Travelling with a toddler(s) and not sure what activity to engage them in, we are sharing fun things to do with toddlers in Maui.

 

Maui, with its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and kid-friendly attractions, is the perfect destination for families with toddlers.

You’ve probably heard the saying, (or maybe you have not) “Maui Nō Ka ʻOi,” which means “Maui is the best”. You’ll understand why once you breath in the sea sweet fragrance air.

If you’re in Maui with little kids, make time for a visit to the Maui Ocean Center. It’s a fun place where children can learn about ocean animals in a way that keeps them curious and excited.

The aquarium has playful zones where kids can gently touch sea stars, sea cucumbers, that are great for hands-on learning.

Try not to miss the area with sea turtles, where they can see Hawaiian green turtles swimming nearby.

There’s also an underwater tunnel where fish, rays, and even sharks glide above and around you. It feels like stepping into the ocean without getting wet!

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or relaxing downtime, this island has something for everyone. Maui is the perfect destination for a family getaway.

In this post, we will discuss 20 fun things to do with your little ones in Maui that are sure to keep them entertained (and give you some great memories to cherish).

 

20 Exciting Things to Do with Toddlers in Maui

 

 

1. Maui Ocean Center

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Start your Maui adventure with a visit to the Maui Ocean Center.

The Maui Ocean Center is an awesome destination for kids to find and learn about marine life in a fun and engaging way.

This aquarium offers interactive exhibits that allow kids to get up close and personal with marine creatures.

They can touch sea stars, sea cucumbers, and other marine animals at the Tide Pool, making it easy for kids to learn in a fun, active way.

This aquarium is also  perfect for toddlers to get up close to Hawaii’s incredible marine life, including turtles, tropical fish, and even sharks.

The interactive exhibits will captivate their curious minds.

Ocean center is conveniently located right next to Maalea Harbour and makes for a perfect relaxing afternoon after a morning boat excursion.

 

2. Kaanapali Beach

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Kanapali Beach is the perfect destination for families with little looking to enjoy sun, sand, and surf in Maui.

Located on the western coast of the island, this well known beach features; crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and a range of water activities

Kaanapali Beach offers calm waters and plenty of space to play in the sand.

Toddlers will love splashing in the gentle waves while parents can relax nearby. It’s a great spot for a family beach day.

The beach is also home to several popular resorts, making it a convenient and comfortable place for families to stay.

 

3. Maui Tropical Plantation

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Head to the Maui Tropical Plantation for a scenic tram tour around lush gardens.

Your toddler will enjoy the vibrant flowers, fruits, and plants. The plantation also has a petting zoo with friendly animals to greet.

Also learn about sugar cane and pineapple farming.

There is no entrance fee to check out the grounds but you may have to spend some amount of money to feed the ducks and get some snacks and coffee for yourselves.

 

4. Baldwin Beach Park

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Baldwin Beach Park is a beautiful, long white-sand beach on Maui’s North Shore.

Known for its shallow waters and wide sandy shoreline, Baldwin Beach Park is another excellent beach for toddlers.

Baldwin Beach is a wonderful, long, wide, sandy beach park just outside of Paia.

Fully equipped with lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, barbecues, picnic tables and a covered pavilion.

It’s perfect for a day of sandcastle building and wading in the water.

 

5. Lahaina Banyan Court Park

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The Lahaina Banyan Court Park is located in historical Lahaina Town located next to the harbor.  Lahaina was once the capital of Hawaii before Honolulu became the capital city of Hawaii.

Lahaina Banyan Court Park is home of the oldest living Banyan Tree on Maui.  The tree is over 150 years old.

The famous Lahaina Banyan Tree is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing. The enormous tree provides plenty of shade, and toddlers will have a blast running around and playing under its branches.

 

6. Iao Valley State Park

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The Iao Valley State Park has reopened to the public in 2023 after being closed for quite a while.

It’s conveniently close to Kihei and is small enough to be able to visit in half a day. 

For a quiet and beautiful hike, Iao Valley State Park is a great option.

While the trails may not be ideal for strollers, you can enjoy a short walk along the paved path to the Iao Needle while your toddler takes in the lush surroundings.

There’s a small entrance fee and you need to have a reservation to enter which you can purchase a few days in advance.

 

7. Maui Swap Meet

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The Maui Swap Meet has been a favorite spot for both locals and visitors since 1981.

It takes place every Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM in the parking lot of the University of Hawaii Maui College. You’ll find it just off Kahului Beach Road, right across from the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on Wahinepio Road.

The Maui Swap Meet in Kahului is a great spot to experience local culture. Toddlers will love the colors and energy of the market, and there are often fun, handmade toys and treats that can make for a special souvenir.

 

8. Whale Watching (Seasonal)

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Whales come to the islands of Hawaii between December and April to mate and they put on quite the splashing show.

During whale season, it’s not unusual to spot whales breaching from the shore, and if you’re staying beachfront, you might even catch the show right from your lanai.

Every few minutes, they rise to the surface to breathe, glide, leap, splash, or simply play around however they please.

If you’re visiting Maui between November and April, take advantage of the whale watching season.

Some boat tours offer child-friendly experiences where toddlers can enjoy watching humpback whales from the deck.

 

9. Upcountry Maui Farm Tours

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A visit to Upcountry Maui introduces your toddler to farm animals and fresh produce.

