Family Vacation GuideMaui

A gently sloping entrance and sandy bottom means you won't step on coral as you go in. Underwater, you'll find butterflyfish and cool multi-colored sea slugs.

Turtles are everywhere here. It's their safe hideaway with ample resting spots and plenty of green algae to chomp on.

Centuries-old coral colonies grow to a whopping 25-feet in diameter on lava rocks to create a vibrant reef.

For sun worshipers and snorkelers alike, this crescent bay will satisfy everyone in your family.

In Maui's rugged north, you'll find sea turtles, white-spotted puffers, octopuses, unicorn fish, and maybe even a giant manta ray.

It's the largest salt-water tropical aquarium in the US. There are walk-through tunnels, jellyfish exhibits, and an interactive tidepool area.

Every ship is like a "floating classroom" where you get the inside scoop on Maui's whales from highly trained naturalists. Your ticket also helps fund conservation.

Every ship is like a "floating classroom" where you get the inside scoop on Maui's whales from highly trained naturalists. Your ticket also helps fund conservation.

If you drive by here and blink you might miss it. But if you can find it, this calm, uncrowded beach is really special.

Walk the ancient footpath to a black sand beach with breathtaking scenery.

This black sand cove is a great place to swim and float among the waves. There are also benches where you can enjoy a family picnic.

This highly-rated tour company shows you Maui's whales with an onboard naturalist. They even give you hydrophones to list to whale song.

This highly-rated tour company shows you Maui's whales with an onboard naturalist. They even give you hydrophones to list to whale song.

Unlike other whale watching tours you depart right from Ka'anapali beach.

The huge glass bottomed catamaran is a huge draw for young kids. Tours run from December 15 to the end of March.

Sounds of the ocean set the mood on this romantic cruise. Enjoy a 3-course meal prepared by Chef Bailey.

Bring the kids along to celebrate the family you built together with a gorgeous sunset in the background.

You might not expect it, but Pacific Whale Foundation has their own sunset cruise. Dine aboard a double-decker catamaran with live music.

This cruise ups the romance by boarding directly from Ka'anapali Beach.

No big scary waves, just calm wind and soft sand. This is a great place for the little ones to swim about in a warm ocean. Come here on a day exploring the North Shore.

Soft sands, small waves for boogie boarding, and breathtaking views make this one of Maui's top-rated beaches. There's also snorkeling at the rocky outcroppings and an inviting beachwalk.

With no resorts in sight, you're free from the crowds. This hidden gem is excellent for boogie boarding and a peaceful beach day in South Maui.

There's a large seaside park with plenty of shade and space for a relaxing picnic at the beach.

Maui's most popular beach, Ka'anapali is one mile of perfect sand. It's got snorkeling at Black Rock, dining and shopping at Whalers Village, and tons of fun energy.

It's the best place for snorkeling on Ka'anapali. If you come at sunset you can watch the cliff diving ceremony off a 30-foot rock.

A 30-minute ferry ride takes you to one of Hawaii's smallest inhabited island. Check out the beach at Manale, a playground for spinner dolphins.

It's the "Old Faithful of the Pacific." Watch a plume of sea water shoot 100 feet in the air out of an ancient lava tube. Don't get too close (trust me on this one)!

Dive 100 feet below the surface and explore an underwater world inaccessible to snorkelers and scuba divers.

A finger of lava hangs out into the sea, about halfway down the Road to Hana. Stop by for fresh banana bread, a small arboretum, and an old stone church.

Grab a picnic lunch at Paia Fish Market and head to the beach to watch some of the best windsurfers fly off the waves. Expect wind.

Long, forgiving surf break and warm water make Maui an ideal place to learn to surf. Betcha someone in your family will catch a wave. It'll be sweet, brah.

Give back to the island by helping keep its shorelines, forests, and beaches clean.

It's a tiny little beach in Kihei and an ideal launch for beginner stand up paddlers.

Frequented by tourists and locals alike, this beach park is a great spot for a picnic, and its calm waters makes it ideal for stand up paddle.

One of three great beach parks, you have a BBQ area with picnic benches. It's a also a great spot for stand up paddle.

This highly-rated ocean tour company offers many amazing excursions and lessons for exploring the warm waters off Maui's coast.

Call them up to rent stand up paddle boards for $45/day or GoPros for $35/day. They'll deliver to your door!

Maui surf board rentals are $25-35/day, stand up paddle board rentals range from $45-55/day.

Great place to rent surfboards and stand up paddle boards in South Maui. They give surf lessons and stand up paddle lessons too.

Come here for surf rentals and stand up paddle board rentals in Kihei. They also offer lessons.

If you're looking for a challenging stand up paddle ride, check out Maui's most popular beach park.

With gentle and abundant waves, it's a great place for beginner surfers. Experienced stand up paddlers will also enjoy paddling in the break.

It's a quiet, 5-mile beach (longest on Maui!) on an undeveloped part of the coast. The shore is a little small, but it's a great starting point for a 3-mile SUP ride to Kihei.

Amid the excitement of Ka'anapali Beach this peaceful park is a great place to relax. If you're not staying at a resort on the beach you can park here and still enjoy it.

