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I hadn’t been to Maui since I was a kid, but I still remembered the feeling of that first warm breeze off the ocean, the way the water seemed to glow instead of just reflect light, and how the landscape felt almost unreal. After years of beach trips to the Caribbean and even the Mediterranean, I wanted my kids to experience this place—the one that stuck with me the longest. Maui isn’t just another beach destination. There’s a raw, dramatic beauty here that’s different. The cliffs, the color of the water, the contrast of rainforest against lava rock—it’s a place that gets under your skin in the best way. This trip was a chance to return, but also to see it all anew through my kids’ eyes.
Flying In?
We landed at Kahului Airport (OGG) around 2:00 p.m. local time. The airport is small and easy to navigate, which is always a win when you’ve got overtired kids trailing behind with carry-ons twice their size.
We picked up our rental car right outside baggage claim—highly recommend reserving ahead of time because inventory goes fast on the island, especially during school breaks. From there, it was about a 45-minute scenic drive to our condo in Ka’anapali. If you’re arriving late in the day, plan for a little extra traffic through Lahaina.
Get a Rental Car. While there are certainly Uber and Lyft options, it is better to rent a car in this case, so that you can easily get to dinners, shopping and the sights. Get your Rental Car – Expedia.com
Where We Stayed
We booked a two-bedroom condo at Honua Kai Resort & Spa on Ka’anapali Beach. Honestly, this was the trip-saver for us. This oceanfront resort offers a blend of luxury and comfort, making it an ideal spot for families. The full kitchen meant easy breakfasts and snack prep, the washer and dryer let us pack light, and the resort’s pool and beach access kept the kids entertained while we settled in.
One of the standout features of Honua Kai is its direct access to Ka’anapali North Beach. Just steps from the resort, we found ourselves on a beautiful stretch of sand, perfect for morning walks, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the sun. The beach’s gentle waves made it safe and enjoyable for our kids to swim and play.
The resort’s 38-acre property is beautifully landscaped with tropical gardens, koi ponds, and fire pits. The 3-acre aquatic playground was a hit with our kids, featuring multiple pools, a lazy river, waterfalls, and a waterslide. For relaxation, there are five hot tubs scattered throughout the property.
It’s about 10 minutes from Lahaina, with grocery stores and food trucks right across the street—a massive perk when you’re too tired to load everyone back into the car for dinner. There was also on-site dining at Duke’s Beach House and also Aina Gourmet Market and Whaler’s General Store.
When to Go – Anytime Really
We visited in mid-April, which hit that perfect balance between winter’s crowds and summer’s heat. The weather was sunny and breezy, hovering in the low 80s every day. The bottom line is there is not a bad time to go.
Winter & Early Spring (December – March)
This is peak whale watching season, and you don’t have to book a boat to see them—you can spot them right from the shoreline in places like Ka’anapali or Lahaina. We didn’t get to see the Maui Whale Festival, but locals told us it’s a big island-wide celebration every February with parades, live music, and educational events that kids love. If you visit during this time, book early—this is one of the island’s busiest seasons.
Spring Shoulder Season (April – May)
We visited in mid-April, and the vibe was perfect—warm, sunny, and not overly crowded. It turns out we just missed the Maui Onion Festival, which celebrates Maui’s famous sweet onions with chef demos and food tastings at Whalers Village. If your dates line up in April or early May, it’s a great add-on without needing to change your base plans.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is the busy family vacation season, but it’s when the water is at its warmest and all beach activities are in full swing. One of the coolest events we heard about was the Maui Film Festival in June, where you can watch movies under the stars on a huge outdoor screen in Wailea. It sounds like something we’d definitely try next time.
Another unique summer event is the Makawao Rodeo in July, celebrating Hawaii’s cowboy culture (yes, Hawaii has real cowboys, called “paniolo”). It’s up in Maui’s Upcountry, which we visited briefly, and it would be an easy add-on if you plan a day up there.
Fall (September – November)
If you prefer a quieter experience, fall is ideal. The Made in Maui County Festival in November is the island’s largest products fair, featuring over 140 local artisans. It’s perfect if you love bringing home meaningful souvenirs or supporting local businesses.
Flight Essentials
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Packing Tips
Packing for a Family Maui Trip is a breeze with our free Packing Tool! Easily create a customized list for each member of your family.
As for the actual beach day packing, that is more of an art form of efficiency and preparedness. Getting this part right will make a family beach day stress free and relaxing. Check out this post for all of the keys to success: Gear Up for a Fantastic Family Beach Day.
