With so many great places to visit on both Maui and the Big Island, it’s hard to narrow it down.

This post will help guide you through a memory-packed 7-day itinerary at National Parks, beaches, and unique wildlife sightings.

Exploring Maui and the Big Island’s National Parks offers a fantastic way to see Hawaii’s unique landscapes while absorbing the culture and natural marvels of the islands.

One of the best things about Hawaii is its variety! No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new and thrilling to experience.

So, if you’re thinking about your next vacation and want a break from busy Waikiki, let’s take an adventure across Maui and the Big Island’s National Parks!

A Note Before We Start…

Visiting Hawaii with your family can be amazing and filled with memories. However, some of the activities in this guide may be a bit tough for the little ones. So, you’ll want to think about that before booking anything.

Even though this guide is all about Maui and the Big Island’s National Park, there’ll be some downtime as well.

Day 1: Arrival and Kona Coast Exploration (Big Island)

You’ll begin your adventure by landing in Kailua-Kona, a major town on the west side of the Big Island. Rich with historical charm—think Hawaiian kings and safe havens due to its prime location—this town has transitioned into modern times while retaining its unique charm.

Located at the base of Hualalai Volcano, Kailua-Kona offers stunning views and is filled with important historical sites.

Be sure to visit Hulihe’e Palace on Ali’i Drive. Once a royal residence, now serves as a museum showcasing Victorian era relics and traditional wooden furnishings that illustrate the island’s past. Directly across the street stands Moku’aikaua, Hawaii’s oldest Christian church founded in 1820—a key site for history enthusiasts.

Take a walk down Ali’i Drive where shops, eateries, and cafes maintain the historic atmosphere of the town. Continuing south, you’ll reach Kealakekua Bay—the location where James Cook first landed in Hawaii in 1778—and where he was later killed. A monument commemorates this important historical location.

Also, be sure to visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park—a well-preserved “Place of Refuge” that attracts many visitors with its crystal-clear waters and excellent diving spots.

And if history isn’t your interest? Travel up to Holualoa to sample some famous local Kona coffee before it’s time for the beach! One of our favorites is Mountain Thunder Coffee.

Day 2: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Today you’ll visit your first National Park—Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! Hosting one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, and Mauna Loa, it features a landscape that varies from rugged lava fields to lush rainforests full of life.

Begin at Kilauea Visitor Center (open daily) to pick up maps and get updates on trails or ranger-led hike schedules.

Ready for volcanic action? The park includes steam vents and Thurston Lava Tube—an underground tunnel formed by flowing lava—providing a thrilling start to your national parks adventure.

Feeling adventurous? Finish today with a hike on the Kilauea Iki trail for incredible volcanic views!

One important thing to keep in mind when visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is that you’re not always guaranteed to see lava.

Day 3: North Kohala and Waimea

Day three brings a dramatic change of scenery to North Kohala’s rolling hills—a stark contrast with jet-black rocks and bursts of crimson landscape! It’s ideal for relaxation or enjoying luxurious resort amenities.

From stunning resorts and minimal rainfall—this makes it perfect for beach lounging—all set against green fields, North Kohala is pure bliss!

Next, visit Waimea or “paniolo” country—Hawaiian cowboy territory! Enjoy the rolling hills and expansive ranches ideal for horseback riding activities.

Here you can enjoy excellent dining options or catch a live performance at Kahilu Theatre that marks an end to your visit to the Big Island. Next up, Maui!

Day 4: Island Hopping To Maui

It’s time to switch islands, or ‘island hop’ over to Maui. Take an early flight from the Big Island to maximize your Maui exploration time! Like before, today is yours; soak in Maui’s relaxed atmosphere… a perfect laid-back day before tomorrow’s excitement!

Beaches await! Engage in fun water activities or enjoy leisurely beach time with drinks—you decide how today unfolds!

Take some time to explore some of Maui’s best beaches! Some of our favorites are:

Kaanapali Beach – Often topping lists of the best beaches in America, Kaanapoli Beach is known for its golden sands, clear waters, and excellent facilities. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying sunsets.

