Where should you stay on Maui with family?
With miles of beautiful beaches and kid-friendly activities at every turn, a trip to Maui is sure to create lasting memories with your family. But the first step in planning a fantastic family getaway is choosing the perfect place to stay.
Fortunately, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best locations on Maui for a family-friendly vacation— where the kids can have a blast and parents can catch up on some much-needed R&R.
Here are the five best areas to stay in Maui for families.
Wailea
Wailea is one of Maui’s most popular visitor hubs, home to many luxurious resorts and elegant condos. In turn, there are a ton of activities for both kids and adults!
Fill your schedule with fun activities like luaus, kayaking excursions, and underwater sea scooter adventures, or spend your days lazing out at one of Wailea’s many golden beaches.
On days you need a break from the sun, head to the Shops at Wailea. Parents can get their shopping fix, and kids can partake in one of the Shops’ daily cultural activities, like hula lessons or lei making. What’s more, Wailea is a renowned foodie destination, with enough restaurants— and kid’s menus— to appease even the pickiest palates.
South Kihei
South Kihei is the heart of action on Maui, perfect for high-energy kiddos. On calm days, South Kihei’s three “Kamaole” beaches become boogie-boarding and sand-castle-building hot spots. And if the waves start to pick up a bit, book a surf lesson at the Cove. The mellow breaks here are ideal for first-timers and young keiki.
Accommodations in this area are mostly condos, perfect for families. Many South Kihei condos come equipped with full kitchens, which come in handy when traveling with hungry little ones.
If you do go out for a bite to eat, rest assured: kid-friendly eateries abound in South Kihei. Even the local brewery, Maui Brewing Company, is kid-friendly, with games like oversized Jenga and Connect4 on offer.
West Maui
*** In August of 2023 wildfires on Maui devastated the West Maui town of Lahaina and the surrounding area. Our deepest condolences go out to all of the people, families, and businesses affected by this terrible event. Lahaina Town and much of the surrounding area will be closed to visitors for some time and it is best to avoid West Maui while this region recovers from this tragedy.
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West Maui is a bonafide paradise for kids— and kids at heart. This part of the island boasts countless family-friendly activities, like zipline courses, ATV excursions, snorkel trips, submarine rides, parasailing, and chocolate factory tours.
West Maui also has its fair share of mellow, protected beaches (like Olowalu, Launiupoko, and Honokowai Beach Park), where kids can safely play in shallow waters.
Makena
Have ocean-loving kiddos in tow, or just looking for a place to relax? Makena is a great choice. This rugged coastline is still relatively undeveloped compared to its buzzy, resort-laden neighbor, Wailea.
Instead, Makena is dotted with luxe beachside condos— a hotspot for tranquil getaways. Yet, restaurants, shops, and championship golf courses are no more than a ten-minute drive away. Makena is also a hub for ocean activities, like snorkeling and kayak tours, and it is a great place to look for sea turtles.
North Kihei
North Kihei is a hidden gem. Not only does this area have a string of affordable beachside condos, but North Kihei is central to some of Maui’s best and most kid-friendly activities.
The Maui Ocean Center— the largest aquarium in Hawaii— is roughly 10 minutes away. Meanwhile, the Maui Tropical Plantation and Iao Valley are no further than 25 minutes, and Lahaina is about 30 minutes away.
Most North Kihei condos overlook the golden sand at Sugar Beach, one of the longest beaches on Maui— ideal for beach walks, morning swims, and whale watching in winter.
Need some extra guidance in planning the family vacation of a lifetime? Give Aliʻi Resorts a call toll-free at (808) 627-9527. We’ll help you plan your best family vacation yet!
