5 Days in Maui with a Toddler

Fly into OGG. Stop at Costco Kahului for supplies (diapers, snacks, drinks, sunscreen — everything is 30-50% more expensive at resort shops). Drive to Ka'anapali — the Hyatt Regency Maui has the best toddler pool setup: a 150-foot waterslide, a grotto pool with waterfalls, and a shallow wading area. Budget option: Ka'anapali Beach Hotel has a simpler pool but is directly on the beach with a wonderful hula show at sunset.

Toddler pool time. After a flight, toddlers need to burn energy and pools are the best way. Most Ka'anapali resort pools have shallow wading sections (6-12 inches deep). Let your toddler splash, chase pool toys, and decompress. The warm Hawaiian air and pool water are relaxing after travel.

Dinner at Hula Grill on Ka'anapali Beach (inside Whaler's Village) — toes-in-the-sand dining with live Hawaiian music. Toddlers can play in the sand at your table while you eat. The fresh fish tacos and macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi are outstanding. High chairs available. Arrive by 5:30pm for sunset seating.

Head to Ka'anapali Beach — south end near the Sheraton is calmest. Build sandcastles with your toddler in the damp sand near the waterline. The sand here is fine and golden — perfect for packing. Bring sand toys — there are no beach toy vendors. Walk to Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a) at the north end of Ka'anapali Beach — green sea turtles feed in the shallow water here almost daily. Toddlers watch from the beach as turtles surface to breathe. Stay 10 feet back (it's the law).

Nap at the hotel. After nap, drive about 20 minutes south to Launiupoko Beach Park, where a natural rock breakwater makes a protected ocean pool that Maui County describes as calm enough for children and beginning swimmers. Toddlers can wade and splash while you sit on the lawn; there are restrooms and outdoor showers, but no lifeguard, so stay within arm's reach. The drive passes Lahaina, still rebuilding after the August 2023 wildfire: Front Street reopened to traffic in August 2026, but Banyan Court Park stays fenced while the tree recovers and the county asks visitors to keep out of fenced areas and off private property. Skip it as a shopping stroll — the shave ice comes tomorrow at the Maui Ocean Center.

Dinner at Aloha Mixed Plate at 1285 Front Street, at the north end of Front Street — a Lahaina fixture since 1996 that is open again, serving Hawaiian plate lunches with wide ocean views. Plate-lunch rice and chicken is an easy toddler dinner. Lunch runs 11am-3pm and dinner 5-9pm; book on OpenTable. (Fleetwood's on Front Street, often recommended for sunset, is still awaiting restoration after the fire.)

Visit the Maui Ocean Center in Ma'alaea ($40/adult, $30/child 3-12, under 3 free). The Open Ocean tunnel is the highlight — sharks, rays, and huge tuna swim all around you in a walk-through acrylic tunnel. Toddlers press against the glass and point at everything. The sea turtle exhibit has large green turtles visible at eye level. The outdoor touch pools let toddlers feel sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and hermit crabs (staff helps). The Humpback Whale exhibit has life-size whale models hanging from the ceiling — toddlers crane their necks in awe.

Drive 15 minutes south to Kamaole Beach Park I in Kihei. This beach has gentle waves, soft sand, and a grassy park area with shade trees and a small playground. The playground has swings and a climbing structure that toddlers love. Picnic at the park. Grab lunch from Coconut's Fish Café in Kihei — the fish and chips and fish tacos are outstanding and fresh. Indoor seating with high chairs.

Explore Kihei for dinner. Three's Bar & Grill has a creative Southwestern-Hawaiian-Pacific Rim menu with a patio and kids' menu. The mac and cheese is toddler-approved. Or Nalu's South Shore Grill for laid-back burgers and fish sandwiches. Drive back to Ka'anapali after dinner.

Drive to Pa'ia on the north shore (40 min from Ka'anapali). Walk the charming surf town — colorful shops, art galleries, and hippie-chic boutiques. Stop at Pa'ia Bay Coffee for excellent espresso and pastries. Then head to Baldwin Beach Park — a wide, long beach with a protected area called Baby Beach at the far west end. Natural reef creates a calm, shallow lagoon — perfect for toddler wading. Shade trees line the beach. The vibe is local families and mellow surfers.

Lunch at Pa'ia Fish Market — no-frills, legendary fish market with grilled mahi plates, fish tacos, and fish and chips at outdoor picnic tables. The grilled ono (wahoo) plate is the best thing on the menu. Cash and cards accepted. After lunch, visit Ho'okipa Beach Lookout — watch sea turtles basking on the beach from the viewpoint above (toddlers love pointing at them). On windy days, windsurfers and kitesurfers put on a show.

Drive back to Ka'anapali. Stop at Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop in Olowalu on the way — legendary pies (banana cream and mac nut are the best), savory pot pies, and a casual counter-service vibe. Toddlers demolish the banana cream pie. Eat dinner here or take it to go.

One last morning at Ka'anapali Beach or Launiupoko Beach Park. Let your toddler run in the gentle surf, chase waves, and build sandcastles. Walk to Whaler's Village for souvenir shopping — ABC Stores have affordable Hawaiian shirts for toddlers ($12-15). Take family beach photos.

Drive to OGG airport (30-40 min). Ululani's shop on Dairy Road in Kahului is close to the airport for one last shave ice. Return rental car with a full tank (Costco gas station near the airport). The airport is small — security takes 15-20 minutes usually. Buy a bag of chocolate macadamia nuts at the Long's Drugs near the airport ($8 vs $18 at resort shops).

Travel home.