Maui is a dreamy Hawaiian island full of lush rainforests, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and dazzling beaches. But it’s also one of the most visited places in Hawaii, and that means a fair number of tourist traps that can leave families feeling underwhelmed and overcharged. If you’re heading to Maui with your family, here’s how to enjoy the island like a local and steer clear of the overcrowded, overpriced, and environmentally unsound spots.
Choose Experiences Over Souvenirs
Many shops in highly trafficked areas like Front Street in Lahaina (now closed due to the 2023 fires) or Kihei’s main strips are filled with mass-produced souvenirs that are made overseas and have very little to do with Hawaiian culture. Instead, seek out local artisans at farmers markets or craft fairs. These are not only more meaningful keepsakes, but your money supports small businesses and native culture.
Skip the Chain Restaurants
Large chain restaurants can be found in many tourist-heavy towns, but they rob you of the rich local flavors Maui has to offer. Instead, try family-run spots like Tin Roof in Kahului for local grinds, or Aloha Mixed Plate for traditional Hawaiian plate lunches. Food trucks in towns like Kihei and Kahului also offer amazing meals at better prices.
Rethink Big-Box Lūʻaus
While attending a lūʻau is a special Hawaii experience, many commercial lūʻaus are tourist-packed and lack authenticity. Look into smaller community-run lūʻaus or nonprofit cultural centers that provide a more intimate and educational experience with traditional Hawaiian music, dance, and food. These not only feel more special, they often better support Hawaiian communities and traditions.
Ditch the Group Tours
Large group tours to places like the Road to Hāna or Haleakalā can feel rushed and rigid. Renting a car allows your family to go at your own pace. Download a self-guided app or use GPS-based audio tours to learn about points of interest along the way. This gives your family the flexibility to stop when and where you want — and often avoid the crowds.
Be Selective About Beach Gear Rentals
Beachside rental huts often charge a premium for hourly kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel gear. Consider stopping at a local rental shop inland for better rates and advice on where locals like to paddle or snorkel. Many local shops are happy to recommend hidden gems and share knowledge about ocean safety and tide conditions.
Respect Sacred and Protected Spaces
Maui is home to sacred cultural sites and fragile ecosystems. Some commercial tours lead visitors to areas that are overrun or disrespectfully accessed. Do your research and seek tours led by local guides who follow cultural and environmental guidelines. Places like ʻĪao Valley, Waiʻānapanapa State Park, and the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park should be approached with reverence and respect.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Another often-overlooked tourist pitfall is unknowingly damaging coral reefs while enjoying Maui’s beaches. Many popular sunscreen brands contain harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, banned in Hawaii for their role in coral bleaching. Always choose reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens like those made by Coco Botanicals. Our natural formulas protect your family’s skin while keeping marine life and coral reefs safe — a win for everyone.
Travel in Shoulder Season
To avoid the worst of the crowds, plan your family trip during off-peak times — think late April to early June or September to mid-November. Attractions are less crowded, flights and lodging are cheaper, and the pace is slower and more enjoyable. Plus, you’re giving Maui’s environment a chance to rest between peak tourism cycles.
Connect with Locals
One of the best ways to avoid tourist traps is to talk to locals. Ask the hotel front desk, your Airbnb host, or shopkeepers where they go with their families. Often, they’ll point you to beautiful beaches, authentic food, and cultural events that don’t even show up in guidebooks. Remember to be courteous and open-minded — you’re a guest in their home.
Final Thoughts
With a little planning and a sense of adventure, it’s easy to experience Maui in a way that’s enriching, respectful, and unforgettable for your whole family. Avoiding the usual tourist traps doesn’t mean missing out — it means diving deeper into a more authentic, sustainable, and friendly island experience. From reef-safe sunscreen to locally guided adventures, every small choice makes a big difference. We hope your journey to Maui is filled with wonder, connection, and memories that last a lifetime.