Family Vacation GuideMaui

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.