Maui
with Kids
Road to Hana, humpback whales & snorkeling Lanai — the ultimate family Hawaii island
Why Maui?
Hawaii is the ultimate bucket-list destination — and Maui is its crown jewel for families. From the winding drama of the Road to Hana to snorkeling off the shores of Lanai, every day here feels like a postcard come to life.
Maui does demand both thorough planning and a solid budget, but with the right strategy — and the right points — it’s far more accessible than you’d think. Book early, plan your big activities in advance, and let the island do the rest.
or Kapalua Bay
Snorkeling Tour
Road to Hana Tour
6-Day Itinerary
Morning flight from Big Island to Maui (or from home). Costco stop for essentials, then check into the resort. A chill first day — let the kids decompress in the pools and water slides. No agenda needed.
Left around 10 AM for the scenic drive up to Haleakalā Summit. Strong winds near the top but the views are absolutely breathtaking — reminiscent of Mauna Kea. Worth every minute of the drive.
Early start — this day is long but absolutely incredible. Download the Guide Along app for the Road to Hana Tour before you go. It gives you historical insights and exactly where to stop. Multiple scenic stops, a roadside lunch, and explored near Hana before heading back. One of our favorite driving days ever.
Early start for the Discover Lanai Snorkeling tour by Trilogy — the definite trip highlight. Spectacular snorkeling straight off the beach at Lanai. Our 7-year-old’s first snorkeling experience and he took to it like a natural! On the return, humpback whales appeared alongside the boat. Absolutely unforgettable.
After several packed days, a well-earned rest day at the resort. In the evening, explored Ironwoods Beach and walked the Kapalua Coastal Trail — stunning family photos at sunset. Perfect low-key day.
Final day packed with culture. Maui Ocean Center was excellent — the Humpback 3D show at the Sphere was particularly impressive for the kids. Last-minute trip to Iao Valley for breathtaking views before catching the late evening flight home.
Where to Stay
Best areas: Start with 4–7 nights at Kaanapali or Kapalua Bay beaches. For Road to Hana, consider 1–2 nights in Hana to really soak in the lush atmosphere. Kihei is great for a more local, affordable vibe.
💚 Value Stays
Kapalua Villas Maui
Our friends booked through Costco Travel and scored seriously great pricing on spacious townhomes with killer ocean views. Excellent value for families.
✓ Book via CostcoAston Maui Kaanapali Villas
Good value right near the beach. Solid choice for families who want space without paying full resort prices.
✓ Beach AccessHana Maui Resort
Pricier but a luxe escape on the Hana side. Bookable with Hyatt Points — great way to soften the cost if you’re spending a night or two in Hana.
✓ Hyatt Points🏆 Best Hotels with Points
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
We used 175K points for 5 nights — ocean view upgrade and club access saved us massively on meals. Excellent pools, water slide, right on Kaanapali Beach.
★ 35K Hyatt/nightAndaz Maui
Slightly quieter, trendy vibe. Great option if you want a more boutique feel. Very popular so book well in advance.
✓ 45K Hyatt/nightSheraton / Westin Maui (Marriott)
Both on Ka’anapali Beach. Superb facilities and right next to the Trilogy snorkeling tour departure point — very convenient. 40K–70K points/night.
✓ 40K–70K Marriott/nightGrand Wailea – Waldorf Astoria (Hilton)
Waterpark, beachfront, top family resort on the island. Points run high (~300K/night) but if you find a good redemption window, it’s exceptional.
✓ Hilton PointsGetting There
Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG) — conveniently located and the main gateway for Maui. If you’re island hopping, book multi-city flights for better deals and flexibility.
For our last trip, we snagged return flights from the Midwest using 41K Avios each through American Airlines. We also spotted United return flights for just 16K each via Turkish Airlines — the deals are out there if you keep an eye open.
Check our Flight Booking Guide → for the full strategy on finding cheap Hawaii flights.
Booking with points? See the cards we use for Hawaii
Our Cards →