After our recent trip to Maui during an extremely wet spring break (thank you Kona Low), we updated this list to include activities that work all year round as well as some off-the-beaten path ones that may come in handy during those rainy days.
With this guide, we wanted to really showcase some of the hidden gems outside of the classic Haleakala sunrise visit and Road to Hana trip that should be be part of every first itinerary.
If you’re planning a family trip and trying to narrow down what is worth doing, these are the Maui experiences that we’d put at the top of our list.
1. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
For families with kids who are comfortable in the water, this is one of Maui’s classic boat excursions and a highlight of our trip. The water is usually very clear, the marine life was excellent, and many operators are set up to make the experience easy for first-timers.
We chose to go with Kai Kanani on the Sunrise Sail which was an amazing and quick catamaran trip that launched right from Makena beach. Other very reputable operators include Trilogy and you can find a full list of the top-rated Maui snorkeling operators here.
Most tours are between 3-4 hours and have a stop at Molokini as well as Turtle Town. Most of the higher end ones also throw in some delicious breakfast, snacks and some incredible Mai Tai’s as you can see below.
2. Learn how to Surf
Maui is a great place to try surfing for the first time. A beginner lesson can be a highlight for kids, teens, and parents too. In good weather, the waves and sandy bottoms of Maui beaches are perfectly suited to learn how to shred. There are many local (and amazing) surfing shops right in South or West Maui. Our top picks were Maui Wave Riders (that launch out of Kihei or a secondary option in Lahaina) and Maui Surfer Girls that usually do lessons at Ukumehama Beach Park. Check out some other highly rated surf operators here.
3. Visit the Maui Ocean Center
This is one of the best family-friendly attractions on the island, especially if you need a non-beach day, a rainy-day backup plan, or just a break from the sun. Located in West Maui and a short distance from the airport as well as Wailea, this definitely surprised.
Most visitors can spend between two to three hours but if you really do it right, you could easily spend half a day here. Current exhibits include living coral reefs, sharks and rays in the Open Ocean exhibit, sea turtles in Turtle Lagoon, the Sphere experience, and daily naturalist talks.
4. Explore Upcountry Maui
Upcountry is a nice reminder that Maui is more than beaches and resorts. The cooler temperatures, open landscapes, farms, and ranch feel make it a fun change of pace especially if you are on longer trips.
The top things that we did here were the Maui Pineapple Tour, the Kula Country Farm and if you are really willing to get crazy, the Maui Alpaca Farm.
5. Watch surfers and sea turtles at Ho‘okipa Beach Park
This is one of the best easy stops in Maui. A quick 30-40min drive from Wailea and on the road to Hana, you pass through the rustic town of Paia and then on to the beach. Even if no one in your family is getting in the water, it is fun to watch the surfers take on some very challenging surf.
Unlike the more sheltered beaches of South and West Maui, the North side gets the biggest swells and is a surfers paradise. As an added bonus, the left side of the beach is often a great place to spot sea turtles resting near shore. It is one of those places that feels very Maui without requiring a full-day commitment.
6. Do a Maui Style Escape Room
I know this sounds completely crazy to add to a list of Maui activities. But if you have had plenty of sun and you are looking to make some fun memories, the folks at Mystery Maui did an absolutely amazing job during a rainy afternoon.
They have two rooms and can accommodate groups of up to 6 or more people. We had two kids in the group and three adults and everyone had a blast.
We went with the harder room and unfortunately did not make it out despite LOTS of help but the kids were begging to go back. Highly recommended and quick drive from almost any location on the island.
7. Stop at Waiʻānapanapa State Park for Black Sand Beach
If you only do one iconic stop on the Road to Hāna, make it this one. The black-sand beach is stunning, and the dramatic coastline makes it feel very different from Maui’s resort beaches. It is one of the most visually striking places on the island. Just plan ahead: reservations are required for non-resident visitors, including entry and parking, and same-day reservations are not available.
8. Visit ʻĪao Valley
If your family wants at least one easy nature outing that is not beach-focused, this is a good one. Central Maui’s ʻĪao Valley is known for lush scenery, streams, and the iconic ʻĪao Needle. The Iao Valley State Park is a great place to start and see some of that lush countryside.
9. Go Whale Watching
If you’re visiting during humpback season, this is one of the best places in the world to watch whales. Watching these gentle giants splash around or even breach is the kind of outing that tends to impress every age group.
If you are lucky, you might be able to see a pod or a mom and baby exploring the ocean depths. As an aside, Maui Ocean Center also currently features Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi content as part of its visitor experience.
10. Leave room for simple beach-and-sunset time
This may sound obvious, but it is easy to overpack a Maui itinerary. Some of the best family memories here come from the unplanned stuff — swimming until the kids are exhausted, grabbing shaved ice after dinner, or watching the sky change colors from the beach.
Maui has plenty of bucket-list adventures, but it is also a place that rewards slowing down. And appreciating those picture-perfect sunsets.
Planning Tips for your Maui Adventures
- Check snorkel conditions at Snorkel Bob’s. A great resource to find daily conditions at some of the most popular spots around the island. Given the rainy weather and the dreaded brown water, we were constantly checking to see if our trips would run into issues and what the visibility would be like. We were lucky with an 8 at Molokini which means really good conditions and the pictures showed it.
- If it’s your first time surfing, check out the drive time to the launch spot and paddle time out. Some operators can launch right off the beach while others need you to paddle out to get to the break. For first timers, I would recommend choosing the ones that do it right off the beach
- Reservations: Maui reservations are especially important to know about before you go. Haleakalā sunrise requires advance reservations for early summit entry, and Waiʻānapanapa State Park also requires advance entry and parking reservations for nonresidents. Those are the two I would lock in first if they are on your list.