If you’re planning a vacation to this stunning island, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’ll guide you through some family activities in Maui Hawaii:
1. Explore the Scenic Road to Hana:
Are you ready to venture into the jungle? This road is renowed for its numerous curves through the lush and scenic landscapes of Maui. With over 600 curves and 59 bridges, you’ll encounter numerous waterfalls along the way.
Some of the things you can do in Hana include: swimming in waterfalls, visiting scenic beaches, buying exotic-locally-produced vegetables and fruits, trying the famous Hana banana bread, exploring the lava tubes, visiting Hana Town.
If you are looking for a complete and yet affordable guide from a local, I recommend using the Shaka Guide app. It only costs $20 and it’s an amazing narrated tour through over 30 different stops that make for a 12 hour adventure! Keep in mind that there is no reception at any point of this 65 mile road, which is why this app is a great option; it works without phone reception (you just have to download the tour in advance) and it recognizes your location if you make a stop, resuming the tour where you left. It’s also immersive way to learn about Hawaiian culture, music, and responsible travel.
2. Go on a Whale-Watching Tour:
Between November and March, thousands of humpback whales make the journey from the cold waters of Alaska to Hawaii for breeding and giving birth. The warm Hawaiian waters provide a safe and nurturing environment for the newborn calves, where they can grow and gain strength before making the journey back to their feeding grounds.
During this amazing migration, various boat tours and excursions offer the opportunity to get really close to these gentle giants. The whales can be often seen breaching, tale-slapping and exhibiting other captivating behaviors.
Your best bet for a close encounter and the one I personally recommend is the kayak experience, which is sustainable and powered solely by your feet (no hard workout necessary), and a humbling experience. When booking an adventure photography session with Vanessa Arias Photography, you receive a credit for a whale watching tour for two.
3. Watch the Sunrise from the Haleakala National Park Observatory:
The summit of Haleakalā rises to approximately 10,023 feet (3,055 meters) above sea level, making it the highest point on the island. This elevation allows visitors to be above the clouds during sunrise, creating a unique and ethereal
Due to the immense popularity of the sunrise at Haleakalā, the National Park Service has implemented a reservation system for visitors wishing to witness the sunrise from the summit. Reservations are typically required to control the number of visitors and reduce the environmental impact on the delicate ecosystem. You can make a reservation here.
To catch the stunning sunrise, visitors must wake up early and make their way to the summit in the dark. It’s advised to start your journey well before dawn, as the drive to the summit can take about two hours from the coastal areas. Dress warmly, as temperatures at the summit can be quite cold, even in the early morning.
Cultural Significance: The Haleakalā summit holds deep cultural significance for the native Hawaiian people, believed to be a sacred place where the demigod Maui lassoed the sun, slowing its journey across the sky. Many visitors partake in a quiet and contemplative experience to honor the cultural importance of the site.
Photography Opportunities: The sunrise at Haleakalā provides photographers with a magical opportunity to capture the ever-changing light and the silhouettes of the volcanic landscape.
4. Attend a Luau:
Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture by attending a traditional luau. The vibrant dances, delicious cuisine, and colorful outfits provide excellent photo opportunities and a unique family experience.
You will be captivated by the different dances from the Polynesia, including the traditional fire-knife dance.
This traditional Hawaiian feast is often accompanied by dishes like kalua pig (a whole pig roasted in an underground oven called an imu), poi (a taro root paste), lomi lomi salmon (a salmon salad), laulau (meat or fish wrapped in taro leaves), and a variety of tropical fruits.
Some of the best Maui Luaus include:
5. Snorkel at Molokini Crater:
Molokini Crater offers some of the best snorkeling in Maui. Capture the vibrant underwater world and the excitement on your family’s faces as they swim with the marine life.
Snorkeling with kids is a very fun and safe experience since the boat tours provide all the necessary safety precautions, regulations, and personal attention from the crew. They designate an area for visitors to explore and have a team constantly monitoring the experience.
Most tours also provide food, drinks, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and GoPro cameras. Kai Kanani is one of my favorites!
6. Book a family photography session:
We know the struggle. You would like to have some beautiful family photographs taken without compromising precious adventure time, or you have some reluctant teenagers (or husband) who would much rather be doing something more fun. We don’t blame them!
But what if you could do both? (simultaneously). You could go on Hana Road, or hike through the Haleakala crater, or perhaps take a ferry to the island of Lanai and have a professional photographer document your whole island adventure, so you don’t have to worry about anything but having a great time.
It includes: A customized family experience on the island, both artistic and documentary photographs of your adventure, travel, dining, and activity tips and advice from a local resident, and a $265 credit towards a whale-watching kayak tour, snorkeling, or fishing kayak tour.
Read more about this unique family experience HERE.
7. Ride a horse, with an ocean view:
Explore the scenic trails of the Maui North Shore and ride down the edge of the valley, with experienced guides who accommodate both new and experienced riders.
The rocky path overlooking the ocean at Circle M Ranch (formerly Mendes Ranch) offers breathtaking views.
The guides make a few stops along the way to allow riders to appreciate the views and take some photos to remember.
There are morning and afternoon rides available that last about 1.5hours.
You can read more about it HERE
How would have thought you could find some cowboy culture on Maui?
8. Visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm:
With over 55,000 lavender plants, this serene garden offers a delightful escape into a world of color and fragrance. Visitors can meander through lush gardens, savor panoramic views, and immerse themselves in the soothing aroma of lavender. It’s a picturesque destination where nature and beauty converge, making it a must-visit spot on your Maui journey.
The entrance fee is $3 per visitor, and children under 12 receive free admission.
9. Ride some waves:
When you think of Maui, pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters come to mind. But there’s another thrilling aspect that awaits adventurers of all ages – the world-famous surf! Surfing is not just a sport in Maui; it’s a way of life, and there’s no better place to catch your first wave or improve your skills as a family than where it first started.
You can find a lot of different surf schools around the island (usually located in Kihei, Lahaina & Ka’anapali where the waves are smaller and better for learning).
Surf schools usually offer both group lessons (with around 5 people per group) and private lessons, ideal if you are a little nervous and want personalized attention or if you want to maximize your learning during your trip.
“I regret taking that surfing class” said nobody.
Ever.
10. View the island from above:
Maui, the Valley Isle, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and there’s no better way to appreciate it than from the sky. Helicopter tours in Maui offer a unique perspective on the island’s diverse landscapes. With lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, volcanic craters, and dramatic coastlines, each tour unveils a world of natural wonders that will leave you in awe. So, take to the skies and experience the magic of Maui from a whole new angle.
Maui is a tapestry of family-friendly activities, offering a perfect canvas for creating cherished memories. As you embark on these adventures, remember that we, at Vanessa Arias Photography, are here to capture your family’s joy and the island’s breathtaking beauty. After exploring these fun activities in Maui Hawaii, be sure to visit our photography website at www.vanessaariasphotography.com to keep these moments alive forever.
So, pack your bags and let’s embark on an unforgettable family vacation in Maui!