Are you planning your first trip to Hawaii and want some helpful Hawaii travel tips? Find out things no one tells you about planning a trip to Maui with kids!
This post about planning a trip to Maui was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’ll be honest with you.
Planning a Maui vacation can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance kid-friendly activities with experiences you’ll actually enjoy as an adult.
After visiting Hawaii over 40 times and working as a professional tourist who specializes in family travel, I’ve learned some things that make a huge difference.
Let me share the Maui secrets that will save you money, time, and a whole lot of stress.
The Money-Saving Secret Nobody Talks About
Before you book anything separately, check Costco Travel. I know it sounds random, but hear me out.
I’ve found some incredible Maui packages through Costco that include perks you wouldn’t get booking on your own.
We’re talking waived resort fees, free breakfast credits, room upgrades, and sometimes even rental car deals that make the math work out way better than piecing everything together.
The key is to compare the package price against booking each component separately.
Sometimes Costco wins, sometimes it doesn’t. But it’s always worth checking before you commit to anything else.
For car rentals specifically, I always use Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They pull rates from all the major companies and consistently beat the prices I find anywhere else.
You Can Actually Day Trip to Maui (But Should You?)
Here’s something wild. You can technically visit Maui on a day trip from another Hawaiian island.
Inter-island flights are quick and relatively affordable. If you catch the first flight out and the last flight back, you can squeeze in a solid Maui experience.
I’ve got a whole post about Hawaii island hopping that breaks down the logistics.
That said, Maui deserves more than one day. There’s just too much to see and do.
But if you’re staying on Oahu or the Big Island and want a taste of Maui, it’s doable.
The Road to Hana: Plan More Time Than You Think
The Road to Hana isn’t just a drive. It’s a full-day adventure that requires patience, flexibility, and honestly, an entire day on your itinerary.
Yes, the banana bread is as good as everyone says. Yes, the waterfalls are stunning.
But here’s what surprised me: the Hana Lava Tube was one of our unexpected highlights.
We used flashlights to explore inside, and my kids absolutely loved it. It felt like we got the Big Island lava tube experience without having to island hop.
Plus, we stopped at Bruddah Hutts for ribs, and I’m still thinking about those ribs months later. If you make it to Hana town, don’t skip that stop.
I actually cover all the best kid-friendly Road to Hana stops in another post, and I go into way more detail on my podcast episode about the Road to Hana.
Here’s the thing though: you need to book your parking at Waianapanapa State Park (the black sand beach) in advance.
Reservations open up to 30 days ahead of time, and popular time slots fill up fast. Book yours here.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about planning the Road to Hana, my free 7-day email course on planning a Maui trip walks you through everything step by step.
And if you’d rather skip the driving stress entirely, book a guided Road to Hana tour where someone else handles the narrow roads and you just enjoy the views.
Haleakala Sunrise: Worth the 3am Wake-Up Call?
Watching sunrise at Haleakala is magical, but let me set expectations.
It’s COLD. Like, legitimately freezing at 10,000 feet before sunrise. I wore multiple layers and was still cold.
The kids grumbled about the early wake-up (we’re talking 2am departure from West Maui), and honestly, the altitude made us all feel a bit sluggish.
But when the sun started rising above the clouds, everyone went quiet. It was one of those moments where you just stand there and take it in.
You’ll need a reservation to enter the park between 3am and 7am. These open up 60 days in advance and sell out immediately.
Set an alarm for 7am Hawaii time exactly 60 days before your trip and be ready to book on Recreation.gov the second they’re released.
If you miss the reservation window or don’t want to drive in the dark, book a guided Haleakala sunrise tour.
The guides know exactly where to take you, you don’t have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel, and many tours include breakfast.
I break down everything you need to know in my Haleakala podcast episode.
Pro tip: Bring your National Parks pass if you have one. It works in Hawaii and will save you the entrance fee.
Where to Stay: Location Matters More Than You Think
The debate between Kaanapali and Wailea comes down to what you value more.
Kaanapali (West Maui) has beautiful resorts, great beaches, and easy access to Lahaina (more on that below).
But it’s about 45 minutes from the airport, and if you’re planning to do the Road to Hana or visit Haleakala, you’re looking at long drives.
