By Hannah Rice Myers
Maui is a beautiful place to take your family on vacation. With its gorgeous
beaches, beautiful water, and dazzling sunsets, it is surely a destination your entire family will enjoy. The activities in Maui introduces its visitors to Hawaiian culture while enveloping them in the natural beauty that encompasses the island. For anyone who is looking for a way to escape the chaos of everyday life and get back to family life, Maui is the way to go.
Whale Watches
Every family member will love taking this tour out into the waters of Maui where the Humpback whales migrate each year to have their babies. It is a fun and interesting way to learn about the life and behaviors of these magnificent creatures. The crew of the boat are experts when it comes to the Humpback whales, and throughout the cruise, they will provide information about new discoveries in the life of these creatures, as well as explain any behaviors they may display on the watch. These can include the tail slaps and pectoral fin waves. Your kids will love watching the mothers as they play with and protect their babies in their natural habitat. And if you have any questions, the crew will gladly answer them. It is truly an experience your family will not forget.
The Lahaina Cruise Company
1036 Limahana Place, 3E
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Tel: (877) 500-6284
Surfing Lessons
If you have never tried surfing before, there is no better place to experience it than in Hawaii. The Goofy Foot Surf School guarantees that after one, two-hour lesson, you will be able to stand and ride a wave or your next lesson is free. This is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy together, as you all learn something new. They offer everything from private lessons to all-day surf camps. The swimwear and boards are provided with every lesson, and during the surf camp, lunch is provided as well. The family that surfs together stays together, so give it a try.
Goofy Foot Surf School LLC
PO Box 11813
Lahaina, HI 96761
Tel: (808) 244-9283
Whalers Village Museum
This is not you ordinary museum; it is a piece of Hawaiian history and culture that your family will find fascinating. For 35 years during the 19th century, Lahaina was known as a whaling town. Whaling ships would be crammed with 25 men, trying to make a living by going on voyages that lasted for five years or more, as they hunted the greatest creatures of the sea. The Whalers Village recreates all of this for its visitors, with a replicated whaling ship they can explore. There are also exhibits that display the antique ornaments made from the bones and ivory of the whales that were captured. But perhaps the greatest artifact is the 19th century collection of pictures that were carved on the teeth and bones of whales, then rubbed with ink to define the design. This will give your family a new appreciation for how life was lived then and an appreciation for the endangered species that live in the waters now.
Whalers Village
2435 Kaanapali Parkway
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Tel: (808) 661-4567
Attend a Luau
Luaus are a tradition in Hawaii that every family should take part in before leaving the island of Maui. Parents and children alike will love the Hawaiian greeting of receiving a lei as they are welcomed to the feast. Everyone can then stroll down to the beach where the Hukilau will begin; the tradition of pulling in the net of island fish. Once this ceremony is complete, the feast can begin. There is always a delicious buffet of traditional Hawaiian dishes combined with local favorites. For the parents, there is an open bar if they choose, and for kids there is a wide variety of soda, tea, and tropical juices. Once the sun sets, the fun begins. Hawaiian and Polynesian performers come out, singing and dancing their native songs and dances. Guests are often asked to participate, and this gives your family an opportunity to let loose, have fun, and smile as you hula the night away.
Maui Luau Guide
150 Lahainaluna Rd.
Lahaina, HI 96761
Tel: (888) 700-3764
About the Author:
Based in Jamestown, Pa., Hannah Rice Myers has more than 10 years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in the health industry. Many of her articles have appeared in newspapers, as well as "Curing Epilepsy: Hope Through Research." Rice Myers received her master's degree in nursing from Upstate Medical University in 2001.