Napili Bay – A smaller, more secluded beach known for its calm, clear waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The crescent-shaped bay offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Baldwin Beach Park – Near Paia, this beach is favored by locals for its long sandy stretch perfect for beach walks and picnics. The protected “Baby Beach” area at the west end provides safe swimming conditions.

There are a ton of great beaches to enjoy on Maui. So, no matter which side of the island you’re staying on you’re sure to find a beautiful beach. Now, it’s time to get some rest.

Day 5: Haleakalā National Park

Above the clouds, Haleakalā National Park stands prominently, visible across the island, inviting you to experience breathtaking vistas well above sea level.

This park offers picturesque trails and is particularly noted for breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, locally known as the “House of Sun”—definitely worth experiencing. Make sure to book your reservations in advance.

At the park you can take horseback rides with the chance to see rare species like Silverswords flowers or native geese, Nene.

For the adventurous, early mornings offer rewards with pre-dawn options revealing Maui’s beauty. No wonder why many people say, “Maui Nō Ka ʻOi.” (The best).

Day 6: Road To Hana and Hana Town

Traveling the Road to Hana involves navigating more than 600 sharp curves and steep cliffs, each revealing spectacular views of lush forests and deep pools. Despite the distractions, drivers must stay alert due to the challenging road conditions.

Because of this, it may be recommended to take a certified tour rather than driving the road yourself.

Finally, once in Hana, you’re greeted by the tranquil St. Sophia Church, setting a peaceful tone. For relaxation, Hamoa Beach offers an idyllic setting, widely recognized for its stunning coastal scenery.

Further exploration at Wai’anapanapa State Park is recommended for its striking black sand beaches. Just make sure to make reservations. The park also offers an opportunity for beginners to explore the intriguing Lava Tubes, showcasing more of the area’s volcanic landscape.

Day 7: Iao Valley State Monument and Departure Preparation

The last day, takes us inside the awe-inspiring Iao Valley State Monument in central Maui near Wailuku.

From easy walks leading to scenic points such as the famous ‘Iao Needle providing panoramic views of the entire valley, visitors young and old find something enchanting about these paths surrounded by lush greenery.

Reflect on your last day on Maui and think about the entire journey amidst nature’s wonders.

Head back to the resort, relax on the beach, and soak in the Hawaii’s vibes until the very end. Every great experience must come to a close, leaving you with beautiful, lasting memories of your adventure.

Wrap-Up

And there you have it—a thrilling 7-day journey through the National Parks of Maui and the Big Island, filled with adventure and unforgettable sights. From the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the serene shores of Hamoa Beach, each day brought us closer to the heart of Hawaii’s natural beauty and rich history.

As you plan your trip, remember to consider the physical demands of some activities, especially if traveling with younger adventurers.

Also, don’t forget to make reservations for popular spots like Haleakalā for sunrise views and Wai’anapanapa State Park to explore its famous black sand beach.

Finally, as you reflect on this itinerary, think about how each location might fit into your travel plans. Whether you seek tranquility, adventure, or a bit of both, Hawaii’s National Parks offer something for every traveler. Safe travels, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii!

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post 7-Day Itinerary to Exploring Maui and Big Island’s National Parks appeared first on Mommy Travels.

First, you need to decide which of the main islands you’d like to visit. Hawaii isn’t like most other places; it is actually the world’s longest chain of islands, with 132 islands in total. Each of these islands are actually the tops of submerged volcanic mountains and most are not inhabitable by humans. However, there are about 8 other main islands : Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, Niihau, Lanai, and Kahoolawe (which is not inhabited, but you can visit by boat). The main islands each boast beautiful beaches, volcanic mountains (many of which can be explored), tropical ocean swimming, diving and fishing, as well as popular tourist attractions such as shopping. The smaller islands can be visited, but you’ll want to spend most of your time on one of the bigger islands to get the best feel for Hawaii.

