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| Learning to do the Hula at the Old Lahaina Luau with the kids |
Maui is well-known for its beautiful climate, sandy
beaches and warm water. But as any parent will admit, visiting with
children means planning in advance, and being prepared to do more than
just lie around in the sand.
The good news is that Maui has
several new and unique places to visit that will make it memorable for
both parents and children alike.
Restaurants
One
of the best new child-friendly restaurants on the island this year is
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. This fun and funky restaurant boasts some
of the most creative and delectable comfort food I’ve ever come across.
It’s located along the Honoapi’ilani Highway, and easily accessible for a
quick bite or stop off with the kids.
Our lunch included hot dogs
with pineapple, ahi tuna sandwiches, and deep fried macaroni bites with
a secret dipping sauce (which brought the kids back twice during our
stay). My favourite was the deep fried brussels sprout leaves with
vinaigrette (even the kids loved it!). Hint: Do not leave without trying
one of their incredible home-made pies (they come bite-sized too).
Moderately priced, your kids and your wallet will thank you.
MonkeyPod Kitchen was a great find for us in the heart of Wailea (on Wailea
Gateway Place), as it offers a diverse menu for children and a relaxing
atmosphere for adults. If you’re up for an early dinner (or late lunch)
the best time to go is between 2:30 and 5:30 because appetizers are half
price.
My children loved the pizzas, which they were able to
watch being made in the wood burning oven, while my husband enjoyed
making a selection from the 36 craft brews on tap. I couldn’t get enough
of their truffle oil parmesan cheese fries and calamari. We opted to
sit outside for dinner, and were able to watch one of Maui’s famous
sunsets from the deck.
Activities
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| My daughter & son (with friends) horseback riding on the Haleakala Crater |
If you want
to have a truly memorable experience with your children, then the
Piiholo Ranch is the best place to visit. Located on the Haleakala
Crater, the ranch provides horse back riding with the gorgeous back drop
of Maui and its crystal blue Pacific ocean 2,000 feet below.
The
horses are unbelievably patient and gentle with novice riders (Note: The
ranch is one of the very few that caters to children under the age of
10).
Our guide, nicknamed "Frenchy", was both knowledgeable and
entertaining. We were joined by another family which allowed the
children to engage in fun banter along the ride. A wild boar was seen,
as was a stampede of cattle (behind the safety of gates).
The ride
was spectacular from the high vantage point, and made for a great
afternoon experience. The horse rides can be tailor-fit to accommodate
any budget and duration (recommended time is one hour). And if your
children are a bit older and up for more adventure, the ranch also
offers zip lining and canopy tours.
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| Feeding the goats at Surfing Goat Dairy |
For a truly unique experience,
the
Surfing Goat Dairy is a must-see. It’s located at the bottom of the
Haleakala Crater. Although it’s been around for over nine years, it’s a
place that may not be on the typical tourist’s radar.
As
a real working goat dairy farm, visitors can choose from a variety of
different tours ranging in price from $10 for a casual tour, to $25 for a
grand dairy tour.
We opted for the "
Evening Chores and Milking
Tour", which allowed our children to get up close and personal with the
goats. They were able to learn about what goats eat by hand feeding them
sweet hay and even tried their hand at milking them (which they loved).
We
were able to try a selection of goat-milk cheeses which are sold at the
farm and took home some delicious goat-milk chocolates and hand-made
goat-milk soap for souvenirs.
Resorts
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| Gorgeous view from our room at Napili Kai |
The
Napili Kai Resort, located in Napili, has undergone some tremendous
upgrades. The condo-style lodging allows families all the comforts of
home including a kitchenette and dining area. Set along the Napili Bay,
guests can engage in some of the complimentary activities such as Mai
Tai parties, hula lessons, lei-making and horticultural tours. The
resort also features a free mini-golf green, which will keep kids
occupied for hours.
They also provide a kids eat-free program, which is always good news for parents.
The
snorkeling in this area is spectacular and the children had an amazing
time swimming alongside some large, resident sea turtles and brightly
coloured fish. Snorkel masks and gear are free if available, or can be
rented up the road at Snorkel Bob’s for the week.
The resort also
hosts a weekly evening slack-key concert with various music legends that
play the well-known music of the islands.
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| Makena Beach Resort's Atrium |
Makena Beach and Golf Resort makes you feel welcome right from the start, with welcome lei in
the lobby, and sand pails in the room for kids. The resort is
conveniently located in Wailea, on Maui’s south side.
The atrium
of the hotel is completely outdoors, containing an elaborate koi pond in
the middle. During the winter season whales can be seen breaching;
which the kids enjoyed watching from the comfort of their room each
morning.
The hotel provides many programs and activities for
families including complimentary bicycles, evening star-gazing with a
guide (including s’mores around a fire), and snorkel lessons.
The
hotel also offers packages such as movie night which consists of
chocolate bars, gummies, popcorn and drinks, with an in-room movie. It’s
a perfect end for a family who is looking to unwind from a full-day of
activities.
Special Note: The Sunday brunch in the
Molokini Bar
and Grille in the Resort is not to be missed, as it was voted best
buffet on the island for a reason. Trust me when I say it’s a dining
experience that will be enjoyed and lovingly remembered by every member
of the family — even the picky ones. ;)