TIP: The Hawaii sun is very strong, so do not forget to bring and apply sunscreen. Also, lava rocks are sharp, bring some water shoes.
Day 1: Arrival, Pool Splash, and Food Truck Night
Our flight touched down in Maui just after lunch, and by the time we grabbed our bags, picked up the rental car, and made the scenic 45-minute drive to Ka’anapali, it was late afternoon. Pulling into Honua Kai Resort & Spa, I immediately had that déjà vu feeling—the smell of plumeria in the air, the sound of distant waves, and that warm, salty breeze that somehow smells different than anywhere else.
Before the kids could bolt for the pool, we convinced them to explore the resort grounds with us first. We wandered through the tropical garden pathways, past koi ponds and waterfalls, stopping to peek over little bridges while the kids tried to spot fish in the water. The resort felt big enough to explore but never overwhelming. There were BBQ stations, fire pits, and tucked-away lounge chairs everywhere you looked.
We scoped out Duke’s Beach House, the on-site restaurant, and promised the kids we’d try it one night. We also popped into the Aina Gourmet Market, which had everything from breakfast burritos to sunscreen to locally made chocolates—perfect for stocking up on snacks without getting back in the car.
Of course, the kids were laser-focused on the aquatic playground—a sprawling pool area with a lazy river, waterfalls, and a twisty water slide that was already being ranked “number one thing to do” by our 8-year-old.
We made it back to our suite just long enough to throw on swimsuits and grab our towels. The pool didn’t disappoint. We floated under palm trees while the kids raced each other through the lazy river, completely forgetting about the hours of travel behind us.
Dinner that night was easy—a short walk across the street to a cluster of food trucks, where we grabbed garlic shrimp plates and smoothies. No reservations, no dress codes, and no stress. We grabbed a shady picnic table and listened to the kids debate their favorite part of the day (spoiler: it was the slide).
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, we made one last stop at the little shave ice shack next door, because it’s just wrong to skip shave ice on your first night in Hawaii. Sticky fingers, full bellies, and happy kids—Maui was already living up to the hype.
Day 2: Shopping in Wailea and a Relaxing Afternoon at Baby Beach
After an easy breakfast on the lanai—papaya, bagels, and macadamia nut coffee—the kids were once again begging for more pool time. But we had other plans to get out and explore a different part of the island before settling in for a full beach afternoon.
A Change of Plans: Shopping in Wailea Instead of Lahaina
Originally, I had planned for us to spend the morning in Lahaina, wandering Front Street’s quirky shops, art galleries, and waterfront cafes—something I remembered loving as a kid. But since the 2023 wildfires, much of Lahaina remains closed to visitors as the community works through its long recovery. We knew it wasn’t the right time to visit, so we adjusted our plans to explore The Shops at Wailea instead.
The Shops at Wailea – Open, Airy, and Family-Friendly
We made the 45-minute drive south to Wailea, a resort area with a beautifully landscaped outdoor shopping center that feels a bit more upscale but still kid-friendly. Parking was free and easy in the garage, which was a refreshing change from the crowded beach lots we’d experienced earlier in the trip.
We grabbed smoothies from Island Gourmet Markets, wandered through local boutiques, and let the kids pick out small souvenirs—a shell necklace, a tiny ukulele, and matching Maui t-shirts (that they promised they would definitely wear again back home… we’ll see).
Tip:
If you’re traveling with kids who need a break from the sun or sand, The Shops at Wailea are stroller-friendly, shaded, and have just enough to browse without overwhelming little ones.
Heading North for Beach Time at Baby Beach
By late morning, we were ready for a full afternoon at the beach, so we made the hour-long drive back north to Baby Beach in Lahaina. Traffic was light, and we were able to grab free street parking about a block from the beach access.
We set up camp right by the waterline, unzipped our small cooler with sandwiches and fruit, and let the kids loose in the shallow, calm water. Baby Beach never feels too busy, and the reef keeps the waves soft, making it perfect for little swimmers.
The kids spent the afternoon snorkeling, building sandcastles, and hunting for shells. We brought along beach toys we had picked up earlier in the trip, and they kept the kids busy for hours while we soaked up the sunshine.
Dinner Without Moving the Car
After rinsing off at the beach shower and drying off in the afternoon breeze, no one wanted to drive far for dinner. So we walked down the street to Aloha Mixed Plate, a casual, open-air spot with local comfort food like teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, and macaroni salad.
