15 Best Family Hotels in Hawaii, Reviewed by Experts
Say "Aloha!" to amazing hospitality, kids' programming and beach life.
Hawaii is everything most families want in a vacation and then some — swaying palm trees, exciting hula performances, scenic beaches and so many rainbows. Kids get to experience Hawaiian culture, explore volcanoes (safely with a tour group, please!) and romp in the ocean. Weary parents are greeted with leis, drinks and smiles. It's basically vacation gold.
Where should you stay in paradise? We sought recommendations from travel experts who are parents themselves and collectively have been to Hawaii dozens of times. We found top picks on Oahu, Maui, the island of Hawaiʻi (you might know it as The Big Island) and Kauai. To round out this guide of tried-and-true places adored by parents of toddlers to teens, we added recommendations from editors who recently visited the Aloha state for the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards.
To help narrow down all the incredible options, think about what you need and want in a resort. For instance, would you prefer to stay somewhere with a kitchen or are you happy eating all your meals out? Do you want to feel like you're in the middle of nowhere or be within walking distance of shops and restaurants? Is an on-site supervised kids' club important to you, or do you plan on spending the whole vacay together as a family? From a spectacular beach resort where The Hunger Games was filmed to a new wellness-minded retreat for the whole fam, you're sure to land on a spot that will be your slice of paradise.
Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui
Location: On a scenic stretch of beach in Wailea, an upscale area of Maui
Pros: Cultural activities, family pool with a large waterslide, picture-perfect setting, supervised kids' club
Keep in mind: You can use (and earn) Marriott Bonvoy points; in fact, the resort is the second-most popular property to redeem points at in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
At this Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award-winner, bliss starts at check-in when your crew is welcomed with a lei and a beverage. It continues at the beach, which is snuggled between two sand crescents and has the vibe you've been dreaming about. Your kids will unleash their inner mermaid in the swim-through grotto at the pool. While they're enjoying the kids' club one day, book yourself an experience at the new adult-only wellness pool. It's home to specialized fitness classes, tea ceremonies, sound baths, acupuncture and more alongside poolside cocktails, mocktails and bites.
Fairmont Kea Lani
Location: On Polo Beach in Wailea, an upscale area of Maui
Pros: Daily kids' activities for ages 5 to 12 included in the resort fee, daily cultural activities, free shuttle service around the Wailea area, newly renovated rooms, suites and villas
Keep in Mind: The lobby and a lounge are still under construction; the project is expected to wrap up in December 2023.
The only all-suite resort in Hawaii, the Fairmont Kea Lani gives families a critical component to a successful family vacation — space. Whether it's somewhere for you to hang while little ones are asleep or teens to chill when they need alone time, the suites, twice the size of an average hotel room, deliver. "We love being able to close the door on the bedroom after our kids go to bed and still have access to a spacious living room and balcony," says Gabe Saglie, senior communications manager at Travelzoo.
Fairmont's beach also tends to be less crowded than others in the Wailea area, so you have extra room to spread out. "The resort is loaded with family-friendly activities and cultural programming but doesn’t feel overrun by kids," said a Good Housekeeping staffer who recently visited. She added, "With tons of gorgeous pools with cabana options and poolside dining, including an adult-only pool, a swim-up bar and a multi-level waterslide, I’d go back tomorrow!"
Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
Location: On a wide stretch of beach in Wailea, a luxurious area of Maui
Pros: Newly remodeled guest rooms and common spaces, family activities like hula lessons, on-site luaus, several pools with slides and other water features
Keep in Mind: Some parts of the resort, including the spa, are still undergoing renovations.
Fun for kids starts at check-in when they receive a Grand Passport and a map to help them explore the resort, says Amy Mayhue, a senior travel advisor at the Magnolia Travel Group. Get kids pumped by showing off the pools first. With a three-story water slide, a "Tarzan" pool with a rope swing and six waterfalls, the outdoor swimming complex is epic. "I love the combination of plenty for kids to do and an adults-only pool for when parents want a break," adds Melanie Fish, head of global PR for Expedia Group Brands. Plus, the pools overlook Wailea Beach, a wide stretch of white sand perfect for fort-building, sand angels and other fun. Dry off the kids long enough for them to take hula lessons or other cultural classes. The on-site luau is the perfect way to end the night.
Fairmont Orchid
Location: On the Kohala Coast in the island of Hawaiʻi
(also known as The Big Island)
Pros: Stunning location, great restaurants, an open-air spa, and an on-site luau
Keep in Mind: There's an active volcano on the island, which might occasionally affect air quality.
