{"id":6702,"date":"2015-06-08T09:27:57","date_gmt":"2015-06-08T13:27:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mayahoodblog.com\/?p=6702"},"modified":"2015-06-28T20:34:06","modified_gmt":"2015-06-29T00:34:06","slug":"maui-with-kids-what-to-see-and-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mayahoodblog.com\/maui-with-kids-what-to-see-and-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Maui with kids; what to see and do."},"content":{"rendered":"

Last month, my family embarked on an amazing trip to Hawaii. \u00a0It wasn’t our first time there. In fact, it was our fifth visit to what is known by many as ‘paradise on earth’. \u00a0What was new this time around was that we took all three kids along with us. That’s right… my husband and I were crazy<\/del> brave enough to travel with three kids under the age of five for 12 hours on two different flights to a time zone that is six hours behind all in the name of beach, sun and fun. Believe it or not, it was an amazing trip and the flight was much better than expected. While we initially thought we’d be itching to return home after a long vacation with the kids, we were pleasantly surprised with our overall experience. On our last day there we even commented on how we wished we were staying longer.<\/p>\n

\"rainbow<\/p>\n

When we traveled to Maui for the first time five years ago, I wrote about our experience in Maui with Baby<\/a>. \u00a0Since we were back with three kids, I thought it would be a good time to write an updated post as we embarked on some new experiences this time around (although we did stay at Kahana Sunset<\/a> again).<\/p>\n

\"Top

Kahana Sunset Resort: Top three pictures were taken using the EFFECTS mode. Top left: Miniature Effect, Top & Middle Right: Selective Colour<\/p><\/div>\n

I’ll also be sharing a lot of pictures from our adventure as part of my #NikonMOMents Ambassadorship program. \u00a0I only trust my Nikon DSLR D3300 camera to take amazing pictures without issues. \u00a0That’s why I’ve take a Nikon DSLR camera with me each time we’ve traveled to Hawaii. This time around, I got to play around with my new telephoto 55 – 300mm\u00a0lens and I was able to capture some amazing pictures. Next time we go though, I need to figure out how to make my Nikon DSLR water proof!<\/p>\n

Here are some of the highlights of our trip:<\/p>\n

The Road to Hana<\/h3>\n

When we entered “Hana” on the GPS, it stated that the drive is about 2 hours long. \u00a0What the GPS doesn’t account for is all of the stopping that you will be doing along the way. \u00a0The one-lane, windy road is probably one of the most spectacular drives you will ever take. \u00a0Mountains and lush forest on one side, and beautiful cliffs and the ocean on the other. We were oohing and aahing at every turn.<\/p>\n

\"Hawaii<\/p>\n

Most guides list several points along the road where you can stop, hike, take pictures and explore. Our first stop was at the twin falls. \u00a0Just a few kilometers into the drive, it’s one of the only well-marked spots along the road and it’s probably also the busiest. \u00a0A good 20 minute walk through the forest ends at the beautiful falls.<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0917\"<\/p>\n

\"I

I took these two contrasting pictures of the falls using Guide mode. Under advanced operation, I selected “show water flowing”. The faster the shutter speed, the less blur.<\/p><\/div>\n

We took our second stop at a little beach inlet along the road called Honomanu Bay where the sand was volcanic black. We enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch here.<\/p>\n

\"picnic<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"I

I was able to capture this picture while I was in the moving car.<\/p><\/div>\n

Our last stop before Hana was at Ke’anae Peninsula. This is a great little town to stop and get out of your car and stretch your legs. \u00a0The views of the volcanic rocks in the ocean are breathtaking, especially when the water hits them creating a big spray. \u00a0Kyle and I had fun walking all around the rock formation in the ocean and exploring the area.<\/p>\n

\"DSC_1006\"<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0993\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hana itself didn’t have much to offer in terms of sightseeing so we continued to the Seven Sacred Pools located in ‘Ohe’o Gulch. \u00a0Unfortunately, the water levels were high, so the pools were closed off for swimming. After quick walk on the trail, we headed back to the car to make our trek back home.<\/p>\n

\"7<\/p>\n

We probably made three stops on our drive and the entire drive took us 12 hours return. \u00a0Insane, right? Worth it? Totally! However, the trip itself is better suited for adults or older kids. \u00a0The drive is long and the turns can even make the best of us\u00a0car sick.<\/p>\n

Observing Maui’s Sea Life<\/h3>\n

If you want to get up close and personal with all of the wondrous sea creatures who call Maui’s ocean their home, you have several options. You can go to the Maui Ocean Center,<\/a> located on the North shore, go snorkeling on one of the many snorkeling tours (there is one that gives you the option to snorkel while your kids stay entertained on board if they’re too young to join) or you can go out on\u00a0a glass bottom boat. The two most popular options for the bottom glass boat are the Atlantis Submarine and the Reef Dancer. \u00a0The more popular option is the Submarine but your kids needs to be at least 3 feet tall to go on the boat and everyone must be able to walk down a flight of stairs independently. \u00a0The other (and more affordable) option is the Reef Dancer<\/a>; which is what we did (kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult).<\/p>\n