We grabbed a picnic-style table overlooking the ocean, watching the waves roll in as the sky shifted into pastel sunset colors. The kids devoured shave ice for dessert while we enjoyed the last bit of daylight.
We drove back to the condo with tired kids and a car full of sandy beach gear, already plotting what beach to hit next.
Day 3: Waterfalls on the Road to Hana (Well… Part of It)
We let the kids sleep in a little on Day 3 because, let’s be honest, it’s vacation and our days are full. So we took our time with breakfast—scrambled eggs and toast in the condo kitchen—and hit the road by about 8:30 a.m. for a half-day taste of the Road to Hana.
The Reality of the Drive
We knew the full Road to Hana would probably be too much for our younger two (and for us, honestly). It’s a full-day commitment with lots of winding roads. So instead, we aimed for Twin Falls, one of the most family-friendly stops near the start of the route, about an hour and 15 minutes from Ka’anapali.
Parking Tip:
The lot at Twin Falls is free but fills quickly, so we tried to beat the crowds and arrived just after 10:00 a.m. We managed to get one of the last shaded spots under the trees.
Hiking to the Falls
The hike to the first waterfall is less than a mile and pretty easy for kids, though we were glad we wore water shoes—the trail is a mix of gravel and muddy patches. The kids loved hopping over puddles and pretending they were on a jungle expedition.
When we reached the falls, it was like something out of a movie—a wide, swimmable pool with a little waterfall spilling into it. There were a handful of other families there, but it didn’t feel crowded. We let the kids splash while we sat on the rocks and soaked it all in.
Pro Tip:
Bring a small waterproof bag for your phones and snacks, and leave valuables locked in the car. The trail and falls are low-key, but it’s easy to misplace things when everyone’s wet and distracted.
Snack Break with a View
On the way back to the car, we stopped at the banana bread stand at the trail entrance. We grabbed a loaf of warm, buttery banana bread and a couple of fresh coconut waters to sip on the drive back. It was easily the best $10 we spent all day.
Back to Ka’anapali by Early Afternoon
Instead of pushing on toward Hana, we turned around and headed back toward our condo, making it home by about 2:00 p.m.. The kids lobbied hard for another pool session, and honestly, we didn’t argue. We grabbed snacks from Whaler’s General Store downstairs and spent the rest of the afternoon floating the lazy river and watching the kids race down the water slide again and again.
Takeout with a View
We were too tired to go out again, so we walked across the street to Fish Market Maui, a tiny takeout spot known for its fresh poke bowls and fish tacos. We carried dinner back to the condo and ate on our lanai, watching the sky turn golden over the water.
Low-key, low-stress, and exactly what we needed before tomorrow’s big adventure.
Day 4: Marine Life, Hawaiian Legends, and A Low-Key Lahaina Evening
After two big adventure days, we were ready for something a little slower, but still worth the vacation day. We started with breakfast on our lanai again (I’m convinced food just tastes better outside in Maui), then packed up for a 30-minute drive to Maʻalaea Harbor to visit the Maui Ocean Center.
Morning at the Maui Ocean Center
We arrived just after opening and found easy free parking in the harbor lot. This place is a perfect size for families—big enough to feel like an adventure, but small enough to avoid the meltdown zone.
The kids loved the touch pools, especially the sea cucumber they nicknamed “Squishy.” We walked through the 360-degree aquarium tunnel, watched stingrays glide overhead, and learned about Hawaii’s unique marine life from the interactive displays.
One of the highlights was the humpback whale experience, a digital, theater-style presentation that made us feel like we were swimming alongside the whales we’d seen offshore earlier in the week. It was short, captivating, and left all of us a little more in awe of these gentle giants.
Quick Lunch by the Harbor
Right next door, Seascape Restaurant offered easy outdoor seating with harbor views. We kept it simple with fish tacos and burgers while watching the boats come and go. No need to load up the car again—the restaurant is a two-minute walk from the aquarium, which was a parenting win.
Afternoon in Iao Valley
After lunch, we took the 20-minute drive to Iao Valley State Park, known for its lush landscape and the towering Iao Needle rock formation. Parking is $5, and the paved pathways make it super easy for kids to explore without the commitment of a big hike.
We walked the short loop trail, crossed the little bridges, and read the plaques explaining the valley’s history as the site of a major Hawaiian battle. The kids weren’t as interested in the history as they were in climbing the giant tree roots and throwing leaves into the stream, but that’s part of the charm—it’s low-effort, low-pressure, and absolutely beautiful.
