Hawaii has long been a premier destination for families seeking an unforgettable tropical getaway in the United States. Each of the Hawaiian Islands boasts a unique charm, and their beachfront resorts cater to a wide range of family preferences. Whether your family envisions a luxurious and sophisticated escape or a relaxed and casual beachside experience, the diverse Hawaiian Islands offer a perfect resort to match your desires.
Beyond the stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery, Hawaii offers families the chance to immerse themselves in the genuine “Spirit of Aloha.” This spirit is reflected in the island-inspired cuisine, crafted from fresh, local ingredients, and in the numerous opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. Many resorts offer engaging and educational activities specifically designed to captivate and inspire children, making it a destination where fun and learning go hand-in-hand.
If you’re embarking on your first family adventure to Hawaii or are seasoned island travelers searching for your next idyllic retreat, choosing the right resort can feel overwhelming. To simplify your decision-making, we’ve curated a guide to 11 exceptional family-friendly resorts across the Hawaiian archipelago, spanning from the Big Island to Kauai, ensuring your Hawaiian family vacation is nothing short of spectacular.
Top Family Hotels in Oahu
Oahu, often synonymous with the iconic Waikiki Beach and its skyline of hotels, is brimming with family-friendly resort options across the island. A significant advantage of choosing Oahu for your family vacation is that it generally offers more budget-friendly options compared to some of the other Hawaiian Islands, without compromising on the quality of your experience.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
Best for: Families seeking beachfront luxury with a historical touch, right in the heart of Waikiki.
Why stay here: As Waikiki’s original luxury hotel, the Moana Surfrider provides immediate beach access and is conveniently located within walking distance of Waikiki’s renowned shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
Best way to book: Maximize your benefits by booking directly through Marriott to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and take advantage of any available elite member perks.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, stands proudly on Waikiki Beach, a short stroll from the vibrant Waikiki Beach Walk, known for its open-air shopping and dining. While Oahu offers numerous attractions beyond Waikiki, this location is ideal for families who desire a beach-centric vacation with easy access to city excitement.
Established in 1901, the hotel’s rich history is palpable in its Victorian architecture and specially designed guest rooms that evoke its original 20th-century elegance. The hotel features 793 rooms, including 46 suites, distributed across three distinct wings: the historic Banyan Wing, the beach-adjacent Diamond Wing, and the contemporary Tower Wing.
The pool at Moana Surfrider, while not as sprawling as some Hawaiian resort complexes, boasts stunning ocean views and facilitates effortless transitions between poolside relaxation and beach activities. Consider enhancing your beach experience by renting a poolside cabana or beachside umbrella and chairs. Ocean enthusiasts can indulge in surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or bodyboarding, with outrigger canoe excursions and surf lessons available through the Aloha Beach Services kiosk located at the hotel.
Beyond water activities, Moana Surfrider offers a spa, beachfront yoga sessions, historical tours, and hula lessons. With five restaurants and a variety of lounges and cafes, dining options are plentiful and cater to every family member’s taste.
Average nightly rates at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa start around $300 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina
Best for: Families with children and Disney enthusiasts eager to experience the magic of Disney in Hawaii.
Why stay here: Aulani blends Disney’s enchantment with Hawaiian culture, offering a complimentary kids club, diverse on-site entertainment, and even a spa for relaxation.
Best way to book: For optimal rates and package deals, book directly through Disney or utilize your preferred credit card travel portal.
For families who adore both Hawaii and Disney, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu, presents an irresistible combination. Even those not deeply immersed in Disney culture will find plenty to appreciate at this unique resort.
Guests can immerse themselves in the Disney experience by meeting beloved characters, savoring Mickey-shaped waffles, and participating in activities like animation classes and outdoor Disney movie nights. Alternatively, families can unwind on the beach, snorkel in the resort’s private lagoon, and engage in culturally enriching activities such as lei making and hula lessons led by local artisans.
Children aged 4 to 12 can enjoy Aunty’s Beach House, a 5,200-square-foot kids club. The club offers complimentary games, arts and crafts, movies, and surprise character appearances, with premium activities available at an extra cost.
Aulani features six pools with thrilling waterslides and hidden grottos, a comprehensive spa, two full-service restaurants, three lounges, and convenient quick-service dining options near the beach and pools. Accommodations range from standard rooms with king or queen beds to spacious villas accommodating up to 12 guests with three bedrooms.
