Are you looking for the best places to stay in Maui for families? While Maui is often thought of as an island for honeymooners, it is actually one of the most family-friendly of the Hawaiian islands – especially for toddlers. In fact, our family first visited when our son was 18-months old.
Since then, our family has been to Maui nearly every year for the last 14 years, and we know it very well. In fact, it’s our favorite of the Hawaiian Islands, and it is definitely one of the best Hawaiian islands for kids.
Maui is one of the most family-friendly places in the Hawaiian islands because there are so many fun activities to do for all ages. It has something for toddlers, school-age kids, and even teens and tweens! I know because we have been coming to Maui since my oldest was 18 months old and when my twins were 1 year old, and we have done every age and stage since.
The scenery offers some of the most stunning views in the world, with gorgeous sandy beaches, crystal clear water, active adventures, and tons of things to do in nature.
We go to Hawaii each year because it’s one of our favorite locations in the world. Typically, we add it on as part of a larger vacation to Oahu, Kauai, or the Big Island. Because of my expertise and experience visiting the island that we know so well, people ask me all the time, “Where are the best Maui resorts for families?”
If you are looking for great places to stay for your Maui, Hawaii vacation, this is the post for you. Whether you want to stay in a beach hotel or luxury resort, there’s something for everyone.
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Where to Stay in Maui with Kids
So, where is the best area to stay in Maui? There’s really no bad place to stay on the island. Each area has plenty of Maui resorts for families and tons of activities to do. But let’s first orient you to the island and areas where you can stay.
West Maui
West Maui was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. This is our favorite area of Maui.
Sadly, the historic whaling town of Lahaina was destroyed in 2023 with the tragic wildfires. However, the Resort areas are available, and many of the surrounding buisnesses and activities have reopened.
It’s a great place to watch the whales in the winter.
West Maui is one of the main resort areas, and it is our favorite area to stay in Maui. Some of the best Maui hotels can be found in this area, from resorts with oceanfront rooms, easy beach access, and family activities; it’s a great place to stay in Maui with kids.
Within West Maui, there are several areas where you can stay, such as Ka’anapali, Napili, and Kapalua.
Ka’anapali
Famous Ka ‘anapali Beach has several Maui family-friendly hotels on the waterfront, many perfect for young kids, from the Hyatt on one end stretching all the way to Sheraton Black Rock, and then additional hotels go beyond Black Rock. Several known resorts line this area on the beachfront and lovely beach walk, including the Marriott Ocean Club, The Westin, and the OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort Hotel (formerly the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel.)
This is typically where we like to stay, although we have often stayed in Kapalua and Wailea. But I like this eare the best because it is less busy than Wailea, and you can walk to shopping and restaurants. I also prefer the beach here.
Here, you will find many resort activities and shopping, including Whaler’s Village, which you can walk to from your Ka’anapali Beach hotel. The famed Ka’anapali Golf Course is right next to this area as well.
Plus the beautiful tan sand beach and ocean is a great place to enjoy one of the best parts of any Hawaiian vacation. I will say, though, that the Ka’anapali beach north of Black Rock is calmer that the area south of Black Rock, so that is another place to look for the best family resort in Maui for your family.
Napili
The area of Napili is north of Kaanapali Beach. It costs less than staying in Kaanapali Beach, and there are several condo complexes here, as well as hotels and great restaurants like Duke’s. It is more quiet, but it is quite lovely.
Kapalua
The area of Kapalua is located further north in West Maui, and it has a hotel and a few condos. It is a bit more exclusive, however, and where you will find more extravagant beachfront resorts and luxury hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton and the lovely Merriman’s restaurant overlooking Kapalua Bay Beach.
It’s a perfect spot to watch a Maui sunset. Just know that there is more wind and rain in this area, but Kapalua Bay Beach has calm water and is known for excellent snorkeling.
In fact, our family snorkels here yearly and often sees local fish like the humuhumunukunukuฤpuaสปa fish (or humu humu for short) and green sea turtles.
South Maui
South Maui is also a great area to stay with top Maui hotels. Not only do they offer oceanfront rooms, some also offer plenty of kid-friendly pools, kid-friendly restaurants, and Hawaiian culture activities, along with amazing ocean views. It’s another area that will keep your family entertained, as it is close to a lot of activities to enjoy when visiting Maui with kids.
Most people who visit Maui stay in Wailea or Kihei. The benefit is that this area is closer to the airport and some of the most common activities, such at the Road To Hana, Maui Ocean Center, and snorkel trips out of Maalaea harbor.
