United States

Maui

The Road to Hana is one of those drives that families build memories around, and the waterfalls and jungle scenery along the way justify an early start. Duke's Maui at Wailea is the kind of beachfront lunch spot that balances quality and atmosphere without requiring advance planning. FamiVentura's Maui guides cover the island's iconic drives, snorkeling spots, and the local food culture that goes well beyond resort dining.

7 activities3 free 10 food spots3 free 7 excursions3 free 7 hidden gems3 free 1 Itinerarie0 free

Off the Beaten Path

Hidden gems most tourists never find

Banyan Tree Park, Lahaina

One of the largest banyan trees in the United States, planted in 1873 in central Lahaina, covering nearly an acre with aerial roots that have become secondary trunks. Survived the 2023 wildfire that killed 101 people and destroyed most of Lahaina and is visibly recovering. Functions as a physical play environment for toddlers, a biological study for older ages, and a symbol of community resilience after something significant.

Booking required: No

Tips

The park is in Lahaina, which was heavily affected by the 2023 wildfire — some context before arriving makes the visit more meaningful
The morning (7–9am) before tourist activity picks up is the best time: quieter, cooler, and the light through the canopy is at its most vivid
Indian myna birds roost in the canopy and are loudest at dawn and dusk — toddlers and kids both respond to the calls

Banyan treeLahainaParkNature

Ke'anae Peninsula

A working Hawaiian taro-farming community on a lava peninsula at mile 16.5 of the Road to Hana. The lo'i paddies along the access road are among Maui's oldest in continuous cultivation; the lava coast at the tip has some of the most direct open-ocean wave impact accessible by car. Aunty Sandy's banana bread stand at the highway junction is the correct stop before or after. Stay well back from the lava edge. The waves carry well above the rocks.

Booking required: No

Tips

Aunty Sandy's banana bread stand is at the junction of the peninsula road and the Hana Highway — stop there first before driving the mile to the tip
The lava surface at the coast tip is slippery when wet — wear closed shoes with grip
Taro (kalo) is the plant the Hawaiian staple food poi is made from; the paddies here have been irrigated from the stream above for centuries

Lava coastTaro fieldsRoad to HanaWaves

Find the best picks for your family

Select your children's ages and we'll personalize Maui for you

Tap an age group, then select your children's ages

Kepaniwai Heritage Garden, Wailuku

The shallow stream is the main draw for both age groups. Toddlers wade; older kids explore further up the rocky channel. The Japanese garden section requires supervision (raked gravel, not a play surface); the rest of the park is open grass and paved paths that work for both ages. Water shoes are worth bringing. The park is on the road to Iao Valley State Monument. A natural combined visit.

Booking required: No

Tips

The park is a genuine community space, not a tourist attraction — it functions differently and is much quieter than the beach parks
The Japanese garden section has a carefully raked gravel area; treat it respectfully
Continue up the road to Iao Valley State Monument after the garden — the Iao Needle trail is a 10-minute walk from the parking area

Cultural gardenStreamWailukuMulticultural