Maui with Kids: Family Travel Tips, Hidden Gems, and Must-Do Experiences
Traveling to Maui with kids doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — it can be magical, memorable, and surprisingly smooth when you know where to go (and where to eat!). In episode 4 of The Traveling Family Circus Podcast I share the highlights from our own July trip to Maui with our family of seven. From breathtaking sunsets to kid-friendly snorkeling, I’ll walk you through what worked for us, what we loved, and some family-tested tips to make your own Maui adventure unforgettable.
👉 Want everything planned out for you? Don’t miss my step-by-step resource, Maui Magic for Families, which includes detailed itineraries, maps, kid-approved restaurants, and hidden gems. Grab it [here]. I created the exact guide that I wish I had before we headed to Maui just for you!
Where We Stayed
We based ourselves at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club in Kaanapali, one of our favorite family-friendly resorts. With direct beach access, pools, and activities, it’s a perfect home base for parents traveling with kids. Kaanapali is a great location a little north of Lahaina in west Maui.
💡 Family tip: Renting a car or van is a must in Maui to truly explore the island. For our family of seven, the van gave us the flexibility we needed.
Family-Friendly Activities in Maui
Ho‘okipa Beach: Watch giant sea turtles lounging on the sand — a simple, magical stop the kids loved.
Mama’s Fish House: Iconic dining and a beautiful beach for family photos afterward. Kids meals are $40 and Adult meals are $60+. In my opinion, it’s totally worth the hype!
Whalers Village & Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center: Shopping + a free, kid-friendly climbing tower, splash pad and free marine life museum (so fun for kids!).
4th of July Fireworks at the Grand Wailea: A fun way to celebrate if you’re visiting in summer. Look to see which resort is doing fireworks. When we went, only one resort in Wailea was doing a show.
Snorkel Tour with Four Winds Maui: A highlight for us — the boat had kid-friendly features like clear-bottom boats young kids can ride to still see the fish without putting their face in, a clear viewing area on the boat, and a delicious lunch! I highly recommend Four Winds Maui since they don’t have a minimum age (perfect for families).
Sunset at Haleakalā: Being in a sea of clouds was breathtaking (but don’t forget warm layers — it’s chilly up there!). I liked sunset but sunrise would be equally as beautiful.
Honokowai Beach: A hidden gem with shallow water that’s perfect for little kids, a playground feet away and a delicious spot across the street with giant, delicious cinnamon rolls (Pau Bakery).
Family Photos: Our original photographer didn’t show, but we made the most of it and had a hotel employee snap some photos. In the future, I’ll definitely only book with Flytographer since we loved them so much on our recent trip to Taiwan. Click HERE for $25 off your first photo shoot.
Food We Loved (Kid-Approved & Parent Favorites)
Leilani’s on the Beach
Monkeypod Kitchen
Ululani’s Shave Ice (a must!)
Kihei Food Trucks
Zippy’s
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
Coco Deck Lahaina (bonus: kids play area inside)
Big Wave Shave Ice Company
Pau Bakery
Honorable mentions we didn’t make it to but heard great things about: The Gazebo, Paia Fish Market, and the Cinnamon Roll Place.
Family Travel Tips for Maui
Always rent a car/van for flexibility. There is so much to see on the island and having a car is necessary to enjoy it all.
Balance “big adventures” with downtime and simple stops. Do one big thing each day and enjoy the slow, aloha spirit.
Pack snacks and water for longer excursions.
Stay flexible with naps and meals — it makes everything easier.
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode
🌺 Maui Magic for Families Guide → Grab it here
📸 Flytographer → Save $25 with my discount link
🧳 Related Podcast Episode → Road to Hana with Kids (coming soon)
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Maui with kids is one of the best gifts you can give your family. With the right planning and mindset, it can be stress-free, fun, and full of memories your kids will never forget.
👉 If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a travel-loving friend!
