Best Family Vacation Ever: Explore These 10 Hawaiian Resorts
Dreaming of white sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and activities for every family member? Welcome to paradise! Hawaii, with its blend of natural beauty, fascinating culture, and luxurious resorts, provides endless possibilities for an unforgettable family vacation. Here’s our pick of the 10 Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Hawaii, carefully curated to help your family create lasting memories.
1. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (Oahu)
Located on Oahu's serene Ko Olina coast, Aulani combines Disney charm with genuine Hawaiian hospitality, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families. Accommodations range from comfortable hotel rooms to spacious villas with kitchens, suitable for families of all sizes. Resort highlights include multiple swimming pools, a relaxing lazy river, waterslides, and an engaging saltwater snorkeling lagoon. The attentive staff ensures families experience both relaxation and recreation, making this an excellent choice for a balanced vacation.
Special Activities for Kids:
- Aunty's Beach House: A supervised kids' club where children participate in Hawaiian storytelling, crafts, interactive games, and fun activities alongside beloved Disney characters.
- Menehune Adventure Trail: An exciting interactive scavenger hunt across the resort where kids solve clues and discover magical surprises, uncovering Hawaiian legends along the way.
Dining Options Kids Will Love:
The Makahiki Buffet offers character breakfasts and dinners, featuring playful interactions with Disney favorites and delicious kid-friendly choices like Mickey-shaped waffles, pizza, and colorful desserts.
Location: Ko Olina, Oahu
2. The Ritz-Carlton O,ahu, Turtle Bay (Oahu)
Nestled on Oahu’s scenic North Shore, The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu,the past Turtle Bay offers a mix of relaxation and adventure with stunning ocean views and easy beach access. Families can choose from spacious guest rooms, suites, or oceanfront bungalows, all designed for comfort. The resort features two championship golf courses, horseback riding along coastal trails, and excellent surfing spots. With multiple pools and kid-friendly entertainment, The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay provides a well-rounded Hawaiian experience.
Special Activities for Kids:
- Paniolo Pāʻina (Cowboy Experience): Kids can meet real Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys), learn about local ranching traditions, and take a pony ride through the scenic countryside.
- Tide Pool Exploration: A guided educational adventure where kids explore tide pools, discover marine life, and learn about ocean conservation from local naturalists.
Dining Options Kids Will Love:
The Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi offers fresh seafood and Hawaiian-inspired dishes with a kids' menu featuring favorites like teriyaki chicken, mac and cheese, and tropical fruit smoothies.
Location: North Shore, Oahu
Rates: From approximately $520 per night.
3. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island)
Set along the stunning Kona-Kohala Coast, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai blends natural beauty with family-friendly luxury. The resort features spacious accommodations, multiple pools, and pristine beaches with calm waters perfect for kids. Families can enjoy an on-site marine sanctuary, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, all tailored to ensure a memorable Hawaiian getaway.
Special Activities for Kids:
- King’s Pond Snorkeling Adventure: A unique 1.8-million-gallon aquarium-like pond where kids can snorkel with over 4,000 tropical fish, including an eagle ray.
- Hualalai ‘Ulu Club: A fun-filled kids' club offering Hawaiian arts and crafts, nature exploration, and storytelling sessions inspired by island legends.
Dining Options Kids Will Love:
Beach Tree Restaurant serves casual Italian and Hawaiian fusion dishes, with a kids' menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and tropical fruit mocktails.
Location: Kona-Kohala Coast, Big Island
4. Grand Wailea Resort (Maui)
Located in Wailea, Maui, Grand Wailea Resort is known for its expansive pools, lush tropical gardens, and family-friendly atmosphere. The resort boasts nine pools, thrilling waterslides, and a lazy river, making it a water-lover’s paradise. Families can also explore the beach, enjoy cultural activities, or relax in spacious accommodations designed for comfort and convenience.
Special Activities for Kids:
- The Grand Wailea Canyon Activity Pool: A massive water complex featuring a lazy river, water slides, a rope swing, and a sandy-bottom lagoon for endless fun.
- Lei Making & Hula Lessons: Kids can learn traditional Hawaiian arts and culture through hands-on experiences with local instructors.
Dining Options Kids Will Love:
The Volcano Bar offers poolside burgers, hot dogs, and tropical smoothies, while Café Kula serves kid-friendly breakfast options like pancakes and fruit bowls.
Location: Wailea, Maui
5. Four Seasons Resort Maui (Maui)
Situated along the breathtaking Wailea coastline, Four Seasons Resort Maui offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Families are welcomed with traditional Hawaiian lei greetings before settling into spacious rooms with private lanais and ocean views. The resort’s kid-friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and diverse activities make it a top choice for a luxurious family vacation.
