Maui for Keiki (under10's)

Our Local Expert Says:

Homemade local sorbets in Maui Mall. Kids love it.

Description:

If you've never heard of Guri Guri, you are not alone. It can only be found at this particular location. However, this stand is a landmark on Maui and a legend among the islands. Guri Guri is a refreshing, frozen dairy product that tastes like a cross between sherbet and ice cream. It comes in two flavors: strawberry or pineapple. The recipe is a jealously guarded family secret. While some people don't find it to be anything special, some people become strangely addicted to it and stop by the stand daily.

Description:

For an up close glimpse of the undersea world surrounding Maui, visit this "Hawaiian Aquarium," a state-of-the-art marine park on three harbor-front acres. Get acquainted with Hawaii's indigenous and endemic marine life through 60 interactive exhibits, which encapsulate natural habitats. Experience the Whale Discovery Center, Stingray Cove, the Discovery Pool, Turtle Lagoon, the Living Reef and the Open Ocean, as well as two restaurants and a retail store that is memorable unto itself. Everyone will love this place.

Description:

This 50's-style diner has a menu a mile long, with breakfasts ranging from the Garden Skillet (scrambled eggs with mushrooms and spinach) to the Really Big Breakfast (three eggs, three sausage links, three strips of bacon, and two slices of country ham). Lunch and dinner traverse similarly vast terrain, including a long list of burgers and sandwiches, as well as a lower-fat menu, plus desserts.

Our Local Expert Says:

Centrally-located Maui Tropical Plantation is one of the last attractions to offer free admission and, kids adore it!

Description:

Imagine a working plantation, centrally located in Waikapu with the West Maui Mountains as a backdrop. Here, you will encounter, in depth, Maui's agriculture industry, including pineapple, coffee and sugar. There's even a tiny zoo! Don't miss the narrated 40-minute tram tour and the marketplace's "official" Made-on-Maui products: Maui Potato Chips, pineapple jelly, onions, coffee and mango tea. Bring lots of film, as the scenery is enchanting, even for Maui and even in the rain.

Our Local Expert Says:

If there are wee ones in your party, this is the activity geared to their taste. Parents like it, too.

Description:

In the early days of Hawaii's Western colonization, trains were used to haul sugar cane from one spot to the other. Eventually, more modern forms of transportation became popular, and today almost nothing can be seen of the original Hawaiian railroads. However, the tracks between Lahaina and Ka'anapali are still functional, and the cherry-red Sugar Cane Train still travels them regularly. A dinner ride is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Round-trip or one-way tickets are available.

Our Local Expert Says:

SCUBA and stay dry? This is a must for kids!

Description:

Maui waters offer more than surface-level thrills; particularly if you go 125 feet below. For 15 years, this Coast Guard-certified crew has shown people the wonders that lie beneath the waves. The Maui tour includes an exploration off the coast of Lahaina. Coral found only in this region is a highlight, as is the marine wildlife that frequent the waters. Plantation tours, sky tours and luau packages are also available through Atlantis.

Description:

Though commercialization and economic progress have changed the face of Maui, it is still possible to get a glimpse of the way things were before tourism replaced whaling as the island's main industry. At this museum, visitors can browse displays of artifacts from the Golden Era of Whaling. Model whaling ships, antique whale-hunting tools and many more items are on display. In addition, visitors can enjoy a free movie in the air-conditioned theater.

Admission is free. There is also a free self-guided audio tour available in English, Japanese, Spanish, German and French. There is an on-site gift shop.