All anyone has to hear is Hawaii to conjure up visuals of palm trees and blue waters, crashing surf and white sand. Yet, beyond that, there is a world of wonder waiting to be explored. And while the beaches are absolutely stunning, they’ll be there when you get back, so look over this list I put together after our time in the sun before you head off for your own dream vacation.
Haleakala National Park
One of the most incredible places you’ll ever go, the Haleakala National Park is home to a volcano you can hike on to see one of, if not the, greatest sunrises and sunsets visible anywhere on earth. It takes real commitment to see a sunrise since you’ll need to rent a car and head out by at least 3:00 am to catch it. You’ll need warm clothing and comfortable shoes – especially for your kiddo – because you’ll be high up and walking quite a bit. No matter how tough it is to get there though, once there you’ll know why you had to come and why it has a place on this list. Where else on the planet can you, just a normal person, hike.
Pony Express Tours
This one may seem a bit out of left field, but until you see the verdant fields and lush landscapes, you can’t appreciate what the view from horseback is truly like. It’s magnificent in every way with leisurely paces and comfortably well-mannered horses and the price is exactly what you’d expect from a not-so-ordinary Maui adventure. Remember, if it’s not beach-related it’ll be cheaper on average, so mixing in some off-sand activities can go a long way toward saving you money.
Hang Loose Surf Club
This is one of the best times you can have with your kids while in Maui. It’s inexpensive and hilarious. If you’ve never tried to surf before, and most who attend this place haven’t, then you’re in for a day full of spills and thrills. Plus, the added benefit of laughing until you can’t laugh anymore with your child. No one likes to admit it, but it’s tremendously fun watching people make fools of themselves – especially when you’re just one of the fools! You should bring something to eat and drink for the break periods and focus all your energy on getting up if only for a second.
Redline Rafting Co.
If you want to take a snorkeling tour or see whales, which you most certainly do, then all you need to know is that Redline Rafting Co. is the right company for you to tour with. They offer the most amazing, mind-blowing 3-hour tours imaginable – aside from those on the Minnow with Gilligan and the Skipper. But, we all know how that turned out anyway. No, you want to take what’s been rated as the #2 tour in all of Maui by travel sites. These people know the island, its wildlife, and the perfect places to show you both. Spend the money and remember it as the best investment you ever made – seriously.
Atlantis Submarines
The last stop on our big list of can’t-miss attractions is an actual, for-real-and-true submarine tour of the island. You and your child, and 40 or so other people, climb aboard a huge submarine with windows all over the hull – giant picture windows for easy viewing outside. You can see everything that happens by including sharks and stingrays, turtles and fish of every possible kind. The reefs are beautiful and the crew is knowledgeable and friendly. And, there’s the whole “I went on a submarine” story your child can tell their friends for years to come. You’ll never regret paying for the tickets, so don’t even worry about the price – though it is a bit steep.
It’s still one of the memories, along with the others here, that should not be missed when you visit, so write it down, make reservations, and get working on your photography skills. You will want to capture every single minute of what could very well be your best vacation ever.