Experience Hawaiian Culture on Maui as a Family

There are a few things you can do in Maui as a family to understand Hawaiian culture.

Live the Aloha Lifestyle

Aloha is more than a hello – it’s a way of life. It means love, kindness, compassion, and a deep respect for the people and land of the islands.

Have your kids say Aloha to the locals and soak up the chill vibes. Talk to them about respecting the land, ocean, and cultural sites.

Show them the Hawaiian way of life and it will make the experience even more special.

Start your family adventure with an experience of a lifetime. Drive to the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala National Park and watch a sunrise. As the first light of day creeps over the volcanic crater you’ll be in awe.

But if you’re planning to watch the sunrise between 3-7 am, you’ll need to reserve through Recreation.gov or join a guided tour.

This is especially important if you’re leaving your hotel at 4 am. This changed in 2021 so make sure you have your passes ready.

If the pre-dawn drive seems too much, many visitors opt for guided tours. While tours do require an earlier start, sometimes as early as 2 am, you won’t have to drive on dark roads and, instead, enjoy the experience.

Alternatively, there are Haleakala sunset tours you can join, and that’s good if your little ones don’t like waking up early.

Nature is extremely important in Hawaiian culture, and there’s no better way to learn than going to ʻĪao Valley State Park – a stunning combination of natural beauty and history.

It’s so much more than a 0.6-mile hike. You can see the iconic ʻĪao Needle, a 1,200-foot tall green landmark rising out of the valley floor.

This is a sacred site in Hawaiian history where a major battle took place. However, to experience it, plan ahead of time – The park introduced an advanced reservation system a few years ago.

You can book your spot up to 3 days in advance – Don’t forget this part if you don’t want to be disappointed.

Walk through the quaint streets of Lāhainā Town, once a bustling whaling port and the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1823 to 1845.

Visit the Baldwin Home Museum for a glimpse into the lives of the early missionaries. This was the center of a “missionary compound” in the 1830s.

The museum is also situated next to the town’s famous banyan tree, a massive tree that covers almost an entire city block.

This is how deep Hawaiian culture runs in Lahaina. Looking for cultural immersion? Don’t forget to stop by the old Brick Palace. Built in 1798, this was King Kamehameha’s first royal residence after he conquered Maui and Oʻahu.

Want to take things to the next level? Explore Maui by helicopter and see Lāhainā from above – You just can’t beat the experience!

Go back in time to ancient Hawai’i by visiting the Olowalu Petroglyphs. These ancient carvings by early Hawaiians give you a glimpse into a bygone era and the islands’ rich cultural history.

Located in West Maui these petroglyphs are easy to get to via a short 1.1-mile well-maintained hiking trail.

This is a great opportunity for your family to connect with the islands’ history. With over 100 petroglyphs you can hear the stories they tell about life on the islands centuries ago. Check out the trail to plan your visit.

Next, let’s talk more about the traditions and arts in more depth, and we’ll discuss some important parts of our culture.

Attend a Luau in Maui

You must do a luau in Maui. It’s not just a meal, it’s a full-on cultural experience with Hawaiian music, dance, and food (especially pork belly and shave ice!). At a luau, you’ll get to enjoy a feast with dishes like kalua pig, poke, and lomi lomi salmon all cooked the old way.

The highlight of the evening is the hula and fire dancing which tells the stories of Hawaii’s history and legends. Luaus are family-friendly and fun for all ages.

Some of the best luaus in Maui are the Old Lahaina Luau which is all about authenticity and the Feast at Lele which is more intimate.

Book in advance as they sell out fast. Doing a luau is a great way to live aloha and make memories that will last.

You must attend a traditional Hawaiian luau with your family. These are not just entertainment they are a beautiful display of Hawaiian culture.

As you watch the performers hula dance, listen to the live Hawaiian music, and eat local food you’ll be in the middle of this magical culture.

The hula dance tells ancient stories through hand movements and hip swivels.

Sign up for a hula lesson together – it’s a great way for everyone to try this ancient practice. Free hula lessons are even offered at some shopping centers around the island.

For instance, The Shops at Wailea offers classes every Friday afternoon while the Lahaina Cannery Mall offers them every Tuesday afternoon.

Go Deeper: Learning Beyond the Luau

If your kids love the hula dance they can explore further. Lahaina Cannery Mall also has a “Keiki” (children in Hawaiian language) Hula Show. You can attend this free event with your family every Sunday at 1 pm.

You’ll see young dancers performing, dressed in colorful costumes. Learning a little hula will give you a new appreciation for this ancient art.

Who says exploring Hawaiian culture can’t be a colorful sensory adventure? Located high up on the slopes of Haleakalā Volcano at 4,000 feet above sea level the Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm has something for everyone

Kids can wander through the lavender fields with over 55,000 lavender plants. They have 20 different varieties.

While wandering through the gardens and smelling the fragrances everyone will learn about the growing process.

Peak lavender bloom is June-September so it’s a beautiful sight. You’ll also find products made with locally grown lavender and can taste lavender treats – a sensory experience.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa has been voted one of the best hotels to see the stars in the world, and that’s definitely a sight to behold. Families can join a “Tour of the Stars” nightly from 8.00 PM to 11.00 PM on the roof of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.

With their astronomer as your guide, your family can go on a journey through the stars, planets, and galaxies. Again, this is an important part of our culture in Maui and Hawaii as a whole.

Alternatively, consider joining a Haleakala sunset tour in Maui, as you’ll get to see stars from the summit, and that’s an unbeatable experience.

If you have a more active routine and want to keep it while traveling with your family in Maui, these are great hikes to do with kids.

• Iao Valley State Park (0.4 mile loop): Discover the iconic Iao Needle, lush scenery, and a historic battleground. Perfect for families but make sure you reserve your spot at least 3 days before as it’s required to get in.
• Kapalua Coastal Trail (2-mile loop): Great for strollers. Scenic views, historical sites, and opportunities to spot marine life.
• Twin Falls Maui (1.5-mile loop): Lush jungle trails lead to breathtaking waterfalls and swimming holes, which is great on a summer day in Maui.