Haleakala National Park
Haleakala Crater Road, Makawao
808-572-9306
No child will forget a visit to Haleakala, a 10,023-foot-high dormant volcano. Views from the crater to its 24-square-mile floor will create a lasting impression, as will the park's hiking and camping opportunities; one trail loops all the way through the volcanic crater.
Maui Ocean Center
192 Ma'alaea Road, Ma'alaea
808-270-7000
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Admission charged.
This 75,000-gallon aquarium allows children to feel as if they are swimming with the 2,000 fishes, sharks and other sea creatures as they view marine habitats from an acrylic tunnel beneath the water's surface. The Ocean Center features a "Discovery Journey," in which participants descend from black lava and sandy beaches past underwater coral and rare fish through sea caves and into the depth of the ocean.
Maui Tropical Plantation
1670 Honopi'ilani Highway, Waikapu
800-451-6805
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Admission charged.
A tram ride transports tourists through this lush region of the island as a narrator tells of its rich agricultural heritage. The 120-acre plantation encompasses more than 60 acres of pineapple, sugar cane, mangoes, guavas, papaya, ginger and coffee, and also showcases dozens of varieties of tropical orchids. After the tram, children will be entertained by Hawaiian hula dancers and demonstrations of native crafts.
Hike Maui
Kahului
808-879-5270
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
Admission charged.
Some of Maui's most incredible scenery can only be viewed on foot. A guide will lead your group on a four-and-a-half-mile mountain hike to the upper ridges of the West Maui mountains; what better way to help a child burn off some excess energy and help establish a bond with nature?
Sea World
191 North Kihei Road, Kihei
808-879-8860
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. daily
Admission charged.
A two-hour boat ride takes visitors to see Hawaii's most impressive residents - its whales. On most trips, boats are able to get so close that observers can see the barnacles on the whales' backs, and may get sprayed by the splash as their great tales slap the water's surface. You can also expect to hear the whales as they converse with each other in their clicking, singing "language."
Whalers Village Museum
Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina
This museum, in the heart of Lahaina, documents the sleepy port city's evolution to a whaling boomtown. Home to an impressive collection of whaling memorabilia, the museum shows what life was like between 1825 and 1860 for the men who led the harsh whaling life aboard tiny boats chasing 45-ton quarry. The exhibit includes harpoons, sea chests and a re-creation of the typical six-man crew's quarters. Films about whales and whaling history are shown throughout the day.
Sunshine Helicopter
107 Kahului Airport, Kahului
808-871-0722
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting
Admission charged.
Since more than half of the island is inaccessible by car, visitors may choose to take this memorable flight over Haleakala's crater and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Children should be equally thrilled at the experience of riding in a helicopter and the magnificence of the view.
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