Central Maui

Everything below can be done in one day or you can break it up into twos. If you are a hiker, you can spend the whole day in Iao Valley. Many people, go to the beach in the morning and then visit these attractions later in the day. Links are underlined. Make sure to click the underlined links for more information.

Everything below can be done in one day, or you can break it up into two. If you are a hiker, you can spend the whole day in Iao Valley. Many people go to the beach in the morning and visit these attractions later in the day. Click the underlined links for more information. 
 
Maui Ocean Center: About 20 minutes from Kihei in Maalaea. A must-see stop if you have kids. The ocean center is small, but it has lots of exhibits, which make it interesting for adults, too.

If you are looking for whale and dolphin shows—this isn’t the place It’s an educational experience with fun interactive exhibits for kids. Be sure to do the treasure hunt and visit the gift shop.

For lunch, make reservations at Seascape at least an hour in advance. There’s a nice view of the harbor, and it’s accessible from within the park. There is also a small grab-and-go food stand.

Outside of the Ocean Center in the Maalaea Shops, you definitely have to stop by Hula Cookies and Ice Cream for one of their delicious ice cream sandwiches. Make sure to book reservations for the Maui Ocean Center ahead of time.
 
Sunflower Farm: Stop here for an awesome backdrop for a quick photo. The flowers are not always in bloom. It’s best to go midday when the flowers are the most open. Use caution when parking.
 
Maui Tropical Plantation: A great place to go with the kids! There are lots of little shops and a fresh fruit stand. You can take a guided tram tour or just walk the grounds.

Be sure to walk to the pond and feed the Koi fish and ducks (you can buy duck food at the Country Market). Relax and take in the scenery—the view of the West Maui Mountains is beautiful.

You can bring some snacks or food and have a picnic. Or eat lunch or dinner at the Cafe’ Olei at the Mill House—one of our favorite restaurants on the island. They also have a zipline for the kids!
 
Iao Valley State Park: This is a great place for hiking, swimming, and sightseeing and is home to the Iao Needle. Bring swimsuits, shoes, and bug spray. Short, fairly easy hike along a stream with small pools you can swim in. A great little banana bread stand is worth a stop on the way in. Suitable for kids, but be careful on the rocks, which can be slippery.
 
Horseback Riding: Horseback up into the valley of the West Maui Mountains through gulches to see waterfalls. Then, head down the trail to the oceanfront to ride alongside the Pacific Ocean.

​Also includes a visit to a petting zoo, home to sheep, mini horses, and rabbits. Make sure to check weather conditions and rider weight restrictions before booking. Not suitable for small children. Make reservations here.