We recently returned from a family vacation to Kauai and Maui which was our 4th time on Maui. Our first trip to Maui was many years ago just after Christmas. Unfortunately, it poured the entire time. We returned a few years later in the springtime with our young keiki (kids), my parents and sister and fell in love with Maui. The weather in the spring is so perfect that we returned for spring break a few years ago and again in 2019. Read on for our Maui Top 5 Tips and Tricks for your family vacation to Maui.
Maui, known as the “Valley Isle”, has been voted the Best Island in the U.S. for 20 years by Conde Nast. The island is home to some of the most famous beaches, migrating humpback whales and the infamous Road to Hana (a must!)
This family travel guide to Hawaii is part of our Hawaii posts. Be sure to check out our family travel guides to Kauai and Oahu for your next vacation to Hawaii!
Maui Family Vacation Top 5 Tips and Tricks
STAY
West Maui or South Maui?
It is not easy to decide whether to stay in West Maui (Lahaina, Ka’anapali Beach, Kapalua, Honolua Bay) or South Maui (Wailea, Kihei, Makena). On one hand, West Maui has more activities because it has a working harbor, and doesn’t get as windy as it does in the South. The South is more convenient for helicopter tours, the Road to Hanna and some say the reefs are better in the South. We have always stayed in West Maui and sharing our recommendations below.
The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas
The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas was our home during our most recent vacation. We are owners here so redeemed our annual star options for a 2-bedroom lock off ocean view villa. The villas are located on 26 pristine of the Ka’anapali beach with breathtaking views. We loved having plenty of space for our family of five. We ate most breakfasts and lunches in our villa (convenient and cost-efficient). The pools were huge with a waterslide that the kids said was slow, basketball hoop, waterfalls. As owners (contrasted with hotel guests), our villa received a mid-week tidying which meant we had to make our beds, re-use towels, etc. These are tasks we do at home and were fine doing on vacation to save money – additional cleaning services were available at a cost.
The property also offered complimentary shuttles to its sister hotels – Westin Nanea Ocean Villas (a short 5-minute walk) and
Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali (next to Whaler’s Village). Whaler’s Village is a 30-minute walk along the boardwalk or beach. You’ll see plenty of runners and walkers on the trail especially in the mornings.
You can also redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas. This property is a category 6 and will cost you approx 60K points/night for a studio island view. A one bedroom ocean view costs approx 94K points/night. As a special bonus, when you book a stay of 4 nights at a single hotel property using your Marriott Rewards points, you’ll receive a bonus 5th night free!
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali
We have stayed at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali twice and loved our stays. The Westin is an oceanfront hotel just steps from Whaler’s Village. It has an 87,000-
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali is a category 6 hotel and will cost you approx 60K points/night. Currently, the hotel is undergoing some renovation and parts of the pool and grounds were closed when we walked through in April 2019. Note that we did not stay here so cannot comment on the extent of the renovations.
Marriott Maui Ocean Club
We have also stayed at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club, a vacation ownership resort located right on Ka’anapali Beach. We had a spacious one-bedroom with a kitchen and in-unit laundry – this was a huge benefit for a family of 5! The kids loved the fantastic pools (with a fast waterslide) and all of the resort activities. There is also a Pirate Ship play area for little keiki. The hotel pool bar was decent. The only Starbucks on Ka’anapali Beach is located here.
We redeemed SPG points (now Marriott Bonvoy) for this category 6 hotel which will also cost between 40,000-60,000 points per night depending on when you stay.
Views of the gorgeous grounds & pool at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club. By Family Galavant.
EAT
In my prior post, I recommended planning ahead booking sunset reservations at Mama’s Fish House. This was our splurge on our last trip – delicious food and Hawaiian ambiance. It’s located next to a beautiful beach and tide-pool.
A few other favorites
- Hula Grill – Good food. Good cocktails. Great fish. Excellent location right off Ka’anapali Beach in Whaler’s Village. We went here twice on our recent vacation.
- Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman – fun vibe in Whaler’s Village. Delicious fish tacos. Recommend getting their early to take advantage of their later aloha hour that ends at 5:30p for cocktails and pupus and enjoy people watching along the boardwalk.
- Kimo’s – Dreamy location along the oceanfront in Lahaina. Stroll through town and enjoy a sunset cocktail and tasty seafood here. Save room for the Hula Pie for dessert
- Häagen-Daaz – We love their ice cream! Definitely stop by if you’re enjoying the night-time entertainment in Whaler’s Village.
- Island Vintage Coffee – Hawaii is home to some amazing coffee (Kona coffee is grown on the Big Island of Hawaii). Enjoy a morning walk along the beach to Whaler’s Village and a cup of Kona and original acai bowl here.
