Snorkel Tour on the Four Winds: Top Things To Do in Maui With Kids
Are you looking at planning your summer vacation and considering a trip to Maui? Are you wondering if there are enough things on the island to keep you and your kiddos entertained? Well look no further! We have some of the “Best Things to Do With Kids in Maui” listed for you. Maui is not only a place for couples to go on their honeymoon, it has plenty to do for the whole family!
We know it can get a little overwhelming to try and plan out every day of your vacation, on top of booking hotels, restaurants, flights, etc. There are plenty of companies and activities to choose from and it can become a bit stressful trying to research everything. The last thing you would ever want to do is accidently book an activity that might not be appropriate for your family. We tried to make it a little easier for you and decided to list some of our favorite activities on Maui that are best to do with kids. The top activities on Maui may not be suitable for everyone, but we can promise you that our list of “Top 10 Activities on Maui for Kids and Families” has something for everyone!
BEST ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN MAUI
#1 SNOKEL TOUR TO MOLOKINI – KID FRIENDLY SNORKEL MAUI
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 approximatey 150,000 years old! The crater is a unique crescent shape that encloses a naturally protcted 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 brekfast 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, prestine water has a visability 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!
#2 ATLANTIS SUBMARINE
It’s not every day that you get the chance to experience a submarine ride! If you are looking for a truly unique and fun experience, make sure to check out Atlantis Submarines “Maui Undersea Adventure”. You will dive 100-feet below the surface and get a chance to experience the underwater world first-hand. During whale season on Maui, enjoy spotting the Humpbacks under water! You will get the chance to see coral reefs, marie life and tropical fish in an air-conditioned cabin.
#3 Hiking Maui (Iao Valley)
The resorts and beaches are always a lot of fun, but if you want to get out and explore, go check out Iao Valley! Iao Valley State Monument has stunning views and beautiful, lush tropical flora with a rich historical background. Iao Valley Monument is the site where the battle of Kepaniwai I defeated the Maui army back in 1790. Take a walk and check out Iao Needle Lookout Trail and learn about this cultural landmark. See rates and available amenities below:
Individuals:
Parking fee: $5.00/car.
No fee for Hawaii residents.
Commercial Vehicles:
1-7 passenger vehicles: $10.00
8-25 passenger vehicles: $20.00
26 + passenger vehicles: $40.00
#4 Baby Beach (Lahaina)
Baby Beach is a kid-friendly beach in Lahaina that is shallow and safe for the little ones. The offshore reef provides a calm area where kids won’t be knocked down by waves or currents. Teach your kiddos how to stand up on a paddle board, snorkel or just allow them to build a sand castle, swim and enjoy the calm ocean.
Important Things to Remember:
*Bring snacks, towels and a camera.
*Check the weather and swell reports so you can make sure it is a safe day at the beach for you and your family.
*Never turn your back on the ocean! Safety should always be a top priority.
*Make sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen and hats. The sun in Hawaii is much stronger than other places.
*Bring floatation devices for those who do not feel completely comfortable in the water.
#5 Feed the Ducks at The Maui Tropical Plantation
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.
#6 Visit the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium
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.
#7 Maui Golf & Sports Park
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.
#8 Maui Friday Town Parties
Are you on vacation in Maui on a Friday? Then you’re in luck! Every Friday, Maui has a town party. All of the events are FREE and include kid-friendly activities.
1st Friday: Wailuku Town
2nd Friday: Lahaina Town
3rd Friday: Makawao Town
4th Friday: Kihei Town
Each town party is unique. You will enjoy walking around and getting to check-out local vendors, food trucks, kids face painting, etc. Friday night town parties are a great way to spend the evening on a budget! There is a ton of fun for all ages and a chance to taste food from different Maui food trucks.
#9 Surf Lessons with Aloha Ocean Adventures
When you think of surfing, the first place that comes to mind is Hawaii! Maui is a great place to surf in Hawaii. The ocean can be a dangerous place, but as long as you pay attention, stay near the shore, and never turn your back to the ocean, it can be a fun recrreational activity that the whole family can enjoy. Aloha Ocean Adventures will make sure you have a safe and memorable experience.
Surfing is part of Hawaiian culture and way of life in Hawaii. Aloha Ocean Adventures not only teaches you how to surf, they also believe in sharing the importance and appreciation sufing has on Hawaiian culture. By the end of your lesson, you will not only have a better understanding of the word Aloha, but you will also be a part of their Ohana (family).
#10 Ultimate Air Trampoline Park
One of the great things about the trampoline park is there are no age limits! Adults can be kids, too! Ultimate Air “welcomes people of all ages, sizes, and physical abilities and jumpers are separated in zones by age/size.” Ultimate Air has designed special socks that make your jumping experience even better. It is required for you to purchase the Air socks for $2.00 or you will not be allowed to jump. Ultimate Air accepts reservations and walk-in’s.
