Family Vacation GuideMaui

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

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.

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!

Like something out of a Tim Burton movie, the Maui Banyan Tree drapes its vines through a shaded park in front of the courthouse in downtown Lahaina. It's a great spot for a picnic!

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.

Give back to the island by helping keep its shorelines, forests, and beaches clean.

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.

Once you spot one whale, you'll start seeing them everywhere. There are so many whales out there that during the winter, you can watch them for free on the beach.

Last time Haleakala erupted, 400-500 years ago, it made this surreal lava field in Makena State Park.

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.

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.

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.

They have fresh produce, meats, seafood, wine, and beer, plus a great prepared foods section with sushi, sandwiches, and baked goods.

A huge supporter of local business, Mana foods offers produce from local farms, pre-made meals, and lots of vegan and specialty items.

They offer a loyalty card that's great if you're staying for over a week. You can earn points redeemable for discounts and airline miles.

They offer a loyalty card that's great if you're staying for over a week. You can earn points redeemable for discounts and airline miles.

They offer a loyalty card that's great if you're staying for over a week. You can earn points redeemable for discounts and airline miles.

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

The leading supermarket in Hawaii, they have everything you'd expect to find at Safeway, but with a local style and products that you can only get on Maui.

The leading supermarket in Hawaii, they have everything you'd expect to find at Safeway, but with a local style and products that you can only get here.

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

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.

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.

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

It's highly recommended that you get a full tank of gas before you head further towards Hana.

Just before mile marker 29, this tiny food stand makes some of the best coconut candy on the Road 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.

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.

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.

There's a famous song about this place, which has provided snacks and supplies to weary travelers for over 100 years.

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.

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.

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.

Grab some local kula greens, Hawaiian avocados and fresh fish at Fish Market Maui, next door.

Grab local fruits and veggies with views of the ocean and mountains in the background.

The Sharwil avocado is so good, it's been banned on the mainland. But you can get it here. You can also pick up local juices, jams, and fresh baked goods.

There's a wide variety of local fruits, veggies, and confectionaries at this Saturday morning market.

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.

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.