Adventure Awaits Your Family

We have always centered ourselves around the Kaanapali area. Primarily because they have resorts that accommodate larger families in a desired area. Below are some we have stayed at and loved: 

Honua Kai Resort & Spa: this is on the north end of Kaanapali and is beachfront. We have stayed here twice now (soon to be a third time) because they offer villas with full kitchens, yet it provides resort amenities including large pools with slides, activities on site and Duke’s restaurant is beachfront on property. You can rent direct or via airbnb, expedia or VRBO. 

Sheraton at Black Rock: this location cannot be beat. It is beachfront resort on a beautiful stretch of Kaanapali beach. It is the last resort before the famous Black Rock – which is where you can cliff jump or sit back with a cocktail for their sunset cliff diving ceremony. We fit in one room here as it had two queen beds, one pull out sofa bed and a murphy bed. Bonus – you can use Marriott points if you are a member. 

Hyatt Marriott Resort and Spa Kaanapali: this is a great family friendly property with penguins, flamingo, Koi and other wildlife on site. The grounds are great as are the large pools and offerings. It also has a great beach right outside and the majority of rooms have some type of ocean view. They also offer a great luau here at night. 

Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club: while a beautiful property and we all fit in a one bedroom room pretty comfortably, this is probably our least favorite. It was VERY busy here. Chairs were fought over and saved at sunrise and they had security walking around if you left your chair for more than 30 minutes (which we often do if we are in pool with our kids). For the pricetag, I would stay elsewhere. 

Kaanapali Shores: This property is perfect for families as there are two bedroom units with full kitchens. This property is priced more affordably than the others listed, yet the grounds and pool are perfect for longer stays. The rooms are decorated in older Hawaiian style but are clean and well equipped. 

Road to Hana: If this is your first time, I recommend taking the time to drive the road to Hana. This is a scenic, full day drive filled with over 600 turns, 50+ one-lane bridges and countless places to stop along the way. There are winding two lane roads that offer some of the most stunning views on the island. There is plenty of hiking along the way and if you see a fresh banana bread stands – STOP! You wont regret it. The seven sacred pools are at the end of the drive as well. Make sure to leave early enough where you aren’t driving in the dark on the way home – it is not fun! 

Haleakala Sunrise: it took us four trips, but we finally did this! Schedule it the FIRST day you get there as you will be up early anyway if traveling from the United States. You do need a reservation to enter the park for sunrise and will have to leave very early to make it up there before sunrise – but when you are there watching the sun rise above the clouds – it takes your breath away. 

Maui Tropical Plantation: we stopped here on our way back from Haleakala Sunrise and it was a fun experience. Our kids got to see local vegetation and try local fruits. 

Snorkeling or whale watching tours: these are fun and safe for the family. If you are traveling in whale watching season and do not get sea sick, this is a great family activity as you are pretty much guaranteed to see a whale (or invited back to another tour). Snorkeling can be done right outside of your hotel, but Molokini is a great tour to take to see more than 250 species of fish! 

Helicopter tour: we have done this twice – once with kids and once without. If you are prone to motion sickness, I would pass, but it’s a great way to see certain destinations you wouldn’t normally get to see on the island. 

 ‘lao Valley: this is a great national park that offers a close up look at tropical foliage and some easy, paved hikes for the entire family to enjoy. 

Wailea Beach: this is a great place to come relax and swim. There are a lot of luxury resorts all around here but parking is not difficult and you can come spend a day to swim, shop and eat. 

Surf! They have some fantastic companies that offer surfing for the whole family. We love Goofy Surf Foot School as the instructors are amazing and the location is safe with waves perfect for kids. It is a pricier activity, but our kids loved it! 

Luau: we have done the Luau at the Hyatt in Kaanapali and the Old Lahaina Luau. Both are fantastic, but the Old Lahaina Luau is authentic and a beautiful show if you can grab tickets. 

Mama’s Fish House: if you are traveling here, you have probably heard of this restaurant. It is ocean-front with beautiful sunsets and some of the best fresh caught fish on the island. It is a great spot to stop after Road to Hana as its on the way back (just bring a change of clothes!)

Merriman’s Kapalua: This is our absolute favorite restaurant on the island – but it carries the price tag to match. It offers incredible oceanfront views with a large patio that jets out into the ocean. We were greeted with a full rainbow and a luau as there was a small wedding ceremony there that evening. The award-winning restaurant is farm-to-table style featuring local ingredients. Get the mai tai if you go! 

Mokeypod Kitchen: this is a great, more affordable way to enjoy Chef Peter Merriman’s cuisine. There are two locations in Wailea and Kaanapali and both have amazing views of the ocean. 

Duke’s Kaanapali: Great, casual restaurant with family friendly menu right on the ocean. Don’t forget to get the Hula Pie! 

Maui Brewing Company: this is a great sandwich place with Keiki family options! 

Hula Grill and Leilani’s on the Beach: both of these are walking distance from most hotels in Kaanapali and feature similar menus. They are in a Whaler’s Village shopping area so you can kill time if you are waiting for your table!

Coconuts Fish Café: amazing fish tacos in Kihei! Great to stop if you are heading to the Wailea area from Kaanapali.