Maui with a 3 year old!
 

My entire family is heading to Maui in January to celebrate my folks 50th wedding anniversary! We'll have two 3-year-olds as part of the entourage and, as I've never been to Maui I'd appreciate any and all recommendations for "things to do and see"! <BR> <BR> <BR>

In Kaanapali, there's a sugar cane train that kids would get a kick out of. You could also go to the Maui Plantation. I think there's a sugar cane mill on Maui that might have tours. Plus...days at the beach w/young children is always great. Maui has a lot of great beaches, so you could just pack a picnic lunch every day & head to a different beach.

A few more thoughts. If you don't mind driving a real narrow and windy road, the road to hana, it has many places you couls stop and let the children out. <BR>also, pack a luch and stop and eat along the way. a lot of scenery to view. on beaches, several to look at, D.T. Flemings, Prindle and Launiupoko. these beaches are in west maui. they are good for the kids, plus these beaces offer,restrooms,and showers, plus much more. on the north side, bakdwin beach. and on the south. Kamaole Take the kids to Maui Ocean Center, they will like this. I hope the list of beaches help. these are the ones that are geared for children. Have a good trip. <BR>

Hey folks, <BR> As victims of a 7 day cruise with a 1 and 2 year old my advice would be as follows.....Sell your children to the highest bidder before the trip and use the money to have a fun-filled shopping spree at the Lahina shopping center. The guilt really will not last long and the kids will not remember it when they are old enough to take money from your wallet, steal your car, and go joy riding with their delinquent friends. <BR> Good luck! <BR> DadZee

Little kids don't know the differnce between Maui and a much cheaper beach by some lake back home. But if you must take them to Maui, I disagree with the adive to take them on the narrow winding multi-hour drive on the road to Hana. They will probably get carsick, and if not, they will at least complain about how long it takes to get there. <BR>Lots of info about Maui sights, activites, restaurants, etc, is at this web page: <BR>http://members.aol.com/Derm1/index.html

My husband and I have been to Maui before and stayed in Wailea, however this time we too will have a little one who is 2 years old. Though Wailea was nice, it would not be so ideal for us this time. We have chosen to stay on Kaanapali Beach. My niece went to Hawaii when she was 2 years old and loved putting on the snorkling gear and looking at the fish. Kaanapali is nice because you are near a lot of shops and don't have to go far when you want to venture out, therefore you are that much closer to your room when you need to go back. The only thing I was told by my brother is the 2 (or 3) year olds are considered in the "under age 13" range and must pay a hefty price for some things (i.e., luaus). They wanted $30 for a 2 year old to go to a luau! I also disagree with taking the children on a trip to Hana unless you plan on stoping VERY often. It is a very windy and long road with no stops for candy, drinks, bathrooms, etc. Fortunately for us, Grandma is going to Hawaii also, so we have a little bit of a rest, but I think my 2 year old will have a wonderful time as will your kids. Just remember kids will be kids and they will love just playing on the beach or at the pool!

My husband and I took our 2 and 4 yr olds to Maui and stayed at Kanapali Beach. The kids like the Whaler's Village and the whale museum there alot. Also there is a sidewalk that goes past all of the hotels along the beach including swans, penguins, and flamingos. You can sometimes watch some of the shows from the walkway as well. Take a stroller. We didn't and had to carry both kids on our strolls. There is also a bus that will take you to all the different hotels that the kids loved. We rode the Sugar Cane train and it was kind of a bore. The kids liked the pool and the beach and building sandcastles....well maybe it was me that liked the sandcastles.....anyway have a great time!

Whatever you do, do not take the previous advice to go to Hana with kids. We went with just two adults and although the drive is pretty, it is extremely slow, takes a long time and even for adults is not worth the drive because there is nothing at Hana. You really take the drive for itself instead of the destination. There is lots to see on Maui without this drive. <BR>