Best Things to Do in Maui, HI With Kids

The highest-rated authentic luau in Hawaii — has been since long before the 2023 fires. Imu ceremony (pig roasted in earth oven), hula performance with cultural narration (not the 'tourist version'), open seating (no upcharge for premium tables), local ingredients. The original location on Front Street is operating normally. If you do one luau in Hawaii, it's this.

Watch out: Books 6+ weeks ahead during peak weeks. Open-air seating means rain affects the show — they don't cancel for light rain but bring a layer. The drive into Lahaina town has some construction zones from the 2023 fire rebuild; allow extra time.

The calmest-water snorkel destination in Hawaii — coral reef inside a crescent-shaped volcanic cone, visibility 50–100 ft. Morning departures (before 9am) have flat water; afternoon trips deal with wind chop. Boats include snorkel gear, breakfast, and a marine biologist briefing. Best for first-time-snorkeler kids 6+.

Watch out: Some operators include a 'second stop' at Turtle Town (often false-advertised — turtles aren't guaranteed). Prioritize the Molokini-only morning trips (Trilogy, Pride of Maui) over the longer combo tours. Sea-sickness pills are wise for under-12s.

The above-clouds sunrise is the most-photographed Maui moment. Drive yourself = inadequate rental windshield defrost (it's 32°F at summit), unfamiliar mountain switchbacks at 3am, and the $50 permit application 60 days out at exactly 7am Hawaii time on recreation.gov. The guided bus tour handles all of it + includes breakfast at a Kula farm on the way down. Kids 8+ love it; under-8s won't stay awake for the drive.

Watch out: 32°F at the summit; jackets + hats are mandatory. The 2:30am pickup is real — there is no later option. Don't book on red-eye-arrival day; jet lag + 2:30am wake will break your family.

The Road to Hana is 60 miles, 600+ curves, ~50 worth-stopping spots, one-lane bridges, no shoulders. Drive yourself with kids = exhausting for the driver + the kids miss stops because you're afraid to stop. Guided van tour pays for itself: someone else drives, you stop at the right waterfalls (Twin Falls + Wailua + Black Sand Beach), and the guide knows which fruit stands are real.

Watch out: Some tours rush the Hana side and turn around early; book one that goes all the way to the Pools of Oheo (Seven Sacred Pools). Skip if anyone gets carsick easily — 600 curves is unforgiving. Pack layers + swimsuits + reef-safe sunscreen.

For kids who refuse to put a snorkel mask on — a real 65-ft submarine dives to 100 ft, kids see the same fish + reef as snorkelers but through windows. Climate-controlled, dry, and the under-10 crowd loves the submarine experience itself almost as much as the marine life.

Watch out: Significant upcharge vs surface snorkel boats. The shuttle boat to/from the submarine adds ~30 min each way to the listed duration. Not great for claustrophobic kids — preview a video before booking.