Oahu

If you are a little unsure of what you want, you’ll like Oahu. Oahu boasts a larger city feel with shopping, nightclubs and lots of wonderful restaurants. You’ll still be able to experience the diverse cultures that make up Hawaii as Oahu boasts the most cultural and historical sites in Hawaii. You can visit the famed North Shore to do some surfing or just lay on the white, sandy beach and then return to your first class hotel at night to relax. This is the best island to visit if you are a first-time visitor to Hawaii.

Oahu Travel Guide

Maui

Maui is perfect for you if you love to golf! It has several PGA class golf courses as well as gorgeous vistas and amazing beaches. You can hike to the summit of Haleakala in Haleakala National Park for something a little out of the way, or just lay on the beach all day. And Maui is a little less expensive, but also has fabulous hotels and condominium rentals for your stay.

5 Family Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii

Big Island

If your loves are horseback riding, or hiking, the Big Island of Hawaii is the one for you. It is so ecologically diverse that you can experience water, lush tropical forests, snow-capped peaks of mountains and volcanoes all in one place. The Big Island has fabulous hotels, but is also much more budget friendly for families who might be visiting. 

Kauai

Kauai is the oldest and has the most secluded feel of the main islands. The beaches stretch for miles and you might never see another soul as you walk along the shore. It has exotic vegetation and often people come here to explore and relax with a much slower pace to life. Although there are wonderful hotels to stay at, you will visit Kauai with a need to unwind and get back to nature without the hustle and bustle of big city life. This is a great place to honeymoon!

Navigating Kauai with Infants and Toddlers

North side of Kauai Hawaii

Lanai

Lanai is for the rich and pampered! It has two of the top hotels in the entire world and really is not the place to go if you want to do sight-seeing, shopping or exploration. This is the place to go if you have a platinum credit card and want to do nothing other than sit by the pool at your hotel and be doted on. To get a great feel for the diversity of the Hawaiian islands, Lanai is not really the place you’d want to visit. This is for those who have been before and just want an experience this time.

Molokai

If you really want to experience Hawaii, really get a feel for how the locals live, then you might want to visit Molokai. This island has the most natives living here, huge with diverse cultures and peoples, but not extensive in the way of tourism. This is a place where people live, not necessarily where people take a vacation. It might be interesting to take a quick hop over from Maui or Lanai to see the beauty of Molokai, but you won’t want to vacation here if you are looking to be pampered.

Now that you know which island you’ll be visiting, the rest is easy. Pack up your camera, sunscreen, bathing suit and some comfortable shoes and explore! Your hotels can provide you with great local maps and advice on what to visit when you get there. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get to see an active volcano? Hawaii is an experience like no other!

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Best Resorts in Hawaii for Families

The post How to Plan a Trip to Hawaii appeared first on Mommy Travels.

You want to take a vacation but don’t know where to go.

Resorts are a great option because they take care of everything for you. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

When is the best time to visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is typically in the fall, in October or September. The crowds tend to become smaller at the end of the summer months, therefore hotels offer cheaper rates to tourists. If you’re looking for good weather and fewer crowds, the end of the summer months are the best months to visit. However, keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November.

How much does a typical trip to Hawaii cost?

Depending on how long you plan to stay in Hawaii, it’s feasible to visit at any time of year. The cost of a flight will vary depending on where you depart from and arrive. 

Round-trip flights range from $500 to $875, with lower-cost West Coast airports such as Los Angeles and San Francisco providing alternatives if you need to find a cheap flight. The price of a room at a resort in Hawaii varies depending on the season, but you can generally expect to pay around $200 to $600 per night.

Resorts in Hawaii with vacation packages offer great value for your money if they include all of your meals and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in the price of the room. You’ll also have access to all of the resort’s facilities and activities, so you won’t have to worry about paying extra for anything.

How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?

There are many factors that influence the price of a trip to Hawaii, such as where you’re going, how long you will stay, and what kind of accommodation. The prices can range from low budget to high end, but this is dependent on your personal preferences.

Saving money on a trip to Hawaii doesn’t mean you have to forgo all the luxuries. There are plenty of ways to save, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel or want to pack your own food.

When booking your trip, consider traveling during the off-season. The cheapest time to go to Hawaii is typically in the fall when the weather is still warm and the crowds have died down. If you’re not limited by school schedules, consider traveling during the week instead of on weekends. Weekdays are always less busy and tend to be cheaper.

