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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)!

2,500 species of plants and trees line a landscape of lava rocks, natural streams, and koi ponds. These gardens give you a sense of Hawaii's stunning biodiversity.

Take an easy 2-mile hike to a scenic ridge with panoramic views of central Maui. Ioa Valley was also the site of an epic battle and served as a burial ground in ancient Hawaiian history.

It feels like an alien world in the cinder cone gardens of Mt. Haleakala. Come for the view at sunrise or sunset, heck, come anytime, it's out of this world!

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.

Serene wetlands in Maui's central valley make for a great place to watch dozens of exotic bird species. Come in the mornings when the sun is out and wind is less.

If you're a proud astronomy geek and want to meet other proud astronomy geeks, join this Maui astronomy group and find you're posse.

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.

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.

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!

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

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!