A Family's Guide to Maui

We went to Maui for our honeymoon about 9 years ago and we were fortunate enough to return with our two children.  The first time we stayed at Westin in Kaanapali, and this time at a condo in Kihei. This was our first time staying at a 2 bedroom condo instead of a luxury hotel and it proved to have many advantages for families, the most notable benefit being not having to pay high prices for simple meals for kids. We enjoyed being able to eat local Hawaiian cuisines as well as the flexibility of cooking for ourselves.

Kihei is located along the southwestern shore and considered the driest and sunniest part of the island.  It features 6 miles of beaches and has a more "local Hawaiian" vibe compared to the touristy Kaanapali.  We arrived tired after a long 5 hour flight and went straight to bed as soon as we arrived in our condo.

The next day, we took advantage of being on Maui time (+3 from California) by getting up at 3 am to watch the sunrise at Haleakala Mountain Top. It was freezing and the road was dark and windy (an experienced driver needed) but what awaits at the top was worth the time and effort.

The way a tiny light streaks the dark sky at the break of dawn is surreal and the colorful transformations that occur during sunrise is amazing beyond words.  It was one of those transcendental moments where I felt at one with God and the Universe, where silence and awe seem most fitting even for the little ones.

We stood at the mountain top as family, silent and in awe of the breathtaking view. It happened so fast that we didn't want to miss a beat and I hope it was a spiritual and transformative moment for the kids as it was for me.

Sunrise at Haleakala Mountain Top @ 5:20 am

2. Surfing Goat Dairy Farm

 Surfing Goat Dairy

Feeding goats at Surfing Goat Dairy

Surfing Goat Dairy Farm was another highlight of our trip. You can purchase a bag of food for $1 each and feed friendly goats all day!

The kids had a blast feeding the goats and we enjoyed their goat cheese platter with crackers. Yum~ They also have a wide selection of all natural goat milk soaps and goat cheese truffles.

The location was spacious, well maintained and very sunny-- so be sure to wear a hat & plenty of sunblock during hot months.

3. Kihei / Kamaole Beach Park

Kamaole Beach Park, Kihei

Kihei was less touristy with tons of local activities and authentic food. The sunset here is amazing and family friendly activities like fishing, art/craft fairs, parks and canoeing are abundant. We spent about five days at a spacious condo overlooking the ocean. Unlike Wailea where everything closes by 10pm, Kihei felt more alive & busy, albeit less luxurious.

It was our first time staying at a timeshare condo instead of a resort and it proved to have many benefits. Having a full sized kitchen and large refrigerator is so nice especially when traveling with kids. Aside from being able to save money on food (Wailea is overpriced), you can experience the island alongside the locals.

And did I mention Kihei has the most amazing food ever? The loco mocos, spam musabis, poke bowls, shrimp trucks, shave ice, endless tropical cocktails... It's heaven for those who enjoy authentic Hawaiian cuisine.

4. Road to Hana

Road to Hana is a must for anyone traveling to Maui. Be prepared to leave early in the morning with an ice chest packed with food and drinks if you want to explore all the little hidden wonders of this road. 

There are so much to see and so many hidden gems that you want to give yourself one full day to explore this part of the island. The drive back down can take 2-3 hours and it's not easy to do so once the sun sets. I might even consider staying in Hana overnight so I can visit all the hidden beaches (i.e. black sand beach) and hike to the waterfalls.

I never considered myself to be an outdoorsy type of person until I experienced the Road to Hana. Your senses are engulfed by the lush greenery and wonders of this island that you gradually become one with nature. I never knew so many different shades of green existed until this experience and there is a certain healing energy that permeates this road. 

5. Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

We ended our one week trip by spending the weekend at Fairmont Kea Lani. We were debating between Fairmont Kea Lani, The Grand Wailea and Four Seasons Wailea but ended up staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani because 1) We were already pleased with Fairmont service and standards from our previous trip to Fairmont Mayakoba and 2) Fairmont Kea Lani seemed less crowded than the Grand Wailea and more kid friendly than Four Seasons. It was also the only resort that offered standard suites in which there is a separate master bedroom and living room for the kids.

We were very pleased with our choice. We were greeted with leis, tropical drinks and beach toys for kids upon arrival and our weekend stay was luxurious and personable. We spent most of our time lounging around by the pool, playing on the slide and relaxing by the ocean. We watched the beautiful sunset every night while swinging on the hammock and dipping our toes in the sand.

Birthday dessert for my husband

Like with any amazing family vacations, the saddest part was leaving. Our girls didn't sleep at all on the flight back to LAX yet we managed to travel back without any tantrums or meltdowns (Thank you God!)

Maui is definitely one of our favorite destinations for families. We loved the beaches and historic sites in Riviera Maya but if I had to choose between Hawaii and Mexico, I'd choose Hawaii again.

There is a certain level of comfort and safety when traveling to an English-speaking island and the Hawaiian hospitality is unprecedented. Similar to Oahu, the people of Maui are so genuinely kind and giving that you leave the place wanting to be a happier and more generous person.

The best part of Maui though, is its healing energy that connects families and bring them a little closer. Traveling as family is priceless and I'm so thankful for our shared memory.

Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience. - Francis Bacon