Maui Teenager Surfing

The Ultimate Guide To Maui Vacations With Teens

Maui is the perfect destination for a family vacation, especially with teenagers! No matter what time of the year you visit, there’s always so much to do on this beautiful Hawaiian island. From hiking and exploring natural wonders to surfing lessons and ziplining adventures, or just soaking in the local culture and cuisine, a Maui vacation with any teen can be an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Here’s our guide to help you discover all the fun activities you can do together with your family. It’s packed with tips on what to do and where to go to make the most of your trip. With a little planning, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation that your teen will always remember fondly.

Water activities for teens in Maui

Who can say no to all the exciting water activities on Maui? From swimming and snorkeling to scuba diving and surfing, you can just spend your whole vacation in or on the water without a dull moment. The island’s warm waters and beautiful beaches make it the perfect place to have fun for a day or two exploring the underwater world. And, with so many different options to choose from, you’re sure to find an activity that your teen will enjoy.

Surf The Waves

Learn surfing with your teen in Maui

Surfing is one of the most popular activities on Maui, making it an ideal place for teens to start learning or improving their skills. For beginners, the gentle waves at spots like Launiupoko Beach Park, Kihei Cove, and Kalama Beach Park are perfect. These locations offer consistent, manageable waves ideal for teens. Numerous surf schools, such as Maui Wave Riders and Maui Surf Lessons, provide lessons for all skill levels, ensuring a safe and fun experience. 

For those who are already confident surfers, the renowned waves at Honolua Bay and Hookipa Beach offer an exciting challenge. Surfboard rentals are conveniently available at nearby shops like Maui Beach Boys and Hi-Tech Surf Sports, making it easy to gear up and hit the waves.

Stand-up paddle boarding for teens

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an excellent activity for families with teens visiting Maui

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an excellent activity for families with teens visiting Maui, offering a fun way to explore the coastline and get a great workout. For beginners, the calm waters at locations like Napili Bay, Wailea Beach, and Kapalua Bay are perfect, providing a serene environment ideal for learning. 

Numerous rental shops, such as Paddle On! Maui and Maui SUP, offer a variety of stand-up paddleboards, making it easy to find one close to where you’re staying. Whether paddling solo or with friends, SUP is a fantastic way for teens to enjoy Maui’s beautiful coastline.

Go snorkeling and scuba diving

Go snorkeling and scuba diving in Maui

Snorkeling and scuba diving are fantastic activities for teens on Maui, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s vibrant underwater world. For reliable snorkeling, locations such as Molokini Crater, Honolua Bay, and Black Rock are ideal, providing clear waters and abundant marine life, including turtles and colorful fish. 

For those interested in scuba diving, sites like Cathedrals at Lanai and the reefs around Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve offer beginner-friendly dives with fascinating underwater landscapes and occasional dolphin sightings.

Several rental shops, such as Snorkel Bob’s and Maui Dive Shop, offer a range of snorkeling and scuba gear, ensuring you have everything you need for your underwater adventure.

Try windsurfing

Ho‘okipa Beach Park, renowned as the “windsurfing capital of the world,” is perfect for windsurfing enthusiasts. For teens and beginners eager to learn, Kanaha Beach Park offers gentler conditions ideal for mastering basic skills. Nearby rental shops like Kanaha Kai provide equipment and lessons, making it easy to get started. Windsurfing on Maui is fantastic for those daredevil teenagers and also a great way to bond with your teens while enjoying the thrill of the waves.

Join a whale-watching tour

whale-watching tour in Maui

For a unique adventure, consider a whale-watching tour in Maui, one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. From December to Mid-April, the North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm seas, with Maui’s coastal waters hosting the largest concentration.

Tours with companies like the Pacific Whale Foundation offer the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close, often alongside dolphins and sea turtles. It’s an unforgettable experience for families traveling with teens.

Air activities

There are plenty of air activities in Maui to keep your teen occupied on a vacation. From parasailing and zip-lining to helicopter tours and more, there’s no shortage of ways to get the adrenaline pumping. And, with stunning views of the island from above, these activities are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ziplining

One of the best ways to get an adrenaline rush is by ziplining. And there’s no better place to do it than Maui. With several different companies offering tours, like the Maui Ziplining Company, you’re sure to find one that fits your family’s needs. Choose from rainforest canopy tours, coastal cliffside views, or even night ziplines for a truly unique experience.