PLAY
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is an absolute must for Maui. It is without question the most famous drive in all of Hawaii. Some say it’s comparable to driving through the garden of Eden -a slow, winding road through a lush paradise that you always hoped existed somewhere. If you do opt to take this adventure, we recommend allowing a full day (start early!), do your research (this is the best guide book!)and have a few “must spots” (don’t be tempted to check out the first stops along the road), pack a lunch, snacks and plenty of drinks, bring swimsuit and change of clothes and your camera to capture this magical adventure!
A few specific recommendations:
Stop for shaved ice at Halfway to Hana Stand – the perfect place to stop and relax on your journey to Hana Town.
Swim at Ching’s Pond, a marvelous pool at marker 17. The swimming is good. We watched daring locals diving out and away from the cliffs into the tiny part that they claim is deep enough.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is home to Maui’s highest peak. Rising 10,023 (3,005 m) feet above sea level, Haleakala means “house of the sun” and is where demigod Maui lassoed the sun, slowing its passage so people had more time to dry kapa (cloth) and grow food. The dormant volcano’s “crater” is actually a valley carved by erosion.
We drove up to Haleakala ourselves and experienced an unbelievable sunset here. Sharing some specific tips:
- Stop at Leleiwi Overlook at mile marker 17.5 where the elevation is ar. Pull into the parking lot on the right side of the road. Cross the road on foot and take the short trail to the overlook for a panoramic view of the vast crater of Haleakala. Many folks don’t even notice this location because at first glance it appears nothing is here. Don’t make that mistake!
- Enter the park approx 90 minutes before sunset. Parking is limited. Try to find a space near the Summit.
- Consider dining at Kula Lodge that is at 3,200 feet elevation and approx 45 minutes to the top. The food is subpar but the views are stunning.
- Bring warm cloths – jackets, pants, gloves, hats! We draped hotel towels around us and were still cold. The average temperature is in the mid-50’s with a blustery wind.
- The trip is approx 2 hours from Ka’anapali
SHOP
Shop your favorite brands like Lululemon, Lily Pulitzer, Sephora, Billabong, Tommy Bahamas and many Hawaiian favorites in Whalers Village. Home to a vibrant variety of 90 fine shops and restaurants and a renowned whale museum, Whalers Village is located on beautiful Kaanapali Beach and has the distinction of being Maui’s premier oceanfront shopping destination. There are also lei-making classes, hula, and ukulele lessons, hula shows, live music shows, children’s play areas, outdoor family movie night.
Whaler’s Village is a 30-minute walk from the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas and 10-minute stroll along the boardwalk from Marriott Maui Ocean Club. You can also drive and validate your parking at most stores and restaurants.
No shopping post about Hawaii would be complete without mentioning the infamous ABC stores that are everywhere on Hawaii (we love them). They carry a wide selection of Hawaiian souvenirs, beach gear, cosmetics/toiletries, wine & beer, fresh deli, and groceries all in one place. More expensive than the local grocery stores, but we love to browse in there and rarely come out empty handed. There’s an ABC store in Whaler’s Village just off the boardwalk.
Nearly everything is expensive on the islands, so we like to stock up on basic groceries and snacks. There’s a relatively new and really nice Target about a 10-minute drive from the airport, 40+ minutes from
FUN
Nakalele Blowhole, West Maui
A short but tricky hike from the road to the spectacular Nakalele Blowhole. The ocean here has undercut the lave shelf where it spits through a man-sized hole in the lava. Water shoots through the blowhole every few seconds shooting up to 70 feet. The trade winds may also blow the water so may feel like a mist.
The Nakalele Blowhole is in West Maui, approx. 8 miles north of Kapalua at mile marker 38.5. TIPS: wear Keens or gym shoes, pack water, walk on the dry rocks, buy the delicious banana bread and macadamia nut cookies from Mama Lei at the start of the hike and most importantly be SAFE.
‘Iao Valley State Park, Central Maui
‘Iao Valley State Park is a treasure that is easily accessed by anyone. While most people don’t spend an extended period of time here, it is a must-see.
The main attraction here is the ‘Iao needle (Kuka’emoku) – a 1200′ (2250′ from sea level) high peak created by the erosion of the softer rock around it over many millennia. Hike up the easy 133 steps to view the needle on the ‘Iao observation deck. We also walked down along the stream. Again wear Keens or gym shoes as the rocks are slippery.
The sites of ‘Iao at the ‘Iao Valley State Park in Central Maui, HI. By Family Galavant.
Many of the hotels offer ocean activities (i.e. surfing lesson, stand up paddle boarding and snorkeling) which we hope to check out this time!
Pack the sunblock and camera and get ready to see why Maui is the best island in the U.S.!
Happy Travels!
Bridget, Family Galavant
This family travel guide to Hawaii is part of our Hawaii posts. Be sure to check out our family travel guides to Kauai and Oahu for your next vacation to Hawaii!
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