Maui for Kids

The list below is my choice for Maui activities for kids, activities where kids can be active and touch and feel and experience, rather than just read or reflect.

At the same time, as a parent I am sneaking in some active learning and appreciation for nature and ecology and Hawaiian culture.

My final criterion is an eye towards safety, especially when the ocean is involved.

Maui Ocean Center for Kids

This marine park lets you experience in a few hours what takes days on different Maui tours and trips - marine life such as reef fish and porpoises and seals and humpback whales that you may encounter during your ocean activities.

Use the Maui Ocean Center to both entertain and educate your kids and yourself with a variety of indoor and outdoor aquariums and exhibits and live ocean creatures.

According to the Zagat survey U.S. Family Travel Guide, this marine park was voted the top-rated Hawaii attraction and one of the 50 top-rated attractions in the U.S.

Best Maui Rides for Kids

Step back in time on the Maui Sugar Cane Train. Your kid will be learning about Maui history while enjoying the clanking ride in a choo choo train with the wind blowing in through the open air window during a relaxing six mile ride between Lahaina and Kaanapali.

Excluding the theme park wannabes, have you every been in a real submarine? The Maui submarine - Atlantis is a real ocean submersible that goes on real ocean dives that let you view the ocean floor, reef fish and a sunken whaling ship.

The Reef Dancer glass bottom boat looks like a yellow submarine with an underwater viewing cabin that runs under the entire length of the vessel. Kids love to view coral and underwater creatures on both sides of the boat as the Reef Dance smoothly glides along the surface on this easy ride.

Best Maui Ocean Activities for Kids

The outdoor classroom for groups of students from local Lahaina surf shops is just outside the breakwater at the south end of Lahaina Harbor. Our Lahaina surfing lessons here let us learn to surf in two hours.

Best Free Maui Museum for Kids

Best Maui Luaus for Kids

Want to see a luau show, but not spend any money? The best free Maui hula shows (Polynesian hula and Tahitian dance) are on an outdoor stage at Kaanapali's Whalers Village. And some kikei (kids) dance in the show.

The Hyatt Maui Luau in Kaanapali offers a discount rate for teenagers (teenagers are often charged the same amount as adults), in addition to the more common 'kids' (12 or under) discount.

The Royal Lahaina Luau in Kaanapali often offers one free child with each paid adult, and the luau fills up with families.

The Aston Maui Lu Luau wallet friendly south Maui luau in Kihei caters to families and children. If you are not into luau food, their Polynesian Village Luau also offers a budget busting SHOW ONLY option.

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