Easy Dinner in Lahaina
On the way back to Ka’anapali, we stopped in Lahaina again for dinner at Down the Hatch, a casual courtyard restaurant with live music and picnic tables that made it easy to keep the kids entertained. They had a keiki (kids) menu, and we ordered fish and chips and poke nachos for the grown-ups.
The vibe was laid-back and fun, and since it’s right in the heart of Lahaina, we let the kids burn off the last of their energy running around the courtyard while we finished our drinks.
We headed back to the condo just as the sky was turning that perfect shade of Maui orange, grateful for a day that balanced learning, exploring, and relaxing perfectly.
Day 5: Snorkeling at Molokini Crater and a Lazy Afternoon by the Pool
After a few slower-paced days, we were all excited for what the kids had been calling “the boat day”—a snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater. We booked this one in advance since spots fill quickly, especially on morning tours.
Early Start to Maʻalaea Harbor
We were up by 6:30 a.m., grabbing quick breakfasts (muffins and fruit from Aina Gourmet Market downstairs) before making the 30-minute drive south again to Maʻalaea Harbor, where most of the Molokini tours depart.
Parking was free and plentiful that early in the morning, which made check-in smooth. The crew gave the kids special attention, helping them pick out kid-sized snorkel gear and explaining how to spot the “rainbow fish” and sea turtles.
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
The boat ride to Molokini Crater took about 30 minutes, and the crew made it fun with music, snacks, and dolphin-spotting on the way. Once we arrived, the water was crystal clear—like snorkeling in a giant aquarium. The kids were blown away by the fish, and even our youngest managed to float along with a pool noodle and mask, pointing excitedly every time she spotted something new.
Next, the boat took us to “Turtle Town”, a second snorkel spot closer to shore where we spotted two sea turtles gliding gracefully along the reef. Definitely a trip highlight.
Easy Lunch with Harbor Views
After the boat docked, we walked over to Seascape Restaurant again (yes, the same spot from Day 4) since it was convenient and the kids were already familiar with the menu. We grabbed fish tacos, chicken tenders, and smoothies while sitting outside watching the boats come in.
Back to the Resort for a Low-Key Afternoon
By early afternoon, everyone was a little sun-drunk and worn out, so we headed back to the condo. No one argued when we declared it a “lazy river afternoon”. We grabbed drinks and snacks from Whaler’s General Store, found a couple of lounge chairs, and let the kids float and slide to their hearts’ content.
Casual Dinner Without the Car
Dinner that night was at Duke’s Beach House, right on the resort grounds. It’s hard to beat a restaurant you can walk to in five minutes after a long day in the sun. We grabbed a table with ocean views, ordered fish sandwiches, pasta for the kids, and another round of Hula Pie because, at this point, it was officially a tradition.
We walked the Ka’anapali Beach Path for a bit after dinner, letting the kids climb the beach rocks and spotting crabs with our phone flashlights. No rush, no driving, and no stress—it was exactly the kind of night we needed.
Day 6: Napili Bay, Beachside Takeout, and a Sunset Walk to Ice Cream
By Day 6, everyone had fallen hard for the beach life, and we knew we wanted one more low-key, all-day beach day. We picked Napili Bay, a quieter beach just 5 minutes north of our condo that several locals had recommended to us earlier in the week.
Getting There Early (And Why You Should)
We packed up the car by 8:30 a.m., aiming to snag a spot in the small public beach lot at Napili. Parking there is limited, and once it’s full, street parking is tight and requires a bit of a walk. Luckily, we grabbed a space right by the beach access path.
We hauled our chairs, snorkel gear, and a soft cooler down to the sand and set up just a few steps from the water. Napili Bay is smaller than Ka’anapali but has a more relaxed, neighborhood vibe—gentle waves perfect for boogie boarding and snorkeling right off the shore.
Easy Breakfast by the Beach
Rather than trying to cook or eat before we left, we planned to grab breakfast from The Gazebo, a tiny, famous spot right on the north end of Napili Bay. We put our names in around 9:00 a.m. and killed time building sandcastles until our table was ready about 40 minutes later (totally worth the wait).
The Gazebo is famous for its macadamia nut pancakes and giant fried rice platters, and let’s just say…we didn’t leave a single bite behind. We walked right back down to the beach full and happy and didn’t need lunch until much later.
A Full Day of Beach Time
We stayed at Napili Bay all day, snorkeling, body surfing, and watching the kids try to dig a hole to “the other side of the world.” We took turns walking down the beach to the small general store nearby for cold drinks and snacks. No need to pack up the car or go anywhere else.
