enjoys worldwide fame for being the best location for underwater sports activities. Be it snorkeling, scuba or SNUBA diving, if you want your kids to have the time of their life, then book a family tour today! Snorkeling tours in Maui allow you to dive straight into the cool blue waters and observe the abundant marine life from up close. Your kids will be overjoyed to witness the green sea turtles as well as several species of brightly colored tropical fish and the large corals that thrive below the water surface. Most tour operators in Maui provide family packages that are specially designed by keeping the needs of different family members in mind. For example, at Four Winds Maui, the family-friendly snorkeling tour takes you to the most gorgeous yet completely safe snorkeling spot. It offers great kid amenities, plus, breakfast and lunch are served onboard for an all-in-one boat trip. The glass bottom viewing room allows even the youngest kids to marvel at the plenty of sea creatures from the safety of the boat whereas SNUBA gear is also provided to let the older kids get a firsthand experience of the underwater magic.

Creating memories for you and your family to cherish is so important. If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime, you MUST go on a Molokini snorkel tour with the Four Winds II! Molokini Crater is approximately 150,000 years old! The crater is a unique crescent shape that encloses a naturally protected body of water.

The Four Winds II has been providing outstanding service taking guests snorkeling in Maui for over 35 years on Maui. One of the things that makes this boat the best Molokini snorkel tour on Maui is the crew. During the morning snorkel tours to Molokini Crater, a tropical breakfast is provided for you while you board. Enjoy coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Passion Orange Guava juice, tropical fruit, and muffins. Once aboard the Four Winds II, you will leave Maalaea harbor and head towards Molokini. Depending on the weather and whichever marine life you spot along the way, it takes approximately an hour to get to Molokini Crater. Once you arrive at Molokini, you will then get the chance to snorkel and explore the crater at your own leisure. The beautiful, pristine water has a visibility of up to 100-feet! Possible marine life you may encounter at Molokini are: tropical fish, eels, eagle rays, dolphins, monk seals, manta rays, octopus (tako), sea cucumber, lobster, and Humpback whales (seasonal).

The Four Winds II is child-friendly and great for all ages. One of the things that kids (and adults) love is the glass-bottom viewing room. Enjoy watching the marine life under the sea without even having to get wet! The 65 sq. ft. viewing room is a 180° total-immersion experience. The room can accommodate three to five kids and a few adults at the same time.

Also available are “Sea Boards“,which are over-sized boogie boards that have a view finder cut out so that you can see underwater! Made for children, adults and all levels of swimmers, you won’t find these boars any where else as they are secifically made for the Four Winds II. There are also life vests available for children, life belts for adults and quality snorkel gear is included.

Not a morning riser? Try the Afternoon Snorkel to Coral Gardens trip and experience a chance to swim with turtles! Also, if your children are at least 8 years of age, check out our SNUBA add-on!

Go Snorkeling on the Four Winds II

From the first-time snorkeler to those who have snorkeled before, the Four Winds II is the perfect snorkel boat for every level! Our crew is amazing at making snorkeling easy, fun and safe! Kids love our glass bottom viewing room and water slide. Four Winds II provides free use of view port boards (like a boogie board but with a glass port built in so you can see what is below without even getting your head wet), float boards, and water noodles.

Maui Ocean Center: Kids of all ages, visitors and locals alike, are awed by the Maui Ocean Center Hawaii Aquarium daily and it’s no wonder! Among the numerous exhibits are a 750,000 gallon tank that is home to over 20 very lively sharks and a 360 degree viewing tank with glowing jellyfish. There are also a variety of outdoor touch pools for interacting with the sea life, including local sea turtles and star fish. To keep things exciting, some of these exhibits are ever-changing.

The Maui Ocean Center was built with the idea of representing the underwater world of Hawaii and everything you will see swimming around and in the

Aquarium can be found in Hawaiian waters … it is especially nice to have such an abundance of marine life all represented in one place as you never know what you’ll see in the wild.

This is an activity for kids and adults alike and is frequented by both visitors and locals. You can even enjoy overnight group sleep overs, allowing you to watch nocturnal behaviors you would not otherwise be privy to.

One of the coolest features is a long glass tunnel in the large tank which you can walk through, observing enormous sting rays, graceful sharks, and huge tropical fish swimming on bot sides and over head … pretty close to a “dry immersion” experience, in my book!

4 – Maui Ocean Center – The Hawaii Aquarium: Open daily year round, this makes a perfect rainy day activity and is a wonderful way for the entire family to experience the tropical reef systems in Hawaii, including tropical fish, rays, Hawaiian sea turtles, a variety of sharks and more! Everyone loves walking through the underwater tunnel and feeling almost as if you’re under the sea. There is usually a special exhibit and plenty of “hands on” touch pool activity for everyone as well.

