Exploring Maui With Kids – SPEND IT LIKE STANFORD

Traveling to Maui with two small kids—especially a toddler and a four-month-old—was no easy feat, but it was absolutely worth it. The long flight and the chaos of packing for little ones quickly faded once we arrived. With stunning beaches, perfect weather, and incredible food, there is something in Maui for everyone. This was my third time in Maui, but the first with my two boys. Being able to experience Maui with them is something I will never forget. It’s one of our favorite places and watching them splash in the ocean or reach for my hand to build a sand castle is something I’ll keep with me forever. Maui proved to be an unforgettable destination for my family and I hope it’ll bring you just as much joy!

MAUI HOTELS & RENTALS

There are so many hotel and rental options to choose from in Maui. This was our second time staying in the Wailea area of the island. Unfortunately Lahaina is still rebuilding after the devastating fire they experienced so I do recommend you stay in Wailea until they’ve finished rebuilding. Here are some of my favorite resorts and rental options when traveling to Maui with kids:
+ Grand Wailea
+ Fairmont Kea
+ Hyatt Regency Maui
+ Andaz Maui
+ Grand Wailea Champions
+ Beachfront Rental

To browse other options, use the booking finder below.

GETTING AROUND MAUI WITH KIDS

The best way to get around Maui with kids is by renting a car. The island is incredibly drivable and whether you’re heading out on the Road to Hana, exploring Upcountry Maui, or just hopping between beaches, having a car is the most convenient way to experience all that Maui has to offer. For the best deals on rental cars, I always use rentalcars.com.

BEST BABY-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN MAUI

+ WAILEA BEACH

Wailea Beach quickly became a favorite—Meyer absolutely loved it and didn’t want to leave! The soft sand and gentle waves made it perfect for our little ones to splash around. Plus, if you’re staying at the Four Seasons or Andaz Maui, those properties sit right on the beach making the whole experience stress-free.

+ KAPALUA BEACH

Kapalua Bay Beach is one of the best kid-friendly beaches in Maui, with calm, protected waters thanks to its crescent-shaped bay. It’s great for snorkeling and the calm waters make it a perfect spot for the whole family. If you look closely, you may even spot a few whales.

+ PALAUEA BEACH

Palauea Beach is a hidden gem of Maui—less crowded and perfect for kids to splash around in the shallow, clear waters. It’s also a great beginner snorkeling spot with gentle reef areas.

+ LITTLE BEACH

Big Beach is stunning and spacious, but the waves can be powerful, so it’s best for families with older kids who love bodyboarding. For calmer waters, Little Beach (just a short walk away) is a great option.

+ NAPILI BEACH

Napili Beach had the perfect mix of soft sand and baby waves, making it ideal for families with littles. The shallow entry made it easy for Meyer to play safely, and we loved watching the occasional sea turtles popping up in the water—it was such a perfect experience.

BEST KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN MAUI

+ WHALE WATCHING TOUR OR SNORKEL

One of my absolute favorite things we did on this trip was the Pac-Whale Eco Adventure Whale Watching Tour. We went during peak whale-watching season and the crew couldn’t stop talking about how they had never seen the whales this active before! Watching these massive creatures breach and splash so close to the boat was absolutely unforgettable. Meyer, couldn’t stop saying “whale, whale, whale!” afterward.

Be sure to book your tour in advance here.

If your children are a bit older then I recommend a snorkel tour. Some of my favorite tours that we’ve done are with Boss Frog and Kai Kanani. Either way, be sure to choose one that takes you to Molokini crater for some of the best snorkeling you’ll ever experience!

+ LUAU

Another great addition to any Maui family vacation is a luau. There are a variety of them all across the island and I recommend either the Old Lahaina Luau or Drums of the Pacific. While Shiloh slept through it all, Meyer was completely mesmerized by the hula dancers. He was clapping and dancing along with them. There’s authentic Hawaiian music, plenty of food and you’ll get an epic sunset view.