Special Activities for Kids:
- Kids for All Seasons Program: A daily kids' camp with Hawaiian storytelling, beach games, crafts, and treasure hunts led by friendly staff.
- Family Snorkeling Excursions: Guided snorkeling trips where kids can spot tropical fish and swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles in crystal-clear waters.
Dining Options Kids Will Love:
The Beachwalk Café offers delicious grab-and-go options like smoothies, sandwiches, and ice cream, while Ferraro’s serves Italian favorites with a beautiful oceanfront view.
Location: Wailea, Maui
6. Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort (Oahu)
Situated right on Waikiki's famous Kahanamoku Beach, Hilton Hawaiian Village offers family-friendly convenience and plenty of island-style fun. The spacious resort provides comfortable oceanfront rooms and multiple pools, making it ideal for families. Visitors can enjoy lagoon water sports, daily cultural activities, and a relaxing atmosphere amid lush tropical gardens—all within easy walking distance of Waikiki’s vibrant attractions.
Special Activities for Kids:
- Camp Penguin: A supervised kids' program offering engaging island-inspired activities, from storytelling and crafts to beach games and exploring local wildlife.
- Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon: Kids can safely experience aqua bikes, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats in the protected, calm waters of the resort’s own lagoon.
Dining Options Kids Will Love:
Rainbow Lanai offers a colorful breakfast buffet with child-friendly items such as pancakes, waffles, and fresh fruits. Tropics Bar & Grill has delicious casual meals like burgers, pizzas, and refreshing tropical smoothies.
Location: Waikiki, Oahu
7. Ka'anapali Beach Hotel (Maui)
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, located on Maui's famous Ka'anapali shoreline, prides itself on authentic Hawaiian hospitality and cultural immersion. Families will appreciate comfortable accommodations, beachfront activities, and nightly entertainment that highlights traditional Hawaiian culture. It’s an inviting atmosphere where visitors of all ages can experience true island traditions and hospitality.
Special Activities for Kids:
- Keiki Hula Lessons: Children participate in guided hula classes, learning traditional Hawaiian dance movements and stories through playful and engaging instruction.
- Lei Making Classes: Kids create colorful flower leis while learning about the significance and traditions behind this beloved Hawaiian custom.
Dining Options Kids Will Love:
Tiki Terrace Restaurant serves approachable dishes such as pasta, chicken tenders, and tropical desserts that kids enjoy, alongside engaging nightly performances of live Hawaiian music and dance.
Location: Ka'anapali, Maui
8. Hilton Waikoloa Village (Big Island)
Located on 62 lush acres along Hawaii’s Big Island, Hilton Waikoloa Village offers families expansive grounds, pools, and lagoons to explore. Comfortable accommodations, a saltwater lagoon filled with marine life, interactive dolphin experiences, and a variety of dining options create an enjoyable stay. Families seeking adventure and relaxation will find plenty of choices here.
Special Activities for Kids:
- Dolphin Quest: An educational encounter where kids safely meet, touch, and learn about friendly dolphins, guided by marine specialists who teach ocean conservation.
- Lagoon Snorkeling Adventure: Children can snorkel safely in the protected lagoon, encountering colorful tropical fish and gentle sea turtles in clear, calm waters.
Dining Options Kids Will Love:
Lagoon Grill offers poolside favorites like burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and tasty smoothies. Orchid Marketplace serves quick and tasty snacks like ice cream and shaved ice.
Location: Waikoloa, Big Island
9. Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Lanai)
Four Seasons Resort Lanai, located on the secluded island of Lanai, provides an intimate escape perfect for families looking for tranquility and island adventure. Comfortable and elegant accommodations blend seamlessly into lush tropical landscapes, while lagoon-style pools and plenty of outdoor adventures keep kids and adults entertained and relaxed.
Special Activities for Kids:
- Kids for All Seasons Program: Engaging activities including Hawaiian storytelling, beach exploration, outdoor games, and arts & crafts, ensuring children stay entertained and inspired.
- Junior Golf Clinic: Kids enjoy learning golf fundamentals in a fun, relaxed setting on the stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
Dining Options Kids Will Love:
Malibu Farm offers fresh, farm-to-table meals kids enjoy, including pizzas, pasta, fresh fruit smoothies, and yummy desserts in a relaxed beachfront setting.
Location: Lanai Island
Wrapping Up Your Family-Friendly Hawaii Resort Adventure
From vibrant Waikiki to the secluded charm of Lanai, these exceptional resorts across Hawaii's beautiful islands offer something special for every member of the family. With unforgettable kid-friendly activities, enticing dining options, and comfortable accommodations, each property makes it easy to create lasting family memories.