Family-Friendly Things To Do in Kahului Maui

There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kahului Maui. It’s home to Kahului Airport (OGG), so your adventure can begin minutes after you land. No long drives — just unpack, unwind, and dive right into vacation.

Kahului might be where travelers first land via the airport or the harbor but don’t rush off too quickly. More than just the island’s commercial center, the town offers its own mix of culture, flavor, and natural beauty, giving visitors a glimpse into everyday island life.

Explore Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, catch a show at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, or watch kite surfers at Kanahā Beach Park. Nearby Kahului Bay is central to the town’s lively food scene, where you’ll find everything from poke bowls to fresh baked manapua. Kahului may be a jumping-off point for adventures around the island, but stick around a little longer and you may be surprised by what you find.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Kahului Maui

Central Maui is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and modern culture. Located in the heart of the island, Central Maui offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and shopping. From the stunning Iao Valley State Park to the vibrant Market Street, visit the Maui Arts & Cultural Center to experience the island’s thriving arts scene, or explore the historic town of Wailuku to discover its charming shops and restaurants. With its convenient location and wide range of activities, you’ll be talking about Kahului for years to come!

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

Step into five acres of native Hawaiian flora at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens — a peaceful, educational spot perfect for families. This lush garden focuses on preserving endemic and Polynesian-introduced plants, offering a rare chance to learn about Hawai‘i’s natural heritage. A free self-guided cellphone tour is available with admission.

• Location: 150 Kanaloa Ave. in Kahului across from War Memorial Stadium
• Phone: (808) 249-2798 ​
• Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Admission: $10 for non-resident adults and free for kamaʻāina (Hawai‘i residents) and children under 12.

“We visited the botanical gardens on our way back to the airport at the end of our trip. It was a lowkey, tranquil, and relaxing experience. We really enjoyed walking around and reading about the native and indigenous plants. There was plenty of shade and a beautiful Banyan tree to take photos under at the end of our trip. This is a great place to support.” — LMC

Kanahā Beach Park

This spacious, breezy beach offers calm waters for swimming, shaded areas for lounging, and panoramic views of both the ocean and mountains. The park is well-equipped with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and volleyball courts, making it easy to settle in for a full day of sun and fun. It’s also one of Maui’s top spots for kiteboarding and windsurfing, thanks to steady trade winds and open coastline.

• Location:  Amala Pl, Kahului, HI 96732
• ​Admission: Free
• Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.​

“Nice place to spend some time before going to the airport. Parking was easy. There were lots of feral cats and it was nice to see people feeding them. Lots of locals having picnics and enjoying wind/kite surfing.” — Traveltheworld461

Maui Swap Meet

Held every Saturday, the Maui Swap Meet features over 200 local vendors selling crafts, produce, and souvenirs. It’s an excellent place to find unique gifts and enjoy local food. ​

• Location: At the UH Maui College next to the rear parking lot across from MACC
• Admission: $0.75 for adults, free for children under 12
• Hours: Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Info: (808) 244-3100

“This is an amazing place to buy souvenirs for yourself or others. Several rows of vendors. The back rows are fresh produce, bread, and coffee. Prices are good but check around before buying. I did find a difference in price for the same item. Also, know that not all goods are made in Hawaii so ask. Cost is $.75 for admission. Go early on Saturday morning for the most options! Highly recommend!” — Jill B.

Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary

Just inland from Kanahā Beach, the Kanahā Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful 143-acre refuge and a must-visit for bird lovers. This protected wetland is home to an array of native and migratory species, including the endangered Hawaiian stilt (aeʻo) and Hawaiian coot (ʻalae keʻokeʻo).

• Location: Amala Pl, Kahului, HI 96732
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Open from sunrise until sunset

“This is a neat place with long boardwalks winding along the beach. Lots of water birds, plovers, ducks, and herons. Cool vegetation. Not a lot of parking. Has places to walk on the beach. Great place to take a stroll.” — Kris K.

Queen Ka’ahumanu Center

Maui’s largest shopping mall offers more than 100 stores, local boutiques, and a variety of dining options. It’s also a hub for family-friendly events, cultural performances, and weekend farmers markets.

• Location: 275 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In a nutshell, supporting our local mall is a no-brainer. It’s where community spirit meets retail therapy, wrapped up in a package of pure joy. So grab your reusable bags, put on your best aloha shirt, and join the fun. Trust me, you’ll leave with a smile as big as Maui’s sunsets! —Jean N.

Maui Arts and Cultural Center

For three decades, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) has been a cornerstone of creativity on the island — celebrating music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Located in Kahului, it hosts a vibrant lineup of concerts, exhibitions, film festivals, and cultural performances throughout the year.

• Location: 1 Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732
• Tickets: Vary by event and must be purchased online; check their website for the current schedule and pricing, kids ages 3 and up require a ticket
• Box Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for will call/pickup
• Email: boxoffice@mauiarts.org
• Phone: 808-242-SHOW (7469)

“I love our MACC. Giving it five stars because the events are so well run and the myriad of musicians and events and free entertainment is so appreciated.” — Carol K.

Maui Zipline Company

For families with older kids and a taste for adventure, Maui Zipline Company delivers a high-flying experience you won’t forget. Located on a tropical plantation in Central Maui, this family-friendly zipline tour features five lines ranging from 300 to 900 feet — perfect for first-timers and thrill-seekers alike. As you soar over lush gardens and scenic landscapes, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Maui’s natural beauty.

