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Last, but hardly least, comes a tropical paradise that rivals any in the world…no passport required…
Maui, Hawaii
It pretty much goes without saying that Hawaii is a wonderful place for a vacation…We honeymooned on Maui and Oahu, not surprising since Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world.
As popular as Hawaii is for honeymooners, many people don’t realize just how perfect it is for a family
vacation. All of the Hawaiian Islands are idyllic but I selected Maui as a top island for families because there is so much for everyone in the family to do. Where else can kids climb around the top of a volcano and learn to surf in the same day?? Look for a resort with activities for the keiki (children) such as lei making or hula dancing.
vacation. All of the Hawaiian Islands are idyllic but I selected Maui as a top island for families because there is so much for everyone in the family to do. Where else can kids climb around the top of a volcano and learn to surf in the same day?? Look for a resort with activities for the keiki (children) such as lei making or hula dancing.
For those of us on the east coast that aren’t lucky enough to hop over to Hawaii for a long weekend, one way to break up the trip (which is very important with kids of any age) is to lay over for one night in San Francisco, another fun family destination. We did this when we took our three kids to Hawaii and they really enjoyed the “day trip” to San Francisco. (To make things easier, we stayed at an airport hotel but rented a car and spent a whole day exploring the city.)
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DO:
There is SO much to do on Maui, that it is hard to know where to start. Here are a few “family friendly” ideas:
Go above the clouds to the top of Haleakala, the 10,000 foot high volcano…braver souls than me can bicycle down from
the top (there are tours that drive you up to the top and then provide the bicycles for the ride down). For early risers the sunrise from the top of Haleakala is spectacular.
the top (there are tours that drive you up to the top and then provide the bicycles for the ride down). For early risers the sunrise from the top of Haleakala is spectacular.
Drive the Road to Hana. Admittedly a full day in a car driving around hairpin turns with a car full of kids may not be your idea of fun, but this drive through tropical forests with stops at waterfalls and sacred pools is a highlight of any trip to Maui. If you are able to continue onto to the other side of Haleakala (many rental car agencies disallow driving this part of the roat), the moonscape-like setting contrasts remarkably with the lush green tropics of the first half of the trip.
Consider splurging on a once in a lifetime helicopter tour for an opportunity to see remote areas of other islands including the live volcano at Kilauea.
Take a surfing lesson…for the more adventurous, take a kite surfing lesson.
Watch the
sun set over Lahaina during an authentic Hawaiian luau (it may be cheesy, but it is a quintessential part of the Hawaiian vacation experience).
sun set over Lahaina during an authentic Hawaiian luau (it may be cheesy, but it is a quintessential part of the Hawaiian vacation experience).
Ride the Sugar Cane Train, a genuine 1890s train from Lahaina to Puukolii, enjoying dramatic vistas of the West Maui mountains and the ocean along the way.
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EAT:
Hula Grill – Enjoy fresh Hawaiian cuisine while the kids sit at a counter in the kitchen area to see the chefs create the dishes. Or, eat outside with your toes in the sand at the Barefoot Bar.
Mama’s Fish House – Amazing fresh fish in an lovely old world Hawaiian setting, on the beach in Paia, a funky little beach town on the North Shore.
T Komoda Bakery – Experience old Hawaii at this bakery that has been in the same family since 1916…they are known for their cream puffs but everything is good.
Ululanis Shave Ice – Don’t miss the Hawaiian specialty of Shave Ice…Ululani’s is known as the best.
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STAY:
Ritz Carlton Kapalua – Anyone who has been reading my blog for a while knows I have a weakness for Ritz Carltons. We stayed here on our honeymoon and it did not disappoint. Children from 5 to 12 can participate in the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.
Fairmont Kea Lani – With all suites and villas, this is a great place to stay with the family…they are known for the excellent “Keiki Lani” children’s programs.
Wailea Beach Villas – Enjoy a little more room to spread out including full gourmet kitchens in these ultra-luxury villas right on Wailea Beach. You will still have full service hotel amenities including twice daily maid service and concierge. This is truly the best of both worlds.
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That wraps up our week of island hopping! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Have a great weekend!
So you saved the best for last I see. LOVE Maui. We have been several times, and despite the distance, it is even worth the jet lag the minute you smell that intoxicating air, see those palm trees swaying and spy the lush landscape….all your worries go away. Loved Mamas Fish House and would add The Four Seasons and The Grand Wailea to this list…the Ritz is very nice, we stayed there last time but its on the rainy side of the island so you get more rain than the south side…….truth be told though you could pitch me a tent and have me living on banana leaves and I would be happy…as long as its in Maui! Loved these travel posts…..
Oh Sandy, THANK YOU for always taking ME AWAY!!!!!!!!! Anita
Please know how much I enjoyed this series. So lovely and fun! And great suggestions! I know this took lots of time, and I am so glad you shared it with us! My best friend is planning her honeymoon to Maui this October. I will make sure she sees this.
Hope you're having a good weekend.
~E
It all looks very exotic and beautiful! I love the life style, the vegetation, the weather, the sea… oh, yes! I wish I could go!
CIAO!
ANNA
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Hi Sandy,
Your sight is so full of amazing travel posts at this point, that it is a must bookmark for anyone who loves to travel or dreams of traveling!
Maui has a special place in my heart, as it is where I got engaged. At the top of the Seven Pools, along the Road to Hana, nonetheless!!! Grant had a business trip/closing dinner (these were the good old days) in Lanai and somehow he was able to bring me along, as the only non-spouse! Smart man had a plan and he attached a few days in Maui to our trip. His grandparents had taken his father to Maui many years ago and we had lunch at the same darling hotel that they had stayed at in the 1960s. Then, the proposal atop the very top waterfall (sadly, the waterfalls weren't flowing, but this enabled us to stand right where they would be. A lounging boat captain caught it on film!
So, I dream of returning with our 2 boys for our 20th anniversary. How fun!! So, will keep all this info until then.
Hope you've enjoyed a beautiful weekend!
xoxo Elizabeth
Oh dear Sandy, thank you for visiting me but most of all, for always providing a wonderful escape from the snow and ice to LANDS OF WONDER! Happy week! Anita
YUP, we honeymooned there, too. And we did the 26 mile down hill bike ride…..it's down hill! It was a beautiful trip that I remember fondly.
It pretty much goes without saying that Hawaii is a wonderful place for a vacation…We honeymooned on Maui and Oahu, not surprising since Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world. kahului ogg airport