Days of Fun in Maui

By Sarah Etinas

Spend your Hawaiian vacation exploring everything from black sand beaches to a farm with friendly goats.

Maui is regarded as one of the best vacation destinations in the world. With sunny beaches, fantastic snorkelling and the exciting road to Hana, it is an amazing destination, especially for families, whether you’d like to spend your time relaxing or adventuring.

As a resident of the neighbouring island of Oahu, my family and I have made many trips to Maui. I began visiting with my parents when I was just six years old. Ever since then, we’ve visited regularly. In other words, most activities on itinerary below have been tested and approved by yours truly.

CHILL BY THE POOL OR AT THE BEACH

After the lengthy flight to Hawaii, you may want to take things slow on your first day. Simply check into a lovely hotel, like Grand Wailea. With its oceanfront location and top-notch service, you’ll immediately feel like you’re in paradise.

GRAND WAILEA MAUI, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT

© GRAND WAILEA MAUI

Once you settle into your Hawaiian-styled room, head to the pool to try out the dozen thrilling water slides. Bonus: instead of climbing back up the stairs for repeat rides, take the world’s only water elevator back to the top.

If you like, you can combine your pool day with a beach day. After all, Makena Beach, a.k.a. Big Beach, is just 10 minutes away. While there, you and your youngsters can swim, enjoy the sun and build sandcastles to your hearts’ content.

HEAD TO HALEAKALA

Despite a restful day, you and your family might still feel jetlagged, but that doesn’t need to be a disadvantage. Use your early wake-up time to enjoy sunrise on Haleakala, the tallest peak on Maui.

DAYBREAK SUNSHINE AT ALII KULA LAVENDER FARM

© ALII KULA LAVENDER FARM

Once you’ve watched the pastel colours paint the sky, make your way back down the mountain for a visit to Alii Kula Lavender. This lovely farm boasts picture-perfect lavender fields, exotic flowers and tasty lavender-infused treats, like scones, tea and honey.

You’ll also want to check out Surfing Goat Dairy, where your kids can say hello to the friendly goats, take a tour, and buy some delicious goat milk cheeses.

SAY HELLO TO THE FRIENDLY RESIDENTS OF SURFING GOAT DAIRY

© HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) / DAEJA FALLAS

GO SNORKELLING

Dedicate some time for a snorkelling excursion to Molokini, a small crescent-shaped island off the coast of Maui, known for its colourful coral, spiky sea urchins and friendly fish. If you’re lucky, you may see Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Molokini is very kid-friendly since it’s protected from large swells and many of the commercial boats have lifeguards present to help protect guests.

ENJOY A SNORKELLING EXCURSION TO MOLOKINI

© HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) / LUC DELAMARE

ROAD TO HANA

The road to Hana with its 600 turns may be the most famous activity on Maui. This experience is all about the journey, not the destination. To fit in all the neat stops along the way, get started early and don’t forget to fill up on gas in Paia.

The first stop worth your time is Twin Falls. Getting there is an easy hike, so it’s suitable for kids of all ages. When you reach the end of the trail, which takes about two or three hours, you’ll be rewarded with views of two gorgeous waterfalls.

STATE FISH OF HAWAII, HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUAA (REEF TRIGGERFISH)

© HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) / TOR JOHNSON

By the midpoint in your journey, you may need a snack. Luckily, there is a fantastic snack stop on Keanae Peninsula – Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread, known for having the best banana bread on Maui. Buy a loaf or two for the road.

FRESH BANANA BREAD AVAILABLE ALONG THE ROAD TO HANA

© HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) / TOMMY LUNDBERG

The final stop before you reach Hana is Waianapanapa State Park, a lovely spot with sea caves, ancient Hawaiian temples, lava tubes and a black sand beach. (Make sure the kids put on footwear since the sand can get very hot.) Just a couple of kilometres further, you’ll finally reach the sleepy town of Hana, where you stay the night in a hotel, camp and explore the coastline.

EXPLORE THE WEST SIDE

Lahaina is a popular town for shopping and strolling on Front Street. If there’s just one shop you have to visit, it’s Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. Thanks to its natural fruit syrups and smooth ice texture, this local company boasts the best shave ice in the state.

TIME FOR ULULANI’S HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE

© HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) / BEN ONO

Before you return home, enjoy a luau, one of the coolest Hawaiian traditions. The Old Lahaina Luau is widely known as the best on the island because of its authenticity, from its cuisine to the talented hula dancers and death-defying fire dancers. It’s the perfect blend of culture and entertainment.