Destination guideUnited States
FROMLON
ABOUT 16 HRS ✈️
TOOGG

Holidays in Maui

Humpback whales, a volcano sunrise and snorkelling with turtles in Hawaii. Here's what Maui is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🏖️ Beach, 🥾 Nature & hiking, 🧗 Adventure
NIGHTS AWAY10 to 14
BUDGET£££
BEST MONTHSJan–Mar, May–Jun, Sep–Oct
Add Maui to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Maui at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 16 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
10 TO 11 HRS BEHIND THE UK
CURRENCY
US DOLLAR ($)
ENTRY
ESTA FOR UK PASSPORTS
PLUGS
TYPE A / B · 120V

Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANWhales, best time to go
  2. FEBWhales, best time to go
  3. MARWhales, best time to go
  4. APRSpring, a good time to go
  5. MAYDry, best time to go
  6. JUNDry, best time to go
  7. JULSummer, busy, a good time to go
  8. AUGSummer, busy, a good time to go
  9. SEPDry, best time to go
  10. OCTDry, best time to go
  11. NOVShowers, a good time to go
  12. DECWhales, busy, a good time to go

Maui is warm all year. December to March is humpback whale season, and April, May, September and October are quieter and good value. The north coast gets more winter waves, so families swim on the south and west coasts.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Whale watching

Thousands of humpbacks visit from December to April. You can often see them from the beach.

TICKETED

Haleakalā

Watch the sunrise above the clouds from the summit of a volcano. Book a sunrise slot.

TICKETED

Molokini snorkelling

A boat to a sunken crater with clear water and tropical fish.

DAY TRIP

Road to Hana

A winding coast road past waterfalls and black sand beaches.

INDOORS

Maui Ocean Center

A great aquarium with a walk-through shark tunnel.

FREE

Kā'anapali Beach

A long golden beach with turtles off Black Rock.

Maui: common questions

Is Maui good for a family holiday?

Yes, it's one of Hawaii's best islands for families, with calm beaches, wildlife and lots of space. Respect the community in Lahaina, which is still rebuilding after the 2023 wildfire.

How many nights do you need?

Ten to fourteen nights, as it's a long way. Many families split their time with Oahu or a stop in California.

Do UK families need a visa?

Most British passport holders, children included, apply for an ESTA online before they fly rather than a visa. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

How do you get there?

Fly to Los Angeles or San Francisco, then about five and a half hours on to Maui. A night in California on the way helps with jet lag.

If you like Maui

Can't agree where to go next?

Put Maui on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.

Start planning, it's free