The crown jewel at the Fairmont Orchid is the quiet lagoon that fronts the resort and offers a buffer from the ocean. "I learned how to stand-up paddleboard here," says Saglie. "Plus, you can snorkel and play games in the very calm waters of this lagoon." The resort also leans heavily on educational and cultural programming. Says Saglie, "I’ve taken my kids many times to activities ranging from informative turtle talks and hikes to the neighboring petroglyph park, to introductory lessons on the Hawaiian language, to sunrise canoe rides that not only offer a glimpse into Hawaiian culture but offer amazing views of the island from out at sea."
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Location: On the Kohala Coast on the island of Hawaiʻi (also known as The Big Island)
Pros: Abundant kids' activities, cultural classes, stylish yet sustainable accommodations, and fantastic service
Keep in Mind: Special promotions are available to American Express Platinum Card members.
Kids (and parents) have it made at Mauna Lani. "We're collectively obsessed with this beachfront Auberge property," says Henley Vazquez, co-founder of the travel agency Fora. "It's one of our advisors' most-loved, as feedback from travelers has been stellar." A complimentary kids' club for 5- to 12-year-olds has an enticing lineup of tide pooling, gardening, fishing and other nature activities. While the kids are having a blast, you can enjoy a mixology class or play a round of golf. The resort created a special Camp Auberge Ultimate Summer Vacation for families. To give your budget a break, kids ages 10 and under eat all meals for free through September 30, 2023.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Location: On the North Shore of Kaua’i
Pros: New resort with a focus on well-being and health, kids' club, teen activities, pet-friendly, lots of water sports, sustainable features
Keep in Mind: It doesn't have as many of the iconic Hawaiian cultural activities, such as hula lessons or a luau.
Newly opened in March 2023, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a dream for families who prioritize sustainability and wellness. "The hotel offers a great range of activities specifically designed for children of all ages and families who came to play together," says Vazquez. "All activities are meant to bring kids closer to nature, whether it’s an art, culinary or science-oriented workshop." Saglie adds that the resort's location on the bay is ideal for snorkeling and surfing. Native landscaping, sustainably sourced furniture and energy-efficient lighting are among the resort's eco-friendly features.
Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
Location: In Honolulu on the island of Oahu
Pros: Boutique hotel, value-priced, pet-friendly; provides free coffee, water and reef-safe sunscreen
Keep in mind: The resort's pool becomes adults-only at night.
With no resort fee, free parking and room rates that won't break the bank, Surfjack makes a dream vacay to Hawaii possible for more families, says Vazquez. Taking cues from vintage 1960s Hawaii, the kitschy room options include three-bedroom suites that sleep up to eight. It's about a 10-minute walk to Waikiki Beach and a short stroll to many shops and restaurants.
Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
Location: In Kailua-Kona, a town on the West Coast of the island of Hawaiʻi (also known as The Big Island)
Pros: Seven pools, baby and toddler amenities, complimentary kids' club, cultural experiences, sustainable features
Keep in mind: While it's expensive, some of the activities you might pay extra for at other resorts are included in the price.
One of the flagship properties for the brand, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai completed a $100 million glow-up less than two years ago. But the service shines here even more than the stunning accommodations. Need a bottle warmer or nursing pillow? Just ask. Or, better still, speak to the concierge team who can set up an array of baby and toddler needs, like a white-noise machine, in advance. The resort also leans heavily into the island's rich cultural heritage. Programming for all ages at the Ka‘ūpūlehu Cultural Center includes Hawaiian language classes, history classes, ti leaf hula skirt creation and star navigation.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Location: On Maui's Ka'anapali Beach
Pros: Roof-top stargazing programs, a sandy-bottom pool for young kids, animal encounters, cultural activities, walkable to many shops and restaurants
Keep in mind: The beach in this area generally isn't as expansive as it is on other parts of the island.
Winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa feels like paradise. "Everything in the rooms, pool area and restaurants is beautiful, clean and new," said a staffer who recently visited. Memorable family activities include a rooftop astronomy program complete with Milky Way candy bars and a professional telescope plus a wildlife tour with a naturalist that showcases some of the 21 species of animals (penguins, flamingos and swans, oh my!) that live at the resort.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Location: On Honokahua Bay in Maui
Pros: Stunning location and landscaping, numerous family activities with a focus on the environment, arts and food festivals, complimentary airport and local shuttle, welcome gift for kids
Keep in Mind: It's about a 15-minute walk to the beach.
