How about a little Hawaii Two-O? Yes, it’s a corny nod to Hawaii Five-O, but it’s also the perfect intro to our second and final recap of our Maui, Hawaii trip. If you missed our first post, check it out to read about:
- where we stayed
- where we ate
- our neighborhood
- how we saved money
We also covered what it was like traveling with a toddler and how we managed jet lag. In this post we’ll focus on the activities and adventures we enjoyed in Maui with a toddler in tow, a small home-related purchase we made to remember the trip, and the vacation tradition we continued while we were there.
Our main goal for this Maui vacation was to relax, so the beach was our number one destination. While many visitors come to Maui planning big adventures—snorkeling, zip lines, sunset cruises—we wanted to decompress after a busy few weeks at home. That said, we still fit in several memorable outings that were toddler-friendly and enjoyable for the whole family.
One full day was dedicated to driving the famous Road to Hana. Even with guidebooks and advice, we weren’t sure what to expect, but it felt like a must-do while on Maui. We loaded the car with snacks, diapers, fuel and a guide CD purchased in Paia, and set off for dramatic coastal vistas, unique Hawaiian sights, and a very twisty road.
The Road to Hana delivered. The route is beautiful but nerve-wracking at times: nearly constant curves, narrow stretches where the center line disappears, and increasing intensity the farther you go. It’s thrilling at first, and by the third or fourth hour you start gripping the wheel a bit tighter—but the scenery makes it worth it.
We didn’t do all the hikes or waterfall treks many travelers attempt—those are hard with a toddler—but the drive itself provided plenty to admire, including waterfalls visible from the highway. We spent extra time at the Ke’anae Peninsula, where waves crash dramatically against the cliffs and where we discovered a delicious roadside stand selling memorable banana bread.
Another highlight was Waianapanapa State Park. The park offers spectacular coastal scenes: a sea arch in the distance, a blowhole that spouts seawater when big waves arrive, a small cave to explore, and especially a stunning black sand beach. The unusual sand, made from volcanic rock, was unlike anything we’ve seen before and Clara loved it.
Two unfortunate things happened on the way: the sky turned overcast, and our camera battery died, which limited photos for a stretch of the day. We pressed on to the town of Hana for lunch at a roadside barbecue and then continued the loop around the island. Some travelers choose to stay overnight in Hana; we completed the full loop so we could see as much as possible, and Clara napped for part of the drive, which made the long day much smoother. The full loop took about eight hours including stops, and traveling with a toddler went better than expected—frequent breaks helped her stretch and stay comfortable.
Back in Lahaina we charged the camera and caught a beautiful sunset, a calm end to a busy day of sightseeing.
Another major outing was whale watching. After spotting whales from shore earlier in the trip, we booked a boat tour so Clara could see them up close. We were nervous about spending a couple of hours on the water with a two-year-old, but she did very well. She even joined a kid-friendly “Young Naturalist” program for a bit, although toddler energy made the quieter parts humorous rather than calm.
We saw whales—mostly blows and occasional tail sightings rather than dramatic leaps—but it was still thrilling to watch them and be out on the Pacific. The safety rules require boats to cut motors within close range, so most encounters are respectful and a bit distant, yet powerful and memorable. The day was sunny and the views back to Maui were stunning.
Besides car and boat outings, we explored a lot on foot since our condo was close to Lahaina’s sights. Banyan Tree Park became a favorite spot for ice cream and for marveling at one of the world’s largest banyan trees. The tree’s sprawling branches drop roots that form new trunks, creating the illusion of many trees while in fact it’s a single colossal specimen. We wandered around it and enjoyed an artisan market under its canopy on the weekend.
Morning walks were another simple way to discover Maui: a casual stroll often turned into breakfast at a local spot or an unexpected cultural find like the Lahaina Jodo Mission, where a Japanese temple and a giant Buddha statue provide an intriguing contrast to the beachside setting.
We also enjoyed animal sightings that delighted Clara. The Hyatt Regency at Kaanapali surprised us with flamingos, black swans and even African penguins strolling the grounds, plus a gorgeous resort pool and oceanfront paths perfect for family walks. The Maui Ocean Center capped the trip: an excellent aquarium with an underwater tunnel where sharks, rays and large fish swim all around and above you—an indoor, toddler-friendly alternative to snorkeling that Clara loved. Visiting the aquarium was a perfect way to fill an afternoon before our late evening flight home.
To preserve the memories, we kept up our vacation tradition of writing postcards to ourselves. We usually don’t mail them—instead we use the space to jot down what we did each day, favorite meals, and little anecdotes (like Clara’s less-than-successful hibachi dinner). These postcards become a concise, personal travel journal we can read later and enjoy.
We also bought a small memento: a historic map of Maui printed on canvas. It was inexpensive and beautiful, and we wanted something to represent our trip since our U.S. travel map only covers the continental states. The canvas map is too lovely to pin, but it will be a permanent reminder of our family vacation in Maui.
All told, the trip was relaxing, scenic and family-friendly. We returned grateful for the time away, happy that Clara had so many new experiences, and already missing the ocean and sunsets. Do you have any upcoming trips? We’d love to hear what you’re planning.