Pro tip: Consider renting Disney Vacation Club points to potentially secure some room types at a lower cost than booking directly through Disney.
Nightly rates at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, begin around $569 when booked with cash, or approximately $336 when utilizing rented points from services like David’s Vacation Club.
Turtle Bay Resort, North Shore
Best for: Families desiring expansive access to Oahu’s North Shore paradise, encompassing nearly 1,300 acres of pristine landscape.
Why stay here: This iconic luxury hotel on Oahu’s North Shore underwent a complete renovation in 2021, enhancing its relaxed ambiance and elevating its dining and beverage offerings.
Best way to book: Secure the best rates and packages by booking directly, or utilize your preferred credit card travel portal for bookings.
As the only luxury resort gracing Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort consistently exceeds expectations with its luxurious accommodations, authentic Hawaiian experiences, diverse dining choices, and memorable tropical adventures.
Families at Turtle Bay Resort can fully embrace the Hawaiian spirit through activities like beachfront horseback and pony rides, surfing lessons, unique “surfing with dogs” experiences, mermaid classes, canoe tours, and engaging scavenger hunts. Some of these exceptional experiences may require an additional fee.
The resort’s pool area offers generously sized family cabanas for rent, providing parents with a comfortable lounge space and children with a shaded retreat before returning to the main pool or the kids’ pool, complete with waterslides.
Guest rooms are designed to be bright and airy, featuring ocean views and large murals depicting serene beach scenes. Suites and oceanfront bungalows are also available for families seeking more space and exclusivity.
Starting nightly rates at Turtle Bay Resort are approximately $707.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Best for: Families in search of a comprehensive oceanfront retreat with diverse pool and beach areas suitable for all age groups.
Why stay here: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort delivers a full spectrum of family activities, including a multi-level pool complex with waterslides, a tranquil saltwater lagoon ideal for swimming and water sports, and direct beach access.
Best way to book: Maximize Hilton Honors benefits by booking directly through Hilton to earn or redeem points and leverage any elite status perks.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, a sprawling destination in the heart of Waikiki, offers direct access to Duke Kahanamoku Beach and iconic views of Diamond Head.
This expansive resort comprises eight towers (three dedicated to Hilton Grand Vacations) and over 2,800 guest rooms. Navigating the resort can take time, so consider selecting a room in the Rainbow Tower, closest to the beach and pool area, if those are your primary destinations.
The resort boasts five outdoor pools, waterslides, and a saltwater lagoon for swimming, paddleboarding, and other water activities. Away from the water, families can participate in hula and lei-making lessons, fitness classes, fish feeding, and authentic luau feasts featuring Samoan, Tahitian, and Hawaiian dances, held Sunday through Thursday.
With nearly 20 restaurants, cafes, and lounges, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort ensures that dining options are always within easy reach.
Nightly rates at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort start around $250 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points.
Top Family Hotels in Maui
Maui, known for its quieter atmosphere and secluded beaches, offers families a more tranquil Hawaiian experience with off-the-beaten-path adventures. While resorts in Maui tend to be pricier, they justify the cost with exceptional amenities, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking views.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Best for: Discerning travelers who expect impeccable service and world-class amenities.
Why stay here: Following a $100 million renovation completed in 2022, this 54-acre resort provides an unparalleled experience with stunning views and exceptional accommodations.
Best way to book: Book through Skylark to earn Marriott points while enjoying elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or redeem Marriott points by booking directly.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, sprawls across 54 acres of lush gardens, pristine pools, and oceanfront views, featuring 446 luxurious guest rooms and suites. The newly unveiled Fire Lanai Collection rooms feature private fire pits on their lanais. Club-level rooms offer dedicated concierge service, a lounge with gourmet dining and drinks, and activities like cooking and cocktail classes, all with stunning ocean vistas. The resort’s extensive grounds ensure a wide array of dining and activity choices.
Guests can enjoy the massive three-tiered heated pool with a children’s splash area, explore coastal hiking trails, surf or paddleboard in nearby bays and beaches, or participate in cultural programs such as nightly sunset ceremonies, hula lessons, and origami classes. Environmental children’s programs are available for children aged 5 to 14 for an additional fee.
