Family Vacation GuideMaui

Soar across tree tops in the lush mountains of West Maui. Skyline Eco Adventures offers 5 zipline adventures for ages 10+.

This cool local grocery is a great place to get sandwiches and snacks after a day of snorkeling at Olowalu Beach.

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.

On Ka'anapali Beach, this open air shopping pavilion is filled with restaurants, shops, and a whale museum.

Built on the site of Maui's last ruling chief, this museum houses native tools, paintings, and photography that give you a glimpse into the lives of Maui's former Royal Family.

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.

In the highlands is a forest created by a botanist using trees from around the world. You can hike, mountain bike, or even zipline through it.

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.

It's a smaller theater showing 3 movies near the wharf in downtown Lahaina.

This mammoth movie complex features 12 screens and the biggest one on the island.

Located at Queen Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center you have 6 movies to choose from.

They stock lots of locally-grown organic produce and an extensive hot and cold salad bar.

If you're visiting Mt. Haleakala, this is a great place to stop by for ready-made food and local snacks.

Skip a trip to the market altogether and order everything to your residence.

With sweeping views of the island and a warm fireplace, this is a cozy place to relax and dine after a long day exploring Haleakala Volcano.

Purple fields of fragrant lavender cover this magical farm in the Maui highlands.

For something even fresher than a farmers market, stop by this local farm in Maui's Upcountry.

Before booking it to the summit, you can stop by this forest grove for a picnic and quick walk around.

When summiting a volcano, don't be afraid to ask directions. Here, you'll find park rangers ready to answer your questions, as well as a bathroom, and gift shop.

This spectacular overlook is a great place to snap a photo of Maui's lush greenery fading into red and black lava rock.

Catch a final glimpse of the cinder cones on your way down Mt. Haleakala (you won't be able to turn left here on your way up).

You're on top of the world! You can see the rainforests of Hana, the Big Island in the distance, and maybe even your resort, far below.

This 1/4-mile trail delivers maximum breathtaking views at minimum effort. It's a good option for families with young kids who still want to see Haleakala.

Hike down into moon-like valleys of dormant cinder cones. You can take on this entire 11-mile odyssey or turn back at any point for a hike of any length.

In the cool air of the Upcountry, Kula Bistro is a great place to stop for lunch and snacks on your way up Haleakala Volcano.

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.

Walk along Ka'anapali beach for brunch at this restaurant. Get the Cinnamon French Toast for breakfast, or fish tacos for lunch.

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.

Dine on pork cooked in an underground oven, while the sun sets over the ocean to traditional Hawaiian music and dance. It's an intimate venue great for families.

Relax in the cedar wood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, or get a Lomi Lomi massage. Then cool off in bamboo rainfall showers that run with water from the peaks above.

Pineapple scrub gently exfoliates and the Lomi Lomi and Swedish massage loosen tension. This large spa has 16 individual treatment rooms and 3 private couples rooms.

You can hear the soothing sound of the ocean from the cliffs above Napili Bay, as a delicate Lomi Lomi massage releases tension under the moonlight.

They're known for their hot stone treatments and soothing Himalayan Salt Room. They also have special massages for the mother-to-be.

Lie-down in a shaded beach cabana, and let the masseur to the rest. Then hop in the steam room to finish off.

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.

Tucked away in a nice family resort, this place is great for a drink and bite to eat by the pool.

It's an Ideal spot to snap a quintessential photo of the winding road. Kids will be delighted by the wild chickens roaming around here.

The sole survivor of the tsunami of 1948, this old stone church still holds services in a tiny village on the rugged Ke'anae Peninsula.

They give you flashlights to explore this 1,000-year-old lava flow. It's great for all ages, but if you're afraid of the dark, you can always stay in the car.

Located right next to the Hana Lava Tube, it's a beautiful maze made of cool red plants. It's a fun activity for kids who might be too scared to do the lava tube.

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

It's something out of a movie: walk through fragrant bamboo forests paved with fresh guava (eat one!) and cool off in stunning natural pools fed by waterfalls.

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.

The sublime beauty of this rainforest village is the reason why so many people make the drive through seamingly endless winding roads.

Far out there on the rugged Keanae peninsula, is this little treasure. Grab some banana bread or a full lunch and stretch. You're halfway to Hana!

It's a short hike to these two waterfalls at the beginning of the Road to Hana. If you're not feeling up to the full journey, you can always call it a day here.

Keep your eyes peeled at mile marker 7. On the left side you'll see a painted forest of eucalyptus trees with multi-colored bark.

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.

It's a small mall with a few good shops, but the real draw here is the free Hula show. Come at 1 pm on weekends to get a taste of Hula before committing to a $100 luau.

This is where you'll find a truly authentic souvenir. Browse through homemade crafts, clothing, and jewelry from local artists.

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.

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.

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.

This place is a local legend! They serve simple, perfectly cooked fish in a casual picnic table setting. Their fish burgers are legendary.

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

It's a favorite spot among locals for their decadent Katsu Moco with delicious gravy. For something light, try their Chinese Chicken Salad.

Try the Ahi Benedict or Goat Cheese Pancakes for breakfast, and the Spice Rubbed Fish or Poke Tacos for lunch.

Several kids can split the classic Hawaiian "Mixed Plate," which comes with slow cooked pork, rice, and macaroni salad. Or take it all on yourself!

Mouth-watering Pork Adobo is marinated to perfection at this local hole in the wall.

Near the Lahaina Harbor, it's a great place to fuel up before your ocean adventure. Get the Lox and Bagel Benedict!

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.

Kids will love watching silly goats with hilarious old-man beards and grown ups get to sample fresh cheese. Stop by casually or book a hands-on milking tour.

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.