Planning a Maui Family Vacation? Here’s What to Book Before You Go
Planning a family trip to Maui is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Between choosing beaches, activities, restaurants, and excursions, it can feel like there’s a lot to organize before your plane even lands.
Whether you’re traveling with little ones, teens, or a mix of both, booking a few key experiences ahead of time can make your Maui vacation smoother, more relaxing, and far more memorable.
Here’s a helpful guide to what’s truly worth reserving before your Maui family adventure begins.
1. Reserve Your Rental Car Early
Maui is not an island where you want to “figure out transportation later.”
Rental cars can sell out quickly — especially during:
✔ Spring Break
✔ Summer
✔ Holidays
Having your own vehicle gives your family the flexibility to:
• Beach hop
• Chase sunsets
• Explore Upcountry
• Grab last-minute shave ice
Pro Tip: Book as soon as flights are confirmed.
2. Book Popular Family Activities in Advance
Many of Maui’s most-loved experiences fill up days or even weeks ahead.
🌊 Snorkeling Tours
Perfect for families with older kids & teens.
Popular options include:
• Molokini Crater
• Turtle Town
• Lanai excursions
🚤 Whale Watching (Seasonal)
If visiting December–April → DO NOT skip this.
An unforgettable experience for all ages.
With the above boating activities a few of our family’s favorite companies to go out with are the following : Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel ( a truly incredible experience for whale season ) , Trilogy , & Pacific Whale Foundation
captured during a whale watching tour with Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel - truly cannot recommend them enough
🌋 Haleakalā
Haleakala is one of Maui’s most breathtaking and unforgettable experiences. Standing above the clouds at the summit of this dormant volcano feels almost otherworldly, with sweeping crater views, dramatic landscapes, and constantly changing light.
While sunrise visits require advance reservations, Haleakala is truly stunning at any time of day.
Sunrise
Famous for its surreal beauty, soft pastel skies, and once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere. Reservations are required and tend to book quickly. View information here.
** A heads up for those with littler kiddos/teens , the timeframe to enter the park for sunrise reservations is 3AM. This is something to keep in mind since it will make for an early start. I would advise getting a cheap cozy throw blanket and once in the park you can get some shut eye while waiting for the sun to come up. Also be sure to pack very warm clothes - the temperature will be around 30 degrees.
Sunset
Sunset at Haleakala is an incredible alternative to sunrise and just as visually stunning. As the sun lowers, the crater glows with amber tones - an unforgettable experience above the clouds. For the best experience, plan to arrive 2 hours before sunset to comfortably navigate the drive and secure parking.
3. Secure Key Restaurant Reservations
Maui dining is incredible, but high-demand.
Especially for:
• Mama’s Fish House
• Merriman’s
• Popular Wailea spots * such as Spago’s or Olivine
If your family has “must-try” restaurants → reserve early.
4. Plan a Few Beach Days (But Keep It Flexible)
Not all beaches are ideal for every family.
For Young Kids
Look for:
✔ Gentle waves
✔ Easy access
✔ Soft sand
Examples:
• Charley Young Beach
• Kamaole Beaches
• Kapalua Bay
🏄
For Teens
They often love:
✔ Bigger waves
✔ Cliff views
✔ Adventure feel
Examples:
• Ho‘okipa ( checking out the waves visually )
• Polo Beach ( great for body surfing )
• Ironwoods
5. Book a Maui Family Photoshoot
Vacations fly by, but photographs last forever.
A professional Maui family photography session allows you to:
✨ Capture genuine connection
✨ Document this season of life
✨ Bring everyone into the frame
✨ Create artwork-worthy memories
Unlike phone photos:
✔ No awkward selfies
✔ No missing family members
✔ No rushed snapshots
Instead, you get relaxed, natural images that reflect the joy of your time on island.
Why Families Love Booking a Session in Maui
• Stunning scenery
• Beautiful natural light
• Everyone already feels happy & relaxed
• A meaningful keepsake from your trip
🌺 My Approach
As a Maui family photographer, I specialize in laid-back, sunset sessions designed to feel effortless and fun — even with energetic kids or camera-shy teens.
Sessions focus on:
✔ Natural interaction
✔ Gentle guidance
✔ Genuine emotion
✔ Beautiful light
Bonus: Experiences Families Often Love
Depending on your crew:
• Road to Hana adventure ( Be sure to book reservations for Wai'ānapanapa State Park aka Black Sand Beach before your visit so you are able to check it out - info here )
• Surf lessons
• Sunset sail * Trilogy does a fantastic sunset sail
• Ziplining
• Luau night
• Upcountry farm visits
Maui has a way of creating moments your family will talk about for years — sandy toes, sunset skies, laughter, and that feeling of being completely present together.
A little pre-planning helps you spend less time stressing and more time soaking in the magic.
And if documenting this chapter of your story feels important, I’d be honored to help you preserve those memories.