+ FAMILY PHOTOS

I highly recommend taking family photos in Maui with your kids. Kids grow fast, and having professional photos from your vacation preserves those special moments. Plus, you’ll have those images to look back on to remember all those sandy toes and gummy grins. I can’t recommend Jasmyn Marie Photography enough. She took our maternity photos as well and she always has a way of capturing our little moments so perfectly.

+ POOL/CABANA RENTALS

If you’re traveling to Maui with kids, there is no doubt you’ll spend a lot of time at the pool. It’s the perfect way to unwind with little ones.

If you don’t have a pool, renting a cabana at a resort through ResortPass is a great way to enjoy a relaxing pool day. We’ve loved Fairmont Kea and Andaz Maui.

+ HO’OKIPA LOOKOUT

For an incredible view just outside of Wailea and Lahaina, take a drive to Ho’okipa Lookout. This is one of the first stops on the Road to Hana and while I don’t recommend doing the Road to Hana with small kids, I do recommend visiting Ho’okipa Lookout! The waves and surfers are fun to watch, but the real highlight for my kids was chasing the chickens all around the lookout. It’s a great stop to take in the views and let little ones run around.

+ IAO VALLEY HIKE

The short, scenic hike through ʻĪao Valley was perfect for getting the kids outside and exploring without being too strenuous. In order to get into the park, you need to book a reservation in advance. You can do so here.

+ PAIA TOWN

When visiting Maui with kids, be sure to stop in Paia Town. You can pop in and out of the many boutiques lining the streets and even grab a bite to eat. The town has such a fun, laid-back vibe that makes it worth a stop.

+ SHOPPING

For a more upscale shopping experience, The Shops at Wailea had everything from high-end brands to great souvenir spots, plus fun fountains and open-air walkways that made it easy to stroll with kids. And, if you’re here after dark, they typically have some sort of live music going on which makes it great for the kids to get up and moving.

RESTAURANTS IN MAUI

+ MONKEYPOD

For a casual atmosphere, Monkeypod Kitchen is your go-to. Parents will love the happy hour and kids will love the food options. Plus they have an outdoor space where little ones can move around while waiting for their meal.

+ LEODA’S

One of my favorite lunch destinations. Leoda’s, offers both savory and sweet pies that are absolutely delicious. Be sure to stop by the fresh fruit stands while there.

+ MERRIMAN’S

The absolute best restaurant in Maui is Merriman’s. Known for its gorgeous views and farm-to-table dining, Merriman’s is a family-friendly spot with a relaxed ambiance, offering a special kid’s menu.

+ MAUI BREWING CO.

Maui Brewing is a laid-back brewpub that is perfect for families. They have a huge outdoor patio and a variety of kid-friendly food options so you won’t feel stressed about your kids finding something they like or being entertained.

+ MAMA’S FISH HOUSE

While more upscale, Mama’s Fish House is still kid-friendly with its welcoming service, beachfront view and kid’s options offering simple, fresh dishes like grilled fish and rice.

+ KIHEI CAFE

We loved coming here for breakfast. A cozy, local favorite with hearty breakfast and lunch options, Kihei Cafe has something for everyone.

+ SOUTH MAUI FISH COMPANY

South Maui Fish Co is a food truck that you can’t miss in Maui. Come here for the fresh poke and fish tacos caught fresh that day.

+ AKAMAI COFFEE

Akamai is one of the best local coffee shops in the Wailea area. Such great coffee but also great food! There’s also plenty of outdoor space for little ones to be up and about.

+ ULULANI’S SHAVED ICE

If you want a nice little sweet treat for you and the kids, be sure to head to the iconic Ululani’s. There are a few locations around Maui making it easy to find one close.

Maui is clearly a paradise for families, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and kid-friendly dining to keep everyone happy. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or sailing on the water, Maui makes unforgettable memories for parents and your little ones.

If you ever have questions or need travel advice, reach out on Instagram!

happy travels, liz stanford

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, which means when you purchase something using these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only link these companies because I have used them or truly recommend them based on their quality and the experience I had.

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