Maui

A world-class aquarium focused on Hawaii marine life with a 750,000-gallon open ocean exhibit you walk through in an underwater tunnel. Kids are transfixed by the sharks, rays, and tropical fish swimming overhead and all around them. Touch pools let kids handle sea stars and sea cucumbers. The exhibits are organized by habitat from shallow reef to deep ocean. A turtle lagoon features rescued Hawaiian green sea turtles. The Sphere is an immersive 3D whale experience. This is the best rainy-day option on Maui and worth a visit regardless of weather.

A working tropical farm with a tram tour through 60 acres of crops including pineapple, coffee, coconut, sugar cane, and macadamia nut trees. Kids love the tram ride where the guide lets them taste fruit picked right from the trees. The zipline course over the farm is a hit with older kids. The on-site store sells fresh tropical fruit and the Mill House restaurant is excellent. A coconut husking demonstration and coconut water tasting are fun interactive elements. It is a mellow, educational outing that works for all ages.

Maui is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Humpback whales migrate here every winter and the waters between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai are a prime calving ground. Boat tours regularly encounter breaching, tail slapping, and mother-calf pairs at close range. Kids are absolutely spellbound by these massive creatures. The Pacific Whale Foundation and other operators run multiple daily departures. Even from shore, whales are often visible from December through April. The experience is awe-inspiring at any age.

A family-friendly zipline course through the tropical upcountry of Maui with lines designed specifically for kids as young as 5. Multiple zipline operators offer courses ranging from short beginner lines to longer, faster lines for teens. The views of the ocean and mountains from the zipline platforms are incredible. The guides are encouraging and patient with nervous first-timers. Kids who are initially scared always want to go again by the end. This is a great adrenaline activity that works for a wide age range.

A boat trip to a partially submerged volcanic crater 3 miles offshore with some of the clearest water and best snorkeling in all of Hawaii. Visibility often exceeds 150 feet and the protected interior of the crescent-shaped crater is calm and teeming with tropical fish. Kids are amazed by the underwater visibility and the sheer number and variety of fish. Most tours include snorkel gear, breakfast, and lunch on board. Morning departures offer the calmest conditions. Sea turtles and sometimes reef sharks are spotted in the deeper areas.

A natural blowhole on the rugged northwest coast of Maui that shoots ocean water up to 100 feet in the air when the surf is up. The short hike down from the road (about 0.6 miles) crosses rocky lava terrain to a dramatic coastline. Kids are thrilled by the eruptions of water from the blowhole. The surrounding lava formations and tide pools are fascinating. Stay well back from the blowhole and cliff edges as it is genuinely dangerous up close. The heart-shaped rock formation nearby is another fun find for kids.

A series of cascading pools and waterfalls that flow from the mountains down to the ocean in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. When conditions allow, swimming in the tiered rock pools is magical with waterfall-fed water and views of the ocean below. The pools are frequently closed for safety during high water so check before making the long drive. A short paved trail leads to the lower pool area. The setting is stunningly beautiful with jungle, waterfalls, and ocean all in one view.

One of the best shore-access snorkeling spots on Maui with a massive coral reef that extends far offshore in shallow calm water. Green sea turtles are almost guaranteed here and the reef is teeming with tropical fish. The water is shallow and calm making it accessible for kids who are new to snorkeling. The entry is sandy and the reef starts about 50 yards from shore. There are no facilities so bring everything you need. The reef extends for over a mile, so the further out you go, the more diverse the marine life becomes.

A mountain forest on the slopes of Haleakala at 6,200 feet that feels nothing like tropical Hawaii. Towering redwood, eucalyptus, and pine trees create a cool, misty forest that could be in the Pacific Northwest. The Redwood Trail and Plum Trail are family-friendly loops through these unusual forests. The temperature is 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the coast which surprises kids who expect Hawaii to always be hot. On clear days the views of Maui central valley and the ocean are spectacular. A cabin is available for overnight stays.

A 4-mile round trip trail through a dense bamboo forest that is one of the most magical walks in Hawaii. The trail ends at Waimoku Falls, a 400-foot waterfall cascading down a cliff face. Walking through the towering bamboo grove with the stalks creaking and swaying overhead is an unforgettable sensory experience for kids. The trail also passes a massive banyan tree. This hike is in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park at the end of the Road to Hana so plan your drive time accordingly.

A surreal hike into the crater of Haleakala volcano through a landscape of red, orange, and grey cinder cones that looks like the surface of Mars. The trail starts at the summit visitor center at 10,023 feet and descends into the crater on soft volcanic sand. Even hiking the first mile in and back out provides incredible scenery. The full trail is long and the altitude makes exertion harder so start slowly. Silversword plants, found nowhere else on Earth, grow along the trail. This is a genuinely otherworldly experience.

The first major stop on the Road to Hana and one of the most accessible waterfall hikes on Maui. A short trail through a lush farm property leads to twin waterfalls with a swimmable pool at the base. The trail is about 2 miles round trip and passes through tropical fruit trees and vegetation. A farm stand at the trailhead sells fresh fruit and smoothies. Kids love the combination of jungle hiking and swimming under a waterfall. The water is refreshing and the setting is beautiful.

A small, sheltered crescent beach in Wailea that offers some of the easiest and best snorkeling on Maui south shore. The reef starts just offshore and the water is clear and calm most of the year. Sea turtles are frequently spotted grazing on the rocks to the right side of the beach. The beach has restrooms, showers, and a grassy area for picnics. It is less crowded than nearby Wailea Beach and the snorkeling is better. The sandy entry makes it comfortable for kids. A perfect morning snorkeling spot before exploring the rest of the Wailea Beach Path.

A dramatic black sand beach surrounded by sea caves, lava tubes, and blowholes on the Road to Hana. The jet-black sand contrasts with turquoise water and green jungle creating otherworldly scenery. Kids are fascinated by exploring the lava tubes and sea caves along the coast. A short coastal trail leads to blowholes and natural rock arches. The beach itself has strong waves so swimming requires caution but wading at the edges is fine. The park also has cabins and camping for overnight stays.