Top 10 Family-Friendly Attractions on Maui
11. Maui Ocean Center
This is my go-to recommendation for a rainy day, a non-beach day, or for families with children who are too young to snorkel but want to see Hawaii's incredible marine life. The Maui Ocean Center is an world-class aquarium that exclusively features marine life found in Hawaiian waters, so everything you see here is actually swimming around our island.
The highlight for visitors of all ages is the 750,000-gallon "Open Ocean" exhibit, where you walk through a clear acrylic tunnel as sharks, giant stingrays, and schools of fish swim overhead. It's an underwater experience without getting wet, and the perspective is absolutely breathtaking.
My kids are always fascinated by the Turtle Lagoon, where you can see rescued Hawaiian green sea turtles up close and learn about conservation efforts. The "Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi" exhibit features a 3D sphere experience that makes you feel like you're swimming alongside these magnificent creatures during their annual migration to Hawaiian waters.
The entire facility is stroller-friendly and air-conditioned, making it comfortable for families with young children. For longer stays, they offer "Camp Kainani," a multi-day marine science adventure program for kids ages 7-14 that combines education with hands-on experiences.
12. ʻĪao Valley State Monument
This lush, sacred valley in Central Maui is a breathtaking escape into nature and Hawaiian history. The main attraction is Kūkaʻemoku, also known as the ʻĪao Needle, a 1,200-foot green-mantled rock pinnacle that rises dramatically from the valley floor like something from a fairy tale.
What makes this perfect for families is its accessibility. A paved 0.6-mile path takes you up 135 steps to the main lookout for that postcard-perfect view. It's an easy walk that even little legs can handle, and the payoff is spectacular. The lookout provides sweeping views of the valley and the iconic needle formation.
Down below, kids can safely splash and wade in the cool, clear waters of the ʻĪao Stream. The stream is shallow and gentle, perfect for cooling off after the short hike. The combination of easy hiking, gorgeous scenery, and water play makes this a hit with families.
As of 2023, advance reservations are required for all non-resident visitors, so you must book your time slot online before you go. Also, there's no cell service in the valley, so download or screenshot your reservation confirmation and any maps beforehand.
13. Road to Hāna Adventure
The Road to Hāna is iconic, beautiful, and potentially challenging for families. The key to success is redefining what "doing" the Road to Hāna means. A 12-hour, multi-stop marathon with 620 curves is a recipe for cranky kids and stressed parents. The secret is focusing on quality over quantity.
Here's a local secret: you don't have to go all the way to Hāna to experience the magic. Many local families with young kids drive to the Keʻanae Peninsula or Puaʻa Kaʻa Park and then turn back. You'll still see lush rainforests, stunning coastlines, and swimmable waterfalls without the 10-12 hour commitment.
Essential stops for families include Twin Falls (mile marker 2) for an easy walk to a beautiful waterfall, the Keʻanae Arboretum (mile marker 16.7) to see rainbow eucalyptus trees, and Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park (mile marker 22.5) for the perfect family-friendly waterfall with pools safe for swimming.
Success requires preparation: start early (7:30 AM), fill up with gas in Pāʻia, pack motion sickness remedies, bring more snacks than you think you need, and download a GPS-based audio tour since cell service is spotty.
14. Haleakalā National Park
Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā is one of those bucket-list experiences that creates lifelong memories. At 10,023 feet above sea level, you'll be above the clouds watching the sun paint the sky in colors you've never seen before.
For families, the key is preparation. The summit is cold (often 40-50 degrees at sunrise), so bring warm clothes including jackets, hats, and blankets. The drive takes about 2 hours from most resort areas, meaning a 3 AM wake-up call for sunrise viewing.
An alternative that works better for many families is sunset viewing, which allows for a more reasonable schedule and can be equally spectacular. The park also offers excellent hiking opportunities, from easy nature walks to more challenging trails through the crater.
Reservations are required for sunrise viewing and must be made in advance at recreation.gov. The park charges an entrance fee, but it's valid for three days and includes access to the Pools of ʻOhana section near Hāna.
15. Maui Zipline Adventures
For families with children ready for their first taste of aerial adventure, Maui Zipline offers an accessible introduction to ziplining. They welcome kids as young as 5 years old (weighing 45-230 pounds), making it one of the most family-friendly zipline operations on the island.
The course consists of five ziplines that take you across gulches and through eucalyptus trees, offering stunning views of central Maui and the ocean beyond. What makes this perfect for families is the gradual progression—the first lines are shorter and lower, allowing nervous participants to build confidence before the longer, more thrilling final lines.
The guides are excellent with children, providing encouragement and ensuring everyone feels safe and excited rather than scared. The entire experience takes about 2.5 hours, including safety briefing, gear fitting, and the actual ziplining adventure.