We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up our top picks for resorts in Hawaii that are perfect for families.

Best Resorts for Families in Hawaii

Let’s get into these hotels and resorts that are great options for families vacationing in Hawaii.

1. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

This beachfront resort is perfect for families with kids of all ages. There are a variety of activities available, including a water park, three golf courses, and a kids’ club that offers activities such as movie nights, arts and crafts, and more.

When staying at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, you’ll have access to plenty of activities beyond things offered directly at the resort to keep the whole family entertained. 

Some of the most important activities to include in your Maui itinerary include:

• Swimming with dolphins – This is a popular activity for visitors to Maui and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can book a swim with dolphins through most tour operators on the island.
• Horseback riding – Explore the beautiful beaches of Maui on horseback. There are a number of stables throughout the island that offer guided tours and rides for all experience levels.
• Helicopter tour – Get an aerial view of Maui on a helicopter tour. This is a great way to see the island’s volcanic peaks, rainforest, and more.

To get to the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, you’ll need to fly into Kahului Airport (OGG). The resort is about a 20-minute drive from the airport. Check the current rates at Westin Maui Resort & Spa.

5 Family Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii

2. Hilton Waikoloa Village

This resort is located on the Kohala Coast and is perfect for families with young children. There are three pools (including a lazy river and a water slide), a kids’ club, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

There are plenty of things to do in Hilton Waikoloa Village, from swimming and sunbathing to exploring the area’s natural wonders. 

You can also visit the hotel’s dolphin lagoon, go golfing or take a shopping trip. With something for everyone, Hilton Waikoloa Village is the perfect destination for your next family holiday.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is located about an hour’s drive from Kona International Airport. If you’re renting a car, take the Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) towards Waimea. The resort is well marked, so you won’t have any trouble finding it. Check the rates at Hilton Waikoloa Village.

3. Royal Kona Resort

At the Royal Kona Resort on the Big Island, kids will love the two-acre water park with a lazy river, waterslides, and a variety of pools. There’s also a mini-golf course, game room, and children’s Activity Center with arts and crafts, movies, and more. The beach is just a few steps away, and the resort offers plenty of dining options, both casual and formal.

The Royal Kona Resort is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s easily accessible from Kona International Airport, which is just a short drive away. Check current rates at Royal Kona Resort.

4. Sheraton Waikiki

The Sheraton Waikiki is located on the beachfront in Waikiki, Oahu. It’s easy to find – just look for the iconic twin towers. If you’re coming from Honolulu Airport, the resort is about a 20-minute drive away. There’s a free shuttle service that runs to and from the airport, or you can take a taxi.

The Sheraton Waikiki has 496 rooms and suites, all of which have ocean views. Standard amenities include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi. There’s also a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an in-room safe, and a desk. The bathrooms come with a bathtub and a shower.

The resort has six restaurants and bars, including signature restaurants like The Edge Steakhouse and Mahina & Sunshine. There’s also a 24-hour food court, so you’ll always be able to find something to eat. And if you need a break from the kids, there’s a full-service spa on site.

The Sheraton Waikiki is a great choice for families because of its variety of activities and amenities. The kids’ club is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, and there’s a supervised playground for younger children. The resort also has a dolphin lagoon, where you can watch the dolphins play, as well as a pool and a beach. 

Waikiki Beach is just footsteps away, so you can easily spend your days sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. And if you want to explore more of the island, the Sheraton Waikiki is close to popular attractions like Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Check current rates at Sheraton Waikiki.

4. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a perfect resort for families. It offers a water park, a climbing wall, and more for kids to enjoy. There are also a number of restaurants and bars available on-site. Plus, the resort is located on the beach, so you can enjoy the sand and surf.

Kauai is one of the most beautiful places in the world with plenty of things to do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find something to suit your needs.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is located on the beach in Kauai, Hawaii. It’s easy to get to the resort – just fly into Lihue Airport, which is located only minutes away. Check current rates at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

5. The Aston Kaanapali Shores

The Aston Kaanapali Shores is a beachfront resort that is perfect for families with young children. It offers a variety of activities for kids, including a playground, a water park, and more. There are also a number of restaurants and bars available on-site. This resort is perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing and fun-filled vacation.

