In Spring Break 2025, we took the kids on an unforgettable family vacation to Maui, Hawaii. We flew out of Nashville, making a pitstop in Los Angeles for the night before catching a morning flight to Maui. We stayed at the Grand Wailea for six nights, and while the travel itself was the toughest part, the journey was worth it!
Traveling to Maui from Nashville
We flew Southwest Airlines using points and a companion pass, which made it the most affordable option. However, this meant longer travel times and layovers. If you’re planning a trip from the East Coast to Maui, consider breaking up the journey, like we did, to make it more manageable for the kids.
Where We Stayed in Maui
During our stay, we opted for a villa at the Grand Wailea. The extra space was perfect, especially since both kids brought friends along. Having a kitchen helped us save money on meals, particularly for breakfast and lunch. A tip for booking your accommodation: If you’re using Airbnb, double-check that you have access to the resort’s pools!
We rented a car for the duration of our trip and pre-arranged a Target pickup at the airport to stock up on snacks and supplies. Target, Costco, and Walmart are all conveniently located next to the airport, so stop by before heading to your accommodation. We stayed in Wailea, which is about 25 minutes from the airport. You can get my pick up order basics here.
A Local Dining Gem: Tin Roof Maui
Upon arrival, we headed straight to Tin Roof Maui for lunch. The poke bowl was hands down the best we had during our entire stay. This small walk-up stand had a few outdoor tables, with chickens running around in the parking lot—a quintessential Maui experience! For those who prefer non-seafood options, the chicken bowl is also fantastic. It was the perfect stop to kick off our trip.
Exploring Maui with Kids: Things to Do
While Maui offers endless activities, we balanced our adventurous spirit with some downtime to enjoy the Grand Wailea resort. Here are some of our top recommendations for family-friendly activities in Maui:
Surf Lessons with Maui Surf
We scheduled surf lessons with Maui Surf—highly recommend! The 10 a.m. session was ideal because the water was calm. Our kids, ranging from 7 to 15, all got up on the boards, and even the adults had a blast. The instructors were incredibly patient and made the experience enjoyable, even when I got frustrated! We also had a great time spotting sea turtles. Afterward, we grabbed lunch across the street.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the banana bread from Maui Bread or Sugar Bakery—a perfect Maui snack!
Zip Lining Adventure
The kids were excited to try ziplining, so we booked a session with North Shore Zipline. While not as thrilling as some of the Costa Rican zip lines we’ve experienced, the kids still had an amazing time. Afterward, we stopped by Marlow for sourdough pizza—highly recommend their gnocchi and meatballs!
Road to Hana (Sort of)
We decided not to do the full Road to Hana tour due to concerns about car sickness with my husband behind the wheel. The full route takes about 7 hours round trip, which was a bit too much for us with kids. Instead, we drove to Twin Falls, just 25 minutes from the resort. We arrived around 3 p.m., and the falls were nearly empty, making it a peaceful and beautiful stop.
Snorkeling and Whale Watching
Though we didn’t book an official snorkeling tour, we still had plenty of opportunities to explore marine life off the resort. The resort provides snorkels to rent, and we enjoyed snorkeling near a small reef close to the Andaz resort. Additionally, we could spot whales from the shore each day, so we decided to skip the whale watching tour this time around.
Family Golf in Wailea
For the golf enthusiasts in the family, the boys spent two afternoons playing golf in Wailea. The best part? Under 18s play free after 3 p.m. when accompanied by an adult.
Pro Tip: If you have extra time, I’d recommend extending your stay for a few more days to experience more of Maui’s amazing adventures!
Where to Eat in Maui: Our Top Recommendations
Maui has some fantastic restaurants, and while we didn’t try every spot, here are a few highlights:
1. Mama’s Fish House
Unfortunately, we couldn’t make reservations at Mama’s Fish House—it books up fast! If you want to dine here, make sure to book well in advance. Reservations open a year ahead, so plan ahead if it’s on your bucket list.
2. Monkeypod Kitchen
Located in Wailea, Monkeypod Kitchen is a must-visit for a casual meal. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, fish tacos, and truffle fries. The chef’s catch of the day was particularly outstanding. Again, reservations are a good idea here!
3. Marlow
We loved Marlow for lunch, especially for its sourdough pizza. It’s a great choice for families, with a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss the gnocchi and meatballs—they’re simply delicious.
4. Tin Roof
A quick, delicious stop near the airport, Tin Roof serves amazing poke and chicken bowls. Perfect for a quick bite after your flight.
Final Thoughts on Our Maui Family Vacation
Our trip to Maui was amazing, but the long flight from Tennessee made it a bit exhausting. While the beauty of Hawaii is undeniable, we’re also discovering many equally beautiful destinations on the East Coast that are much easier to reach. However, Maui will always hold a special place in our hearts.