Guest rooms are elegantly appointed with marble bathrooms, dark wood floors, neutral furnishings, and vibrant island-inspired accents. Rooms feature large soaking tubs, a hit with kids, and private lanais, some with fire pits.
Average nightly rates at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua start around $760 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Ka’anapali Beach
Best for: Escaping into a tropical paradise amidst lush gardens and breathtaking ocean views.
Why stay here: Spread across 40 acres, this destination offers a comprehensive Hawaiian experience with five restaurants, a beachfront spa, a half-acre pool, golf, and more.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and utilize any elite benefits.
Note: Due to the recent Maui wildfires, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is currently accepting reservations for stays starting November 17, 2023, and beyond.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is situated directly on world-renowned Ka’anapali Beach. A lagoon-style pool with waterfalls and a children’s water playground separates the resort from Maui’s best beach, allowing for easy transitions between pool and ocean.
The resort features 779 guest rooms and 31 suites, each with private lanais and sliding glass doors to maximize views. Regency Club access rooms include exclusive lounge access and evening hors d’oeuvres.
Beyond four on-site restaurants and a coffee shop, guests can enjoy the resort’s Drums of the Pacific Luau, featuring authentic dances, a delicious meal, and a Samoan fireknife finale on select nights.
Nightly rates at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa start around $760 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points.
Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui
Best for: Active families who enjoy both waterslides and relaxing private floating cabanas.
Why stay here: This oceanfront resort offers diverse experiences, cuisines, wellness options, and swimming pool settings, appealing to a wide range of vacationers.
Best way to book: Book directly through Marriott to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and take advantage of elite benefits.
Wailea Beach Resort offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere with access to two beaches. Family-friendly amenities abound, including multiple pools (one with a kids’ splash area and Maui’s longest waterslide), a kids club for ages 5-12, a movie screening room with beanbag chairs, a game room, and complimentary cultural activities.
Guest rooms are simply yet stylishly decorated with ocean-inspired artwork and neutral tones. Each of the 547 rooms includes a lanai, and select ground-floor rooms offer large furnished lanais with direct access to outdoor areas.
Dining options range from Hawaiian-inspired cuisine at the poolside Kapa Bar & Grill and Mo’ Bettah Food Truck, to Starbucks for coffee, and the romantic Humble Market Kitchin for parents seeking a night out with panoramic beach views. The resort also hosts a luau five nights a week.
Current nightly rates at Wailea Beach Resort start at $720 or 73,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Best for: An immersive Hawaiian cultural and culinary experience.
Why stay here: Grand Wailea Maui is renowned for its stunning grounds, world-class spa, proximity to Wailea Beach, and unique collection of pools, making it ideal for a Hawaiian family beach vacation.
Best way to book: Book through Skylark for elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or directly with Hilton to redeem Hilton Honors points.
For families seeking an upscale island retreat that embraces Hawaiian beauty and culture, Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is an excellent choice.
Guest rooms offer views of the ocean or resort gardens, all with private lanais. Standard rooms are close to activities and restaurants, while upgraded Napua rooms and suites feature contemporary Hawaiian design and private lounge access with daily dining and entertainment.
Families can enjoy the expansive Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, a six-level pool connected by waterslides, a lazy river, waterfalls, caves, a rope swing, and a water elevator. The resort’s “Grand Passport” program guides kids through cultural activities like garden tours and kukui nut bracelet-making.
Dining ranges from sushi at Botero Lounge to tacos and pizzas at Aloha Trick Pony, and a luau on select nights. Breakfast is served buffet-style at Ikena, an indoor-outdoor restaurant.
Nightly rates at Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort start at $830 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Best for: Luxurious accommodations and top-tier service, offering a royal Hawaiian experience.
Why stay here: Renowned for its white-glove service, stunning scenery, and captivating experiences, this resort, featured in “The White Lotus,” is a standout luxury destination.
Best way to book: Book through Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.
Featured in the first season of “The White Lotus,” Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers a luxurious beachfront escape that remains family-friendly.
Like many Four Seasons, this resort offers the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program for children ages 5-12, along with a seasonal program for teens with outdoor activities like outrigger canoeing.
Adults can enjoy yoga, spa treatments, beach relaxation, or the adults-only pool. Dining options range from fine dining at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago to casual poolside fare, all with open-air ocean views.
