Maui with Kids

(Possibly more challenging than riding up the volcano)

With a five and two year-old, we kept it simple — older kids may also enjoy Iao Valley, trekking Haleakala, snorkeling Molokini, and hiking in Hana, to name a only a few day trips. After a few days exploring in South Maui, we settled into a slower daily routine that included these places, in pretty much this order.

Pirates at Keawakapu Beach

1 Keawakapu Beach After visiting most of the South Maui beaches, we ended up at this beach at almost everyday. Uncrowded (entrance is hard to find), low surf, volcanic rocks, palm tree shade, shower — a good combination with the kids. Ideal place to learn body surfing and boogie boarding. Also, close to town and plenty of parking across the street before midday. Park at the tree-covered lot on Kilohana and South Kihei Roads (north from Wailea resorts, south from Kihei), walk across the street and go right — about 50 feet further there is a walkway between the homes to the left and to the beach.

2 Da Kitchen After Keawakapu, a short drive down to Da Kitchen for local style takeout. "Big Braddah Combo" comes with rice and potato macaroni salad. The Loco Moco Burger comes with two eggs, mushrooms, onions and gravy - whoa, watch out Sam Choy! Da Kitchen: 2439 S Kihei Rd, 875-7782. Open early, daily 9 am to 9 pm and popular.

3 Kihei Aquatic Center Seldom crowded with three pools, one for small children, older kids and an Olympic-size adult lap pool — everyone's happy! Showers, changing rooms, etc. Note: surly lifeguards, and closes early at 4:30 pm. 303 East Lipoa Street, Phone: 879-4364. Web.

4 Kalama Park Playground Wide lawn area, bandstand, skate park, tennis courts, picnic tables and, of course, playground. Nice for takeout dinner and sunset. Located right on South Kihei Road in the middle of town.

5 Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului. The largest mall in Maui with a kid's indoor play structure. Nice option when the weather wasn't good. Adjacent book store for dad to sneak away. 275 West Ka'ahumanu, Kahului.

Eating
After dad recovered from food poisoning from an unmentioned Mexican joint, we enjoyed these places:

Maui Taco
2411 South Kihei Road (Kama'ole Beach Center). The kids loved it (not where dad got the food poisoning).

Kukui Mall 1819 S. Kihei Road
Keoki's Fish & Chips (The takeout next to Starbucks). Melt in your mouth fish taco, kids plates, fresh and delicious. Good for takeout to the Kalama Park Playground (two blocks walking). There is also an excellent take-out pizza place in the mall. Dad can get wifi hre from the Starbucks as well (below).

Saeng’s Thai Cuisine (Central Maui)
2119 Vineyard St., Wailuku, 244-1567. Unique and pleasant outdoor garden. Green curry is excellent. Lunch 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, dinner 5-9:30 pm.

Shopping
Wailea not many options while Foodland in the Kihei Town Center has it all.

More Maui Family Spots
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum (Puunene). Across from Hawaii's largest sugar factory. Daily except Sunday. (808) 871-8058
D.T. Fleming Beach Park (Kapalua). Swim, snorkel and boogie board. Picnic tables and showers.
Hawaii Nature Center (Iao Valley). Two hour advenures for kids 3+. Exhibits, hands-on activities, hikes.
Maui Ocean Center. Hawaii's largest aquarium.

Tech Notes
If you can't put your laptop away, Starbucks on South Kihei is a T-Mobile Hotspot which is also near Kalama Park (above) AND a great takeout place. Not too crowded, plenty of outlets, seating inside or out. Sit on the patio, sip your drink, dine on fresh fish tacos and watch the sunset in your flip flops. Kukui Mall Kihei. 1819 S. Kihei Road. Third-party Wi-Fi companies are also beginning to install equipment and offer packages as of 2006. All resorts offer varying options for access.

—Patrick Morris