\"Hawaii<\/p>\n

The hour long tour takes you out into the ocean along a huge reef. Scuba divers swim along beside the boat and bring up a variety of sea life to the glass window to be viewed up close and personal. \u00a0The bottom of the boat is\u00a0kept at a cool temperature and you’re able to access the top of the boat at anytime. \u00a0The kids loved this little expedition and it was a great way for them to see first hand what the ocean world looks like.<\/p>\n

Iao Valley<\/h3>\n

If your’e looking for an easy hike and beautiful scenery to enjoy with your family, take a trip to central Maui’s Iao Valley State Park where you will get to see the iconic\u00a01,200-foot Iao Needle. While the needle-like lush mountain is spectacular, so is the valley surrounding it.<\/p>\n

\"Hawaii<\/p>\n

We spent a good hour plus in here just enjoying a leisurely hike and playing with the rocks near the stream.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"ryan<\/p>\n

Exploring Historic\u00a0Towns<\/h3>\n

If you’re looking to explore a town in Maui, I would recommend heading over to Lahaina. \u00a0One of the oldest towns in Maui, the streets are now filled with art galleries, a variety of\u00a0stores, boutiques and some great restaurants overlooking the ocean.<\/p>\n

\"Lahaina<\/p>\n

Here is where you will find the main pier to get on your tour boats and to even take water taxis to nearby islands like Lanai. \u00a0One of the attractions in Lahaina is the\u00a0<\/span>Banyan Tree Park<\/a>. <\/span>In 1873, a banyan tree was brought in from India and planted here. Today, this tree, which looks like several trees intertwined, stretches over an area of 200 feet long and is 60 feet high.<\/p>\n

\"Lahaina\"<\/p>\n

Beach<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are so many wonderful beaches surrounding Maui, no wonder several of them often make top ten lists. \u00a0While we explored many of the beaches around Maui on our trip five years ago, this time we spent most of our time relaxing at the beach located in our backdoor, literately. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"This

This is what 8 AM looks like in Hawaii<\/p><\/div>\n

The boys had a blast running around\u00a0in the sand, sitting on the chairs in the water and building sandcastles. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"DSC_0066\"<\/p>\n

\"hawaii<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Personally, I’m a big beach bum so I found any excuse that I could to enjoy the beach. \u00a0I find more peace swimming in the ocean for five minutes than I do during an hour massage. \u00a0One of the thing I loved most about where we stayed is that water turtles live right in the bay. \u00a0Every day we had the pleasure of swimming with the turtles. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"DSC_0493\"<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0492\"<\/p>\n

Even though we saw them daily swimming along the shore, they were a\u00a0spectacular site each and every time. \u00a0I love this picture I captured on my Nikon camera as the turtle came up for some air. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"DSC_0156\"<\/p>\n

Restaurants<\/h3>\n

In the town of Lahaina, there are several restaurants. \u00a0The ones along the water are the most popular for obvious reasons. \u00a0Please do yourself a favour and do not eat at Cheeseburger In Paradise. \u00a0It might be cheaper than the other restaurants, but there is a good reason for that. While the kids didn’t seem to mind (they had Kraft Dinner and a kid’s burger), we weren’t too happy with the food. \u00a0Some good alternatives include Kimo’s, Koa’s and Mala Ocean Tavern (a little up from the main area).<\/p>\n

\"Cheeseburger<\/p>\n

If you’re on the North coast, our favourite restaurant is\u00a0Merriman’s Kapalua. \u00a0We ate here when we came to Hawaii five years ago and we had our Anniversary dinner there again this visit. \u00a0A little pricey, but well worth it.<\/p>\n

On our last night we had dinner at Mama’s Fish House. \u00a0This is probably one of the most popular restaurants in Maui and with good reason. Located on a sandy beach, the restaurant has a Hawaiian vibe to it that is relaxed and welcoming. While the food is not cheap, the place doesn’t feel stuffy. \u00a0There is even a kids menu. It was a perfect send-off to end a great vacation.<\/p>\n

\"Hawaii<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0849\"<\/p>\n

While I’m not sure if we’ll be returning back to Hawaii for a while now, I’m glad that over the course of the past five years we were fortunate enough to enjoy many of the great things Hawaii has to offer. \u00a0Each time we explored and experienced something different and new and yet, I feel like there is still so much more to see and do. \u00a0Above all, Maui is a great place to visit with your kids and there’s something to do with them no matter their ages. \u00a0Have fun and let me know your favourite parts!<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0545\"<\/p>\n

\"Sunset

Sunset picture taken using Guide mode. In Advanced Operations, select Capture reds in sunsets.<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last month, my family embarked on an amazing trip to Hawaii. \u00a0It wasn’t our first time there. In fact, it was our fifth visit to what is known by many as ‘paradise on earth’. \u00a0What was new this time around was that we took all three kids along with us. That’s right… my husband and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6745,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"footnotes":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"Traveling to Maui Hawaii with kids in tow? Find out what to see and do. 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