The family activities worth booking around Lahaina right now are the Atlantis submarine from Lahaina Harbor, the Old Lahaina Luau, the Maui Ocean Center and, in winter, a whale watching trip. The submarine is the one with the story. Atlantis lost its sub, its support boats and its harbor building in the 2023 fire, and only restarted tours on June 2, 2026, using a 48 passenger sub barged over from Oahu and crewed by fifteen staff who all came back. It does not run on Tuesdays or Fridays. The luau is the one to book before you fly, and the Ocean Center is a 40 minute drive away in Maalaea. We plan one thing a day here and leave the rest of the time loose.
A note on visiting Lahaina
Much of Lahaina town was destroyed by the wildfire of August 2023, which killed 102 people, and the recovery is still in progress. The historic Front Street core is still a construction zone closed to visitors, and officials expect meaningful sections to stay that way for another one to three years. Front Street reopened to vehicle traffic on August 1, 2026, and an interim marketplace called ʻUlu o Lele is due on the former Outlets of Maui site in September 2026.
The activities below are all operating. Please follow posted signage, stay out of the closed areas, and do not photograph the burn zone or the residential streets behind the barricades. People live there.
| Activity Name | Best For | Key Highlight | Recommended Age | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantis Submarine Tour | Underwater Views | Marine Life | All ages | View Details → |
| Old Lahaina Luau | Culture | Interactive Dance | All ages | View Details → |
| Maui Ocean Center | Marine Education | Tunnel Walk | All ages | View Details → |
| Whale Watching Excursion | Nature | Breaching Whales | School-aged | View Details → |
Atlantis Submarine Tour
The submarine shows kids the ocean without anyone snorkeling, and everybody stays dry. The dive now takes in the sunken Carthaginian, a 97 foot steel hull that has turned into a working reef. The sub runs five days a week and sits out Tuesdays and Fridays to charge its batteries, so do not build a Tuesday around it.
- The Fun: Reef fish and sharks seen through the windows of a cool, dry cabin.
- Best Age Group: Perfect for all ages, especially those too young for scuba gear.
- Tip: Book the first morning slot to skip the midday heat and crowds.
- Good to know: The cabin is tight for tall adults.
Old Lahaina Luau
The Old Lahaina Luau feels more authentic than touristy, and it is an easy, sit-down evening where the kids follow the stories while you eat.
- The Fun: Children are captivated by the interactive storytelling and traditional Hawaiian music.
- Best Age Group: Great for all ages, as the show is visually stimulating and engaging.
- Tip: Arrive at the suggested time for a good seat without rushing.
- Good to know: It is a long evening, so bring a light sweater for after sunset. Summer dates sell out weeks ahead, so this is the one thing on the list worth booking before you fly.
Maui Ocean Center
The aquarium is a good slow afternoon, and the walk-through tunnel is the part that holds kids longest. Note the geography before you plan it. The Ocean Center is in Maalaea rather than in Lahaina, roughly a 40 minute drive down the coast, so it works best as its own day rather than something you add to a beach morning.
- The Fun: Interactive exhibits make kids feel like they are swimming alongside sharks and rays.
- Best Age Group: Ideal for all ages, especially curious toddlers and elementary students.
- Tip: A weekday morning is quieter than the weekend.
- Good to know: The exit runs through the gift shop, so decide on the souvenir rule before you go in.
Whale Watching Excursion
Seeing a humpback whale in the wild is something kids remember, and on the boat all you do is watch.
- The Fun: School-aged kids will be thrilled by the sight of massive whales breaching near the boat.
- Best Age Group: Best for school-aged children who can handle a boat ride.
- Tip: Choose a bigger boat for a smoother ride if anyone gets seasick.
- Good to know: Humpback season runs roughly December to April, so this is a winter trip only. Book a summer week and the same operators will be running snorkel and sunset sails instead.
Where to Stay in Lahaina
We book the room first and build the days around it. Here is what Lahaina has open, with hotels on one side and family sized rentals on the other.
FAQs About Things to Do in Lahaina with Kids
Do I need to book these activities in advance?
Yes, all of them. Booking ahead means nothing is sold out when you get to the island.
Are these activities suitable for toddlers?
Most of these activities are great for all ages, but the whale watching is generally better suited for school-aged children who can sit through a boat tour. Always check individual age requirements when booking.
What is the best way to get around Lahaina with kids?
Rent a car, or use the local shuttles if you are staying in Ka’anapali, and leave plenty of slack in the day.
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