Maui is a famous romantic honeymoon destination, but there is plenty to do for families as well. This idyllic island has crystal-clear waters, a lush countryside and a number of family-friendly attractions.
Kid-Friendly Hotels
The most important factor in planning a kid-friendly vacation in Maui is to pick the right hotel. You don't want a romantic, secluded love nest where honeymooners are necking in the hot tub. Choose a hotel with a lot of children's activities, like the Grand Wailea, which features a 2,000-foot-long series of nine pools connected by a river that offers a number of water-related activities.
Grand Wailea
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 96753
(800) 888-6100
http://www.grandwailea.com
Snorkeling
There are so many great places to snorkel in Hawaii, you'll have a hard time picking one. You can visit a beach, or you can take a trip by boat to one of the more secluded locations offshore. Rent equipment (snorkel, goggles and flippers), and head out to Honolua Bay, possibly the best Maui snorkeling spot on a good day. Or check out Kahekili Beach Park for its wonderful snorkeling and comfortable facilities.
Maui Ocean Center
Rated one of Hawaii's top family attractions is the Maui Ocean Center. Dive into a tank with 20 live sharks, or visit the aquarium after dark, a completely unique experience. This aquatic center is educational as well as entertaining and compliments other Hawaiian excursions, such as whale watching.
Maui Ocean Center
192 Ma'alaea Road
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
(808) 270-7000
http://www.mauioceancenter.com
Maui Tropical Plantation
Take a tour of the Maui Tropical Plantation, a working plantation just outside the city. You'll get to ride the tram (for a fee), see the beautiful landscape and try free samples of some of the crops grown there like papaya, mango and coconut. You'll even get to husk a coconut yourself.
Maui Tropical Plantation
1670 Honoapiilani Highway
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
(800) 451-6805
http://www.mauitropicalplantation.com
Maui Luau
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, a Hawaiian luau is sure to impress the kids. The food is endless, the entertainment spectacular and all in a stunning tropical location.
Most luau dinners are served buffet-style and almost always have tasty pork, local-style chicken, native fish, steak and a variety of side dishes, salads and desserts. Shows feature Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance, performed by beautifully skilled dancers and daring artists. Check around as some luaus allow one child under 12 years old free entry for every paying adult.
Tags: Maui Ocean, Maui Ocean Center, Maui Tropical, Maui Tropical Plantation, Ocean Center, Tropical Plantation, Grand Wailea