People often ask me to name my favorite travel destinations and Hawaii always makes my shortlist. With six islands, each with its own character and offerings, it can be hard to choose which is best for your family. I have been to all of Hawaii's visitable islands and love Maui's wonderful blend of laid-back lifestyle and lively adventures. In fact, when we first became parents, my husband and I were seriously considering buying a condo in Kaanapali on Maui. (Oh, how I wish that dream had panned out!) Read my tips for kid-friendly things to do in Kaanapali, Maui to make the most of your visit to the Valley Isle.
Hotels in Kaanapali for families
If you've been to Maui, you've probably been to Kaanapali. This gorgeous three-mile stretch of beach is where you'll find many of the island's best hotels. Choose from such options as Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for its incredible pools and tropical birds, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa with its oceanfront lazy river, or Kaanapali Alii, a condominium-style resort that's fabulous for families. Then there's the Royal Lahaina Resort, set on 27 tropical acres along a half-mile stretch of Kaanapali Beach!
Kaanapali for active families
Active families will love the array of things to do in Maui with kids. Book a whale-watching tour, go snorkeling or scuba diving, try windsurfing or parasailing, or take a family surf lesson. The fun doesn't end at the beach, though. There's also zip-lining over Maui's lush landscape.
Hawaiian culture and history
Interested in experiencing some of Hawaii's rich heritage during your stay? Be sure to attend a luau, featuring traditional Hawaiian dancing, music, and foods. Then embark on the free Kaanapali Historical Trail & History and Legends Tour. For an interactive cultural experience, some hotels even offer classes in lei-making, hula, ukulele playing, and more.
Kids play while parents relax
Many Kaanapali resorts also offer kids clubs with all sorts of fun activities, from arts and crafts to games and outings. While the kids are busy playing, mom and can relax with a spa treatment or hit the links at the beautiful Kaanapali Golf Course.
Whalers Village
In Kaanapali, you'll also find Whalers Village Shopping Center. This hub of activity is home to 90 shops and several dining options. The oceanfront shopping area is also home to Whalers Village Museum, where adults and kids can learn about Maui's whaling history. At Hula Grill be sure to try local specialties like the Macadamia Nut Crusted fresh fish of the day, Coconut Seafood Chowder and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake with Caramel Rum Sauce.
Save These Kaanapali with Kids Tips
For future reference, be sure to keep this list of things to do in Kaanapali. Just pin the image above to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!
Are you dreaming of a vacation in Maui? Want to share more kid-friendly things to do in Kaanapali? Let us know in the comments below!
A Note from The Travel Mama: This story is sponsored by Kaanapali Beach Resort.
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
Can’t wait to party! It’s been 7 years since we enjoyed Maui. Love the west coast and Kaanapali!
So much to love about the West Coast and Kaanapali!
I’ve been to 49 states and yes – Hawaii is the only one I haven’t visited yet. It’s on my list and I’ll get there eventually, but it’s such a big world! You certainly have convinced me it’s a great place to bring the kiddos – something I would not thought to be the case prior to reading this.
Cherri – Hawaii is such an incredible state. It’s very American, but it feels worlds away from the Mainland in many ways with its own rich culture and history. I hope you will visit soon!
This looks absolutely amazing. I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii.
Hawaii is so bucket list worthy! Hope you can visit soon!
Awesome Twitter party with unbelievable prizes!! My bags are packed and I’m ready to go!!
So glad you could join the party, Cathi. And congrats again on winning a prize!
I would love to take myh family to kaanapali! It sounds amazing and I know it would be the trip of a lifetime makikng memories in Hawaii!
A trip to Kaanapali is ripe for the memory making, for sure!
I haven’t been there in years, but I so want to go back. This post alone is making me itch to go back! So gorgeous there
I hear you. Writing this story and hosting the Twitter party today has me absolutely longing for a trip back to Maui!
So I have always wanted to go to Hawaii but I’m not sure I could handle the plane ride!
Are you afraid of flying? I hate flying too (I know, ironic for a travel blogger), but the flight is so worth a trip to Kaanapali, Maui!
I cannot wait for this party! We love traveling to Hawaii, but I’ve never been to Kaanapali! Loved your pictures!
You’ll learn so much about Kaanapali and all its family-friendly offerings tomorrow, Claudia! 🙂
What great fun and great experience you had. I never really thought about going to Kaanapali before, it looks beautiful though. May need to add it to my want to do list.
Oh, Kaanapali is so worthy of a travel bucket list!
So funny – I just got back from Hawaii! We actually stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui and it’s beautiful. I love Hawaii!
I love the Hyatt Regency Maui so much. Glad you had a good time!
This made me miss the beach. It’s beautiful out there and you won’t regret it. It’s pretty awesome that you shared where we can stay with the kids! I’m sure mine will have an awesome time there!
I’m sure your kids will LOVE Kaanapali. Enjoy!
This place looks absolutely stunning! Holy cow! This is a travel bucket list place for sure!
Yeah…Kaanapali is pretty dang beautiful!
Your photos are gorgeous!! I would love to travel to Maui one day!!
Thank you, Ricci. I hope you can travel to Maui someday soon!
What a fantastic Twitter party and I love the prizes! Hawaii has always been on my must travel list! So much so that my middle child says he’ll take me there on his first pay check! lol
Ha! He’ll probably need that money for rent but I like the sentiment! My son’s biggest dream was to visit Hawaii and he LOVED it. I hope your family can visit soon!
I have never been to any of the Hawaiian islands but would love to visit any of them! I love the feel of a laid-back lifestyle for sure. Kaanapali sounds awesome and it’s one I have heard very little about so thanks for the great insight!
My pleasure! I love spreading the word about such a beautiful and friendly place!
This sounds like a great twitter party and giveaway! Nothing is more exciting than Hawaii. It’s so gorgeous there.
This party is kind of making me wish I’d scheduled a trip to Hawaii over spring break…even though we’ll be going to France, which I love too!
Kaanapali looks so incredible! It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. I should know. I used to live in Hawaii!
Lucky you, Stacie! My son says he wants to move to Maui when he grows up. I said he can only go if he takes me along!
Would love to visit!!
Hope you can get to Kaanapali soon!
I cannot wait for this party! We love traveling to Maui and specifically Kaanapali as it has so much to offer families. The dining scene is amazing too!
Looking forward to tweeting with you tomorrow, mama!
Wow.. Kaanapali looks like a fun place to explore!!
Adding it to my bucket list.. Thanks for sharing Colleen ????
Thanks for your comment, Robert. Hope you can join us for the Twitter party and a chance to win some great Kaanapali prizes!
Wowza what an amazing experience to have in Maui! I’m loving the review it’s making me so excited to travel with my family to Kaanapali.
Wonderful! I hope you and your family have a fabulous vacation in Kaanapali!