Maui Ocean Center (also known as the Aquarium of Hawaii) is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world. The aquarium was named one of the Top 25 Best Aquariums in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. Kids will love viewing sharks, stingrays, turtles, and thousands of tropical fish. One of the most intriguing things to see is the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean Exhibit, which features a 54ft walk-through tunnel.

Maui Ocean Center is the perfect place to take the family to! The Maui Ocean Center’s mission is “to foster understanding, wonder, and respect for Hawaii’s marine life with local residents and visitors from around the world.” One of the fascinating things about Hawaii is its unique flora, fauna and marine environment. You will enjoy seeing the underwater world and the marine life that you can only encounter in Hawaii.

Enjoy the new Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi Exhibit & Sphere (between 10 am to 4 pm daily). Make sure when you purchase your ticket that you buy the Aquarium Plus Package to get the 3-D sphere tickets included. Showings are every half hour between 10 am and 4 pm.

1. Explore the Underwater World at Maui Ocean Center
   If your kids prefer indoor activities or the weather’s preventing you from hitting the beach, then head to the Maui Ocean Center, ideal kid friendly activity in Maui. The grand Ocean Center is where you can spend the most memorable hours of your island vacation and it all starts the moment that you step in through the doors of this world’s only state-of-the-art aquarium.Dedicated to displaying and protecting the nautical residents of Hawaii, this facility enables you and your kids to explore the wonders of the underwater world in a safe and comfortable environment and of course, without getting wet at all. Discover the countless types of sea creatures that range from sharks, stingrays, octopuses, seahorses, several species of tropical fish and a lot more.Visiting the Maui Ocean Center is hands down one of the top Maui activities for kids especially if you have got little ones who are afraid of water or are too young to go snorkeling. The center also provides a rich learning experience with educational displays on marine life and Hawaiian culture spread across the facility.

Road to Hana: Whether your family prefers to “go it alone” or enjoys guided tours, the Hana Highway trip is an absolute must for any visitor to Maui! The resort areas on the South and West coasts will give you the swaying palm trees and beautiful sunsets; however, when you think of lush rain forests and waterfalls, this is the place!

If you decide to take a guided tour, there are numerous folks providing options, from the most basic to very luxurious, that are suitable for just about every budget.

Should you decide to do it on your own, definitely pick up one of the many guided CD’s available and listen to it while you make the drive. They are usually a great mix of music, interesting facts and will tell you exactly where to stop along the way so you don’t miss a thing. Remember, Hana is simply the destination. This trip is all about the journey. Pack a lunch, make lots of stops and you will get the most out of the trip.

2 – Wainapanapa State Park: Just before the village of Hana, you will want to stop at this unique coastal park. This a great spot to explore, with hiking trails, caves, lava arches, a stunning black sand beach and oh so much more. Stop at the park’s office for detailed information on the many things to do before heading on into Hana and beyond.

If you have time to make a couple of days out of the trip, this is about the most budget friendly way to go. The park is equipped with outdoor camping facilities as well as rustic cabins (think summer camp … bunk beds and basic necessities, but the hot water, bathroom, kitchen and electricity will be most appreciated!). All cabins also have a lanai (porch) and charcoal grill … my family made the best s’mores here!

3 – Seven Sacred Pools (Pools at O`heo): Shortly past the village of Hana, you’ll find Kipahulu. This is actually the back side of the slopes of Haleakala National Park and is vastly different. The nick-name was actually a marketing idea from a local hotel to entice visitors to make the long (and back in the day, somewhat dangerous) trek.

While there is nothing “sacred” about them and there are many more than seven pools, this is one of my favorite spots on Maui. Pack a lunch, swimsuit and towel and make sure to hit the upper trails (called the Pipiwai trails). This is a very easy walk so almost any age can do it.

There are numerous smaller waterfalls and swimming holes all being fed from the breath-taking 400 foot Waimoku Falls, an enormous Banyan Tree (like something out of a fairy tale enchanted forest) and a Bamboo forest that you can lose yourself in.

Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center: Not only is this an historic building and art gallery with stunning grounds to meander, the Hui Noeau offers fantastically fun “Family Friday Workshops”! Adults and children ages 5+ come together with family and friends for a night of creativity, fun and team work with various projects ranging from holiday themed projects to clay mugs. Not just an art class, they order PIZZA to make this extra special … who wouldn’t love to “kick it Maui style” and take home a very special souvenir you made together to commemorate your island visit?

