Maui is filled with endless magic and beautiful places to explore. I want to make it easy for you to enjoy chillin at the pool/beach, and explore some of the island’s best spots. check out my top picks of things to do on Maui with your kids. these are perfect for the alternative family who is open to getting off the beaten path.

Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley, needle, stream, and surrounding area is mystifying. this sacred place also has a rich history. bring your bathing suits and take a dip in this powerful water! you will emerge a whole new being… it’s for real! the paths are paved so it’s perfect for kids, but I do recommend taking those shoes off and getting your barefoot on the land and rocks. before or after, check out wailuku town. pop in request music and support our record store and grab a bite to eat at kokopele for healthy kine options or 808 on main for sandwiches.

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Ho’okipa Lookout

watch some of the best surfers at ho’okipa beach park, just outside of paia town on the northshore. there’s a couple of different bluffs you can explore. down on the beach there’s little pools for the kids to play in, and often turtles! turtle etiquette: do not disturb them! admire from a distance.

if you’re hitting ho’okipa on your way back from hana, watch the sunset behind the west maui mountains.

Baby Beach

Baldwin Beach is THE north shore spot for enjoying the sunshine, walking along the beach, and getting a taste of more local style livin’. Baby Beach is located on the far left if you were to park in the main lot. you can walk from there, but with babies, park in the spreckelsville neighborhood lot so you’re not hauling your goods down the beach.

pack a picnic from mana foods, they have a salad and hot bar, healthy snacks, and all kinds of tropical fruits. choice health bar in paia also has loads of good vegan food.

Hana

if you have little ones, this trip might be a bit of a trek — especially if you’re coming from Lahaina side. but if you haven’t booked your hotel or rental yet, book a night or two! it’s fun to stay in Hana instead of rushing through, so you can slow down and soak in what this special place on Maui has to offer. check out airbnb or travasa, and break your trip up so you can get a switch up from the typical tourist thing.

leave early – beat the traffic and make the most out of your day.
please read the tips on hana regulation regulation official website and their code of conduct before you go!
stop at Paia Bay Coffee on the way to fuel up.
pull over for locals. for real! lots of turn outs.
favorite places: Wai’anapanapa State Park, Koki and Hamoa!
pranee’s thai food for lunch – hit it up early, she sells out.
vegan burrito at the Surfing Burro!

Haleakala

even if your kids aren’t early risers, might be worth convincing them to get their booty’s out of bed and pile into the car. they can snooze on the way! you’ll want to time your drive to make it to the summit well before the sunrises (check what time it is here).

tips:

Haleakala (house of the sun) was used by hawaiian’s for ceremonial purposes and is a sacred place. feel LOVE while you’re up there! it is an honor to be in the crater. the legend tells that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun as it passed overhead, slowing its passage across the sky to prolong its life-giving warmth.
get that hot coco and coffee ready, pile on your warmest clothes and pack blankies. BRR! worth every second of teeth-chattering.
after you watch sunrise, take a short walk down sliding sands trail. it’s peaceful, quiet, with stunning views. as with any place on earth, leave it more beautiful! bring your reusable water bottle to avoid buying plastic and use reef-safe sunscreen (less toxins) to keep our ocean and island beautiful. my favorite is raw love sunscreen.
UPDATE: you need to reserve sunrise ahead of time! please go to the haleakala website to check availability. it’s only $1, but you need to book it in. if it is all booked during your stay, sunset is a gorgeous time too!