Many farms offer tours where kids can pet goats, pick fruit, and enjoy interactive experiences in a scenic, countryside setting.

Spend your morning getting to meet and pet animals at the Maui Animal Farm.

 

10. Maui’s Surfing Goat Dairy

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Your toddler will have a blast meeting goats, playing in the fields, and even helping out with milking at the Maui Surfing Goat Dairy.

You’ll get a guided tour of the dairy, where you’ll learn all about its background and how it operates.

Along the way, you’ll get to meet the goats, feeding and playing with them (the baby goats are especially adorable!).

You can even try milking one yourself. Afterward, you’ll get to sample some of their delicious cheeses.

Don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen, since most of the tour is outdoors. And whatever you do, make sure you try the goat milk truffles, they’re seriously good.

The farm tours are informative yet fun for the whole family.

 

11. Makena Beach State Park

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Makena State Park, just south of Wailea, is home to a stunning, wide beach with soft white sand that feels endless.

It’s a great spot to soak in the beautiful scenery, catch some waves on a boogie board, or take a slow, relaxing walk by the water.

The waves can get pretty strong, so it’s a good idea to check the ocean forecast before jumping in.

Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, is ideal for families with toddlers.

The beach is often less crowded, offering plenty of space for your little ones to explore the sand and water in a safe, relaxing environment.

There’s a small entrance fee, but you’ll find plenty of parking, restrooms, and lifeguards on duty to keep things safe.

 

12. Hana Lava Tube

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Along the scenic Road to Hana, you’ll find the Hana Lava Tube, also known as Ka’eleku Cave.

It’s the biggest and easiest lava tube to explore on Maui, and it gives you a really cool glimpse into the island’s volcanic past.

Travelers from all over come here to see this natural wonder up close.

If you’re up for a small adventure, head to the Hana Lava Tube. The walk through the underground tube can be a fun and educational experience for toddlers, especially if they love exploring new places!

 

13. Kula Botanical Garden

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Kula was the first public garden to open on the island. The Kula Botanical Garden is one of the largest growers of Christmas trees in the state of Hawaii.

Take a peaceful stroll through the Kula Botanical Garden, where your toddler can explore colorful flowers, local plants, and even catch sight of some native birds. It’s a lovely way to spend some quiet time together.

All of the plants have labels with their botanical name, common name, and country of origin.

After you wander the paved paths, relax and have lunch at a picnic table on the lanai.

 

14. Maui’s Sugar Cane Train

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Toddlers will love the nostalgic experience of riding Maui’s Sugar Cane Train, which takes you through the scenic plantation areas and offers a unique view of the island.

 

15. Maui’s Baldwin Park Playground

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Situated close to Paia, Baldwin Beach Park is an easy stop for travelers exploring Maui’s North Shore or starting the Road to Hana.

Baldwin Beach is great for boogie boarding, body surfing, and swimming, especially in the mornings when the waves are smaller.

The park is equipped with picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, making it convenient for visitors looking to spend the entire day at the beach.

Let your toddler burn off some energy at the Baldwin Park Playground.

This spacious park is equipped with slides, swings, and climbing structures, perfect for a fun-filled afternoon.

 

16. Haleakala National Park (Sunrise)

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The national park offers a one-of-a-kind mix of natural beauty, cultural significance, and outdoor activities that are perfect for children and adults alike.

One of the most popular attractions at Haleakala National Park is the summit of the volcano, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Pacific Ocean.

The park aswell features a number of trails that are great for hiking, including the Sliding Sands Trail, which leads visitors through a landscape of cinder cones and colorful volcanic landscapes.

Watching the sunrise from Haleakala National Park is an unforgettable experience.

While the early wake-up time may be challenging, it’s a calm and serene way to enjoy the morning with your little one in a stroller or carrier.

The park also has several historic sites and cultural monuments, including the Pu’u Ula’ula Red Hill, which is a sacred place for the Hawaiian people.

 

17. Hawaiian Luau for Kids

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Enjoy a kid-friendly luau experience where toddlers can watch traditional Hawaiian dancing, music, and performances.

Some luaus offer kid-focused activities like hula dancing lessons and coconut husking.

 

18. Molokini Crater Snorkeling (with Toddlers)

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Another things to do with toddlers in Maui is the Molokini Crater Snorkeling.

Molokini Crater can be seen from the west shores of Maui. It’s just 3 miles away from Makena Cove and has some of the clearest waters for snorkelling.

If your toddler enjoys the water, consider booking a glass-bottom boat tour around Molokini Crater.

The calm waters provide a fantastic opportunity to see tropical fish, corals, and other marine life without needing to get in the water.

 

19. Maui Bird Conservation Center

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The Maui Bird Conservation Center breeds ‘alalā (Hawaiian crows) and kiwikiu (Maui parrotbills).

Introduce your toddler to the colorful and exotic birds of Maui at the Maui Bird Conservation Center. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy nature and learn about the island’s native bird species.

 

20. Kihei’s Kamaole Beach Parks

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Kamaole Beach Parks in Kihei are perfect for families with toddlers. With shallow waters and plenty of space to play, these beaches offer a safe and enjoyable environment for your little one to explore.

 

 

Maui is filled with opportunities to make lasting memories with your toddler, whether it’s exploring the great outdoors or enjoying cultural experiences. From relaxing beach days to exciting farm tours and educational attractions, there’s no shorta.

 

You just read: 20 fun things to do with toddlers in Maui.