Hawaii, with its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, is an ideal destination for families seeking a memorable tropical getaway in the United States. Each of the Hawaiian Islands offers a unique charm, and the family-friendly beachfront resorts scattered across them cater to every taste and preference. Whether you envision a luxurious and sophisticated escape or a relaxed and casual beachside retreat, Hawaii’s diverse resort options have something perfect for your family.
No matter which island or resort you select, you’re guaranteed to encounter the genuine “Spirit of Aloha,” characterized by delicious island cuisine crafted from local ingredients and enriching opportunities to immerse yourselves in Hawaii’s rich heritage and culture. Many resorts even offer specially designed educational activities tailored for children, making it a vacation that is both fun and enriching for the whole family.
If you’re in the initial stages of planning your first family adventure to Hawaii or simply searching for a new and exciting resort to explore, we’ve simplified the process for you. This guide highlights 11 exceptional family-friendly resorts across the Hawaiian Islands, from the Big Island to Kauai, ensuring your Hawaiian vacation is nothing short of spectacular.
Oahu’s Premier Family-Friendly Hotels
For many, Oahu conjures images of iconic high-rise hotels gracing the shores of Waikiki Beach. However, family-friendly resort options extend far beyond Waikiki, encompassing various parts of the island. Fortunately, an Oahu vacation often proves to be more budget-friendly compared to other Hawaiian islands, making it an accessible paradise for families.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Honolulu
Best for: Families seeking beachfront luxury with a historical touch in the heart of Waikiki.
Why stay here: As Waikiki’s original luxury hotel, the Moana Surfrider boasts an unbeatable location steps from the beach and within easy walking distance of Waikiki’s renowned shopping, dining, and entertainment scene.
Best way to book: Directly through Marriott Bonvoy to leverage points and elite benefits.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, affectionately known as the “First Lady of Waikiki,” offers an unparalleled beachfront experience. While exploring beyond Waikiki is highly recommended to truly appreciate Oahu, this resort is perfect for families desiring a convenient beach getaway close to city excitement.
Opened in 1901, the hotel’s rich history is evident in its stunning Victorian-era architecture and thoughtfully designed guest rooms inspired by its original décor. With 793 rooms, including 46 suites, spread across the historic Banyan Wing, the Diamond Wing near the beach, and the modern Tower Wing, the Moana Surfrider accommodates diverse family sizes and preferences.
The pool area, while not as expansive as some Hawaiian mega-resorts, offers breathtaking beach views, allowing for seamless transitions between poolside relaxation and ocean fun. Renting a poolside cabana or beachside umbrella and chairs enhances the experience. Families can easily enjoy surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or bodyboarding, with outrigger canoe charters and surf lessons available at the Aloha Beach Services kiosk within the hotel.
Beyond water activities, the Moana Surfrider provides a spa, beachfront yoga, historical tours, hula lessons, and five restaurants plus various lounges and cafes, ensuring a fulfilling and delicious stay for every family member.
Nightly rates at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, start around $300 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Kapolei
Best for: Disney-loving families and those seeking immersive, kid-centric experiences in Oahu.
Why stay here: Aulani delivers Disney magic alongside Hawaiian culture, with a complimentary kids club, extensive on-resort entertainment, and spa facilities for parents.
Best way to book: Directly for packages or via credit card travel portals.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina offers a unique blend of Hawaiian paradise and Disney enchantment. Even those not deeply immersed in Disney culture will find much to appreciate at this exceptional resort.
Guests can choose to fully embrace the Disney experience with character meet-and-greets, Mickey-shaped treats, animation classes, and outdoor Disney movie nights. Alternatively, families can relax on the beautiful beach, snorkel in the resort’s lagoon, and participate in authentic Hawaiian activities like lei making and hula lessons led by local experts.
Aunty’s Beach House, a 5,200-square-foot kids club, keeps children aged 4 to 12 entertained with complimentary games, crafts, movies, and character encounters. Premium activities are available for an additional fee.
Aulani boasts six pools with waterslides and hidden grottos, a full-service spa, two restaurants, three lounges, and quick-service dining options. Accommodations range from standard rooms to spacious villas sleeping up to 12 guests.
Pro tip: Consider renting Disney Vacation Club points for potentially lower rates than booking directly with cash.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, rates begin around $569 per night when booked with cash or from approximately $336 when using rented Disney Vacation Club points from services like David’s Vacation Club.
Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku
Best for: Families wanting to explore Oahu’s North Shore and enjoy extensive natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Why stay here: This recently renovated landmark resort on Oahu’s North Shore offers access to 1,300 acres of pristine paradise with a focus on laid-back luxury and enhanced dining.
Best way to book: Directly for best deals or through preferred credit card portals.
Turtle Bay Resort, the only luxury resort on Oahu’s North Shore, promises and delivers luxurious accommodations, authentic Hawaiian experiences, and unforgettable adventures. Following a recent transformation in 2021, the resort has elevated its offerings while retaining its relaxed Hawaiian vibe.