Safety equipment is provided, but participants should wear closed-toe shoes and clothes they don't mind getting dusty. The weight requirements are strictly enforced for safety reasons, so make sure all participants meet the criteria before booking.
16. Maui Off-Road ATV Adventures
For families craving off-road excitement, ATV tours offer a thrilling way to explore parts of Maui that are otherwise inaccessible. Maui Off-Road Adventures offers tours suitable for kids as young as 7 years old, though younger children can ride as passengers with adults on double ATVs.
The tours take you through private ranch lands, offering spectacular views of the island's interior and coastline that you simply can't see from the road. You'll cross streams, navigate muddy trails, and discover hidden valleys while learning about Maui's history and ecology from knowledgeable guides.
Different tour options are available, from shorter family-friendly rides to longer adventures for more experienced riders. All safety equipment is provided, and guides give thorough safety briefings before departure. Participants should expect to get dirty—it's part of the fun!
Closed-toe shoes are required, and participants should wear clothes they don't mind getting muddy. Most tours provide refreshments and photo opportunities at scenic overlooks.
17. Molokini Crater Snorkel Tours
Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic crater about three miles off Maui's southwest coast. The crescent-shaped islet creates a natural sanctuary with some of the clearest water and most abundant marine life in Hawaii. For families ready to explore underwater worlds, it's an unforgettable experience.
Multiple tour operators offer trips to Molokini, ranging from large catamaran trips to smaller, more intimate boat experiences. Most tours include snorkel gear, instruction for beginners, and often breakfast or lunch. The protected nature of the crater means the water is typically calm and clear, perfect for nervous snorkelers.
What makes Molokini special is the incredible visibility—often 150 feet or more—and the abundance of tropical fish. Families often see yellow tangs, parrotfish, moorish idols, and occasionally dolphins or whales during winter months.
Most tour operators welcome children, but check age requirements as they vary. Some tours include stops at other snorkel sites like Turtle Town, where Hawaiian green sea turtles are frequently spotted.
18. Maui Tropical Plantation
This 60-acre working farm offers families a chance to see how tropical fruits and crops are grown while enjoying fun, educational activities. The plantation grows everything from pineapples and papayas to coffee and macadamia nuts, providing insight into Hawaii's agricultural heritage.
The highlight for many families is the Plantation Express, a narrated tram tour that takes you through the various growing areas while guides share information about different crops and Hawaiian agriculture. Kids love spotting the different fruits and plants, and the tour includes stops where you can sample fresh tropical fruits.
The plantation also features a country store where families can purchase locally grown products, tropical fruit smoothies, and souvenirs. The grounds include walking paths, a restaurant, and sometimes special events like live music or cultural demonstrations.
What makes this attraction special is the educational component combined with the beautiful setting. Children learn about where their food comes from while enjoying the lush, tropical environment.
19. Maui Family Fun Centers
Sometimes families need a break from outdoor adventures, and Maui has several indoor entertainment options that provide air-conditioned fun. These family entertainment centers offer activities like bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and mini golf.
The Fun Factory in Kīhei features bowling lanes, arcade games, and a snack bar, making it perfect for families wanting familiar entertainment options. It's especially popular during the occasional rainy day or when family members need a break from sun and sand.
These centers provide a nice change of pace and can be particularly appealing to older kids and teens who might need a break from beach and nature activities. They're also great for evening entertainment when beaches and outdoor attractions might be closed.
Most centers offer party packages and group rates, making them good options for larger families or multiple families traveling together. The arcade games and activities provide entertainment for a wide range of ages.
20. Lahaina Historic Walking Tour
While Lahaina continues to recover from the tragic 2023 fires, the historic significance of this former whaling village remains an important part of Maui's story. When access is fully restored, exploring Lahaina's rich history provides families with cultural and educational experiences.
Historically, Lahaina served as the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and later became a major whaling port. The area contains numerous historic sites, museums, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of Hawaii's complex past, from ancient Polynesian settlement through European contact and American annexation.
Family-friendly historical sites traditionally included the Lahaina Courthouse Museum, the Baldwin Home Museum, and various historic churches and buildings. Many of these sites offered interactive exhibits and programs designed to engage children with Hawaiian history.
As the community rebuilds, new cultural and educational opportunities will emerge. Please check current status and be respectful of ongoing recovery efforts when planning any visits to the Lahaina area.
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🎯 Attraction Categories
- Marine Life: Ocean Center & Molokini
- Nature: Haleakalā & ʻĪao Valley
- Adventure: Ziplines & ATVs
- Culture: Plantation & Lahaina
👶 Age Recommendations
- Ages 0-5: Ocean Center, Plantation
- Ages 5-12: Most attractions
- Ages 8+: Haleakalā, Road to Hāna
- Teens: Adventure activities