The Aston Kaanapali Shores is located on Maui’s North Shore. It is easily accessible from Kahului Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive away. Check current rates at Aston Kaanapali Shores.

6. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

The Aulani Resort is a beautiful, five-star resort that offers a unique Disney experience for guests of all ages. There’s something for everyone at this incredible resort, from swimming in the pool with water slides and a lazy river to enjoying character meet and greets with some of your favorite Disney characters.

The Aulani Resort is perfect for families, and there’s even a special villa available for larger groups. Plus, with so many amazing amenities and activities included in your stay, you’ll never have to worry about finding something to do during your vacation.

• How to Save Money at Aulani and turn it into an Affordable Family Vacation
• 10 Things You Need to Know Before Your Trip to Aulani
• 10 Free Things to do at Aulani the Disney Resort in Oahu, Hawaii

7. Travaasa Hana – Maui

Travaasa Hana is a Hawaiian Resort that is family-run. This means that they understand the importance of family vacations and have put together an excellent package that includes all the amenities you could want! The resort is also very child-friendly, making it the perfect destination for families. If you’re looking for a resort in Hawaii, Travaasa Hana should be at the top of your list.

They’ve put together an excellent package that includes all the amenities you could want. The resort is also very child-friendly, making it the perfect destination for families.

Check current rates at Travaasa Hana.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the perfect resort for your family vacation, Hawaii is a great destination with plenty of amazing resorts to choose from. No matter what type of resort you’re looking for, we hope that our list has helped you narrow down your search and find the perfect place to stay in paradise. Mahalo!

Author Bio: Kyle Kroeger is the owner of ViaTraveler.com. ViaTravelers is a destination travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to help you explore the world. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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The post Best Resorts in Hawaii for Families appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii for Families

Maui has gorgeous beaches where you can sink your feet into the sand, smell the fresh, salty air and enjoy the frothy waves.

Snorkeling

If you want a kid-friendly, calmer water experience with fewer waves, try Baby Beach. We had family members ranging from 4 – 60+ and everyone enjoyed the location and beginner’s snorkeling experience. For more adventurous snorkeling, you can go out to the Molokini Crater. Molokini is a very small island about three miles southwest of Maui. The old volcano forms a crescent moon shaped wall that protects from large ocean waves, making it one of the best places to snorkel and dive in the area.

If you would rather view the Maui coastline from your car high above the waves, there are many roads with expansive water views and lots of pullouts to slow down and take in your surroundings.

Swimming

If the pool is your preferred way to enjoy the water, there are a wide variety of pool types; from the resort-style with multiple pools including different water features (slides, waterfalls, splash pads, etc.) or something simpler with fewer people and anywhere in between. Doing your research to consider the ages and interests of people going on the trip could be helpful. Regardless, enjoy the pool!

Where to Eat in Maui

After all of the swimming and exploring, you may be hungry and thirsty. Luckily Maui has many delicious options to enjoy during your visit. 

Maui Happy Hours

There are many places for happy hours that have discounted food that tastes just as good as when it is full priced during the dinner hour.

The Sea House is known for its amazing happy hour food and drink menu as well as a phenomenal beach-side location is one of the best places to eat in Maui. While waiting for your food, you can hop down to the sand and wade into the warm waters. They even have a water spigot to rinse off before enjoying your tasty order.

Monkey Pod has a vibrant happy hour with their signature Mai tai and delicious food, including kalua pork and pineapple pizza. Kalau pork is traditionally served with sides like steamed rice or cabbage and it tasted amazing on pizza.

Maui Shaved Ice

For sweet flavors, a well-known Hawaiian treat is shave ice. While it deceptively looks like a snow cone, having the ice shaved from an ice block somehow makes it creamy and an exceptionally refreshing indulgence in the warm Hawaiian sunshine. You can add ice cream (at the bottom) and sweetened condensed milk (to the top) which is called a snow cap. Some places have coconut or other toppings to add. You select the flavors that you want for your shave ice and customize your dessert exactly how you prefer. There are many local flavors like guava, pineapple and passion fruit in addition to traditional flavors like vanilla which surprisingly was colored blue.

