Originally Posted May 2019, Updated May 2026
Hawaii is home to a very family-oriented, or ‘Ohana’, culture, which is why so many families travel from around the world to spend some quality time here. As one of Hawaii’s top vacation destinations, Maui is no exception when it comes to a wide array of family-friendly activities. Whether your tribe is total beach bums, adventure enthusiasts, or prefers indoor activities, there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do around Maui. Read on for a list of our favorites.
1. Butterfly Farm Tour
Visit Hawaii’s only walk-in butterfly tour for a hands-on, fun, and educational experience that’s something special for the whole family. Learn about a butterfly’s profound four-stage process as it metamorphoses from a crawling caterpillar into a glorious winged butterfly! The Maui Butterfly Farm is located at the Olowalu Farmers Market on Hwy 30 just South of Lahaina. Experience the joy of having a butterfly feed on sweet nectar from a flower in your hand. Or for something you have never experienced, dip your finger into sweet nectar and watch as butterflies alight on your finger, their delicate and gentle feet tickling you as they delight in your sweet offering. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, and you will be thrilled with every minute!
2. Maui Tropical Plantation - Tropical Express Tour
The Tropical Express tour at Maui Tropical Plantation is a 40-minute plantation tour ideal for families and visitors who would enjoy a fresh and fun overview of Hawaii’s most popular and well-known fruits and plants. The tour cruises through the plantation, loops around the scenic lagoon, and includes a live 20-minute coconut husking demonstration. Smell the flowers, see the fresh fruit, and best of all, ask questions and hear Hawaii’s tropical stories.
3. Explore ‘Iao Valley
Lush 'Iao Valley (pronounced EE-OW) is a memorable place for a day trip. Its breathtaking landscape includes Kuka‘emoku, the ‘Iao Needle, which rises 1200 feet from the valley floor. The valley has a rich cultural and spiritual history and was the site of the battle of Kepaniwai, where the forces of Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army in 1790. There is a paved 0.6-mile walk that takes you to the ‘Iao Needle lookout. Also in the valley is the Kepaniwai Park and Heritage Gardens, established in 1952 to recognize the multicultural history of Maui. You can walk through the park and observe different structures that celebrate the contributions of Hawaiian, American missionary, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Korean, and Filipino cultures.
4. Maui Zipline at Maui Tropical Plantation
If you’re looking for a little excitement, Maui’s newest and most family-friendly zipline is a thrilling adventure that soars over the Tropical Plantation. Maui Zipline, located at Maui Tropical Plantation, is great fun for the whole family and welcomes children as young as 5 years old. Zip over a lush landscape, swaying palms, and marvel at the majestic views of Maui. If someone in your group doesn’t want to zipline, they’re welcome to enjoy the Tropical Plantation, and can observe all the ziplines from the lagoon area, where they can watch their loved ones soar overhead!
5. Hit the Beach
Maui has many beautiful and kid-friendly beaches. Two of our favorites are Napili Beach and Launiupoko Beach Park. Napili Beach is wonderful for snorkeling, with turtles often making a celebrity appearance. When there’s a swell, it can be good for boogie boarding and playing in the waves. Plenty of golden sand is ideal for making sand castles. Just south of Lahaina, Launiupoko Beach has ample parking and space for picnicking with shade trees. There is a nice sandy section of beach for entering the water, with a protected bay. On the outside, you can watch surfers catching waves that break farther offshore.
6. Catch Some Air
If you’re looking for some high-energy indoor fun or simply a way to wear out the kids, head to Ultimate Air indoor trampoline park in Kahului. They have all kinds of trampolines and a foam pit. All ages are welcome, and jumpers are separated by age and size for safety. If you have a large group, reservations are recommended.
7. Visit The Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea is one of the top aquariums in the world! In addition to their aquarium, they have wonderful educational exhibits on the coral reefs of the Pacific, Hawaiian culture and history, whales, and more. They offer a behind-the-scenes tour where you can meet with a real marine scientist, learn about the animals they care for, and help them with feeding. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, year-round. General admission varies for children, adults, and seniors, with free entry for children under 4. Discounts are available for advanced bookings and for Hawaii residents.
8. Spend a Saturday in Upcountry
Take a weekend drive to the Upcountry Farmers Market. This market is the best on the island, with tons of vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, and value-added products, plus delicious prepared foods. This market is a favorite for island residents and is a super family-friendly environment with room for the kids to run around. It’s best to get there early, as it runs from 7 AM - 11 AM, and the good stuff goes fast. After the market, check out the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm for a tour. Their beautiful property is set on the slopes of Haleakala with stunning ocean and mountain views, plus photo-worthy lavender fields that smell amazing.
9. Visit Maui Animal Farm
Located just south of Lahaina, Maui Animal Farm offers hours of entertainment for younger kids in a fun, educational environment. They offer public and private petting zoo tours and birthday parties. They have an awesome collection of critters, including miniature ponies and donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, tortoises, and a pig. Visitors can pet, feed, and learn about each animal with guidance from the staff.
10. Play With Your Food
Slappy Cakes in Kaʻanapali is a fun, family-oriented breakfast place to make your own pancakes. Enjoy creating and eating the pancakes of your dreams with your very own griddle at your table. They offer a variety of pancake batters to choose from, including chocolate, buttermilk, gluten-free/vegan, plus rotating seasonal flavors. A deliciously fun experience for the whole family!
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