The island of Maui serves as home to the towns of Lahaina and Kihei and attracts tourists from around the world. Families planning a vacation to Hawaii can find a variety of activities enjoyable for both parents and children. The island features beaches specifically designated for kids as well as indoor attractions like aquariums. A Maui vacation can also include educational tours that are informative for audiences of all ages.
Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is on Maalaea Road off State Highway 30 in the town of Maalaea in northwest Maui, near Kihei. The attraction opened in 1998 and is sometimes known as the "The Hawaiian Aquarium" because it is the only aquarium facility in the world dedicated to Hawaiian marine life. The aquarium held "Zagat" ratings of "extraordinary to perfection" for its appeal and "very good to excellent" for its facilities and service, as of October 2010. Approximately 400,000 people visit the attraction annually.
The Maui Ocean Center covers five acres of ground. Kids can enjoy the Touch and Feel area, which allows them to reach into pools to pet a variety of creatures. The entire aquarium requires approximately one and one-half to two hours to completely tour.
The Maui Ocean Center is open seven days per week throughout the year. The aquarium remains open on all major holidays. General admission was $25.50 in October 2010. Children, senior citizens, Hawaii state residents and active U.S. servicemembers receive discounted admission. Free parking is available on-site.
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is located near Mile Marker Number Five on Highway 36 on the North Shore of Maui near Paia. The area is a protected beach that has calmer waters than on other parts of the island, making the water safer for small children to swim and play. Baby Beach is also relatively level and a destination for jogging and dog walking.
Baby Beach is open year-round. The beach is a public area and has no admission or access fees. The area does not have lifeguards on duty, nor does it offer facilities like restrooms. Free parking is available.
Maui Tropical Plantation
The Maui Tropical Plantation is on the Honoapiilani Higway in the town of Wailuku in western Maui. The facility is a 60-acre working fruit farm that opens its grounds to the public. The plantation held "Zagat" ratings of "very good to excellent" for its appeal, facilities and service in October 2010.
Families can participate in guided tours of the Maui Tropical Plantation, which include a tram ride throughout the grounds. Kids can see how fruits grow and become harvested and watch a coconut husking demonstration along the way. The tour typically features tastes of fruit as well.
The Maui Tropical Plantation is open daily. Tours depart eight times per day. Admission to the grounds is free though tours require the purchase of a ticket. Prices were $14 for adults and $5 for children as of October 2010. Free parking is available at the plantation.
Tags: Baby Beach, Maui Ocean, Maui Ocean Center, Maui Tropical, Maui Tropical Plantation, Ocean Center