Maui Family Fun Things to Do

As you plan your long awaited and well-deserved family trip to Maui, it’s likely you have pictured yourself playing for hours on end on a pristine beach with your kids happily jumping in the ocean or building sandcastles. You could probably almost feel that warm glisten of the Hawaiian sun bouncing off the Pacific. There can never be enough beach days, but once you arrive on Maui you may feel the call of the other countless adventures offered around the island. Browse through our list of family friendly activities you can try (other than spending the day at the beach) when vacationing on Maui.

Picnic at the Garden of Eden

The complete Road to Hana can sometimes be a bit too much for young children to handle, with all the turns and multiple hours in a car. But a great alternative can be a trip to a lush 26-acre garden about one-hour in on the Hana Highway. The Garden of Eden Arboretum is known for its stunning tropical plants, rare trees, and vibrant flowers, featuring over 700 botanically labeled species, including the largest collection of Ti plants in Hawaii. Visitors can explore more than two miles of scenic walking trails that wind through bamboo groves, colorful flower beds, and peaceful picnic areas where the family can enjoy a packed lunch together.

Visit the Maui Tropical Plantation

This sprawling property at the base of West Maui Mountains has been a special place to visit for visitors and locals alike for decades. In recent years, The Maui Tropical Plantation has undergone a renovation to bring this historic spot into a more modern aesthetic. A guided tram tour through the lush grounds will help you gain a great sense of agricultural history in regard to tropical fruits, flowers, and local coffees. A collection of local artisans and crafters have shops on property that can be a great place to score a unique souvenir. All in all, the Tropical Plantation has a little something for young and old and is an excellent place to spend a few hours with your family.

Plan a Beach Day

Let’s face it. Kids could entertain themselves for hours upon hours at the beach. They just want to play in the waves and build things in the sand. And Maui has some of the best beaches in the world, as confirmed by the 2025 TripAdvisor Read Choice Awards. Some top beach recommendations include Ulua Beach for snorkeling, Kaanapali Beach for relaxing, and Cove Beach Park in Kihei for learning to surf.

Explore I'ao Valley

Just up the road from Maui Tropical Plantation is a community park rich with Native Hawaiian history. Adjacent to historical Wailuku town, you will find a road that winds deep into the lush green of this the iconic valley. You may notice a fresh coolness in the air, and a sense of ease on this short drive. A very small number of private residences make up this tight community. You may notice some roadside fruit stands along the drive with selections picked off the tree that morning.

I’ao Valley boasts two state parks, the first you will encounter is Kepaniwai Park, with heritage gardens. Here you and your family can freely meander through the parks many tributes to the diverse ethnic makeup of Maui; Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Korean and more. Pack a picnic lunch to eat at one of the many pavilions that sit on the banks of a meandering stream.

The second park just up the road is I’ao Valley State Park and the iconic I’ao Needle. This small park is located in the heart of lush and deep mountain walls. Once parked, explore the numerous paved trails, read signs about local history and culture, walk through tarot patches and dip your toes in Iao River. Here, you will learn about 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai in which King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s army in a significant moment for Hawaii’s history. The paved walking paths are perfect for families with kids of all ages and restrooms are available here as well. While the fresh water river is much colder than the Maui ocean, you will often find many locals and visitors splashing in pooled off areas to cool off. Be careful during rainy conditions as this region is know for flash floods after heavy rains.

Check out South Maui Gardens

Located just a block off the popular beachfront South Kihei Road is the tropical oasis known as South Maui Gardens. Explore the plant nursery full of towering palm trees, colorful tropical plants, and beautiful orchids. Snap a family picture adorned with bright parrots at the Lahaina Bird Stand. Challenge family members to games of cornhole, giant Jenga, or connect four. If you get hungry, there are over a dozen food trucks to choose from, each offering a different cuisine option from around the world. Be sure to check the event calendar, as free movie nights and concerts are held regularly each month.

Plan a Shave Ice Safari

You may know it as a "snow cone", but in the state of Hawaii we call shave ice. No matter what you call it, this is the perfect island treat that makes any child’s eyes light up. No matter where you go on the Maui, a shave ice stand is not hard to find. These days, shave ice is above and beyond a rainbow of flavored syrup. These cold desserts now come with an array of ingredient options such as organic syrups, fresh coconut, ling hing mui, ice cream, and more. Plan to try a different shave ice option each day of your vacation.

Ululani's Shave Ice is usually the fan favorite option but other local options to try include Peace Love Shave Ice, Surfing Monkey, Da Kine Hawaiian Shave Ice, and Bling Bing (located in South Maui Gardens).

Swing by the Maui Butterfly Farm

The Maui Butterfly Farm, located in Olowalu, is Hawaii’s only walk-in butterfly flight house. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a hands-on, educational experience learning about the life cycle of butterflies and the farm’s mission to help preserve Hawaii’s declining native butterfly populations. The tour includes opportunities to hold caterpillars, observe chrysalis stages, and even have butterflies land on your hand as they feed on nectar. Be ready to capture that priceless photo of your kid with a butterfly on their face!

Jump for Joy at Ultimate Air Maui

Rainy days happen. Even in paradise. When you and your kids find yourself looking out on a rainy Maui scene, know that fun and adventure can still be had. Located in central Maui, a relatively new trampoline park featuring foam pits, basketball hoops and a dodgeball arena is always teaming with children. A few nights a week turn into a glow theme. Your kids won't want to leave!

Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center is Hawaii’s premier aquarium, dedicated to showcasing and preserving the unique marine life found in Hawaiian waters. It features over 60 immersive exhibits that replicate natural ocean habitats and plenty of hands-on experiences. Interactive touch pools allow children to hold urchins, sea cucumbers, starfish, and more. The kids will love exploring the 750,000-gallon walk-through glass tunnel, offering visitors a 360-degree underwater view of sharks, rays, and tropical fish.

Pet the Goats at Surfing Goat Dairy

Head up Haleakala for some stunning views, and while you are up the mountain be sure to swing by Surfing Goat Dairy. The kids will love feeding and petting the goats, learning about farm practices, and even sampling some of the award-winning artisanal goat cheeses. Ordering a goat cheese sampler flight is a must-do!

Book a Zipline Adventure

For the families made up of thrill seekers, consider a zipline adventure while vacationing on Maui. Whether you want to fly through treetop canopies as you climb elevated boardwalks, or zipline side-by-side on tandem lines, you can find your adventure on Maui. Soar through cloud forests, over deep ravines, and even over waterfalls. There are a handful of zipline courses spread across Maui, each offering a memorable experience.

Fun Family Activity Ideas on Maui