Families can immerse themselves in the true spirit of Hawaii with beachfront horseback and pony rides, surf lessons, unique “surfing with dogs” experiences, mermaid lessons, canoe tours, and scavenger hunts. Some activities incur additional fees.
The resort’s pool area features family-sized cabanas for rent, providing comfortable lounging for parents and shaded relaxation for children near the main pool and kids’ pool with waterslides.
Guest rooms are bright and airy, showcasing ocean views and vibrant murals depicting beach scenes. Suites and oceanfront bungalows provide upgraded accommodation options.
Rates at Turtle Bay Resort start at approximately $707 per night.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Honolulu
Best for: Families seeking a comprehensive oceanfront resort with diverse pools and beach access suitable for all ages in Waikiki.
Why stay here: Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a wide array of family activities, including a multilevel pool complex with waterslides, a calm saltwater lagoon for swimming and water sports, and direct beach access.
Best way to book: Directly with Hilton Honors to earn or redeem points and enjoy elite benefits.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is a sprawling destination within Waikiki, providing direct access to Duke Kahanamoku Beach and stunning views of Diamond Head.
With eight towers (three dedicated to Hilton Grand Vacations) and over 2,800 rooms, the resort is vast. Consider requesting a room in the Rainbow Tower, closest to the beach and pools, for convenient access to these family-favorite areas.
The resort features five outdoor pools, waterslides, and a saltwater lagoon ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Beyond the water, Hilton Hawaiian Village offers hula and lei-making lessons, fitness classes, fish feeding, and captivating luau feasts with Polynesian dancing performances.
Nearly 20 restaurants, cafes, and lounges within the resort ensure dining options for every taste and occasion.
Rates at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort begin around $250 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Maui’s Finest Family-Friendly Hotels
Maui offers a more tranquil and secluded atmosphere compared to Oahu, attracting families with its pristine beaches and opportunities for outdoor adventures. While Maui resorts tend to be pricier, their exceptional amenities, accommodations, and breathtaking views often justify the cost.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Best for: Discerning travelers seeking impeccable service and luxurious amenities in a stunning Maui setting.
Why stay here: This expansive 54-acre resort offers unparalleled views and accommodations, enhanced by a recent $100 million renovation completed in 2022, promising a truly unforgettable stay.
Best way to book: Through Skylark to earn Marriott points with elite benefits and on-property credits or directly with Marriott using points.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua boasts 446 luxurious rooms and suites set amidst 54 acres of lush gardens, sparkling pools, and ocean views. The newly unveiled Fire Lanai Collection rooms feature lanais with private fire pits. Club-level rooms offer dedicated concierge service, lounge access with gourmet food and drinks, and activities like cooking demos.
The resort’s vast grounds provide numerous dining and activity options. Families can enjoy the three-tiered heated pool with a kids’ splash area, explore coastal trails, surf or paddleboard in nearby bays, or participate in cultural programs, including sunset ceremonies, hula lessons, and children’s environmental programs (additional cost).
Guest rooms are lavishly appointed with marble bathrooms, dark wood floors, and island-inspired décor. Rooms include soaking tubs and private lanais, some with fire pits.
Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, start around $760 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Lahaina
Best for: Families wanting a classic Hawaiian resort experience amidst tropical gardens and ocean vistas.
Why stay here: Spanning 40 acres, this resort features five restaurants, a beachfront spa, a half-acre pool, golf, and more, delivering a quintessential Hawaiian vacation.
Best way to book: Directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and utilize 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 later.
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is situated directly on Ka’anapali Beach. A lagoon-style pool with waterfalls and a kids’ water playground separates the resort from the beach, offering easy access to both pool and ocean fun.
The resort offers 779 rooms and 31 suites, all with private lanais. Regency Club access rooms provide exclusive lounge access and evening hors d’oeuvres.
Dining options include four on-site restaurants and a coffee shop. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s Drums of the Pacific Luau with Polynesian dances and a Samoan fireknife finale.
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa start around $760 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui
Best for: Active families who appreciate both waterslides and relaxing private cabanas in Maui.
Why stay here: This oceanfront resort offers diverse experiences, dining styles, wellness options, and pool settings, appealing to a wide range of vacationers.
Best way to book: Directly with Marriott Bonvoy to earn or redeem points and utilize elite benefits.
Wailea Beach Resort provides a relaxed retreat with access to two beaches. Family-friendly amenities include multiple pools (one with splash areas and Maui’s longest waterslide), a kids club (ages 5-12), a movie room, a game room, and complimentary cultural activities.
Guest rooms are stylish and comfortable, with ocean-inspired artwork and lanais. Select ground-floor rooms offer direct outdoor access.
Dining options include the poolside Kapa Bar & Grill, the Mo’ Bettah Food Truck, a Starbucks, and the upscale Humble Market Kitchin. The resort also hosts a luau five nights a week.
Current rates at Wailea Beach Resort start at $720 or 73,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Best for: Families wanting an immersive Hawaiian cultural experience with upscale luxury in Maui.