Wailea
Wailea is another major resort area and has plenty of family-friendly resorts for younger kids and older ones. It is also popular with honeymooners, with popular resorts like the Grand Wailea Resort, the Four Seasons, and others like the Marriott.
We have stayed in this area and it is very nice and luxurious. But I personally prefer Ka’anapali.
There is also a lot of shopping in the Wailea area, so it’s full of places to get great souvenirs, to dine, and near many activities. We enjoy staying in Wailea for its convenience and proximity to many of the top things to do in Maui for kids.
Kihei
Just north of Wailea is Kihei. It’s known as the condo section of the South, with a variety of condos right on the beach. If you’re looking for a less expensive place and want to stay in a central location, this is the best area, but there’s a lot of traffic.
South Maui has miles of gorgeous sandy beaches and breathtaking views of Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokini islands. Some of our favorite activities are visiting the underwater aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center and Makena Beach State Park.
Wailea Beach is here, and you’ll find great golf courses. Wailea is known for its luxury resorts, and it has some great Maui resorts for families.
South Maui also has some of the best outdoor adventures like horseback riding and adventure bike trails.
Central Maui
Central Maui is where most residents of Maui live and is home to Iao Valley State Park. We love hiking here, and one of the most famous landmarks of Maui is the 1,200-foot-tall Iao Needle, a natural rock formation.
Central Maui is also home to the largest mall on the island, in the town of Kahului. And don’t miss a scenic drive on the iconic Road to Hana. It’s one of the best things to do on Maui with kids!
Upcountry Maui
In Upcountry Maui, golden beaches give way to hazy mountains like Maui’s highest peak, Haleakala. Haleakala is in Haleakala National Park. The locals farm the volcanic soil here, growing sweet potatoes and taro.
Upcountry is also home to the Hawaiian cowboys, a culture that grew quickly in the 1800s. This area is the place for stunning sunrises and moonlike landscapes.
We typically take a drive to Upcountry Maui when we visit. This area is quite different but it is very beautiful and you can take in beautiful views.
East Maui
East Maui has lush rainforests, waterfalls cascading into pools, pineapple stands, and rugged sea cliffs. Visit the small town of Hana and the Kipahulu area of Haleakala National Park, where you’ll find the beautiful Pools of Oheo.
Make sure you bring your camera on the winding drive there because you’ll want to take lots of photos.
Northshore Maui
The Northshore of Maui is less developed, so there are fewer crowds. The Northshore embraces the surf culture, so it’s a great place for the kids to take surf lessons.
Some of the island’s most popular restaurants are in the Northshore as well as Baldwin Beach Park and the town of Paia – a shopper’s paradise.
Best Maui Resorts for Families
Fairmont Kea Lani
The Fairmont Kea Lani is one of the best resorts in Maui for families. It has a great dining program where kids five and under eat free. This Maui resort even offers awesome Hawaiian cultural activities like ukulele lessons, coconut leaf weaving, and an outrigger canoe adventure.
Many think that the Fairmont Kea Lani is the best place to stay in Maui for families because it emphasizes ohana (family) and has:
- Water slides
- Beautiful Polo Beach
- Underwater scooters
- A sunset torch-lighting ceremony
- Cultural lessons for kids
You’ll love spending beach days on Polo Beach and the sunset torch-lighting ceremonies at night when you stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani.
Marriott Maui Ocean Club
As stated above, the Marriott Maui Ocean Club is one of our favorite places to stay in Maui with kids! This Maui resort is located in the west part of Maui and set on Kaanapali Beach, which, I admit, is one of my favorite gorgeous beaches in Maui. The complex has four restaurants, and the rooms and villas accommodate up to six guests comfortably.
Some of our favorite features that make it one of the best beachfront resorts are:
- Close proximity to places like Kapalua and Whaler’s Village, but you can drive to activities like Atlantis Submarines, Haleakala National Park, Maui Ocean Center Aquarium, and Iao Valley State Park
- Three family-friendly pools with waterfalls, a grotto, and water slides (two kid-friendly pools and one pool kids can use, but it isn’t as lively as the other two)
- BBQ and picnic area
- Guest rooms have kitchenettes
- Villas have full kitchens and washers and dryers
- Many family-friendly activities are hosted on the property, from free shave ice (one of the best things to do in Maui with kids), weekly markets, life-sized chess and scrabble games and activities, and staff-led games on the property.