Takeout Dinner with a View
By late afternoon, everyone was sandy, tired, and not in the mood for another sit-down restaurant. So we grabbed takeout again from the Food Truck Court across from our condo—this time opting for tacos and fish plates.
We carried dinner down to the beach in front of Honua Kai, eating on our towels while the kids ran in and out of the shoreline one last time.
Sunset Walk to Ice Cream
We weren’t quite ready to call it a night, so we walked the Ka’anapali Beach Path south toward Whalers Village, stopping for ice cream at Island Cream Co.. It was about a 20-minute walk, but the beach path made it feel like part of the fun. The kids argued over flavors (naturally), but everyone agreed eating cones under the palm trees was a solid way to end the day.
We took our time walking back in the cool evening breeze, knowing tomorrow was our last morning in paradise.
Day 7: One Last Beach Walk and Saying Aloha (For Now)
If you’ve ever tried to pack up a vacation rental with kids underfoot, you know the energy is… chaotic at best. So we started extra early, giving ourselves plenty of time to enjoy the morning without rushing.
One Last Walk Along Ka’anapali Beach
We grabbed coffees and pastries from Aina Gourmet Market downstairs and took them to-go for one last family walk along Ka’anapali Beach. The path was quiet that early—just a few other walkers and joggers—and the kids wrote their names in the sand, chasing the waves like they had on Day 1.
We sat on a driftwood log for a while, just soaking it all in. The kids tried to convince us to move to Maui permanently (tempting, honestly), and we promised we’d be back sooner than last time.
Packing Up and Checking Out
We headed back to the condo around 9:00 a.m., packed the last of our sandy flip-flops and sunhats, and loaded up the rental car. Check-out was at 11:00 a.m., but we wanted to leave a little cushion to drop off the car and grab a snack at the airport.
Easy Drive to the Airport
The drive back to Kahului Airport took about 45 minutes, and since we were flying out just after noon, traffic was light. Rental car return was quick, and we were through security with time to spare.
We grabbed one last round of poke bowls and Spam musubi from the airport food court (seriously, it’s actually decent here) and found a spot by the window to watch the planes and talk about our favorite memories.
The lazy river slide? A crowd favorite.
The sea turtles at Turtle Town? Unforgettable.
The sticky, sunset shave ice? A perfect Maui moment.
Aloha, For Now
As our plane lifted off, the kids waved out the window (again, naturally), and I found myself already scrolling through my phone, checking the calendar, wondering when we might come back.
Because that’s the thing about Maui—it stays with you.
And we’ll definitely be back.
Adventures We Skipped (But You Might Not Want To)
Like any family trip, there are always a few things that don’t make the cut—whether because of timing, kid energy levels, or in our case, learning from past experience.
Sunrise at Haleakalā Crater
Let’s start with the big one. We considered waking the kids up at 2:30 a.m. to drive up to Haleakalā National Park for sunrise—because, yes, it’s on every “must-do” list. But I’ve done it before, and honestly? It’s freezing cold, the air is thin at 10,000 feet, and the clouds rolled in right as the sun came up when I did it. It’s breathtaking when the conditions are right, but it’s a gamble, and waking up three kids that early felt like more risk than reward.
That said, it might be worth it for older kids or first-timers—just pack winter jackets and book your sunrise pass early.Black Rock Cliff Diving at Ka’anapali Beach
Every night at sunset, a cliff diver lights torches and dives off Black Rock, right at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach. It’s a free, short ceremony that’s worth watching if you’re already in the area. We meant to catch it one evening, but the kids were usually in the pool or halfway through shave ice by then.Surf Lessons in Kihei
Maui’s south shore is one of the best spots in the world to learn to surf, especially in Kihei where the waves are beginner-friendly. We skipped it this time because our kids were more into snorkeling, but it’s definitely on the list for next time when they’re a little older (and stronger swimmers).Maui Tropical Plantation
This family-friendly spot in Central Maui offers tram tours, a zipline, and a chance to see how local crops like coffee, coconut, and taro are grown. We skipped it in favor of more beach time, but if you have extra days or weather that isn’t beach-friendly, it’s a great inland option.Whale Watching Tours (Seasonal)
If you visit December through March, a dedicated whale watching tour is worth considering. We saw spouts from shore, but we skipped a tour since it wasn’t peak season. Next time, if we visit in winter, we’ll definitely make time to go out on the water.
Sun Protection
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