Planning a family vacation to Maui? This scenic Hawaiian island offers plenty of resorts and attractions to help everyone in the family make lasting vacation memories. Here are a few of our picks for Maui’s top family-friendly hotels and attractions.
Family-friendly Maui hotels
There’s something for everyone in the family at the Westin Maui, one of the most popular resorts on the island. The 87,000-square-foot pool includes water slides, a swim-through grotto and a whirlpool, but you’re also just steps from the beach if you want to experience the real deal. Children can enjoy water volleyball, snorkeling and aqua golf.
Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
There’s no shortage of fun at Grand Wailea, where you travel through the resort’s nine pools by hopping in a river filled with gentle currents and whitewater rapids. After a day of playing in the Tarzan pool or going down the Fishpipe – a 90-second barrel ride – the family can head to the beach and enjoy The Grand Luau at Honuala.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
The kids are greeted with milk and cookies upon arriving at the Four Seasons Maui. After settling in, you can check the kids into the complimentary – that’s right, complimentary – day camp or let them play in the popular game rooms. Another bonus? Kids five and younger eat free at two onsite restaurants.
Family-friendly Maui activities
At the Maui Ocean Center, children and adults alike can get an close-up view of Hawaii’s marine life, including live coral displays and a sea turtle habitat. A tunnel lets the family walk through a tank filled with sharks and rays, and tanks are also set up to let children touch sea stars, urchins and rays.
The entire family will enjoy the scenic drive along The Road to Hana as you make your way to Hamoa Beach, a public stretch where the family can spend an afternoon chasing waves and building sandcastles.
At the Hawaii Nature Center, kids can explore Hawaii’s nature through hands-on activities like hikes and fishing excursions. If you’re staying for more than a few days, keep in mind that the center offers day camps throughout the year.
Round up the kids and make your way to an authentic Hawaiian luau. The Old Lahaina Luau is consistently rated one of the best on the island. The luau kicks off with a dinner of traditional Hawaiian fare, including roasted pig, Ahi tuna and Mahi-Mahi. As the sun sets, dancers tell the story of Hawaii’s history through hula dancing and traditional drumming.
(Main image: Lance Shields)