• Location: 1670 Honoapiilani Hwy. Wailuku, HI 96793
• Cost: $149 per person (plus tax and gratuity). ​
• Tickets: Reservations are required; book online or call (808) 633-2464.​ Walk-ins are not accepted.

“Mahalo for a super fun time riding the lines at Maui Ziplines. Our kids were nervous (and let’s be honest, my husband too) – they set us at ease with their calm demeanor and funny jokes. We did five lines over the course of about an hour. It was a great experience, and the location is fantastic – you get views of the West Maui mountains. It’s also easy to do other activities at the same location, from eating at Cafe O’Lei to taking the plantation farm tour.”— Laura B.

Maui Tropical Plantation                                                                          

Set on 500 lush acres, the Maui Tropical Plantation is a working farm that showcases the island’s rich agricultural heritage. Stroll the grounds for a free self-guided tour, and explore fields of tropical fruits, flowers, and native plants. For a deeper dive, you can take a guided plantation tour, narrated tram ride, or zipline across the fields.

• Location: 1670 HI-30, Wailuku, HI 96793
• Cost: Free admission to the grounds. Free parking.
• Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“We checked out the tram ride with our small great grandchildren – they loved it! We had dinner at the restaurant – absolutely delicious, rave reviews all around.” — Kurtmayer2024

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

Through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and equipment, visitors can explore the story of Hawai‘i’s sugar plantations and the multiethnic communities that grew around them. The museum’s mission is to preserve and share the impact of sugar on the island’s culture and economy.

• Location: 3957 Hansen Rd, Puunene, HI 96784
• Admission: $10 for adults; $7 for seniors (60+) and military; $3 for children aged 6-12; free for children under 5 and Kamaʻāina (residents) with valid ID.
• Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (last admission at 1 p.m.)

“Very informative. Great exhibits. Takes about 35-45 minutes to visit all exhibits. If you want to know about sugarcane and how it played a major part in Hawaii’s development and economy then this is a must visit. Really nice gift shop too. I recommend this museum.” — Brian L.

Maui Ocean Center

Located in nearby Maalaea, the aquarium offers an up-close look at Hawaii’s marine life, including sharks, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. The three-acre facility is the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.

• Location: 192 Ma’alaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793
• Admission: Prices vary; book at least one day in advance for a $5 discount
• Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“Great aquarium and wonderful workers. Love the scuba diver talks in the shark tank. Interesting and knowledgeable. Turtles, octopus, sharks, tide pool, fish, and tons of living coral. Would recommend! Cheaper if you order tickets online.” — Lindsay

Cat Cafe Maui

For a purr-fectly unique outing, Cat Café Maui offers a cozy space where guests can sip coffee and hang out with adoptable cats. This charming coffee shop is ideal for animal lovers, providing a relaxed environment where you can play, cuddle, or unwind with friendly felines. All the cats are rescues — so who knows, you might just leave with a new family member!

• Location: Queen Kaahumanu Center, 2nd floor
• Admission: $20 per person; includes complimentary coffee or tea. ​
• Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. (last check-in at 4 p.m.).​

“This place is spotless, and the staff is super sweet. I bought a cute pair of cat socks and a sticker as a souvenir. I highly recommend a visit. It is well worth the entry fee to support a great cause! Maybe you’ll go home with a new bestie!” — Jana K.

Maui Golf & Sports Park

I have fond memories of bringing my kids to the old mini golf spot in Kahului, so it’s been a joy to discover something even bigger and better just down the road in Wailuku. Maui Golf & Sports Park is a one-stop family fun center featuring two 18-hole miniature golf courses, bumper boats, a rock-climbing wall, and an X-Treme trampoline for high-flying fun.

• Location: 80 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793​
• Price: Varies by activity
• Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.​

“I was afraid this place would be an expensive tourist trap since prices weren’t advertised on their website. We did putt putt and it was $20 per adult for unlimited games. Contrary to another review, the ‘fairways’ seemed brand new and the landscaping was beautiful. The only downside (if you call it that) was the holes were very challenging even for adults. They have a fun game where you can spin a wheel before each hole to get a fun handicap or advantage. We highly recommend this place.” — Doug Kelley

Iao Valley State Park

With stunning landscapes and unique geological formations, the valley is steeped in history and natural beauty. Take a hike through the park’s trails and discover the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot rock pinnacle that’s a symbol of Maui. Learn about the park’s rich cultural heritage at the Hawaiian Nature Center, or explore the Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens to see traditional Hawaiian plants and flowers.

• Location: 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793
  
• Cost: Entry and parking reservations are required for non-residents. 1-7 passenger vehicles are $25.
• Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Market Street

Market Street in Wailuku is a shopper’s paradise. This charming street is lined with unique boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores, offering a wide range of local goods and souvenirs. Grab a cup of locally roasted coffee at the cozy Wailuku Coffee Company, or swing by The Empanada Lady for a flavorful lunch with island flair. And if you’re lucky enough to be in town on the first Friday of the month, don’t miss Wailuku First Friday — a lively block party featuring live music, food vendors, and cultural performances that bring the street to life.

• Location: N. Market St. Wailuku, HI 96793
  
• Cost: Free to browse
• Hours: Vary by shop

Hoaloha Park

Hoaloha Park is a hidden gem in Central Maui with stunning views of the West Maui Mountains. Take a leisurely walk through the park, play tennis, basketball, or soccer, or simply unwind in the gardens.

• Location: 1 E Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732
• Cost: Free
• Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.