Maui Golf and Sports Park: Whether you just want a fun way to spend the day or are planning a special event, the Maui Golf and Sports Park is fun for the entire family!

Get wet in a 4000 sq. ft. natural lava lagoon that is home to ten electrically powered bumper boats, all equipped with Master Blaster water guns, complete with two waterfalls plunging into the lagoon and an island to navigate around.

For those five and older test your skills on our 25 ft. rock pinnacle with four paths, ranging from easy to difficult. Ring the bell when you reach the top, and then enjoy the auto-belay ride back down.

Try out two challenging 18 hole miniature golf courses, all set in a beautiful tropical atmosphere with ponds and streams throughout. The courses are completely different with obstacles such as a 30 foot play-through volcano, caves, lava tubes, and loop-de-loops.

Last, but not least, Soar 30 ft. in the air on the bungee trampoline! Do multiple flips while harnessed in or just see how high you can fly!

Let you kiddos have some “Fun in the Sun”! Maui Golf & Sports Park has a ton to offer and is the only family entertainment center on Maui. Enjoy miniture golf, rock climbing, X-Treme bungee tramploline, and bumper boats. Great for kids AND adults!

Tip: Plan a full day at Maalaea harbor. Join in on the Four Winds II Molokini Snorkel Tour, cool off at the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium, and then go to the Maui Golf & Sports Park to play some sunset miniture golf.

Horseback Riding: Saddle up for a different kind of Maui adventure! Offering both morning and afternoon rides as well as a full B-B-Q lunch on a working ranch is a sure way to have a great time! From the Ranch Corral, you will meet the Paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys) before being paired with a steed chosen to match your riding experience! Panoramic ocean views, rolling pastures and lush rain forest await! Don’t forget your camera; your guides are always more than happy to snap a shot for your family if you like and you’ll want to capture these memories to re-visit at home!

Horseback Riding: Enjoy a ride like no other as you explore the open range of a working cattle ranch on the slopes of Haleakala. Panoramic views extend from lush forest areas filled with native plant life and endemic birds all the way down to the blue waters of the Pacific 2,00 feet below!

Daily rides are open to all skill levels; even if you’ve never seen a horse, they can find the right one for you! Families are welcome (some age restrictions do apply).

They even offer individual riding lessons for ages 3 +, private parties and pony rides!

Whaler’s Village Museum: There aren’t a lot of free things to do on Maui and this is a real gem. This museum, located in the Whaler’s Village Shopping Center, is a wonderful way to learn about the Humpbacks that have been visiting Hawaii’s waters annually as far back as we know and the now out-lawed  whaling industry. You will also be privy to athe beautiful artform of Scrimshaw (some created by whalers and some newer pieces). Both educational and fun, this is a great way to spend a bit of time!

Helicopter flights are a bit more pricey than some other tours but they are well worth it. Maui offers a pretty good variety of options, from more budget friendly to very high-end, so you can usually find something that fits almost every budget. Seeing the any island from the air is simply stunning. It gives you a very different perspective of the things you’ll see from the ground, including Haleakala Crater, Maui’s rainforests, sea cliffs and the ever winding Road to Hana! Kids under 2 usually fly free in a parent’s lap. Ask about “Early Bird” specials. Most flight services do offer early morning and mid afternoon flights at a discount.

Haleakala Crater: Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala is considered a “MUST DO” for most Maui visitors and there’s good reason for it. You’ll possibly  never witness anything quite so spectacular! Literally translated, “Haleakala” means “the house of the sun” and is deeply rooted in Maui mythology. Hiking trails range from easy to difficult after the sun comes up, so plan a day, bring water and a picnic. You’ll also want to dress in layers as it is about thirty degrees colder than at sea level (it does actually snow up there sometimes!). Guided tours are a great way to get the most out of the trip. Let someone else do the driving, make sure you stay warm and provide hot chocolate! You’ll find a range of guides offering a variety of tours, from both guided and self guided downhill bike rides to luxury guided van tours.

Ziplining: Soar through the air and get your blodd pumping  on a Zipline Adventure! This activity got it’s start on the island of Kauai but has become an ideal outdoor experience thrill-seekers state-wide. The courses consist of easy to progressively more challenging lines, some hiking and a rope bridge. Generally as long as everyone weighs at least eigthy – two hundred pounds, you’re good to go!

