Christmas to NYE

Question

Hello! We are visiting Maui for the first time in December and are a family of 3. We are booked at the ritz Carlton - and just starting to plan our trip. My husband will definitely play golf some and I’ll go to the spa. My daughter loves to swim. I’m trying to pick 2-3 activities for us to do that week without overwhelm ourselves. My daughter can get car sick and has anxiety - so we try not to do full day tours unless there’s a lot of break or we can control the pace. I was thinking of a private road to Hana tour, or should we rent a car and do it ourselves? Also the Haleakalā sunset maybe? I was recently told the ritz is far away from all the tourist attractions so I’m a bit worried now. Our daughter is 10 and loves to explore but can get overwhelmed in large groups. With that said - any suggestions or must do things I should plan? We don’t mind spending more for a private experience. Thx!!

Answer

Visiting Maui in December is wonderful, and since you’re staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, you’ll have a more serene setting away from the busiest tourist hubs. For a family of three with a 10-year-old who can get overwhelmed in large groups, the key is to balance sightseeing with relaxation and avoid overloading your itinerary.

Here are some tailored activity suggestions for your trip:

Private Road to Hana Tour: Renting a car and doing it yourselves is possible, but a private tour is often better for families with kids who get car sick or anxious. A private guide can set the pace, allow for plenty of breaks, and customize stops based on your interests. Expect the drive to take a full day, but you can choose how many stops to make and avoid large tour groups.
Haleakalā Sunset or Sunrise: Sunset is closer and easier for your daughter than a very early sunrise. Consider booking a small private or semi-private tour that provides transportation and snacks. It’s a magical experience, and the roads up to Haleakalā are winding, so having someone else drive can reduce stress.
Beach and Pool Time: Kapalua Bay Beach is calm, perfect for your daughter to swim safely. You can combine light beach activities with spa or golf time for adults.

Other recommended activities that won’t overwhelm your family:

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater (Half-Day Tour): Many private charters offer small-group excursions. Shorter trips with fewer people can help avoid overstimulation.
Maui Ocean Center: A manageable indoor activity where your daughter can explore marine life at her own pace. It’s educational and fun without long periods in the car.
Short Scenic Walks: Explore the Kapalua Coastal Trail or Nakalele Blowhole area. These are accessible, short, and beautiful, letting your daughter stretch her legs without a full-day commitment.

Tips for planning your week:

Mix 2-3 main excursions with relaxation days at the beach or resort.
Book private tours when possible to control pace and avoid large crowds.
Consider splitting early morning and late afternoon activities to avoid midday heat and reduce fatigue.
Since Kapalua is a bit farther from central Maui attractions, plan your excursions in clusters to minimize driving back and forth.

By balancing one major excursion per day with downtime at the Ritz-Carlton, your family can enjoy Maui fully without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.