Why stay here: With stunning grounds, a renowned spa, proximity to Wailea Beach, and unique pool complex, Grand Wailea is a top choice for a Hawaiian family beach vacation.
Best way to book: Through Skylark for elite benefits and on-property credits or directly with Hilton to redeem Hilton Honors points.
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort offers an upscale island escape that embraces Hawaiian culture and beauty.
Guest rooms offer ocean or garden views and private lanais. Napua rooms and suites provide upgraded amenities and lounge access with dining and entertainment.
The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a highlight, a six-level pool complex with waterslides, a lazy river, waterfalls, and even a water elevator. Kids can engage in cultural activities through the resort’s “Grand Passport” program.
Dining options range from sushi to tacos and a luau. Breakfast is served buffet-style at Ikena.
Rates at Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, start around $830 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Best for: Families seeking glamorous luxury and exceptional service fit for Hawaiian royalty in Maui.
Why stay here: Featured in “The White Lotus,” this resort combines white-glove service, spectacular scenery, and alluring experiences, making it a standout luxury hotel.
Best way to book: Through Skylark to enjoy elite benefits and on-property credits.
The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, famously featured in “The White Lotus,” offers family-friendly luxury with stunning beachfront access.
The resort’s Kids for All Seasons program provides complimentary supervised activities for children ages 5-12. A seasonal program for teens is also available.
Adults can enjoy yoga, spa treatments, beach relaxation, or the adults-only pool. Dining options range from Wolfgang Puck’s Spago to casual poolside fare, all with open-air settings and ocean views.
The 383 guest rooms and suites are stylish and sophisticated, with ocean or garden views. Whale watching from private lanais is possible during winter.
Current rates at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea start around $1,400 per night.
Kauai’s Top Family-Friendly Hotels
Kauai, known as the “Garden Island,” blends beautiful beaches with lush green landscapes. Its compact size allows families to easily explore landmarks like Hanalei Bay and Waimea Canyon State Park, regardless of their chosen resort location.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Kauai
Best for: Families seeking a comfortable, home-away-from-home experience on Kauai’s north shore.
Why stay here: Guest rooms offer the space and amenities of home, with living areas, full kitchens, and private lanais, ideal for extended family stays.
Best way to book: Directly with Marriott Bonvoy to earn or redeem points and utilize elite benefits.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas on Kauai’s north shore offers a serene and picturesque setting. The resort grounds are beautifully landscaped with palm trees and tropical foliage.
Family-friendly amenities include lei making, fish feeding, a kids’ pool with splash features and a waterslide, a cliffside plunge pool, dining options, and a grab-and-go market.
While there is no direct beach access due to the cliffside location, Hanalei Bay is a short drive away.
Unique among resorts, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas does not charge resort fees and offers complimentary internet. Accommodations range from studio to two-bedroom villas, all with separate living areas and private lanais.
Rates at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas start around $400 or 76,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Koloa
Best for: Families desiring a resort with a wide range of activities and amenities on Kauai’s south shore, minimizing the need to leave the property.
Why stay here: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a destination in itself, featuring pools, waterfalls, a waterslide, scheduled kids’ activities, and Hawaiian cultural lessons.
Best way to book: Through Skylark for elite benefits and on-property credits or Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is widely considered one of Hawaii’s most beautiful and family-friendly resorts. Its lush landscaping, spacious rooms, multilevel pools, and saltwater lagoon create an unforgettable vacation experience.
The resort features 605 rooms and suites with private patios or lanais and ocean or garden views. The expansive pool complex includes multilevel pools, a lazy river, caves, a saltwater lagoon, and a 150-foot waterslide, plus areas for water sports and an adults-only pool.
The resort boasts a spa with open-air treatment villas and six restaurants, including Tidepools, offering dining in bungalows over a koi pond. A club lounge is also available. The resort hosts a luau twice weekly.
Pro tip: Utilize points to access the club lounge even without Hyatt Globalist status.
Rates at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa start around $870 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Best Credit Cards for Booking Your Hawaiian Family Resort
Choosing the right credit card can enhance your Hawaiian vacation by earning rewards and providing valuable travel benefits. Consider these top travel rewards cards for booking your family-friendly resort:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earning Rates: 5x points on airfare and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
Benefits: Extensive travel perks including hotel benefits, lounge access, and statement credits.*Enrollment required for select benefits.
Annual Fee: $695 (see rates and fees).
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earning Rates: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases.
Benefits: $300 annual travel credit, 10,000 annual bonus miles, Capital One Premier Collection benefits, and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit.
Annual Fee: $395 (see rates and fees).
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earning Rates: 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, 3x points on dining and select streaming, 2x points on other travel.
Benefits: $50 annual hotel credit, 10% anniversary points bonus, and strong travel protections.
Annual Fee: $95.
Related Reading:
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
Choosing the perfect family-friendly resort in Hawaii sets the stage for an unforgettable vacation. With options across Oahu, Maui, and Kauai, families can find the ideal Hawaiian paradise to create lasting memories.