Only one of six of the brand's locations worldwide to have an Ambassadors of the Environment program for guests, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua offers guided, family-friendly excursions that include whale watching, turtle tracking, snorkeling and tidepool exploration. The property's organic garden produces more than 100 types of vegetables that are used in the resort's dining establishments, including The Banyan Tree Restaurant. End a memorable day by roasting marshmallows for s'mores at one of the resort's fire pits.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Location: On Maui's Ka'anapali Beach
Pros: A new family game room, lagoon-style pool, Hawaiian cultural activities, excellent food, complimentary local shuttle
Keep in mind: Parking rates are steep, so carefully consider whether you'll need a rental car.
For families of five, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa's refreshed Ohana Suites are a budget-friendly option, featuring two double beds and a deluxe pull-down wall bed. The suite's smart design was one of the reasons the resort recently received a Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award. Professionals perform a lele kawa cliff diving ritual every evening at sunset and the resort is fronted by one of Hawaii's most sought-after snorkeling destinations, Black Rock. A family package that bundles an Ohana Suite with a daily breakfast buffet, daily shave ice and other features is available for stays through August 31, 2023.
Turtle Bay Resort
Location: On the North Shore of Oahu
Pros: Stand-up paddle-boarding and surfing classes for kids; picturesque setting; new bungalows; horseback riding and stables
Keep in mind: Make restaurant reservations in advance of your stay, because on-site eateries fill up quickly.
Hollywood loves Turtle Bay Resort — and teens will especially appreciate next-level activities that helped it earn a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award. They can paddle board in the same bay where The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was filmed and may even spy a sea turtle on their adventure. "My daughter took a paddle-boarding lesson with the instructor's dog on her board," says a Good Housekeeping team member. With a variety of bays and beaches, there are perfect spots for surfers and beginner swimmers. New bungalow-style accommodations have hanging egg chairs that those hard-to-please teens will happily chill in for hours.
Mauna Kea Resort
Location: On the largest beach on the Kohala Coast on the island of Hawaiʻi (also known as The Big Island)
Pros: Variety of food and drinks, supervised kids' club, a fantastic beach, cultural activities
Keep in mind: The Westin tends to have lower rates than Mauna Kea, but check both before booking.
Comprised of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, these sister properties across the road from each other are ideal for families who want a balance of cultural and adventurous activities on their vacation. The"stay at one, play at both" mantra means you have access to pickle ball, tennis, outrigger canoes and nighttime swimming with the manta rays plus hula and ukulele lessons. "The luau at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is in the most picture-perfect spot," says one editor who visited. Another noted, "I had incredible food and drinks, including some of the best pizza of my life!"
Montage Kapalua Bay
Location: Set cliffside atop Namalu Bay in Maui
Pros: Mermaid Academy for kids, sunset luau, Merit Badge program for kids, one- to four-bedroom accommodations, a world-class spa, great options for multi-generational groups
Keep in mind: You need to make reservations 24 hours in advance for the complimentary arts and culture activities.
Families who want the space and conveniences of a house with the amenities of a resort will find the perfect match at Montage Kapalua Bay. Instead of rooms, there are residences. They all have a full gourmet kitchen, living room and a walk-in closet. Some residences even boast private pools and the largest options sleep up to 10. During the day, hula lessons and other cultural classes abound; the whole family (grandparents, too!) are encouraged to join in. A thoughtful club for kids ages 5 to 12 gives you time to visit the fitness club, book a spa appointment or just sit on the beach with a book. Trust us, the whole family will never want to leave this place.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Location: In Oahu, about 20 miles from Honolulu
Pros: Character meet-and-greets, infinity-edge pool overlooking the beach, lazy river, a fantastic complimentary kids' club for ages 4 to 12
Keep in mind: You'll want a car to get around since there's not as much to do in this area of Oahu.
If you want a theme-park-free Disney vacation, Aulani is magic. Characters in their Hawaiian-themed outfits are ready for photo ops. The calm beach water in front of the resort is just perfect for little ones, while a private snorkeling lagoon will appeal to tweens and teens. As you'd expect from Disney, the entertainment, including story-telling and live music, hits the right note. "Plus, the service is impeccable," says Vazquez.
Karen Cicero is a seasoned journalist who specializes in food, travel, home and new product coverage; she has visited almost every state — look out, Alaska, she's coming for you next! A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, she lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
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