Family-friendly Maui!

As long time patrons of Hawaii's Valley Island, Maui, my family and I often get asked for recommendations. Because I am a super lazy person, I've decided to do a couple blog posts on the matter so I can just refer people to a link. Hoorah! 

My first set of recommendations are for family fun trips! If you've got kids, I've got ideas to entertain them. 

For accommodation, my recommendation is to stay in Kihei on the SW part of the island. Although the north and west parts of the island are beautiful as well, Kihei and Wailea have the nicest sand beaches (versus the rocky beaches on the NW), the warmest water, and the most calm waves. Any of the Kamaole beaches are great to be around.

It's best for families too because you're close to essentials like Safeway and still within walking distance of great restaurants, shops and markets. The drive from Kihei into Kahului (the main city on the island) is about 15 or 20 minutes. The drive to the north part of the island is only about 45 minutes. Less than the time it takes me to get to the C-Train station here in Calgary! 

That being said, the other parts of the island you might want to consider are Kanapali and Paia. They are also good options for families. 

Here's a shortlist of family-friendly things to do:

• Maui Ocean Centre aquarium  can see spectacular live coral displays (the largest collection in the nation), enjoy playful swimming displays by Hawai‘i’s beloved green sea turtles, awe at close encounters with sharks, rays and more – while learning about Hawai‘i’s natural history and cultural heritage. 
• Pacific Whale Foundation whale watch boat ride. Each year, humpback whales migrate from cool waters near Alaska to their warm-water breeding grounds in Hawaii to birth their calves. The best times to see whales are from November to April with the peak being between February and March.
• Old Lahina Luau (it is the most authentic luau with limited audience harassment, plus the drinks are open bar) 
• Lahaina. A town on the NW side. It's pretty touristy but the shops are good, restaurants are fun and the town square is a massive, sprawling banyan tree.Drive up Haleakala. The views from the top of the volcano are spectacular and there is lots to stop and explore on the way, but the drive is long around many winding bends
• Go through Paia on your way up to check out Maui's hippy lifestyle and the best surfing and kite surfing on the island. Proceed up the hill to Makoaw, a market town halfway up Haleakala on the North side. Cool shops, good food and Maui's cowboy history. End your drive in Kula at the spectacular  Kula lodge for great food and great views (if it's clear). 
• Makena (Big Beach). The waves her can get MASSIVE so it's really fun to watch people getting bashed around or skid boarding. 
• The lava fields south on the main road from Kihei. You drive across where the volcano erupted last and you get to a little nature reserve (La Perouse Bay). The snorkelling here can be a little rough, but well worth it. There is a nice easy path just off the lava fields that walks down the coast a bit for some beautiful views and natural rock formations.
• Maui swap meet. http://mauiexposition.com/MAUISWAPMEET.html Tons of local artists and vendors selling quirky, tacky and beautiful things.
• Iao needle. It's a small park with nature paths and some Hawaiian history. This is more where the locals live which you get a glimpse of on your way to the needle. The needle itself is a free standing rock peak of cultural significance. There is also a kid's nature museum on the way up that I have yet to check out. 

Next up: Scuba and snorkel recommendations!