Amazing Family-Friendly Maui Tours For Your Next Cruise

Trying to please everyone on your next trip? These family-friendly Maui excursions blend relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable moments for all.

Best Maui Tours for Families

Maui, aptly nicknamed “The Valley Isle,” draws thousands of visitors to its shores each year to enjoy its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor activities suitable for all ages.

The island’s stunning beaches like Kilhei and Wailea offer families plenty of opportunities to enjoy building sandcastles, snorkeling in clear waters, or simply relaxing under swaying palm trees.

Beyond its beaches, Maui has many family-oriented attractions such as the Maui Ocean Center, where children can marvel at colorful tropical fish and sharks in a safe and educational environment. Maui also has many cultural activities like traditional luaus, and historical sites to explore including the Iao Valley State Park.

For families craving adventure, Maui’s varied terrain offers activities such as surfing lessons on its renowned beaches. The gorgeous Road to Hana, lined with waterfalls, bamboo forests, and a stunning coastline, never disappoints.

Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment, Maui’s blend of natural beauty and wholesome activities makes it an ideal destination for creating lasting vacation memories.

At Shore Excursions Group, we specialize in providing high-quality shore excursions that guarantee an exceptional experience for cruisers. In this article, we will explore some of the best kid-friendly tours available in Maui, ensuring your family enjoys every moment of your cruise vacation.

Road to Hana Adventure

Experience one of the most scenic drives in the world as you cruise along the iconic Hana Highway. This excursion takes you along the famous Hana Highway with its 620 curves and 59 bridges, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, rainforests, and coastal cliffs.

Your road trip begins with a visit to the dramatic Keanae Lookout, where you can admire panoramic views of the lush, rugged coastline. Follow the highway to the charming Hana Town, where the timeless Hawaiian atmosphere envelopes you as you explore its quaint streets and local shops.

Along the way you will stop at the Waianapanapa State Park to grab Insta-worthy photos, explore the stunning black-sand beach, and potentially spot native Hawaiian sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Best of Maui and the Maui Ocean Center

Experience Maui’s best on this child-friendly tour that starts with a scenic drive through the historic plantation town of Wailuku. This centuries-old village with charming storefronts, local eateries, and cultural landmarks offers you a rare glimpse into Hawaii’s rich past.

Next, venture into the lush Iao Valley, a jaw-dropping state park with breathtaking views of the iconic Iao Needle. While here, stop by the Botanical Garden to discover the Valley’s history, including when it was used as a burial ground for Hawaiian chiefs.

Continue on to the Maui Tropical Plantation, a 60-acre working farm where you can learn about Hawaii’s most famous fruits and plants. This bustling farm greets visitors with interactive tours and activities that are both fun and educational.

Cap off your adventure by exploring the wonders of the ocean without getting wet at the Maui Ocean Center — perfect for families who want to learn about marine conservation and see Hawaii’s ocean life.

This oceanography center will wow young children with interactive exhibits, a touch pool, and an underwater acrylic tunnel where kids can get up close with marine life native to Hawaii.

You’ll encounter a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, rays, tropical fish, corals, and more in its massive tropical reef aquarium. There is also a turtle lagoon where you can get an intimate look at Hawaiian green sea turtles — a big hit for kids of all ages!

Family Surfing Lessons

Experience the thrill of surfing in Hawaii with our private, expert-led surfing lessons, suitable for beginners and experienced surfers alike. The gentle waves of Maui, combined with expert instructors, make it a perfect destination for families to experience surfing, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable adventure for everyone.

Led by seasoned instructors, our surfing lessons are tailored to each family member’s skill level. No matter if you’re a beginner or aiming to perfect your skills, our instructors are committed to guiding you in catching waves and ensuring you have a great time. They also promote safety and environmental respect throughout the lesson, ensuring a positive and educational experience for all ages.

With a low ratio of students to instructors, each family member benefits from personalized guidance, custom tips, and feedback. No need to worry about bringing equipment as we supply all essential gear, including reef shoes for safety, lycra surf shirts for comfort, and beginner-friendly soft longboards.

Whether you’re looking to bond over shared experiences or want to start a new hobby together, our family surfing lessons in Maui guarantee magical moments in the stunning waters of Hawaii. Bonus: your surfing memories will be captured with complimentary professional photography included in the lesson package.

FAQs

How much does it cost to go on an excursion in Maui?

Prices generally begin at approximately $100 per person and can increase depending on the type, duration, and complexity of the activity.

Is a shore excursion worth it?

It absolutely is! These tours offer insights and adventures that you wouldn’t find on your own, many of them in a unique or custom format.

What to wear on a tour?

You and your family will want to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and bring along a light jacket for unexpected weather changes. Choose footwear suitable for what you’ll be doing; for example, water shoes for the beach, and sturdy shoes for hiking. Don’t forget your swimsuit for water-based excursions, and always bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen.

What is the best time of year to go on an excursion in Maui?

While Maui is an all-season destination, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (April to May, and September to November). You will typically encounter better weather and less crowds during these months.

Essential Shore Excursion Tips for Families

Here are some additional tips to further enhance your Maui experience:

Book Tours in Advance: This is important, as popular tours and activities can fill up quickly. By booking now, you can secure the tours and times that work the best for your family.

Pack Essentials: Bring a backpack or tote with refillable water bottles, plus quick-dry towels for drying off after a day in the water. Maui’s sun can be intense, so be sure to bring sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply regularly. Remember to include snacks, as kids may get hungry on tours lasting more than a couple of hours.

Listen to Guides: Encourage your children to ask questions and interact with the guides to enhance their understanding and experience.

Respect Nature: Teach your children to respect Maui’s natural environment by staying on designated paths, not disturbing or touching wildlife, and leaving no trash behind.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Hawaiian culture by following signs at cultural or historic sites. Capture memories respectfully, especially in sacred or culturally significant places.

Stay Together: Make sure your family stays together in unfamiliar places, particularly in busy tourist spots or at the beaches. Choose a designated meeting spot in case anyone gets lost or separated.

Most of all, Enjoy the Moment: Put away your cell phones and take time to enjoy the beauty of Maui and your time as a family together.

Book Your Next Maui Excursion Today

With so many incredible options to choose from, it can be hard — we get it! Whether your family loves adventure, nature, or cultural experiences, we have the perfect excursion for you. Don’t miss out; book your next Maui excursion today and make the most of your cruise vacation.

Shore Excursions Group offers the highest quality shore excursions at the best prices, with the strongest guarantees in the industry. Travel in smaller groups, enjoy personalized experiences, and rest easy knowing you’ll always make it back to your ship on time.