Atlantis Submarines/Atlantis Adventures
658 Front St., Ste. 175
808-667-7816, 808-667-2224
Family friendly: Yes
If you've ever dreamed of undersea explorations by submarine, Maui can fulfill your fantasy. Atlantis Submarines carries up to 48 passengers to the depths of 120 feet, offering views of coral, lava formations, and sea life. For children, a minimum height of 36 inches is required.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
150 Kahului Heliport
808-871-8844
Family friendly: Yes
Since 1985, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has been Hawaii's premiere helicopter tour operator. They fly over 140,000 passengers annually on 16 state-of-the-art, six-passenger, American Eurocopter ASTAR helicopters. Guests can take tours that visit specific sections of Maui or Molokai, or customize their own tour. Call ahead for an appointment.

Drive from central Maui to Hana on the eastern tip
Family friendly: Yes
The drive from central Maui to Hana on the eastern tip is the most scenic drive in the Hawaiian archipelago. Narrow and winding, it plunges into steep canyons and moves along seaside cliffs. Without stopping, the drive would take two hours. But it's better to take your time and enjoy the waterfalls and coastal views along the way.

Pacific Whale Foundation tours
101 North Kihei Rd.
808-879-8860
Family friendly: Yes
Approximately one-quarter of the world's 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Maui's southwestern coast between mid-December and mid-May. You can watch for them from the coast or join a tour that heads out for a closer look. The profits from the Pacific Whale Foundation's tours go toward projects that research and protect these precious leviathans.

Sugar Cane Train
957 Liimahana Place
808-661-0089, 808-661-0080
Family friendly: Yes
Visitors can take the Sugar Cane Train, a reconstructed steam-engine train that putts along a six-mile route through old cane fields. There are several stations on the Lahaina-Puukolii route.

The Old Courthouse
648 Wharf St.
808-661-0111
Family friendly: Yes
Adjacent to the banyan tree in Lahaina, the historic Old Courthouse houses the visitors center and the Lahaina Arts Society.

Bailey House Museum
2375-A Main St.
808-244-3326
Family friendly: Yes
The Bailey House Museum at the mouth of the Iao Valley served as the former home of a 19th-century missionary. It's a good place to get acquainted with all things Hawaiian, as it contains cultural artifacts and historical exhibits, gardens, and a shop with Hawaiian-focused books and arts.

Kaanapali Whalers Village Museum
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy.
808-661-5992
Family friendly: Yes
The Kaanapali Whalers Village Museum includes a 30-foot-long whale skeleton, a whaling longboat, scrimshaw, harpoons, and other exhibits and artifacts that reflect Lahaina's history as the center of Pacific-Ocean whaling.

Banyan Tree Square
Family friendly: Yes
Near the Lahaina harbor and the Old Courthouse, Banyan Tree Square contains the famous banyan tree planted in 1873. It's the largest in Hawaii, spreading out over nearly an acre; some of its branches are nearly 50 yards long, supporting themselves by sending out "trunks" of their own. This is a great place to rest in the shade after walking around shopping or seeing the sights.

Haleakala National Park
808-572-4400, 808-248-7375
Family friendly: Yes
Mark Twain made the sunrise over Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park famous by calling it the "sublimest spectacle" he'd ever seen. Even if you miss the sunrise, you'll want to check out this dormant volcano's giant crater, filled with cinder cones that create a science fiction-like landscape. You can reach the summit from Highway 37 in the center of the island. Take the Highway 377 spur to Highway 378 (Haleakala Crater Road) 11 miles to the summit. Be aware that no food or gas is available in the park. Also, mornings generally provide the best viewing conditions.

Kapalua Bay
Family friendly: Yes
In the very northwest of the island, Kapalua Bay is totally sheltered from large ocean waves by a coral reef and two rocky peninsulas, and there is no noticeable current. This is a great place to bring the whole family, including small children. It's very safe to swim here, the view of Molokai is spectacular, and there is food, drink, and full facilities available. Plus, whale-watching, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all possible.

Red Sand Beach
Family friendly: Yes
This beach is little known and hard to find, but well worth the effort. It's actually in the caldera of an old cinder cone volcano, Pu'u Ka'uki'i, and the sand is red because it's made of finely-ground red volcanic cinder. It's a longish hike and there are no facilities, but the water here is very clear and calm. It's also fairly isolated, and the views are spectacular.

Seven Sacred Pools, Oheo Gulch
Family friendly: Yes
Oheo Gulch presents a network of pools dubbed the "Seven Sacred Pools" by a hotel in the 40s. There are really over 20 pools brimming over on their way to the ocean, with a bridge overlooking them and scenery that shouldn't be missed.