Family Vacation GuideMaui

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

Mama's Fish House might not be free, but the tide pools around it are. It's a great place for kids to see (and try to pronounce) anemones and baby crabs.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.