Planning a Maui vacation with kids can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to help.
This guide walks you through a complete 7 day itinerary designed for families with children of all ages.
I’ve spent time researching the best family experiences across West Maui, South Maui, Upcountry, and the famous Road to Hana.
Let’s start planning your family trip to Maui.
Planning Your Maui Trip
Planning ahead helps your family make the most of your Maui vacation. Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds.
Summer sees the most visitors book early. Whale watching season runs from December through April. Lahaina and Kaanapali offer calm beaches.
Wailea features upscale resorts, while Kihei provides budget-friendly condos. Renting a car is necessary.
The road to Hana stretches 64 miles with over 600 curves. Start early and take breaks. Fill up gas before heading to Hana.
7 Day Maui Itinerary for Families
A week-long family adventure covering Maui’s beaches, historic towns, animal encounters, Road to Hana, and cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrival & West Maui Trip
Ease into your vacation with beach time and light exploring. Check into your hotel and decompress. Kaanapali Beach provides calm water and soft sand.
Kapalua Bay works well for families with younger children. Skip structured activities today. If energized, find the northern coastline.
Dragon’s Teeth Access Trail takes about 30 minutes. D.T. Fleming Beach Park offers swimming with lifeguards and restrooms. Arrive before 10 AM for parking.
Day 2: Lahaina Adventures
Find Lahaina’s history and kid-friendly attractions. Start at Punakea Palms Coconut Tour. Kids learn how coconuts grow and can climb coconut trees.
The experience lasts about two hours. The Atlantis Adventures Submarine takes your family 100 feet below the ocean to see tropical fish and coral reefs for about 45 minutes.
Walk through historic Lahaina. The Banyan Tree covers nearly an acre. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice serves the best shaved ice on Maui.
Day 3: Lahaina Continued
Animal encounters and an evening luau. Paradise Eco Adventures offers fruit tasting tours and alpaca feeding. Tours run about 90 minutes.
Experience traditional Hawaiian food, music, and dance at a luau. Feast of Lele stands out for its beach setting and fire knife dancing. Reserve at least two weeks ahead.
Day 4: South Maui & Upcountry
Head inland to Maui’s cooler Upcountry region. Maui Animal Farm lets kids feed goats, sheep, chickens, and exotic animals like kangaroos.
Book the earliest tour. Historic Makawao Town offers a quieter pace. Komoda Store & Bakery sells famous cream puffs.
Ali’i Kula Lavender and Surfing Goat Dairy offer tours. Both require reservations. Pack layers.
Day 5: Road to Hana
Tackle Maui’s famous drive with strategic stops. Start before 7 AM. Twin Falls hike takes 10 minutes.
Wai’anapanapa State Park features a black sand beach and lava tubes. Reserve parking online. Stop at roadside waterfalls.
Seven Sacred Pools sits past Hana town. Pack snacks and changes of clothes. Plan for 6-8 hours total. Fill gas in Paia.
Day 6: South Maui Trip
Marine life, working farm, and sunset from Maui’s highest peak. Maui Ocean Center showcases Hawaiian marine life with a shark tunnel and touch pools.
Plan for 2-3 hours. Ocean Organic Farm & Distillery lets kids feed chickens. The restaurant serves farm-to-table meals.
Drive to Haleakalā National Park for sunset above the clouds. Bring winter jackets as temperatures drop 30-40 degrees. Arrive one hour before sunset.
Day 7: Central Maui & North Shore
Valley hikes and beach town shopping. Iao Valley offers easy walks. The main trail is half a mile roundtrip. Arrive early.
Paia Town has eclectic shops. Baldwin Beach Park has lifeguards and calm water. Ho’okipa Beach is famous for watching surfers and sea turtles.
Mama’s Fish House requires reservations weeks in advance. Book online exactly 30 days before your desired date.
Family Travel Tips for Maui
Smart planning keeps your family comfortable and happy throughout the week.
- Pack extra sunscreen and reapply every two hours. Bring spare swimsuits and dry clothes, keeping extras in the car since kids will get wet multiple times daily
- Stock your car with snacks from local grocery stores, better prices than resort shops. Carry motion sickness remedies for winding coastal roads
- Plan downtime at beaches without scheduling every hour. Kids need unstructured time to play. Choose age-appropriate activities that match your kids’ interests and stamina
- Bring a first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, and pain reliever for minor scrapes on lava rocks and trails
- Download entertainment for devices to ease long drives and restaurant waits. Set realistic expectations and focus on creating happy memories
Conclusion
Your Maui family vacation will create memories that last years beyond the tan lines.
I’ve watched my own kids grow more confident in the ocean and more curious about different cultures after our Hawaii trips.
Take this itinerary and adjust it to fit your family’s pace. Some days you’ll check off every activity, other days you’ll spend hours building sandcastles.
Both are perfect. Start booking your accommodations and car rental now.
Leave a comment below sharing which day you’re most excited about, or tell me what questions you still have about planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best area to stay in Maui with kids?
West Maui Kaanapali and Lahaina offer the calmest beaches and most family-friendly resorts. South Maui provides more budget options with equally good swimming conditions.
Do I need to rent a car for a Maui family vacation?
Yes, renting a car is necessary for reaching most attractions, beaches, and restaurants. Public transportation is very limited across the island.
Is the Road to Hana safe for families with young children?
The Road to Hana is safe if you drive carefully and take breaks. Start early, pack snacks and entertainment, and give kids motion sickness medication beforehand.
What should I pack for a week in Maui with kids?
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, multiple swimsuits, rash guards, water shoes, light jackets for Upcountry, snacks, and any motion sickness remedies your children might need.
Are luaus appropriate for young children?
Most luaus welcome children and offer kid-friendly food options. The shows include music and fire dancing that entertain all ages, though very young toddlers might get restless.