Best Family Resorts in Hawai’i

Choosing where to stay during a visit to Hawai’i can be as difficult to decide as which shave ice flavor combination you will choose. Here, we take a look at what may be the best family resorts in Hawai’i, one for each of five of the Hawai’ian Islands.

Island of Hawai’i

On the Kohala Coast of the Island of Hawai’i, the Fairmont Orchid offers family fun in a luxurious setting. The resort’s natural cove provides the perfect beach for soaking in the Hawai’ian sun, splashing in the cool waters or even going for a snorkel and spotting fish nearly as soon as you put your face in the water. And then there’s the 10,000-square-foot, oceanfront pool! The Keiki Aloha Children’s Program will keep kids ages 5 to 12 engaged during the days, or your entire family can enjoy complimentary beach club activities such as petroglyph hikes, turtle talks, hula classes and ti leaf lei making.

Oahu

The Royal Hawaiian Resort has welcomed guests since 1927, and is ready to welcome your family to the iconic shores of Waikiki. The historic hotel enjoys a strong connection to the Hawai’ian culture, which can be found through its daily activities for families, such as hula classes, shell and kukui nut bracelet making, lauhala weaving and lei making. Making keiki (kids) 12 and under feel even more welcome, they eat free from the keiki menu at Surf Lanai.

Four Seasons Resort, Lanai © Miki Cabatbat | Dreamstime.com

Maui

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Lahaina is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, and just finished $26.5 million in renovations in July. The oceanfront resort has terrific snorkeling at Black Rock on the edge of the property, as well as a 142-yard, lagoon-style pool for ample splashing opportunities. The resort’s Adventure Club offers fun activities for the entire family, from culinary tours with the resort’s executive chef to learning how to play the ukulele to learning the hula. Or, create a coconut painting and weave a basket during Hawai’ian Arts and Crafts time. The 665-square-foot Ohana (or Family) Suites sleep up to seven with two double beds, a Murphy bed and a sleeper couch, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to relax.

Kauai

Your kids will feel right at home when you check into the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Poipu. Though the resort is oceanfront, its beach is rocky with rough surf, but don’t let that stop you — there’s plenty on-property to keep everyone happy. Like the giant pool complex, complete with a 150-foot waterslide, lazy river and a saltwater lagoon in which you can kayak! And then there are the resort’s 11 restaurants, five of which offer children’s menus.

Lanai

In Lanai City, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers its Kids For All Seasons program, complimentary, for kids ages 5 to 12. During their time in the program, your kids may learn about how the Hawai’ian Islands were formed, the spirit of aloha, petroglyphs and the area marine life, or even build their own erupting volcanoes. There are even evening activities offered seasonally, so you can enjoy a romantic dinner just the two of you while your kids stay entertained.