Maui with Kids

Making the Most of Your Hawaiian Vacation

By Amy Carey

Traveling with young children can be difficult no matter the destination – sometimes a trip to the corner store is a test of patience when toddlers and preschoolers are in tow. So it should be no surprise that traveling to an exotic location like Maui might be trying for everyone in the family, particularly kids.

To begin, the scenery is a far cry from what most of us see at home: Maples are replaced by palm trees, freeways by twisty two-lane roads that hug the ocean. There may be no familiar faces waiting at the baggage claim, and climbing into a rental car that smells like another family can be unsettling for young creatures of habit.

But that doesn't mean you should stay home or limit your vacations to trips to Grandma's house. If you and your children arrive on Maui armed with knowledge about what to expect during your visit, your family can enjoy your stay on this island of varied pleasures.

When planning your trip to Maui, consider your expectations. Did you once travel to the islands as a couple and are hoping to recreate that romantic adventure? Think again. A family vacation to the Hawaiian islands can be just as fun as a couple's excursion, but leisurely strolls, sipping drinks and even snorkeling together can be a challenge unless you have an extra pair of hands to wrangle the kids while you bob on the ocean or walk on the beach. Focus on family fun and save the couples-only activities for another trip.

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