The Grand Wailea – A Waldorf Astoria Resort
This family-friendly resort has Camp Grande for kids ages five to twelve and a place just for teens, so it’s great if you have kids in different age groups. Kids five and under get a free breakfast, and there are plenty of cultural experiences and ocean activities.
Other things that make The Grand Wailea Resort one of the best Maui resorts for families are:
- Four amazing pools
- Unique water features like a water elevator, swim-up bar, whitewater rapids slide, and Lava Tube Slide
- On-site luau
- Rope swings in the pool area
- You might spot one of the celebrities that stay there
Four Seasons Resort Maui
Four Seasons Maui is also located in West Maui, and it’s where they filmed the HBO Max show White Lotus. Wailea Beach is just a few steps away from the resort, and the standard rooms sleep four comfortably.
Other features that this Four Seasons Maui resort is one of our favorite luxury resorts include:
- Tennis courts
- Free kids’ club with childcare
- Kids under six eat free at two restaurants
- A pool with a shallow area and water slide
- Daily activities for kids
Also, it’s worth noting that the Four Seasons Resort Maui is one of the few resorts that doesn’t charge a resort fee.
Marriott Maui Wailea Beach Resort
The Marriott Maui Wailea Beach Resort is one of the best Maui family resorts with gorgeous ocean views. It’s located in South Maui and has the longest water slide in Hawaii. Our family stayed here before and it offers amazing ocean views, hot tubs, and close to all that Maui has to offer.
The pool is almost as insane as the Grand Wailea pool area, but it’s one of the more budget-friendly hotels.
Other features that make this one of the best beachfront resorts to stay on your Hawaiian vacation include:
- A movie theater
- Life-sized Connect Four and Chess outside
- An escape room
- On-site food trucks and restaurants
- A seasonal kids’ club
The only drawback of staying at the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort is that you have to walk a couple of minutes to the beach even though it’s oceanfront.
Hyatt Regency Kaanapali
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort is one of the nicest Maui family resorts because it has the best activities for kids. The pool area is the real jewel of this resort as it includes six pools, a fun rope bridge, and a large water slide.
With amazing oceanfront views and lush gardens, this The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort has the following features we love:
- Rooftop Stargazing Program
- Drums of the Pacific Luau
- Mermaid Swim Academy
- Penguin Presentation and viewing (one of the best things to do in Maui with kids)
- Luxury spa
- Each room has a lanai
- Learn to dive programs from this resort
Your kids will love the activities at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort.
Westin Maui Resort and Spa Kaanapali
The West Maui Resort is also located in West Maui, with stunning scenic views of the ocean and volcanic mountains, which make it one of the best Maui resorts on the island. The Hokupa’a at The Westin Maui has just been renovated, and guests in this area get a private bar, infinity pool, and more.
Besides the spacious suites guest rooms, and outdoor pool, we love these other features:
- Authentic Maui luau with live music
- Within walking distance to the historic Whaler’s Village
- Snorkeling, swimming, sailing, and other water activities
- Six pools that overlook a giant pool playground
- Tall water slide and interactive splash zone
Honua Kai Resort
The Honua Kai Resort is one of the best Maui resorts for travelers who are eco-conscious, and the restaurant and cafes use local produce. This West Maui resort has huge rooms with private lanais and a full kitchen.
We also love these other features:
- Multiple pools that connect
- A large beachfront
- Market with ice cream
- Fountain for small children
- Perfect for large family vacations as the three-bedroom suites are large – over 2,000 square feet
Napili Kai Beach Resort
The Napili Kai Beach Resort is one of the best resorts for families because it has ten beachfront acres, and many of the 163 guest rooms and suites have full kitchens. It also has the Sea House restaurant on property, known for its oceanfront dining with a keiki menu.
This resort is perfect for people who love snorkeling as it’s located on Napili Bay, and there are plenty of other family-friendly activities. But there aren’t any activities just for kids.
Some of the other features we love include:
- Quiet and more suited for families with older kids
- Four big pools
- Family packages available
- Complimentary photography session when you stay more than five nights for families with five or more people.
- Competitive games like Portugues Horseshoes and Bocce Ball
Montage Kapalua Bay
This resort is located near Kapalua Bay and has stunning views of the ocean. Montage Kapalua Bay has a full-service spa with large residences with as many as four bedrooms with kitchens. Is is definitely one of the best luxury hotels on Maui.