Affectionately dubbed, 'turtle town' this beach is teaming with green sea turtles who feed and hide from predators among the rocky ocean floor and sea caves.

This spectacular beach on Lana'i is a great place to swim, snorkel, or snap a photo in front of the heart-shaped Pu'u Pehe rock.

Though the current makes swimming here highly unadvisable, it's a gorgeous little treasure of a beach that you'll likely have to yourself.

Home to many sunken ships, you can see the skeleton of an old oil tanker from the 1940s still jutting out on a distant rock. It's a great place to relax and comb the beach.

For 21 years this highly reputable surf school has offered private and group lessons for those learning to surf or improve their skills. SUP Lessons are also available.

Specializing in lessons for women, this surf school also invites boyfriends, fathers, and brothers to join.

This quieter resort is at the north end of Ka'anapali Beach, and hence much less crowded. Grab your own spot and camp out for the day or relax by the pool.

Flowers and palms surround low-rise condos and calm swimming pools. You're right across the street from a nice local beach.

Perched above Kapalua Beach, this luxury resort gives you epic views of the island and access to lava rock nature trails below.

It's the best of both worlds. You're right in the heart of downtown Lahaina and on the beach. This smaller resort is great for couples looking for relaxing days and romantic evenings on the ...

Set in upscale Wailea, the resort is right above a peaceful local beach. You're right next door to Wailea Golf Club and local dining in Kihei.

There's a fun waterslide and pirate ship pool for the little ones. Relax by the adult pool or on Ka'anapali Beach, just steps away. You also have three delicious on-site restaurants.

With three unique pools, a mini golf course, massage cabanas, and several on-site restaurants, it's an action-packed family resort, right on Ka'anapali Beach.

This resort offers dozens of family activities including hula lessons, lei making classes, nature walks, and its famous “Mix” and “Mingle” gatherings with burgers and mimosas.

Vacation rentals here offer beautiful ocean views and come with all the amenities of home. Snorkelers can drive 2 minutes to nearby Honokowai Beach to enjoy a pristine reef.

This low-key resort has nice, peaceful pool, perfect for laps or quiet relaxation. The beach is right across the street and there's an interesting whale museum in walking distance.

You’re a close walk to a local park and farmers market, and five minutes from shopping and dining. Relax by the quiet seaside pool or walk out to the reef for snorkeling.

With easy access Ka’anapali Beach, this resort features lush gardens, multiple pools, and recently upgraded condos.

One of the most luxurious family resorts on Maui, Honua Kai offers a spectacular pool area, beachside restaurant, full-service spa, and unfettered access to Ka'anapali Beach.

This former Ritz-Carlton is one of the most luxurious resort on Maui. Perched along the lava rock cliffs of Kapalua, you're right next to two intimate beach coves with fantastic snorkeling.

Every week, the resort manager throws a mai tai party with free drinks and live music. Condos here are extra-large and many come with lofts, overlooking the ocean.

The resort has the rich charm and character of a classic Hawaiian resort, and is located on a prime spot of Ka'anapali Beach.

Perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway, this resort has an elegant pool with plush cabanas, fine garden-side dining, and spectacular views of the ocean.

The gorgeous lawn stretches right out to the beach. This family resort has a fun bar and restaurant, boogie board rentals on-site and is close to dining and shopping in Kihei.

Right above the intimate beach at Napili Bay, you can boogie board, snorkel, swim, or relax on the sand. It's also home to Gazebo restaurant, serving some of the best brunch on the island.

Sit by the pool and admire and the resort's lush gardens. Then head back for a family cookout on your personal grill. The resort is a 5-minute drive from shopping, dining, and the beach.

You can see Wailea Golf Club from your balcony. This couples resort is great for golfers and is perched on the scenic hills overlooking the Pacific.

Perfect for golfers and those looking for a quiet stay away from the action, this resort borders Wailea Golf Club and is right next to the best tennis facility on the island.

You're just one block from the art galleries, restaurants, and shops of historic Lahaina. The resort also offers two gorgeous natural pools, bike rentals, and an activities shack.

You're walking distance to a great golf course, and snorkeling at the famous Black Rock Beach that divides both sections of Ka'anapali.

Swim in one of four pools or in the ocean at Napili Bay. The resort has “quiet time” at night to ensure an exceptionally peaceful stay, along with great dining overlooking the ocean.

With multiple beaches right across the street, the resort boasts two pools, and faces the south, so you have extra access to the sun.

The beach here is protected from the waves by a rock wall, making it perfect for young kids. You also have access to a roof top party area with BBQs and a calm seaside pool.

An expansive seaside lawn stretches out to the beach and is home to bocce ball, tennis courts, and other fun games. Large condos here feature spacious living rooms and full kitchens.

So close to the ocean that you can see turtles from your balcony, this romantic resort features large condos with full kitchen and easy access to cafes and shops across the street.

One of the first resorts on Maui, The Royal Kahana laid claim to arguably the best location on the island. Enjoy a drink by the family pool, while kids are treated to shave ice.

It's tucked away in a quaint neighborhood with a tropical country vibe. Wake up to sunrise over a championship golf course and spend the day on the links or the beach at Napili Bay.