The 383 stylish guest rooms and suites offer ocean or garden views. From the elevated location, guests may spot whales from their lanai during winter.
Current nightly rates at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea start around $1,400.
Top Family Hotels in Kauai
Kauai, the “Garden Island,” combines beaches with lush emerald peaks and valleys. A short drive from south to north allows families to explore landmarks like Hanalei Bay, Waimea Canyon State Park, and Kalalau Lookout.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Best for: Families seeking a comfortable home-away-from-home experience on Kauai’s shores.
Why stay here: Guest rooms offer home-like comforts with large living areas, full kitchens, and private furnished lanais.
Best way to book: Book directly through Marriott to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and utilize elite benefits.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, located on Kauai’s tranquil north shore, embodies serenity. Lush palm trees and tropical foliage enhance the resort’s “Garden Isle” setting.
Family-friendly amenities include lei making, fish feeding, a kids’ pool with splash features and a mini waterslide, a cliffside plunge pool, dining options, and a grab-and-go market with snacks and essentials.
While cliffside, direct beach access is not available, Hanalei Bay is a short 10-minute drive.
Notably, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas does not charge resort fees and offers complimentary internet. Guest rooms range from studio to two-bedroom villas, all with separate living areas and private lanais.
Nightly rates at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas start around $400 or 76,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Best for: Families desiring a resort with a wide array of activities without needing to leave the property.
Why stay here: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a destination in itself, featuring pools, waterfalls, a water park-style waterslide, and numerous kid-friendly activities, including Hawaiian cultural lessons.
Best way to book: Book through Skylark for elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for added benefits like upgrades and statement credits.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is widely considered one of Hawaii’s most beautiful and accommodating family resorts. Lush landscaping, spacious rooms, multilevel pools, and a private saltwater lagoon define this resort.
The hotel offers 605 rooms and suites, each with a private patio or lanai with ocean or garden views. The expansive pool complex includes multilevel pools, a lazy river, “secret” caves, a saltwater lagoon, and a 150-foot waterslide, plus areas for water volleyball and an adults-only pool.
The resort also features a spa with open-air treatment villas and six on-site restaurants, from poolside options to modern Hawaiian cuisine at Tidepools, set in bungalows over a koi lagoon. A club lounge and a twice-weekly luau are also available.
Pro tip: Utilize points for club lounge access if you lack Hyatt Globalist status.
Nightly rates at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa start around $870 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points.
Best Credit Cards for Booking Hotels in Hawaii
Choosing the right credit card can enhance your Hawaiian vacation by maximizing rewards and benefits. Several excellent travel rewards credit cards cater to hotel stays, offering various perks depending on brand loyalty, desired premium benefits, and value placed on annual free nights, elite status, and earning rates.
Here are three top credit cards suitable for booking stays across numerous hotel chains and independent properties, providing both savings and high-end benefits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earning rates: Earn 5x points on airfare purchased directly with airlines or via Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per year) and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1x points. Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors (1:2), Marriott Bonvoy (1:1), and Choice Privileges (1:1), often with transfer bonuses.
Benefits: Extensive perks include hotel-specific benefits:
- Up to $200 Hotel Credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings via Amex Travel.
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status.
- Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs for upgrades, breakfast, and credits.
- Access to Amex Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees).
Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earning rates: Earn unlimited 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles on all other purchases.
Benefits:
- $300 annual credit for bookings via Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 bonus miles annually upon account anniversary (worth $100 in travel).
- Access to Capital One Premier Collection for free breakfast, on-property credits, and upgrades at select properties booked through Capital One Travel.
- Up to $120 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
- Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges.
Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees).
Read our review of the Capital One Venture X.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earning rates: Earn 5x points on travel booked through the Chase portal, Lyft purchases (through March 2025), and Peloton equipment/accessory purchases over $150 (through March 2025, limit 25,000 points). Earn 3x points on dining, select streaming, and online groceries; 2x points on other travel; and 1x points on all else.
Benefits:
- $50 annual hotel statement credit on Chase Ultimate Rewards portal bookings.
- 10% points bonus annually based on total spending.
- Strong travel protections: trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance, and primary rental car coverage.
Annual fee: $95.
Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
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For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