The Montage Kapalua Bay Montage Merit program was designed for family activities and fosters family bonding through unique Hawaiian experiences. Along with the Paintbox Childrenโs Program with planned outdoor and indoor activities for kids, we love these other features:
- Six dining options
- A multi-leveled pool
- Close to one of the best golf courses in Hawaii
- Wildlife Wednesday, where kids explore the Kapalua Coastal Trail
- Children’s Night Out, which includes dinner, a movie, arts and crafts, and a pajama party
As you can see there are many great reasons to stay at Montage Kapalua Bay.
The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
This popular destination is another West Maui resort that is one of the best Maui resorts for families. You’re mere steps away from scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more, so this is the perfect resort for the family who wants to do water sports.
This is different than the Westin mentioned above as this location is north of Black Rock. In fact, I love this resort because the beach in front is a calmer part of Kaanapaali, plus it has amenities perfect for families.
Besides the spacious villas and scenic views, we love these other great features:
- Restaurants that source local ingredients
- Oceanfront heated pools with whirlpool spas and rock waterfalls
- Tennis courts
- Cultural experiences and events for the whole family
- Gas grills for sunset BBQs
Check out the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas!
Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort
The Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort (formerly the Kaanapali Beach Hotel) is located in West Maui. It is one of the favorites of many people because it is considered to be one of the most Hawaiian of the hotels.
What I like about the Kaanapali Beach Resort is that it authentically promotes learning about and experiencing Hawaiian culture with daily activities, not just enjoying the surf and the sand. So it makes for a great Maui resort for families, especially if you participate in the activities.
Some of these include lei making, hula dancing, Hawaiian language lessons, ukulele and song class, weaving lessons, Hawaiian storytelling, and more. Their onsite restaurant also offers fresh seafood and incredible views.
- Onsite daily Hawaiian cultural activities
- Children aged 17 and under are free when staying with an adult
- A whale-shaped pool!
- Oceanfront dining and rooms
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa at Black Rock
This is one of the most popular resorts in Kaanapali because of it’s location next to Black Rock. It is a beautiful resort with lovely grounds, an onsite luau, and family-friendly activities.
The nightly lele kawa (cliff diving) ritual and sleek, contemporary rooms make it one of the best beachfront resorts in Maui.
We think the Sheraton Maui is one of the best hotels because of these features:
- Five on-site restaurants with food for even the pickiest eaters
- Some of the best snorkeling on the island is off the beach
- Prime location
- Huge lagoon pool
- Onsite Luau (Maui Nui Luau)
- Cultural activities
- Family activities like Mermaid Aqua visits, keiki activities, candy lei making, and more
Other great resorts and hotels with stunning views include:
- Hana-Maui Resort
- Ritz Carlton Kapalua
- Aston at the Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
- Wailea Ekolu Village, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
FAQโs
How Do We Choose the Right Resort on Maui for our family?
I am often asked how to choose the best family resort in Maui for a family. Some of the things we look for are resorts close to activities we want to do with other perks like nearby shops and walking trails.
We also look for nice amenities, kid-friendly swimming pool areas, kid-friendly activities, and other family activities. Our family loves a family resort that has a kitchen or family amenities like laundry, and there are many on Maui that offer a hotel room with this feature or onsite at the hotel.
Our favorite family resort on the island is the Marriott Ocean Club but there are many things to consider when making your decision.
Why Stay In A Maui Resort With Kids and Families?
Well, the quick answer for why to stay in a Maui Resort with kids is it is easy. Some people like to book a VRBO on Maui. But, when you stay at a resort, often you can get a kitchen or kitchenette and many of them have family friendly activities ongoing throughout the day.
It’s hard to say which is the very best family resort on Maui, because while many of them offer amazing amenities for families. It depends a bit on what your family is looking for.
When we went to Maui for the second time, we decided to visit the Marriott Ocean Club because of its fabulous splash park for toddlers. It turned out to be the best family resort on Maui for us because of the living space in the room, full kitchen or kitchenette, free laundry (you read that right – FREE,) family-friendly activities, great pool, and just a short walk to Whaler’s Village.
Many resorts on Maui have beach access, but not all have amazing kids pools, water slides, and activities to learn about Hawaiian culture, and in some, kids eat free! While there are many kid-friendly hotels, the ones that have these extras are what make my list for why to stay at a Maui resort with kids.
There are some vacation rental homes in Maui. However, in recent years, due to various reasons, including a housing shortage, there have been fewer of these available, and they are typically very expensive. So Maui resorts are even more popular for families.