Paragliding

Paragliding in Maui

Have you and your teenagers ever dreamed of flying and soaring through the air like a bird, taking in stunning views as travel? If so, try paragliding for an incredibly peaceful and exhilarating experience! Maui is one of the best places in the world to give it a try. Paraglide Maui offers solo instruction, so you can learn at your own pace. If you don’t want to fly solo, there’s an option to fly with their instructors.

Hang gliding

Hang gliding in Maui is an adventure like no other. It’s another way to get an open-air, bird’s-eye view of Maui and you’ll be whisked away on the ride of a lifetime. Hang Gliding Maui is some of the best-powered hang gliding in the Pacific. Your teen will be blown away after the ride!

Take a helicopter tour

Take a helicopter tour in Maui

For those who are not interested in paragliding or hang gliding, taking a helicopter tour is another great option to have an exciting way to see the sights. You can go on an air trip to the most popular attractions in East Maui, including Haleakala Crater, Hana’s lush tropical rainforest, breathtaking waterfalls, and deep valleys. It will give you a unique perspective of the area and is sure to be a memorable experience.

Land activities

While the island is known for its water and air activities, there are also plenty of great land activities on Maui to enjoy. And the best part is that you don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy these activities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day riding along the scenic roads or a leisurely stroll through paradise, you will never feel bored.

Go for a hike

Hiking is an awesome way to explore the mountains and the island’s natural beauty. No matter what your level of experience is, you will be able to find a hike that’s suitable for your family. If your teen loves challenges, try hiking to the top of Haleakala, Maui’s tallest volcano, for some incredible views.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding in Maui

There are many stables on the island that have horses for riders of all skill levels. Most trips last between 1 and 6 hours. Maui Mountain Activities has horseback rides that take you up into the West Maui Mountains to see waterfalls and then down to the beach, where you can ride next to the waves along the Pacific Ocean.

Explore the island by bike

Maui has some of the most beautiful and scenic roads in the world. And what better way to see them than by bike? Depending on your preference, you can choose from self-guided tours or guided tours. If your teen is looking for a challenge, try the Haleakala Downhill Bike Tour. You’ll start at the top of Haleakala and ride down to the beach. It will be an amazing experience!

Visit Maui Tropical Plantation

Maui Tropical Plantation is a working plantation that has been turned into anattraction in Waikapu Valley. There, you can see over 40 different kinds of crops and can find many things to do. Try taking a tram ride around the grounds, visiting the gardens, ziplining, and learning about the history of the plantation.

Road to Hana

Road trip to Hana

One of the best ways to see Maui is by taking a Road to Hana tour. This is a relaxing way to see all the sights along Hana Highway, and the knowledgeable tour guide will do the driving so you can take in the scenery. This is the most relaxing way to see waterfalls and great beaches without missing anything along the way.

Watch your Teen Fall in Love with Maui

Whether your teen is looking for an adventure or just wants to relax on the beach, Maui has something for everyone. With a little planning, you can have an amazing and memorable Maui Vacation with your teens. Book your Maui vacation rental today and come experience all that the island has to offer!

Commonly Asked Questions about Maui Vacations With Teens

What are the best family-friendly activities for teenagers in Maui?

Maui offers numerous family-friendly activities for teenagers, including snorkeling at Molokini Crater, exploring the Maui Ocean Center, hiking the trails at Haleakalā National Park, ziplining at Piiholo Ranch, and surfing lessons at Kihei.

Are there any adventure sports suitable for teenagers in Maui?

Yes, Maui is perfect for adventure sports! Teenagers can enjoy activities such as parasailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and ATV tours. Maui’s diverse landscape provides excellent opportunities for both land and water adventures.

What are some good dining options in Maui for families with teenagers?

Maui has many family-friendly dining options. Some popular choices include Paia Fish Market for fresh seafood, Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice for a sweet treat, and Monkeypod Kitchen for various American and Hawaiian dishes.

What beaches in Maui are best for teenagers?

Some of the best beaches in Maui for teenagers include Ka’anapali Beach for its lively atmosphere and water activities, Napili Bay for snorkeling, and Makena Beach (Big Beach) for its wide sandy shores. Each of these beaches offers something unique and enjoyable for teens.

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