The Valley Isle of Maui is a tropical paradise with activities sure to excite visitors of all ages. Maui’s West Side boasts a ton of family friendly activities to do like snorkeling its marvelous tropical reefs, tasting Hawaiian cuisine, exploring the secrets of historic Lahaina town, and venturing to Molokini crater or rugged Lana’i just offshore. Centered around the vibrant seaside town of Lahaina, this idyllic destination and the entire West Side of Maui host gorgeous beaches and tons of unique experiences for all ages to enjoy.
Best Family-Friendly Activities on Maui’s West Side
For the Water Lovers
The shores of Maui’s West Side are unlike anywhere else in the world. Stunning sandy beaches and turquoise waters draw in visitors from all over to splash on Maui’s shores. Beneath the surface, there are awe-inspiring environments and intriguing marine life found nowhere else but the Hawaiian islands. These activities are sure to bring joy and make incredible memories of your time here on Maui.
Take a Snorkel Tour
The West Side of Maui is famous for its abundant marine life and relatively calm waters. Take a snorkel tour to view Maui’s most exotic natural environments, like the partially submerged Molokini volcanic crater that is regarded as Hawaii’s number one snorkel destination. Snorkel within the walls of the crater in this marine sanctuary that many Hawaiian green sea turtles call home! Many snorkel tours to Molokini include an additional stop in Turtle Town, where you can jump in and snorkel with sea turtles at arms reach.
Fun fact
The unique environment of Molokini crater is one of only three of its kind in the whole world!
Sail from the sandy shore of Ka’anapali Beach to some of Maui’s best snorkeling sites just miles away, where expert instructors can teach your kids to snorkel. SNUBA is another exciting option for experienced snorkelers to dip beneath the surface up to 20 feet!
Fun fact
Keep your eyes peeled during the winter months for migrating humpback whales that can be seen on this tour!
Cruise to the Pineapple Isle of Lana’i located just 8.8 miles across the channel from west Maui. This adventure commonly sees the appearance of friendly Hawaiian spinner dolphins on the crossing and features stunning tropical reefs to snorkel and rugged coastlines to explore.
Fun fact
Lana’i received its nickname as the Pineapple Isle because it used to house the world’s largest pineapple plantation!
Channel Your Inner Mermaid
Swim like a mermaid with your own glorious, glistening mermaid tail! The mermaid lover within your family will remember this for a lifetime. Swim instructors will show you how to swim like a mermaid in the ocean and capture photos to memorialize this special moment. Not just for kids, this is an experience that all ages can enjoy (looking at you, dad)!
Fun fact
Mermaid instructors are certified marine naturalists that will share stories of their underwater friends during your lesson!
Learn to Surf
A trip to Maui isn’t complete until you’ve tried to catch a wave! Surfing is an activity with deep roots and history in Hawai’i and one of the most popular activities for visitors to Maui’s shores. Share the incredible experience of gliding across the ocean’s surface and cheer each other on! For first timers, a surf lesson is a fantastic idea for kids and adults alike to learn how to hang ten.
Fun fact
Surfing was born in Hawai’i and was once reserved only for the ali’i, or Hawaiian royalty.
Exciting Activities on Land
Experience a Hawaiian Luau
The luau is a quintessential experience when visiting Hawai’i and it’s understandable why! A traditional Hawaiian luau is an evening of entertainment and features a delicious feast. Luaus in West Maui typically feature live music, traditional hula dancing, fire shows, explorations of Polynesian culture and history, and of course, a buffet-style feast! Taste the exquisite flavors of Maui such as imu pork, fresh fish dishes, exotic fruits, and tropical beverages of your choice.
Fun fact
Want to learn how to hula? The dancers will show you the moves in this hybrid art of dance and storytelling!
Create a Glass Blown Souvenir
Learn to craft your own glass blown masterpiece here at the Moana Glass studio, where you can choose from a variety of beautiful designs. Private glass blowing lessons are an exciting experience to learn the ancient art of glassblowing from one of our expert instructors. We make sure to tailor to your group’s particular needs, with our number one focus on your safety. We welcome children ages 5 and up.
Fun fact
The patterns and vibrant colors of each design in the Moana Glass art gallery are inspired by Maui’s unbelievable natural wonders!
Taste the Flavors of Maui
Lahaina is a hotspot to sample traditional Hawaiian cuisine and enjoy all of your international favorites. Drawing from all of the cultures that settled in Hawai’i, many local favorites have found a special Hawaiian spin and shape what you see today. Stop in one of West Maui’s famous shops or markets for fresh poke, a dish born in Hawai’i that is made from raw ahi tuna or octopus, then seasoned with a mix of seaweed and spices. Sample shave ice from Ululani’s on Lahaina’s Front Street with its assortment of classic and tropical flavors. Some of our other favorites in Lahaina are Frida’s Beach House for fresh seafood and Mexican dishes, or Lahaina Pizza Co. for classic American fare. Make sure to head to Ono’s Gelato for delicious tropical-infused ice cream, sweets, and fresh Hawaiian coffee!
Fun fact
Maui residents are a big fan of packing a picnic to their favorite beach. Hit one of the local supermarkets to do so yourself.
Make a Great Escape
Maui Escape Rooms takes the idea of an escape room adventure to a whole new level. Find hidden clues, solve puzzles, and uncover mysteries in one of their exciting themed escape adventures. Match wits with Nikola Tesla to escape a Victorian-themed room or escape from an abandoned World War II bunker deep in the jungle. Search for clues to escape a pirate ship or make a prison break at the West Maui County Prison! These Hawaiian-inspired adventures are one-of-a-kind and full of excitement for the whole family.
Fun fact
Escape rooms are interactive adventure games where players solve puzzles and riddles using clues and teamwork to escape.