Is Maui a good place for a family vacation? Is Maui a good place for families?
Maui is very family-friendly, with tons of great restaurants even the pickiest kids will love. We love that there is so much to do, like spending the day on a beautiful beach and walking the hiking trails in Haleakala National Park.
You’ll also find many cultural activities that immerse your family in island life and teach you about the history of the Hawaiian people.
You definitely don’t want to miss snorkeling in Coral Gardens, a unique, breathtaking natural coral reef in West Maui. And there are tons of water sports the whole family will love. You’ll also find many activities and attractions at the various Maui resorts where you can stay.
It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular honeymoon and wedding destinations in the whole world. Plus, you can find some awesome Maui family vacation packages that can help you save money and make the most of your trip.
Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island, so you won’t be able to get in all the activities in one trip. But that’s okay. It just means you’ll have to come back for another trip and choose another one of the many Maui resorts for families to stay at!
Is Maui or Oahu Better For Families? Is Maui or Kauai Better For Families?
Ok, I am biased because I love Maui. In my opinion, Maui is definitely the best Hawaiian Island for families as there are plenty of things to do outside that the entire family will love. You can relax on the sandy beaches, eat amazing food, or explore the island jungle.
To me, it’s the perfect blend of a lot of activities but not as crowded as Oahu with time to relax. Kauai is very lush and beautiful, but it is better for kids ages five and up. In my opinion, Maui is the best of both of these islands. There is a reason Hawaiians say “Maui No Ka Oi,” which translates to “Maui is the best.” I happen to agree.
Everyone will enjoy snorkeling adventures, visiting the Maui Ocean Center, the Atlantis Submarine underwater tour, and much more.
What part of Maui is best for families/best to stay on? Which towns are the best to stay in Maui?
Wailea and Kaanapali are some of the best Maui resorts for families as they have a wide variety of accommodations for every family. There are many outdoor activities to do here and beaches with spectacular views.
What is there to do in Maui for families?
Oh gosh, the options are endless, which is why Maui is a favorite spot for our family vacations. There are so many things to do in Maui with kids of all ages! You’ll find plenty of shopping options, places with historical significance like the Whaler’s Village, and attractions such as:
- The Molokini Snorkeling Tour
- Hiking
- Maui Treasure Hunt
- Surf lessons
- Atlantic Submarine
- Hawaii Paddle Sports
- Hawaii Mermaid Adventures
- Luaus
- Maui Ocean Center
- Fun escape rooms
- Tropical Express Tour
- Surfing Goat Dairy Farm
- Road to Hana (Hana Highway)
And much more.
What are the best places to stay in Maui for a large family?
The Honua Kai Resort has huge suites like the three-bedroom one with over 2,000 square feet. The Grand Wailea, Maui Kaanapali Villas, Westin Kaanapali Ocean Villas, and Ho’olei in Wailea can also accommodate big families and are some of the best family resorts.
Is a vacation rental or hotel better for families in Maui?
It really depends on the amenities that you’re looking for and if you want the resort experience. Hotels have big pools, are close to the beach, and many have on-site restaurants and kid-friendly activities.
But if you stay in an Airbnb or VRBO, you can accommodate large groups, have a full kitchen, and often save money.
If you plan on doing more activities all over Maui, renting a home may be a better option. But if you plan on spending a lot of time where you’re staying, a family-friendly resort is the best option.
What is the nicest area to stay in Maui?
Most people who have vacationed in Hawaii will say that West Maui is one of the best places to stay on the island. It has many nice Maui resorts for families, and it is less busy than Wailea. We prefer West Maui as one of the nicest areas to stay in Maui.
What is the cheapest month to go to Maui?
If you want to save money on your Maui vacation, spring, and fall are the best months because it’s not the prime season. Maui is also less crowded, which is another perk. Consider visiting in April or May as the weather is still warm.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Maui for Families
We know you’ll love any of these Maui resorts and hotels as they have family-friendly activities, water adventures, pool complexes, great restaurants, and much more.
Maui is one of our top vacation destinations, and if you’ve never been before, you’ll fall in love. The sunny weather and beautiful scenery make it a unique vacation destination, and there are many great Maui resorts for families.
Whether you stay in South Maui, West Maui, or somewhere else, you’ll find plenty of things to keep you busy at one of the family-friendly resorts while still having relaxing beach days.
What is your favorite place to stay in Maui?
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