Family Vacation GuideMaui

You could come for just the clubhouse. But if you come for golf, you'll be rewarded with a "pure golf experience" – nothing but nature in all directions.

Protected from the wind by the mountains, this player-friendly course offers a new view of the island at every hole.

Golfing in a Lord of the Rings-like setting, this challenging PGA course is par 73 at 7,400 yards.

Sister to The Plantation Course, Bay is another challenging gem with its signature hole no. 5 that plays over the ocean.

These 3 world-class courses cater to all types. From the tough Robert Trent, Gold Course to the family-friendly Emerald, and player-friendly Blue.

Not overly long at 6,570 yards, it's a course for shot makers, with smallish greens, dog legs, and elevation changes. Oh and with their Aloha Friday deal you can play for $49, all day.

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.

Their succulent rotisserie chicken is roasted over a wood-burning fire with kiawe and guava wood. It's a great place to grab lunch by the Maui Ocean Center.

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

Lahaina has 40 art galleries with works from Picasso, Rembrandt, Any Warhol, and whole host of local artists inspired by the beauty of the island.

Home to top brands and a regular farmers market, it's Maui's biggest mall. This gorgeous building is covered by an open-air roof, shaped like a ship's sail.

Right above the beach, you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Come at 3-7 pm or 9-11 pm for happy hour specials, or brunch for their "pour your own champagne" mimosa station.

Enjoy macadamia nut pancakes, eggs benedict, and other brunch favorites with a view of surfers in the distance. It's Maui's most famous brunch spot for good reason.

This is where you'd come to propose in grand style. Set in a tropical garden with gorgeous views of the Island, Capische? serves delicious Italian food with a local twist.

It's hard to be closer to the ocean without being in it. Sea House is known for its extensive happy hour menu and views of Napili Bay.

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

The manager at Maui Hill resort puts on a weekly Mai Tai party with live music and free drinks. Seriously, Dennis is the the man!

Right on Ka'anapali Beach, you can hear the waves as you dine. Try their seasonal specialty cocktail at happy hour, which runs from 3-5 pm everyday and includes live music.

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.

Every Friday from 6-9 pm, the galleries of Lahaina host a free "Art Walk" with featured artists and refreshments.

Maui's capital knows how to party! Join on first Fridays for a street party with craft vendors, food stands, and a beer garden serving local brews.

All the galleries light up until 10 pm and Front Street buzzes with music, food, family activities, and performers from Ulalena.

Maui's cowboy town puts on a street party with locally farmed food, classical Hawaiian music, dancing, and a fire show.

The Keiki/Youth Zone has lots for the little ones, and parents can browse booths set up by local shops.

The decor is funky, really funky. See for yourself! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live jazz. Say hi to Farzad, the super friendly owner.

Cool off in the shade of the banyan tree and see work from local artists. There's also a face painting booth and kid's crafts for the little ones.

Lunch bentos, sandwiches, salads, and other Hawaiian specialties make up the menu. Try the fresh made Malasada donuts.

This hidden gem, is basically in the middle of nowhere. But those who make the trek out to Hali'imaile in the highlands, will be rewarded with some of the island's best cooking.

With an emphasis on local food, you get a real sense of what the island has to offer. Highlights include the Abalone Risotto with Kampachi Bacon and the Surfing Goat Cheesecake for dessert.

It's Hawaiian fusion food done right. This chain may dot the state of Florida, nearly 5,000 miles away, but it still holds its own on Maui.

Now for the holy combination of steak and seafood. That's the specialty here at this open-air, Four Seasons restaurant.

With postcard-worthy views and Instagram-worthy dishes, this romantic Kapalua restaurant serves delicious rack of lamb and tasty snapper.

It lives up to the hype! Dine on fish caught that day and cooked to perfection in the light of flickering tiki torches over a secluded cove.

Think Jiro Dreams of Sushi. This exclusive 15-seat sushi bar serves some of the best raw fish outside of Tokyo. Be sure to make reservations well in advance!

Ululani's is one of the best spots to grab shave ice on Maui. Get it with ice cream on the bottom and sweetened condensed milk drizzled on top!

These coveted donuts come with exotic tropical fillings, like guava jam. Located in Upcountry, it's a great place to pick up a treat as reward for summiting Haleakala.

When you're a kid, a small bag of Maui-style potato chips goes fast. Stop by the Maui Potato Chip Factory to see where they're made.

Poke, or raw cubed, marinated fish is a centuries-old Hawaiian specialty. This food truck serves it straight up or fried.

Pick up a burrito, taco, or enchilada at one of their three locations on Maui.

Pick up a burrito, taco, or enchilada at one of their three locations in Maui.

Pick up a burrito, taco, or enchilada at one of their three locations in Maui.

It's Maui's answer to In-N-Out Burger and the best spot on the island to grab a tasty burger and fries.

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.

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.

Is pineapple wine any good? Head to Ulupalakua Vineyards for free tastings and find out. Worst case, you get to see a vineyard on a volcano.

Indulge in seared ahi and foie gras or try their daily opakapaka fish special. This is one of the fanciest restaurants in Lahaina.

It's half fish market where you can buy the daily catch to grill or cook at home, and half deli serving ahi sandwiches slathered in secret sauce.

Perched on cliffs above the Pacific, this elegant open-air restaurant serves top grade sushi rolls and sashimi.

In the heart of Whalers Village, it's a great place to dine with the family on the beach. Try the ceviche marinated in coconut sauce!

It's Lahaina's tasty lunch for under $10. Treat the family to Maui favorites such as Korean tacos, chicken katsu, or fries drenched in delicious sauce.

Maui Chef, Mark Ellman makes some seriously tasty fish. Best of all you can watch boats go in and out of Lahaina Harbor as you dine.

It's a casual, family BBQ joint with slow-cooked brisket and smoked ribs. They also have takeout for when you just want to eat back at your place.

Kids will love the delicious homemade pies and treats. They also make great specialty sandwiches, perfect for a quick lunch.

Delicious crepes, and Mediterranean and Indian flavors combine in this quaint cafe on the North Shore.

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.

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.