Family Vacation GuideMaui

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The mall here hosts free Ukulele and hula lessons. Learn how to play "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," and then act it out in smooth rhythmic dance moves.

Every night from Black Rock Beach, you can watch a torch lighting ceremony that ends with a 30-foot plunge into the ocean.

Luaus can be pricey, but this hula show is free from 6-8 pm, every night at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel.

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.

On the last Thursday of the month, The Baldwin Home Museum puts on a free outdoor concert with local musicians from 6-7:30 pm.

This isn't your typical luau music. It's a celebration of authentic Hawaiian folk music, epitomized by the distinct sound of the slack-key guitar.

With the "wow" factor of Cirque du Soleil, this powerful retelling of Hawaiian history is a blend of dance, music, and acrobatics.

Like something out of the Partridge Family, this family troupe, puts on a magic dinner show infused with family-friendly comedy.

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.

Five dancers toss flaming knives across the stage and acrobats pull a number of stunts. This luau is less crowded and about 1/2 the size of other luaus.

The perfect romantic date, it's a beautifully choreographed show with some of the "most fabulous cooking on Maui."

Even teenagers would have a hard time texting through the show. This spectacle blends hula and exciting Samoan fire knife dancing.

One of Maui's most affordable Luau's, you get one free ticket for kids 6-11, and all kids under 5 get in free.

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.

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.