Are you bringing the entire family to Maui? That’s wonderful. You can make some amazing new memories with your young children and help them catch “the travel bug” from an early age. Of course, some unimaginative travelers might believe that it’s a challenge to travel with small children, but not us. We know that our island offers tons of adventures that can thrill children and adults alike. Here are three more great Maui activities that are perfect for families with children under ten. If you get a chance, go back and read our original article with more fun Maui activity ideas for children.
1. Whale Watching
It’s almost time for our favorite visitors to make their annual trip to Maui (well, favorite after you, of course). That’s right, the humpback whales are on their way down to spend the winter in the warm, safe waters of Maui, where they mate and give birth to their calves. These gentle giants can grow as long as a school bus (up to 50 feet long) and weigh around 80,000 pounds. They typically start appearing in Maui by the middle of December and stay until the middle of May. Whale watching is an activity that will delight every age. Your children will love seeing huge spouts of water appear in the distance and massive tails slap the water. This is also a great opportunity for them to learn about life within the oceans.
2. A Visit to the Maui Ocean Center
If you really want to help your children learn more about the fascinating and vulnerable underwater eco-system, then plan a trip to the Maui Ocean Center, located in Wailuku. This fascinating place houses over 60 exhibits, both inside and outside, including the Open Ocean Exhibit, a 54-foot tunnel through a massive underwater world that includes thousands of fish, stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles. Children will delight in seeing the many strange and beautiful animals that live just below the surface of Maui’s waters. The Maui Ocean Center is open from 9 am – 5 pm and offers discounted ticket prices for children under 12 and seniors.
3. A Horseback Ride
Time to get back to shore and meet some creatures with hooves instead of fins. One of the best ways to explore the interior of our island isn’t on two legs…it’s on four. Maui offers a variety of horseback riding outfits that can take you through serene forests, pineapple groves, misty valleys, brilliant pastureland, or even along the beach at sunset. Generally, horseback riding is safe for children seven and older, but check with your specific outfit before you book your ride. Some of our best and most highly rated horseback ride outfits are Makena Stables, Thompson Ranch, and Ironwood Ranch.
While you are planning your adventure-filled family vacation to Maui, don’t forget to book your stay as well. While you want to give your kids a great time, we bet you and your partner could also use a little privacy so you can enjoy some private Maui moments of your own. Don’t cram your whole family into one small hotel room. Stretch out and enjoy your privacy with a vacation rental condo in South Maui. Check out our available rentals today.
