Posted on: March 14, 2018
Taking the whole family with you to Maui? Great! You will all love it. There are many local Maui resources that make traveling with children a joy. Follow the links below to find great opportunities for activities, camps, classes, and more that offer unique Hawaiian experiences for your kids.
Maui Ocean Center
This is one of our all-time favorites for the entire family. The Maui Ocean Center is the largest tropical aquarium in America. From Hawaiian sea life and a shark tank to educational displays on Hawaiian Culture and whale life, there really is something for all ages. A family of four pass runs less than $100.
And when you travel home, your kids can continue to learn with the Live Cam and Gallery!
Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Discovery Camp
Have fun, experience the ocean around you, and enjoy new discoveries and adventures at Ocean Discovery Camp. This popular day camp, offered by the experienced marine educators at Pacific Whale Foundation, is for children ages 6 to 12. Campers experience a variety of field trips and activities such as tidepool explorations, a trip to Maui Ocean Center, Beach games, surf/windsurf lessons, boat cruises, and hands-on science, and crafts.
Located at the Pacific Whale Foundation’s air-conditioned Discovery Center in Ma’alaea. Camp hours are from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 6:30 am – 4:00 pm Friday. Early drop-off and late pick-up can be arranged in advance by calling (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.
Maui Sports Unlimited Surf School Summer Surfing Camps
The three-day SURFING day camps for 6-12-year-olds at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei include SURFING skills, snack time, and some theory, some safety talks, sharing the gear with small groups 3-4 kids to 1 instructor. These youth power camps enrich the lives of the students and promote healthy active lifestyles. A great way for kids to learn the sport in a social environment. The big floaty boards are easy to use and the kids feel success right away. Kids receive a certificate on completion at the end of their three-day course.
Older kids and adults can also find lessons here… surfing, paddle boarding, and more. (808) 280-7060
Blue Water Rafting– A MUST – we LOVE IT! Do the Kanaio/ Molokini Tour – you don’t have to get out and snorkel if you don’t want to but the extended trip to Molokini is well worth it! You can even see the fish in the water while you are on the boat. The bonus is that if you go during whale season (Nov – May) you will also have a mini-whale watch!
Zipline is a great time and allows you to “fly through the air.” This activity is gaining popularity on Maui but you should certainly book in advance as they fill up quickly, especially if you are coming during High Season. I have done the one in Ka’anapali and the one by Haleakala- both are awesome. Skyline Eco is our favorite.
The Road to Hana– crazy twisty roads on sea cliffs- but BEAUTIFUL!!! make sure to pick up a CD or download the app that you play as you drive. This will tell you where to pull off to take one of the many hikes to the BEAUTIFUL waterfalls!!! Also, make sure to check out the black sand beach (there is a red sand beach as well)! You don’t want to miss: Keanae Peninsula, “heavenly Hana” town, Wainanapanapa, State Park (Black Sand Beach), Pools of Oheo (Seven Sacred Pools)-AMAZING! You can swim under a waterfall here! You can stop at any ABC store, or even Costco, K-Mart, or any grocery or gift store to find a CD. Or you can buy my favorite, R2H here.
A fun cultural trip to bring you back to the ancient Hawaiians is the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe and Snorkel Adventure. Better known as the Maui Sailing Canoe this is a fun time for all to go out on the water, snorkel and experience the ocean as the Hawaiians did many years ago. I’ve seen dolphins, whales, turtles and tons of other fish! They leave from Polo Beach in Wailea – just in front of the Kea Lani Hotel.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) can be a ton of fun. Go in the morning when the ocean is as smooth as ice. You can rent boards, or if you are new and just want to try it out, there are good SUP Schools here too.
Kids Resources
Call BABY’s AWAY at 800 942-9030 or 808 875-9030 for baby and child supply rental service providing quality equipment such as cribs, strollers, portable cribs, car seats, high chairs, toys, swings & exersaucers. We’ve used them for years.
Beach Rental Equipment can be a great accessory. After you have mastered the SUP from your lessons, you’ll want to rent one. Or perhaps you’ll want your own mask and fins or you just do not want to pack your stuff. THE SNORKEL STORE is a great Maui resource for beach rental equipment. Use this code at check out for a $20 savings ($20wev).
Or AKAMAI MOTHER’s RENTALS at Phone 808-298-1336 Many guests prefer this company. Same items as above.
Or NANA ENTERPRISES Toll-Free 888-584-NANA (6262): Phone 808-879-NANA (6262) Our housekeeper likes this company. Same items as above.
Tropical Toys: 808 876-0600 Tropical Toys will deliver Beach & Ocean Toys for your family to enjoy while on vacation.
Child Care: Call the NANNY CONNECTION at 808 875-4777 to request quality child care services for ordinary sitting jobs. If you call from the mainland they will call you back.