1. Experience Adrenaline Rush on a Zip Line Tour
   Ziplining is becoming an increasingly popular activity in Maui and the reasons behind it are quite simple. It’s fun, exciting, and the whole family can enjoy it making it a family-friendly bucket list item. Get a bird’s eye view of the natural landscapes of Maui and soar high through the canopy of giant trees that grace the island. You could also whiz past the jungle at an incredible speed to introduce your children to the world of adventure. You can enjoy kid-friendly activities in Maui if your kids are at least five years old (some zip line tour providers might have a different age limit) and meet the weight limit set by the zip lining operator.

Attend a Luau: While luaus are abundant on Maui, for a fmaily, the Grand Hyatt has a great deal and an exciting show! Traditional Hawaiian shows included Hula and Chant but flashier events, like Fire Knife dancers are found at Polynesian Luaus. Food and drink are usually included in the price of admission and Premium seating is available for a nominal charge.

Regardless of budget or expectations, Maui offers something for every member of the family, from children to grandparents. Have a wondeful trip and make the most out of your time!

Royal Lahaina Luau: Not to be mistaken with the Old Lahaina Luau, there are many luaus you can attend on Maui and have a wonderful time. This is just a very budget-friendly choice. It’s also the only one that really does cater a bit more to kids with a special “kids buffet”, offering foods the finicky eaters in your party might like better than traditional luau fare (think chicken fingers and spaghetti).

The show is held at the Royal Lahaina Resort, is entertaining enough for all ages and offers great options for all ages in your family.

Attending a luau – a traditional Hawaiian feast is a great way to spend some quality time with your family as it combines both food and entertainment all in one. When attending this kid friendly island party, your kids will love the bright costumes of the hosts and be completely awe-struck by the fire dancers’ flame-throwing skills. As the sun sets, you can treat your taste buds to authentic Hawaiian food. Whether you have kids who are extremely picky when it comes to food or not, they are bound to devour it too. Tickets for kids under 5 years of age is usually free. If your kids love getting out and loud, then they will love swaying to the beats and singing at the top of their voices at a luau. However, if they are more inclined towards the adventurous side and have a hard time staying in one place, then it’s better to take them to other Maui kids’ activities such as snorkeling, SNUBA diving, and the likes.

Surf Lessons:  Hawaii is famous for its big waves, but we also have some of the easiest waves to ride in the world, making it perfect for learning to surf. Great instructors make surfing easy to learn with simple instruction and easy-to-ride Long boards. Using the best “Soft-top” surfboards ensures safety, are easy to use and fun to ride. Hard working, experienced instructors are surfing right with you in the water giving encouragement and guidance. Our instructors will show you how to share, respect and enjoy the ocean and soon you’ll be paddling out on your own!

Iao Valley – This park provides a paved, short walk offering scenic viewpoint of Kuka‘emoku (Iao Needle) among other points of interest as well as an easy sideLearn about the plants brought by the Hawaiians who settled in Iao Valley by taking a short walk through the botanical garden. Be sure to walk the sidewalk path and enjoy the sounds of the birds signing in the fragrant guava trees next to the Iao stream.

1 – I’ao Valley State Park:  This beautiful, historical spot, located in Central Maui is not only the site where an ancient Hawaiian battle took place, it is so much more! A few well laid out, paved waking trails are surrounded by a lush tropical forest and mountains and make for excellent family “hiking”.

Of course, when waterfalls are running, the local kids come out to play and a daring few will jump off from bridge into the cool water, putting on a bit of a show. I don’ advise trying this yourself or swimming in the rushing water but it is fun to watch!

The 1,200 foot Iao Needle is one of the island’s iconic attractions and rises high above the valley surrounded by rugged and tropical mountains. A small botanical garden along a stream was put in place and is maintained by volunteers and is a wonderful place to learn about the native Hawaiian plants and way of life through a couple of recreated thatched roof huts. It makes a great place for a picnic, with ponds, beautiful scenery and shaded tables.

While the entrance to the park is free, there is a nominal fee of $5.00 per vehicle that goes toward maintenace. Not a bad deal for a great way to spend a few hours!

The Pool and Beach: Kids have tons of energy, and playing in the water is an amazing outlet. A lot of kids can spend the whole day playing in the water, and afterwards, they’ll be tired out enough that getting them to sleep is often easier.

Always remember, Hawaii is closer to the equator, where the sun’s rays are more intense so make sure to re-apply sunscreen often; sunburns are no joke and can make for very unhappy campers!

