Things to do in Maui?

Question

What are some fun things to do in Maui for families with teenagers in December?

The teens are definitely not into museums and such so Pearl Harbor is a no. So far, I have the ATV/Zipline Combo that the teens are thrilled about. I've also got whale watching, and maybe driving to Hana for the waterfalls and such.

We are looking for not-so-pricey things...but feel free to throw ANY ideas my way. Thanks!

Answer 1

December is when my husband and I went to Maui on our last trip :)  It was a great time to go to Maui!

Would your kids be into hiking?

If so, that's a great activity that you can do for free... gotta love that!  

1) I'd suggest checking out the hikes on Mt. Haleakala's summit... being up there at the summit made me feel like I was on another planet or something... it is SO different up there from anywhere else... there are some trails up there, and I think they would make for some unique hikes.

2) Also, if you plan to drive the Road to Hana, if you get to the Seven Sacred Pools, there is a great trail there (Pipiwai Trail) that will take you to a 400' waterfall at the end... it's said to be one of the best hikes on Maui - it takes you through jungles, farmers pastures, and bamboo forests... it was VERY cool.  We even ate wild fruit that we picked along the way.  You can take a guided hike there (ex. a company like Hike Maui), or do it yourself for free.

3) If you go to the Iao Valley, there are some trails there as well... if you don't live in Hawaii, you have to pay to hike there, but it's quite inexpensive, and the scenery there is totally different from that you'll see in the Hana area and Mt. Haleakala.

Other activities that I think would be of interest to teenagers (and parents too!)

1) You can snorkel for free at Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach.  The snorkeling there is great, and there's lots to see.  When we were there it was a bit crowded, but we were still glad we went.  If it's in your budget, I'd also consider going on a snorkel trip to Molokini Marine Preserve... we really enjoyed it... apparently it's got some of the best snorkeling in the world, and I'd believe it too!

2) The zipline tour will be LOADS of fun... we went and had a blast!  There's a zipline on Mt. Haleakala, and also in the Kaanapali area.  

3) If you drive to Hana, the Hana Lava Tube (Kaeleku Caverns) is well worth the trip... their website is http://www.mauicave.com - You will find directions there.  IF your kids are all over the age of 15, then the Wild Cave Adventure Tour is absolutely fantastic.  We went on that tour and it was so good that we will go again next time we're in Maui.  I don't see that particular tour listed on their website, so if you're interested in it, you may want to give them a call to check on what times it's offered.

If you want more details on the above suggestions, or to see pictures, you can check out my website at http://www.paradise-found-in-maui.com/th... .  That page summarizes our top 10 things to do in Maui for adventure, and there are links to each individual suggestion for a more detailed description of our experiences.  

Have a great vacation in Maui!

Sheralyn

:)

Answer 2

First of all, Pearl Harbor is located on the island of Oahu, not Maui.  There is, however, much to do in Maui.  My favorite spot is Lahaina.  There are many excursions you can take from there such as biking trips down the volcano, snorkeling, etc.  There's also alot of shopping both in downtown Lahaina and nearby Whaler's Village.  Another great family activity is visiting the Maui Ocean Center in Wailuku.  Alot of people will tell you to go to Kihei but I didn't like it there as much as Lahaina.

Answer 3

Things to do in Maui.