If you can bear to leave your beachside hotel, the Road to Hana is a must-do experience for every family wanting to experience everything Maui has to offer. This 64-mile stretch of picturesque road winds along Maui’s northern coast.
Tales of secret waterfalls perfect for swimming, breathtaking coastal vistas, black sand beaches, and charming roadside fruit stands have captivated tourists visiting Maui for generations.
But any road trip can be stressful if you’re traveling with kids. The road is windy, and kids can get fed up with being cooped up in the car, so it’s essential to plan the best stops that offer excitement and convenience.
We recommend stopping to spend a night under the stars at a luxury hotel in Hana to break up your journey. Hana-Maui Resort is located in Hana town, where guests will find a blend of aloha spirit and coastal charm. This secluded luxury hotel offers travelers a beautiful place to escape on Hawaii’s eastern coast, with proximity to renowned beaches, tropical forests and waterfalls, and the majestic Pacific Ocean.
As for the rest of your stay in Maui, if you have a big budget, the Four Seasons are the best hotels in Hawaii, particularly if you have kids. If you have older kids, the Wailea Beach Marriott is one of the best Marriott hotels in Hawaii and has brilliantly long and windy water slides. Another good option is the Waldorf Astoria in Wailea, which also has some great slides and is one of the best Hilton hotels in Hawaii.
If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll be interested in our cheapest Hilton hotels in Hawaii as there are some bargains to be had if you look hard enough.
Wherever you decide to stay, book via our luxury travel concierge to get prioritized room upgrades, free breakfast, welcome amenities, and more.
Here are 10 family-friendly stops along the road to Hana.
1. Twin Falls
Twin Falls is our favorite and unmissable stop on the Road To Hana if you have kids. A short hike leads to these picturesque waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing swim and fun splashing around.
The short hike to the falls is relatively easy and suitable for children, making it accessible for families of all ages. When you get there, kids can marvel at the sight of the cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, providing a perfect backdrop for splashing and playing.
Families can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters, explore the surrounding lush vegetation, or even indulge in a picnic amidst the tranquil setting. With its serene ambiance and scenic beauty, Twin Falls is our number one stop on the Road To Hana.
2. Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Take a leisurely stroll along this easy trail, surrounded by lush greenery that offers plenty of opportunities for little ones to explore nature. Waikamoi Ridge Trail combines easy accessibility, stunning scenery, and opportunities for nature exploration. The trail winds through lush rainforest terrain, providing children with a firsthand experience of Maui’s diverse flora and fauna.
Along the way, families can discover native plants colorful flowers, and perhaps even spot some local wildlife, sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the island’s natural beauty. With its relatively gentle terrain and manageable distance, the trail is suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels, making it an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst Maui’s breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, the trail’s scenic viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding rainforest canopy, which provides plenty of opportunities for family photos and shared moments.
3. Garden of Eden Arboretum
The Garden of Eden Arboretum is an enchanting destination for families with kids, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty, educational opportunities, and outdoor exploration. Children can wander through the lush botanical gardens, marveling at the vibrant colors of tropical flowers, towering trees, and exotic plants.
The arboretum’s easy walking paths and well-maintained trails provide a safe and accessible environment for kids to roam freely and discover the wonders of nature. Families can also enjoy scenic viewpoints overlooking the lush rainforest canopy and distant ocean vistas, providing plenty of opportunities for family photos and shared moments of awe and wonder.
4. Ke’anae Arboretum
Ke’anae Arboretum is another lovely botanical garden with easy trails, offering opportunities to see unique plants and maybe even spot some colorful birds. Ke’anae Arboretum is a wonderful destination for families with kids, offering a peaceful retreat amidst lush tropical vegetation.
Children can wander along the easy trails, surrounded by diverse native and exotic plants, providing a hands-on learning experience about Hawaii’s unique flora and fauna. The arboretum’s tranquil setting, punctuated by scenic viewpoints and babbling streams, offers a serene environment for families to connect with nature and enjoy a leisurely stroll together.
5. Waianapanapa State Park
Kids will love exploring the black sand beach, sea caves, and lava tubes at this stunning coastal park, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.
Children can explore the park’s unique black sand beach, searching for shells, building sandcastles, and splashing in the gentle surf. The park’s rugged coastline and lava formations provide opportunities for scenic hikes and adventurous exploration, allowing kids to connect with nature and discover the wonders of Maui’s volcanic landscape.
Families can also visit the park’s cultural sites, such as the ancient Hawaiian burial caves and the historic heiau (temple), to glimpse Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.
6. Hana Lava Tube
Venture into an underground world at the Hana Lava Tube, where kids can marvel at the unique rock formations and learn about Hawaii’s volcanic history.
Hana Lava Tube is an exciting destination for families with kids because of its fascinating geological formations and adventurous exploration opportunities. As children venture into the underground world of the lava tube, they can marvel at the unique rock formations and learn about Hawaii’s volcanic history.
The dimly lit tunnels create an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue, sparking curiosity and imagination in young explorers. With its relatively easy terrain and manageable length, the lava tube provides a safe and accessible adventure for families to enjoy together. Parents can guide their children through the cavernous passages, pointing out interesting features and sharing educational insights.
7. Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is a fantastic choice for families with kids because of its pristine beauty, gentle surf, and tranquil atmosphere. Nestled in a scenic cove framed by lush green cliffs, the beach offers soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for little ones to play and swim safely.
Families can enjoy building sandcastles, searching for seashells, or simply basking in the sun while taking in the breathtaking surroundings. Lifeguards are often on duty, providing additional peace of mind for parents.
8. Koki Beach
Koki Beach is another great spot for beachcombing and playing in the sand, with dramatic cliffs and crashing waves providing a stunning backdrop. Koki Beach is an excellent choice for families with kids because of its picturesque scenery, gentle waves, and family-friendly atmosphere.
The golden sands and turquoise waters create a stunning backdrop for family activities such as building sandcastles, playing beach games, or simply splashing in the shallows.
Lifeguards are often present, providing an added layer of safety for families with children who want to swim or boogie board. The beach’s wide shoreline offers plenty of space for kids to run and explore while parents can relax and soak up the sun.
9. Hana Bay
Hana Bay is ideal for families with kids due to its tranquil waters, scenic surroundings, and family-friendly amenities. The calm and shallow waters of the bay make it perfect for young children to splash and play safely under the supervision of parents. Families can enjoy picnics on the grassy shores, build sandcastles on the sandy beach, or explore the tide pools teeming with fascinating marine life.
The serene ambiance of Hana Bay provides a peaceful retreat for families to relax and unwind while taking in stunning views of the ocean and lush coastline. With restroom facilities and ample parking, Hana Bay offers convenience and comfort for families looking to enjoy a day of fun and relaxation by the sea.
10. Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is ideal for families with kids due to its breathtaking beauty, easy accessibility, and safe viewing areas. Towering at 80 feet, the waterfall provides a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates children and adults, offering plenty of opportunities for awe-inspired moments and memorable family photos.
With a parking area conveniently located off the main road, families can easily access the falls without the need for a long hike, making it a convenient stop for travelers with young children. While swimming at the waterfall’s base is not recommended, designated viewing areas provide safe vantage points for families to admire the cascading waters and lush tropical surroundings.
Visiting Wailua Falls offers an educational experience for kids, allowing them to learn about Hawaii’s natural wonders and the importance of environmental conservation while creating lasting memories of their Maui adventure.
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