A Complete Maui Experience: From Haleakalā to Hana
Maui was our first true family vacation. It was the first time we traveled as a family of four, somewhere other than our hometowns, and the first time without any grandparents along to help. The girls were 4 and 6, which turned out to be the perfect ages for this trip. They were old enough to join in on the adventures we had planned, yet still young enough not to have too many opinions! (We will later learn, as they grow older, that their opinions only get stronger when it comes to daily activities!)
This is how we made the most of our trip to Maui:
Lahaina
Be sure to check out Lahaina and take a stroll along Front Street to see the incredible Banyan Tree. Originally imported from India and planted in April 1873, this remarkable tree has grown to more than 60 feet tall. As you walk through the park, you might think you’re looking at several different trees—but it’s actually one single banyan tree with 12 major trunks branching out from its massive core. It’s the largest banyan tree in the United States, and it’s located right in the heart of Lahaina.
Front Street itself offers a variety of shops, from affordable souvenir stands to upscale art galleries. While you’re there, grab some lunch and treat yourself to ice cream or traditional Hawaiian shaved ice.
UPDATE: Maui was profoundly impacted by the devastating wildfires of August 8, 2023, which destroyed much of historic Lahaina and surrounding areas. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and while the island has reopened to visitors, parts of Lahaina remain closed or only partially accessible due to continued cleanup, rebuilding, and safety considerations.
Front Street’s commercial district and many of its iconic landmarks are still under reconstruction, with barriers in place throughout the area. Visitors are respectfully asked to follow posted signage and avoid restricted zones as the community continues to heal and rebuild.
Some businesses on the northern edge of Lahaina have reopened, including select restaurants and local shops. Supporting these establishments is a meaningful way for visitors to contribute directly to the community’s recovery.
Travelers heading to West Maui are encouraged to use the Lahaina Bypass Road, which allows access to resort areas without passing through the fire-affected zones.
ʻIao Needle
ʻIao Needle Valley is lush, dramatic, and unbelievably green, like something straight out of a movie. The towering ʻIao Needle rises from the valley floor, covered in tropical foliage and often wrapped in mist.
The walk through the valley is easy, with paved paths, little bridges, and views that seem to get better at every turn. There are paths to explore different sections of the valley as well. My girls especially liked exploring down by the river.
UPDATE: You now need reservations to visit and park.
Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park offers a variety of landscapes and hiking experiences, from desert-like trails to lush forest paths and even waterfall hikes. There truly is something for everyone.
We decided we wanted to experience the famous sunrise above the clouds at the summit of Haleakalā. If this sounds like something you would like to do, the first thing you’ll need is a sunrise reservation and entrance permit, which can be secured through the National Park Service website. We were lucky enough to score a permit just two days before our visit!
Picture this: 2:00 a.m.—walking out of our hotel carrying winter jackets, hats, mittens, and blankets, and sleepy children to the car. The kids fell right back asleep as we made the winding drive up the mountain. We arrived at the entrance so early they weren’t even checking reservations yet and continued up to the summit parking lot to wait.
It was 40 degrees and windy at the top. We stayed in the car, surrounded by a sky full of brilliant stars, until about 5:30 a.m. There’s a small enclosed viewing area near the summit where our girls preferred to watch from the shelter. I found a spot outside to take it all in. Watching the sun slowly rise above the clouds, painting the sky in soft pinks and golds, felt magical.
Be sure to visit the Haleakalā National Park website for the most up-to-date information on reservations, entrance fees, and hiking options before you go. And make sure to pack appropriately! Along with our shorts and swimsuits, we packed winter jackets, hats and mittens!
We also visited Haleakalā National Park during our Road to Hana day trip, here is my post on The Hana Highway. We hiked the Pipiwai Trail, surrounded by towering bamboo forests, an enormous Banyan Tree and a 400 foot waterfall at the end. The hike is roughly 4 miles out and back trail, winding through some of the lushest scenery you can imagine.
Snorkeling
We booked a tour with Four Winds Maui and set out for the Molokini Crater. The experience was wonderful! Our trip included a glass-bottom boat, a full lunch, kid-friendly floats with viewing windows, a slide, an onboard photographer, and even the option to rent an underwater camera. It was the perfect way for our whole family to explore Maui’s marine life.
Experience a Luau
Old Lahaina Luau is said to be the best and most authentic luau on the island, this is the ultimate place to experience the true spirit of Hawaii. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a beautiful lei and a refreshing Hawaiian drink before being escorted to your table.
While you wait for sunset and the show to begin, you can join in on fun activities, crafts, and even hula lessons. When it’s time to eat, head to the buffet to fill your plate with delicious traditional Hawaiian dishes. After dinner, you’re treated to an incredible performance showcasing Hawaiian dance, music, and culture. My girls loved this show so much! Our 4 year old cried when it was over saying she didn’t want to leave!