Kihei and Wailea (South Maui) are more centrally located, which means shorter drives to most attractions. Kihei especially has great condo rentals at better prices than the resort areas.
I’ve compiled all my favorite kid-friendly Maui resorts if you want specific recommendations. Or you can browse hotels on Expedia to compare prices and locations.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about which area to choose, this is exactly the kind of decision I help families make in my Hawaii travel consultations.
Sometimes you just need someone who knows the islands to talk through your specific situation.
The Lahaina Update You Need to Know (2026)
Let me address this directly because there’s a lot of confusion about what’s open in Lahaina.
After the August 2023 fires, much of historic Lahaina remains closed for rebuilding. The Front Street area and Banyan Tree Park are still off-limits. But here’s what IS open:
Areas north of Lahaina (Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua) are fully operational. These resorts, restaurants, and beaches were never impacted by the fire.
Old Lahaina Luau is open and operating. It’s located on the water north of the burn zone and continues to offer one of the best authentic luau experiences on Maui.
Restaurants like Mala Ocean Tavern, Aloha Mixed Plate, and Star Noodle (all located near the Cannery Mall) have reopened and are welcoming visitors.
Lahaina Harbor reopened in December 2025 for limited commercial operations. Some whale watching tours and boat excursions are now departing from there.
The best way to support Maui’s recovery is to visit, spend money at local businesses, and be respectful. Don’t ask servers or hotel staff about the fires. Assume everyone was affected in some way.
Whale Watching Season Is Everything They Say It Is
If you’re visiting between December and May, whale watching on Maui is non-negotiable.
The humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters every winter, and you can see them from shore in many places.
But getting out on a boat gets you close enough to really appreciate how massive and graceful they are.
Book a whale watching tour early in your trip in case weather cancels your first attempt. Morning tours typically have calmer seas, which matters if anyone in your family gets seasick.
The Luau Question: Which One Should You Choose?
Not all luaus are created equal, and as someone who’s danced hula professionally for over 20 years, I’m particular about this.
For first-timers, Old Lahaina Luau is still the gold standard. It’s 100% Hawaiian in tradition and storytelling, the food is excellent, and the oceanfront setting is beautiful.
The Feast at Mokapu at the Andaz is also lovely for a smaller, more upscale experience.
I’ve reviewed all the best Maui luaus for families if you want to compare your options.
Bring Your Own Car Seat (Trust Me)
Rental car companies charge a fortune for car seats, and the quality is hit or miss.
Check your car seat for free at the airport (most airlines allow this), and bring it with you. You’ll save money and know your kids are in a seat that actually fits them properly.
Download the Maui Shaka Guide app before you arrive.
It’s a GPS-guided tour that narrates as you drive, giving you history and pointing out things you’d otherwise miss.
My kids actually found it interesting, which is saying something.
The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Use reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii has banned certain sunscreen chemicals that damage coral reefs, and stores won’t even sell the non-compliant ones.
Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen or plan to buy it there (at Hawaii prices).
Pack layers for elevation changes. You’ll go from 80-degree beaches to 40-degree summit temperatures in the same day. The weather shifts dramatically as you drive upcountry.
Book popular activities early. Seriously, don’t wait until you arrive to book things like luaus, Haleakala sunrise, boat tours, or popular Maui adventures. Peak season sells out weeks in advance.
Your Maui Game Plan
Look, planning a Maui vacation doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some advance work.
If you want someone to walk you through exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid the common mistakes I see families make all the time, that’s literally what I do in my Hawaii travel consultations.
We’ll hop on a call, I’ll ask about your family’s specific needs, and I’ll create a customized plan that actually works for your situation.
Or if you prefer to DIY it, grab my Maui Travel Guide for Families. It’s got everything you need in one place including sample itineraries, maps, and all my insider recommendations.
And definitely listen to my podcast episode on How to Plan a Trip to Maui. I go deep on timing, logistics, and the questions I get asked most often.
Maui is incredible with kids. The key is knowing what to prioritize, what to skip, and how to make the most of your time there.
Now you’ve got the inside scoop from someone who’s done this dozens of times.
Have the best trip.
Related Posts:
- 14 Best Maui Adventures to Book Before Your Trip
- 27 Awesome Things to Do in Kihei, Maui
- Christmas on Maui
- 12 Incredible Maui Boat Tours Worth Booking
