moonininjuly

Activity suggestions? We aren't huge beach people, but love natural beauty. What can we do in Hawaii that we can't do elsewhere? The best luau with kids? Is the goat farm good? thanks!

travelmamana

I went to Maui with my 18 month old. She loved seeing all the animals and birds at the Hyatt regency (where we stayed). I believe they also get a lot of visitors. The luau at the Marriott next door was great. She also loved being in the pool. At that age, they are not going to need much. We also rented a car for the road to Hana. We didn't leave early enough so we just turned back when we knew it was time to head back (the road can be windy and no lights). We did half the trip and had a great time. I packed a picnic. For me, sunrise on Haleakula is not to be missed. It's worth it even if you have to drag 2 sleepy kids. No matter what be sure to layer clothes. We were luck we had our winter US coats/gloves in the back of our rental or we would have been frozen! If you are leaving in the summer, pack some gloves, scarves, layers if you make that trip.

moonininjuly

We are interested in

Farm tour, Iao valley, Haleakala, and road to Hana, how kid friendly are these? We only have 4 full days

sf7307

WAY too much planned for 4 days with two toddlers! The road to Hana can take all day. Haleakala for sunrise means getting up at 3 a.m.. Etc. We've been there for a week with toddlers and didn't plan as much.

moonininjuly

So of those activities, which are the best?

explanation

I don't see the point of taking the kids to Haleakala summit at 3 am.

It will be very very cold and there are altitude issues.

For only four days, just skip the road to Hana, Halekala, and maybe Iao Valley.

Visit the Maui Ocean center, play minature golf, go to the beach. Let the kids relax and enjoy their tirme.

sf7307

Completely agree with explanation. Those 3 are "adult" activities. Does a 19-month old and a 4-year old really care what the sunrise looks like, especially if they're freezing.

wekewoody

The goat cheese farm SOUNDS like a cool thing. In reality it is a bit of a dump and was not that great an experience.

Find a lei making class. Most of the big hotels offer them. You can't do that on the mainland. I think the 4 year old would love that.

travelmamana

For 4 days, I'd choose road to Hana or Haleakula but not both. You know your kids best.

moonininjuly

Appreciate the comments, will take them into account when planning our itinerary. Definitely mini golf is not something I would spend hours on a plane to do- ha ha. We really would rather see natural landscapes rather than putt putt. We live in Florida so the beach and pool are not our main reasons to travel. But will reconsider the high altitudes and long drive.

travelmamana

I'm sure you will have a great time! It's wonderful there. You'll find that most people will go to bed early and will wake up super early there. I know lots of folks wonder why bother doing big things (meaning the trip in general.) when the kids don't remember it but they will enjoy it in that moment and you'll have those memories and pics to share! Good luck! Are you going to any other islands?

moonininjuly

No, no other islands, unfortunately. The kids won't exactly remember, but we believe they learn and get more cultured through travel and new experiences. My 3 year old loved Germany and she remembers more than I would have expected. Maybe she won't always remember, but who knows?

sunbum1944

I think sunset on Haleakala is beautiful too - might be easier to do than a sunrise with toddlers?

Last time I was in Lahaina we attended church - the Waiola. It is one of the oldest churches in the islands and started at the request of a Hawaiian high Chiefess- it was a very nice experience. The service was partly in Hawaiian - and English. Music was a piano, guitar and ukelele.
The side of the church opens to the outdoors so the kids ran in and out. We were presented with leis as we entered. Following the service, a meal is served in the community center - had some great local foods prepared by the members.
Next to the church is an old cemetery with graves of some of the royal family, missionaries and early residents of the island. It might be a nice way to expose the 4 year old to some of the Hawaiian history, traditions.

I am not a regular church attender but I did enjoy this experience.

ChiSue

I'm a little confused. You are flying to Hawaii to spend only three nights on Maui? (Perhaps you are coming through Hawaii enroute to or from another place -- in which case I'd stay Oahu.)

Kids often get carsick on Road to Hana. Haleakala can cause altitude sickness, even for adults. Iao Valley is a good, short stop; see Bailey House museum at the same time. Maui Ocean Center is good. Kids like snorkeling and investigating the tidepools. Some shopping malls have keiki (children's) hula shows and farmers' markets. Your Four would probably enjoy one of the shorter luau; maybe the younger one would sleep?

explanation

I mention the minature golf because it's an activity that a 4 year old (and maybe an 18 month old) will likely enjoy far more than the freezing Haleakala sunrise, Baily museum, or carsickeness-inducing road to Hana. The Sugar Cane Train might be another ride they would enjoy.

Sometimes it needs to be about the kids, not the parents.

travelmamana

I think the sunset sounds like a lovely idea sunbum. Hadn't thought about that. We are going again next year, but this time with my parents. Sounds like a good alternative to the sunrise if they dont want to get up that early. But how was the ride coming down? well lit? Have you done both?

My daughter had no problems with the altitude, slept on the way up and was happy as could be for sunrise. As for the road to Hana, the whole point is to get out of the car along the way and back so no problems there either. But then again, this is your trip and your kids and you would know what your kids can and can't handle. These are just some ideas. We have always taken the approach that when on vacation with the kids, it doesn't mean everything must cater to them just like everything wouldn't be catered to us. Enjoy!

travelmamana

The Ocean center was also very cool, I remember my 18 month old enjoying that (it was a long time ago). One other thought, we recently went to Oahu with a group of friends... 8 children from infant to 12 years old and we took them in a submarine. The boys loved trying to match the fish they saw with the pictures on the brochure. Your 4 year old will probably like that. I would check if Maui has a similar submarine. Also, I had all the kids wear a red shirt that day. They thought it was so cool when the shirts changed colors. The red just disappears!! So be sure to pack red tops if you go!

sunbum1944

I have not done both sunrise and sunset- just the sunset and I really don't remember the ride down much- was not driving. I just remember that it was beautiful- ah! I was young and in love and it is a lasting memory.

I was there during the day a couple of years ago and I do not remember seeing any evidence of the road being well lit.

travelmamana

I was trying to remember what reason I had to get up that early while on vacation!! I must have been worried about driving back down once the sun went down and opted for sunrise.. This time, maybe we'll do the sunset with a driver or I'll just close my eyes while my husband drives. I will never forget the sunrise. The clouds were under my feet and I thought I could just walk right on top of them. And when the sun rose, I thought I was close enough to touch it. One of my most memorable moments.

npudlo

When we went with our 4 year old (now 13) we rented snorkel equipment for us and a boogie board with a clear plastic window in it so our son could lay on the board and look at the fish. We also brought along a life vest for him. We would snorkel along and tow him along side us. I'm not sure how well that would work for the 18 month old though.