Maui: A Family Friendly Guide to the Valley Isle

Best Area to Stay in Maui: The West Side, Specifically Napili Bay

Why We Love Napili Bay

Our Favorite Stays on Napili Bay:

• Napili Kai Beach Resort – Family-friendly, beachfront, and full of aloha spirit. Equal parts magic and a warm breeze, Napili Kai is a family-owned, plantation-style resort that exudes unpretentious, old-school Hawaiian charm.
• Napili Point Resort – Ideal for larger families with its spacious two-bedroom, two-bath condos. These are individually owned condos that sit on the north end of Napili overlooking Honokeana Bay.
• The Mauian – A smaller boutique-style resort with studios right on the beach.
• Napili Shores Resort – This resort sits on the northern end of the bay, offering vacation condos set amid tranquil gardens with fragrant plumeria trees. It has two swimming pools and two restaurants on site.

Second Favorite Area to Stay: Kaanapali

Favorite Things to Do on Maui (Kid-Approved & Parent-Loved)

The Road to Hana

Twin Falls

Īao Valley State Monument

Located in Central Maui near Wailuku, ʻĪao Valley is a peaceful and culturally rich destination. The short, paved hike leads you to incredible views of the ʻĪao Needle, a lush green pinnacle surrounded by misty rainforest. It’s perfect for families who want a beautiful, educational outing without a long hike. Be sure to check for reservations and small entry fees before you go.  Also, don’t forget to bring a poncho.  Iao Valley is the second wettest place in Hawaii, so chances are that you may get a little wet.

Snorkeling From the Shore

One of the absolute best things about Maui? You don’t need a boat tour to find amazing underwater adventures. Many of Maui’s beaches offer fantastic snorkeling right from the shore.Our favorite spot is Napili Bay—calm, clear waters and loads of colorful fish (plus the occasional sea turtle!). Kapalua Bay, Honolua Bay, and Honokeana Bay are also excellent, especially early in the morning before the crowds roll in.

Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear or rent for the week—it’s totally worth it and makes it easy to jump in whenever the ocean calls.

The Enchanted Forest (Honolua Access Trail)

Nakalele Blowhole

Getting out on the Water

Napili Farmers Market

Best Places to Eat in Maui (Don’t Miss These!)

Sea House Restaurant – Napili Bay

This place is pure Maui magic. Located on the beachfront at Napili Kai Beach Resort, Sea House is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your toes practically in the sand.

Why we love it: The views are dreamy, the service is always warm and welcoming, and the food is fresh and flavorful without being fussy. It’s low-key enough for kids but still feels special enough for a grown-up meal.

What to order:

• Honolua Breakfast with Kalua Pork – savory, tropical, and so satisfying

• Coconut macadamia nut pancakes

• Fresh-caught fish specials at dinner (the preparation is always on point)

The Gazebo – Napili Bay

A Maui institution! This charming little breakfast-and-lunch-only spot is tucked into the Napili Shores resort, and yep—you’ll probably wait in line. But it’s 100% worth it.

Why we love it: Ocean views while you sip your coffee, laid-back vibe, and portions that are seriously next-level.

What to order:

• Banana macadamia nut pancakes (don’t forget the coconut syrup!)

• Fried rice plate – big enough to share and full of flavor

Pro tip: Get there early! Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the line starts forming even before that.

Kitchen 5315 – Napili

This low-key, hidden gem is also in the Napili Shores Resort and serves up considerable flavors in a casual setting.

Why we love it: It’s the perfect place to grab a relaxed dinner after a beach day, and they’ve got great Hawaiian plate options.

What to order:

• Garlic shrimp plate – bold, buttery, and unforgettable

• Any of the Luau Plates for a true taste of Hawaii

Kid-friendly: Yes! Super relaxed and quick service—excellent for families.

Island Fresh Café – Paia

Just 12 minutes from the airport, this is our go-to spot, either right when we land or before heading home. It’s casual, artsy, and full of aloha.

Why we love it: It has that boho Paia charm, great outdoor seating, and healthy, fresh food that still feels indulgent—bonus points for cold coconuts to sip while you wait.

Kid-friendly: Absolutely. Laid-back, space to roam, and smoothies that even picky eaters will love.

JAW’s Country Store – Road to Hana (just before mile marker zero)

This little roadside gem is the perfect pit stop before (or after!) a trip to Twin Falls or the Road to Hana.

Why we love it: It’s charming and unassuming, but the food is unexpectedly incredible and fresh.

What to order:

• Wood-fired pizzas – chewy crust, flavorful toppings, made to order

• Açaí bowl – genuinely the best I’ve ever had

• Fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies to keep you refreshed on the road

Pro tip: This is a great stop to fuel up before the long drive ahead—or to treat yourself after a hike and a swim at Twin Falls.

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop – Olowalu

Okay, let’s talk pie. Leoda’s is the perfect roadside stop on your way to or from Lahaina or the West Side, and it’s totally become a tradition for us. From savory sandwiches to sweet mini pies, everything here is baked with love (and so much butter, in the best way).

Why we love it: It’s cozy, nostalgic, and full of island charm. The staff is always friendly, the menu is creative and comforting, and the pies? Life-changing. This is a great stop for breakfast, lunch, or a mid-drive snack.

What to order:

• Mini banana cream pie – their most famous for a reason

• Coconut cream and macadamia nut chocolate pie (yes, you can get more than one)

• Pork and pickle sandwich – savory, tangy, and perfectly balanced

• Chicken pot pie or the Reuben if you’re in the mood for something warm and hearty

Pro tip: Grab a few mini pies to-go and thank yourself later when you’re watching the sunset on the beach.

Kid-friendly: Totally. Fun flavors, quick bites, and plenty of room to stretch outside if they need to move around.

Mama’s Fish House – Paia

Mama’s is iconic. This is fine dining Maui-style, set in a coconut grove right on the beach. It’s luxurious, yes, but also warm and welcoming—especially if you plan ahead.

Why we love it: Everything from the view to the service makes you feel like a VIP. It’s pricey, but the experience is worth every penny, especially if you’re celebrating something special.

What to order:

• The signature stuffed fish – freshly caught and filled with crab and lobster

• Any of the fresh seafood entrees with their buttery sauces

• Dessert! The Polynesian Black Pearl is stunning and delicious

Tip: Book as early as possible—we made our reservation 5 months out and still only snagged a lunch spot!

Merriman’s – Kapalua

This is the spot for a romantic date night or special occasion dinner. With panoramic views of Kapalua Bay and a farm-to-table menu focused on local ingredients, Merriman’s is as unforgettable as the sunsets it overlooks.

Why we love it: Everything about the experience feels elevated, but never pretentious. The live music, ocean breeze, and impeccable service create serious island magic.

What to order:

• Fresh island fish (we had the mahi mahi and it was perfection)

• Lobster gnocchi

• Handcrafted cocktails like the Lilikoi margarita

Tip: Make a reservation well in advance and request a table outside for sunset.

Bonus Bite: Spicy Poke from Napili Market

This isn’t a restaurant—this delicious bite is found in the deli section of the Napili Market, just a short walk or drive from Napili Bay. Their spicy poke is incredibly fresh, full of flavor, and honestly some of the best we’ve had on the island (yes—even compared to the fancy places).

Why we love it: It’s convenient, affordable, and crazy delicious. Perfect for grabbing before a beach picnic, a sunset snack, or just because you walked past and couldn’t resist.

Final Thoughts: Why We’ll Always Keep Coming Back to Maui