Our favorite place to get shave ice on Maui was Ululani’s. A local alternative to shave ice is pie, specifically chocolate haupia pie. It is a creamy chocolate coconut milk-based dessert that will make you want an entire piece for yourself.  

Maui Breakfast

If you are an early bird or don’t mind waiting in line, a fun breakfast place is the The Gazebo. There is a spectacular view of the ocean, but set aside 20-45 min or more on a weekend. They are known for their fluffy pancakes topped with macadamia nuts and coconut syrup. The Kahlua pork breakfast sandwich was so tender and flavorful, it was hard to share. The staff played silly tricks on some of the customers which made things entertaining while we anticipated our food. The overall Gazebo experience was definitely worth the wait in line (even temporarily in the rain). 

Maui Brewery

It was fun to visit the Maui Brewing Company as their Coconut Hiwa Porter is a favorite back home. On-site at the brewery they have limited release of their brews and we found the Imperial Coconut Porter which added dark chocolate to the mix. Oh my! They certainly know how to-make craft beer.   

Whale Watching in Maui

Whale watching in Maui is ideal between November and May. We visited in early February and our timing was perfect, as we saw many adult and baby whales before they headed north for the summer months. 

There are multiple ways to whale watch with the easiest way simply spotting them from shore. You can likely see whales from any side of Maui, but the western and southern shores are popular viewing locations. 

You can also go on the water to see the whales up close. The closest you can get is in a Zodiac inflatable boat and you also have the advantage of being in a smaller group of whale watchers due to the size of the boat. The downside might be the slightly rocky or turbulent motion depending on the weather and waves, but the upside is well worth the up-close view of the gentle giants beneath the water. 

We chose the Pac-Whale Eco-Adventures whale tour, which is a medium-sized boat and good for all ages. Children 0-12 ride free. The tour is two hours long which seemed like the right amount of time when traveling with children. Led by certified Marine Naturalists, the tour not only showcased the unbelievable beauty of the humpback whales, but included education about whales in their natural environment with the unexpected bonus of hearing whale songs on the underwater hydrophones. There is an on-board Jr. Naturalist Program for kids, too. As the top deck is uncovered, don’t forget your sun protection! 

Tour boats have to stay a safe distance away from any whales in the water. Our tour stopped the boat and a mom and baby whale swam to within 15 feet of the front of the boat. We watched as the baby played in the water, flipping and flopping around while its watchful mother stayed close between the baby and the boat. We saw multiple whale breaches, including babies who were learning how to complete the move. We were all mesmerized and in awe of these remarkable creatures.

If you are looking for a longer tour that includes a meal and drinks, there are other options on the island that have more inclusive packages. During whale watching season, it is impossible to make a bad choice! 

Maui Flowers

Tropical flowers are vibrant and they provide pops of gorgeous color, almost everywhere you look in Maui. Casual strolls turn into long adventures if you stop and enjoy or take pictures of the local flowers. The yellow hibiscus is the official Hawaii State flower and the Lokelani rose (Maui Rose) is the official island flower for Maui. Flowers garnish tropical drinks and add a lovely local touch to just about anything in Hawaii. 

Regardless whether your vacation style is active and adventurous or laid back and relaxing, a stunning sunset may await in the evening. In preparation for this potentially hour-long event, visitors and locals head to the western beaches and settle in for a spectacular show put on by nature. Some prefer lying on a lounge chair or towel while others body surf in the waves as the sun slowly drops behind neighboring islands like Lanai. Even after the golden orb is not visible, its rays cast changing light onto clouds and the display evolves. Evening is a peaceful time on the island, cooler and calmer than the daily routine. 

After eating, drinking, exploring, and enjoying the gifts of Maui, soaking up the sunset is the ideal way to close out each day of your visit. Aloha!

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The post 5 Family Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii appeared first on Mommy Travels.