Spend a Lazy Day at Kaanapali Beach
When the exhaustion begins to pile up, it’s time to spend a lazy day at the Kaanapali Beach. Let the whiff of salty air, sea breezes, and the sound of crashing waves gently help you reenergize. Here, you can relax, rejuvenate and still do lots of fun, kid-friendly activities in Maui together with your young ones. Parents can soak up the sun while lying on the white sand while children run around the shoreline, build sandcastles, and hunt for seashells. Spending a day at the beach might seem like a simple idea but given the extraordinary beaches on the island, it still remains one of the best Maui activities for kids.Whether you are short of time and are looking for the ultimate ways to have maximum fun in Hawaii or you are visiting the island for an extended duration and need a long list of the top things to do as a family, rest assured that these kid-friendly activities in Maui, Hawaii will not disappoint.Try them out for a truly unforgettable family vacation.

Maui Tropical Plantation: This 60-acre working plantation is a treat to visit for the whole family. Coconut, banana and plumeria trees and rows of taro patches are abundant! This is a wonderful way for the kids to see where tropical fruits come from and how they’re grown.

While a tram tour is offered for a fee ($15 adults/$5 kids), there is no cost to walk the grounds and enjoy this beautiful setting. There is a lagoon in the middle of the plantation occupied by numerous ducks and a couple of very entertaining monkeys!

Plenty of benches allow for resting and taking in the tropical flowers, blooming surroundings with the lush green mountains as the ideal backdrop.

If you want to add a litle adventure to your tour, there is a new zipline course that’s great for kids. It’s not free but it is one of the least expensive on the island!

The Maui Tropical Plantation is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon! Not only is it a kid friendly place on Maui, but they offer fun things for the whole family! Check out the Tropical Express tour and learn about Hawaii’s plants, vegetables and fruits. The tour is approximately 45 minutes long. Afterwards, enjoy a long walk around the plantations gorgeous gounds.

Enjoy Happy Hour 2 pm – 5 pm at The Mill House and let the kids enjoy feeding the ducks! Ask your server or host about purchasing a bag of duck food for a small fee.

These are just a few of my top picks for Kid Friendly Activities and fun on Maui. Don’t be afraid to get out explore and have a great time! You’ll make memories that will last a life-time as a family and ensure the kids will be entertained, learn new things and have fun, fun, fun!!!

Kid’s Eat Free: With a little research,  you can often find great deals and often places that let the kids eat free! Keep an eye open for these deals and you’ll find yourself saving quite a bit. It is always a good idea to call the restaurant directly and make sure they are participating in the promotion if it’s a chain. Some local franchises may not.

The “Grand Dairy Tour” is available every Saturday at 9 am and features a 2-hour experience, which includes feeding and milking a goat. Your also given the opportunity to see the cheese making process and to sample the different types of cheeses made. Kids love feeding the goats and exploring the farm! Check out their website for more information:https://www.surfinggoatdairy.com/

Located on 8-acres in Haiku, Leilani Farm Sanctuary is home to multiple animals, including: Chickens, goats, rabbits, donkeys, cats, peahens, ducks, deer, and pigs.  Leilani Farm Sanctuary is like heaven on earth for animals (and not so bad for humans either). The sanctuary is a non-profit organization that was created to provide shelter and care for abused animals.

Maui offers some awe-inspiring hikes ranging from easy to extremely strenuous. Finding the right place to take the family is sometimes a challenge but it is completely possible and a wonderful way for kids of all ages to enjoy some of the hidden gems this Hawaiian Island has to offer.

Hike Maui – While not everyone is comfortable hitting the trails alone, you are in luck! Hike Maui has been providing quality guided hikes with wonderful guides for many years. Should you wish to let someone else do the driving and learn as much as you can about the places you’re visiting, give them a call. You are sure to enjoy!

Regardless of where you find yourself, please always be aware of unsafe high water or flash-flooding that may be present during periods of heavy extended rainfall. If the water is the color of chocolate milk, it is best to stay out.

Also remember there are no snakes in Hawaii so feel free to jump into a pool or walk through the woods anywhere.

Nakalele Blow Hole – This magical spot is located on the road from Kapalua heading to Wailuku and requires a fairly easy (moderate to some) hike. While we all live in our “slippahs” (flip flops) here, this is one of the places it is best to wear sneakers.

There are two parking area with the trails leading to the blowhole and for the less adventurous, here is a trailhead where the beacon can be seen without hiking.

Please heed advice and DO NOT get too close to the blowholes; remember, what comes up, will come down, including a spout of water.

Twin Falls – If you happen to be on the road to Hana, these are the first easily accessible waterfalls and pools on the you will encounter. Especially great for families due to the easy walking paths. While this area is often over looked, it is well worth the stop.  Make sure to check out the snack stand … this area is a fully working farm, though you would never know it, and provides awesome fruits, smooties and other fun goodies.