Vacation rentals in Maui

Beach Sports in Maui

West and South Maui have the best selection of beaches and equipment rentals for various water sports. With activities such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and snorkeling, there's a number of companies that offer guided lessons and excursions. Visitors can also rent the equipment they need and head off on their own independent adventure.

Learn About the Island

Nurture your children's minds with an appreciation for the outdoors at the Maui Ocean Center, a walk around the dormant volcano at the Mars-like Haleakalā National Park, or a submarine tour at Laihana.

Music, language, dance, and food have just as much significance in Hawaiian culture as the natural surroundings do. Visit the Old Lahaina Luau, located in the heart of the historic island town, for a lesson in traditional Hawaiian culture and customs.

Vacations in Maui With Babies

With perfect weather all year round, a family-oriented culture, and plenty of activities for all ages, Maui is a great choice for a vacation with your children and babies. Many conveniences such as car seats, strollers and cots/cribs are readily available to use at accommodations and public areas such as restaurants, or to hire out from rental companies for the duration of your trip.

The choice of a condo or apartment with multiple rooms means plenty of space for friends and family to join in, allowing everyone to save on costs and the opportunity for parents to have a little time to enjoy the island on their own. Many complexes have amenities such as swimming pools for young children who need a break or a warm-up to swimming at the beach.

Many of the island’s vacation rentals come with a full kitchen, which is handy for families who want the flexibility of dining at home with their children. For the times you want to head out to dine, there are plenty of restaurants that provide children's menus, games, or coloring books, and most places will also provide high chairs.

There are 5 pods in Maui. The most common species are the spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, and the Pacific bottlenose dolphins. For an up-close encounter (50 yards), take a boat ride. Turtles are also commonplace, especially Hawaiian green turtles, and here's where to find them:

1. Punalu'u Beach Park - turtles love basking on this black sand beach. While the ocean is a little rough for snorkeling, walking on the shore (wearing swimming shoes is a good idea) or joining the turtles for a sun bath can be fun.
2. Lāhainā and Lāna‘i - watch hundreds of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) popularly known for their acrobatic spinning, aerial flips, and leap antics.
3. La Perouse Bay - encounter the rare, curious, overly social and intelligent Pacific bottleneck dolphins while hiking along the coastal trails or from nearby lookout points.
4. Ma'alaea Bay - is known for its population of spinner dolphins. Ma'alaea Bay offers boat tours departing from Ma'alaea Harbor for dolphin watching excursions.
5. Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve - is a protected marine reserve on Maui's southwest coast is another excellent spot for dolphin sightings, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.

1. The Cove at Kalama Beach Park (Kihei) - this break is perfect for beginners. It is easy to access, safe, and clear of obstacles, the waves are under 3 feet high; the people are welcoming (something you really need as a beginner), and there are a ton of surf shops.
2. Ho'okipa Beach - an advanced wave-rider will love its breaks. On this world renowned North Shore beach, you have obstacles to overcome including rip tides, rocks, and reefs, and sets of unrelenting waves. Take a stroll thereafter while watching turtles sun bathe.
3. Pe'ahi - this surfing break, is the bigges in Maui. It has a treat for advanced surfers seeking an adrenaline rush, a new challenge, a new personal best surfing record, or the tow-in experience. Aptly nicknamed 'Jaws', it features massive and fast waves reaching up to a world-record-breaking 77 feet. According to Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Contest, Jaws is a world-winning break.

Where to Snorkel in Maui

1. Maluaka Beach - is the best snorkeling beach south of Wailea. It's one of nature's beautiful masterpieces featuring golden-sand on the shores; clear, calm, warm waters; and colorful marine life including Hawaiian green sea turtles, crustaceans, octopuses, and tropical fish.
2. Honolua Bay - walk through a forest, cross a stream, and then swim to this spot where you stand the chance to spot humpback whales playing from a distance as you snorkel alongside fish, turtles and other sea creatures.
3. Kapalua Bay - is ideal for snorkeling, thanks to its calm waters and vibrant marine life.

Other activities

1. Napili Bay Beach, nestled amidst a charming coastal community, is the best beach for families and couples seeking a relaxed beach experience.
2. Makena Beach (Big Beach) - is one of Maui's largest and most picturesque beaches with expansive golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It's an excellent spot for sunbathing, bodyboarding, and picnicking.
3. Hamoa Beach - Located on Maui's eastern coast in Hana, Hamoa Beach is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with powdery sands, clear blue waters, and lush tropical surroundings. It's an idyllic spot for swimming, bodyboarding, and beachcombing.

1. Haleakala National Park

Visit one of the most unique national parks in the world, featuring trails leading past lava fields caused by the park's dormant volcano. Ornithologists might also be lucky enough to spot a Nene, an endangered Hawaiian goose.

2. Wai'anapanapa State Park

This beautiful park is characterized by its glistening freshwater streams and pools. Camping facilities are available for those who wish to explore the park's natural environments and black sand beach over multiple days.

3. Ka'anapali Beach

No trip to Maui is complete without exploring some of its gorgeous coastline. This beach was once named America's best, with its crystal waters and white sandy shore stretching for three miles.

4. Red Sand Beach

Another fantastic natural location is the amazing Red Sand Beach, also on the eastern end of Maui. Though you need to hike here, the effort is worth it, with blood-red sand and lovely warm Pacific waters.

5. Maui Ocean Center

If you wish to get up close to the region’s wildlife, be sure to check out the expansive Maui Ocean Center, with a tide pool, underwater tunnel, and shark tank, ideal for observing the state's marine life.