Paia
(You’ll need a car to get here—about 45 minutes from Kāʻanapali.)
Visiting Paia is a must. Not only is it the starting point for the iconic Road to Hana, but it’s also home to several spots we absolutely loved exploring. The town has a wonderful mix of laid-back charm and vibrant local character, making it well worth spending a few hours wandering.
Paia offers great boutique shopping and some delicious shaved ice, perfect for a refreshing treat in the island heat. Seafood lovers will also find several local fish restaurants that are definitely worth checking out.
Just outside of town, Ho‘okipa Beach Park is a stretch of coastline with picnic tables and restrooms, making it an easy stop. The waves here are massive and often draw expert surfers. It’s also one of the best places to spot sea turtles, either swimming in the water or basking on the sand. For the best turtle viewing, walk all the way to the right side of the beach (when facing the ocean), where there’s a protected area.
For dinner, Mama’s Fish House was hands down the most delicious meal we had in all of Maui. Reservations are required and often book months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.
Before you leave town, don’t miss the colorful surfboard fence at Aloha Surf Hostel. It makes for a fun and playful photo opportunity.
The Road to Hana
We tackled the entire Road to Hana in one day—it was a looooong adventure! I wrote a full post on our Road To Hana if you want to check that out as well. We stopped at all the scenic spots along the way and decided to complete the full loop instead of turning back and retracing our route.
If you’re planning the same, I highly recommend renting a Jeep or another high-clearance vehicle. We managed fine in our small car, but we saw several people with flat tires along the route, so a rugged vehicle adds an extra layer of safety. Also, check with your rental company beforehand—some do not allow driving the full Hana loop.
Our two main stops on our Road To Hana Adventure were Wai’anapanapa State Park (Black Sand beach) and The Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park.
Wai‘anapanapa State Park
The black sand at Wai‘anapanapa State Park is something truly special! This was my favorite stop along the Road to Hana. I loved the striking contrast of the black sand, turquoise water, and lush green cliffs surrounding the cove. It’s absolutely stunning. When we visited, the park was very crowded, so this was the only shot I could get without a sea of people. Now, you need a reservation and pay an entrance fee to access the beach, which likely makes the experience even more enjoyable! Visit Wai‘anapanapa State Park’s website for information and reservations.
Pipiwai Trail
I wrote about this hike above. It is in Haleakalā National Park. The park is huge, and we did this hike at the end of our Road to Hana day. The Pipiwai Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes we’ve ever experienced. Along the way, you’ll encounter a massive banyan tree, charming footbridges, a mile-long bamboo forest, and several beautiful waterfalls.
Nakalele Blowhole
The Nakalele Blowhole is located on the island’s northwest coast. It’s a natural rock formation where years of waves have carved a hole into the lava rock. When the surf is strong, the ocean forces water and air up through the opening, shooting it high into the sky in a burst.
It’s a popular stop—and for good reason. You can reach it via a short (but rocky) hike, and it’s best to enjoy it from a safe distance. It can be dangerous to get too close, so please be careful!
Too the right of the blow hole is the natural formation, known as the “Heart Rock,”
UPDATE: I recently learned that half of this beautiful heart has broken away and fallen into the ocean. It’s a reminder that, just like life, nature is always shifting—ebbing and flowing, reshaping itself over time. You can still see the outline of where the heart once was, but now it stands as only half a heart.
We Stayed at the Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel
UPDATE: The hotel has been renovated since our stay, and we have heard good things! Below was our review from our stay in 2018
What We Loved:
Location, location, location! Right on Kāʻanapali Beach, within walking distance to other hotels for meals, and just a short trip to Whalers Village—a shopping center with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Staff: Kind, helpful, and genuinely wonderful.
Pool: A small, whale-shaped pool that entertained our kids for hours! It’s probably the smallest pool on the beach strip, but our girls didn’t care—they loved the unique shape.
Price: Very reasonable for the location and amenities.
Shows & Kids Passport: Each child received a passport with their own unique Hawaiian name. To earn stamps, they visited stations, shared their Hawaiian name, and learned something about Hawaii.
Activities: Lei making, bracelet making, hula dance lessons, basket weaving—plenty to keep the whole family busy.
Ground-Floor Room: We requested a ground-floor room so we could eat breakfast and lunch outside while the girls ran around on the grass. It was perfect.
What We Didn’t Love:
Beds: Not the most comfortable.
Food: The hotel dining options were limited and not the best. We enjoyed eating at The Cliff Dive Grill at the Sheraton next door. Every night there’s a torch-lighting and cliff-diving ceremony with music, a hula dancer, and the story of Black Rock, culminating in a diver leaping off the cliff! One night we even ordered takeout from the grill and brought it back to our hotel to enjoy while watching a hula show.
Overall, the Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel was perfect for families—great location, fun activities, and a charming, authentic Hawaiian vibe.
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