Maui: Children in Hawai'i

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Children in Hawai'i

Sunny beaches and many family-oriented cultural sites, activities, and attractions make Maui a very keiki- (child-) friendly place. Here kids can snorkel with a humuhumunukunukuapua'a, surf with a boogie board, hike inside a dormant volcano, or ride a sugarcane train. Parents should use caution on beaches and during water sports. Even waters that appear calm can harbor powerful rip currents. Be sure to read any beach-warning guides your hotel may provide. Stick to kid-friendly beaches that have shallow tide pools or are protected by reefs (look for the symbol in this guide). And remember that the sun's rays are in operation full-force year-round here. Sunblock for children is essential.

Most major resort chains on the island offer activity programs for kids ages 5 to 12. These kid clubs provide opportunities to learn about local culture, make friends with children from around the world, and experience age-appropriate activities while giving moms and dads a "time-out." Upon arrival, check out the daily local newspapers for children's events. The Maui News features "Maui Scene" every Thursday, a listing of special events around the island, many ideal for children.

Lodging

Families can't go wrong choosing resort locations that are part of larger hotel chains such as Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, Outrigger, and Westin. Many of these resorts are on the island's best beaches, have activities created for children, and are centrally located. Many condominium resorts now also offer children's activities and amenities during holiday periods.

Most hotels in Maui allow children under a certain age to stay in their parents' room at no extra charge, but others charge for them as extra adults; be sure to find out the cutoff age for children's discounts. Also check for special seasonal programs, such as "kids eat free" promotions.

Best Choices

Embassy Suites Hotels (800/362-2779. embassysuites.hilton.com). Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (800/819-5053. www.fourseasons.com). Hyatt Hotels & Resorts (888/591-1234. www.hyatt.com). Marriott (888/236-2427. www.marriott.com). Molokai Ranch (888/627-8082. www.molokairanch.com). Outrigger Hotels & Resorts (800/688-7444. www.outrigger.com). ResortQuest Hawaii (877/997-6667. www.resortquesthawaii.com). Starwood Hotels and Resorts (888/625-5144 for Westin and Sheraton. www.starwood.com). The Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts (800/241-3333. www.ritzcarlton.com).

Sights & Attractions

Top picks for children run the gamut from natural attractions kids can enjoy for free to some fairly expensive amusements. On Maui, kid favorites include the Sugarcane Train that runs between Lahaina and Ka'anapali, snorkel cruises to Molokini Crater, and whale-watching after a visit to the Maui Ocean Center.

At the Lodge & Beach Village at Moloka'i Ranch on Moloka'i, families can sleep in canvas bungalows and enjoy everything from star gazing and spear fishing to horseback riding with a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). On Lana'i, four-wheel-drive off-road adventure tours take families to destinations such as Shipwreck Beach and Manele Bay, where the dolphins sometimes come to play.