Toddlers in Maui

Question

We are planning a family trip with our granddaughters, ages just 4 and 1 1/2. We last traveled to Maui when our daughter was in college. We'll be staying in Wailea. I am planning on taking then to the Maui Ocean Center and Animal Farm. Are there other places we should consider? No ride to Hana for us on this trip :-) We arrive on Saturday and plan to go to the Farmers Market on Tuesday. Is there a good local grocer we can go to on Saturday? I am also looking for recommendations for malasadas, shave ice, and a casual local restaurant we can take the girls to. Thanks so much for all your help.

Answer

Wailea is a great base for a family trip with toddlers. Since you are looking for kid-friendly activities without long drives, there are plenty of options beyond the Maui Ocean Center and local animal farms.

For fun activities with young children:

Wailea Beach & Polo Beach: Gentle waves and calm sand make these beaches perfect for toddlers to play safely. Bring buckets and shovels for sandcastle fun.
Maluaka Beach (near Makena): Smaller crowds and tide pools that are fun for little ones to explore.
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge: Short walking trails to spot native birds—educational and easy for young children.
Sugarcane Train (in Lahaina): A fun train ride for kids, though a bit of a drive (~45 min), it can be a short outing they’ll enjoy.
Playgrounds: The Wailea Community Park has a small but nice playground suitable for toddlers and older kids.

For groceries on a Saturday:

Whole Foods Market in Wailea or Kahului: Open on Saturdays, carries local produce and prepared foods.
Safeway Kihei: Reliable for groceries, snacks, and some local favorites.
Foodland Farms: Smaller than Safeway but often has fresh produce and local items.

For treats like malasadas and shave ice:

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice: Located in Kihei, they have amazing flavors and family-friendly portions.
Leonard’s Bakery: Famous for malasadas, though the original location is in Honolulu, some food trucks or local bakeries on Maui carry similar styles.
Local bakeries in Kihei or Wailea: Many have fresh pastries and sweet treats suitable for kids.

For casual local restaurants suitable for toddlers:

Three’s Bar & Grill: Family-friendly menu with local-inspired dishes.
Monkeypod Kitchen (Wailea): Great for lunch or dinner with kids; offers pizzas, small plates, and adult options.
Kihei Caffe: Breakfast or brunch, casual and accommodating for families.

With this plan, you can keep the little ones entertained, enjoy some local food, and have a relaxed schedule without long road trips. Having Saturday grocery options ensures you’re stocked before the week starts.

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