Travel enthusiasts have always recognised the Aloha state as a paradise destination, with natural beauty, glorious beaches and warm weather. So, where better to take the family for an escape that’s equal parts fun and relaxing?
From splashy waterparks for children to relaxing day spas for adults, we’ve narrowed down our favourite picks of the best family resorts in Hawaii.
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
If you like being close to the city and its attractions, but also want to laze on Hawaii’s most popular beach and indulge in cultural traditions, you’ll love a stay at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.
Admire the glorious views of the ocean or Diamond Head from each comfortable and well-appointed room. There’s a huge range of resort amenities for the whole family, such as the generously sized outdoor pool with private cabanas, hot tubs, a first-class fitness centre and a range of onsite stores. There’s also an amazing activities centre where you can take part in cultural activities and learn about the spirit of the island.
During your downtime, head down to the beach for surfing, snorkelling, canoeing and swimming. At night, let the kids rock out on the dance floor with nightly live music at the poolside restaurant.
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort offers seaside luxury for the whole family. The star attraction for kids is the exciting Helumoa Playground Pool, which offers endless entertainment with two pools, a huge water slide, an interactive kids’ fountain and a scenic deck for supervising parents.
You’ll arrive to light, airy rooms with breathtaking views of the ocean. Once you’ve settled in, your family can acquaint themselves with Hawaiian tradition by participating in the resort’s cultural activities, such as flower lei making, ukulele lessons and hula dancing. Poppins Daycare will entertain the kids with arts and crafts, beach and pool activities, games, books and educational activities.
Meanwhile, the adults can relax in the infinity pool or enjoy a craft beer while admiring island vistas at the RumFire restaurant. When you’re ready to venture beyond your resort, explore local attractions like Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, Sea Life Animal Park and Pearl Harbour.
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is a stylish haven in the heart of Waikiki, right next to Kuhio Beach. Besides its contemporary, designer features, this resort’s drawcard is its phenomenal 75,700-litre Oceanarium where you can watch the colourful sea life being fed while you relax with a coffee at the O Bar.
One of the best family resorts in Hawaii, the sun-soaked pool deck is the place to be. By day, the kids can swim while you relax in a private cabana. By night, twinkling lanterns, fire pits and live music add a touch of magic. Head down to the beach and use your complimentary Beach Candy credits to hire surfboards, paddle boards and inflatables. Nearby, you’ll find Pearl Harbour, submarine tours, museums and art galleries, horse riding, an adventure park, and so much more.
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Whisk yourself away to this stylish Honolulu haven, located just a short drive from Waikiki Beach. At Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, expect sun-soaked mornings with mountain or ocean views. This resort is your families ideal launchpad for exploring Hawaii, where the wonders of Waikiki and Ala Moana are within easy reach, thanks to the complimentary shuttle service.
Near Waikiki Beach, with a rooftop pool, 25-metre outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor Ofuro baths, sauna and steam rooms, there is no better place to relax and enjoy the beauty that is Hawaii. The best part? Up to two children (17 and under) stay for free.
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
This beachfront escape shows off the best of Maui from a 27-acre haven, on an exclusive stretch of Ka’anapali Beach. This stylish beachfront resort boasts exquisite rooms and bungalows, each with private balconies or lanais to soak up views of the lush gardens or the sparkling ocean. Enjoy oceanfront dining at Lahaina Noon, sip cocktails at Pineapple Moon or savour handmade ice cream at Royal Scoop.
The kids will love partaking in the resort’s impressive selection of beach activities, from paddleboarding and kayaking to whale watching and sunset cruising. With cultural activities, tennis and pickleball courts and private beach access, there is no doubt this is one of the best family resorts in Hawaii.
Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa
Discover the magic of Hawaii at Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, a family paradise on the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii’s Big Island. Kids and grown-ups alike will love the multi-level fantasy pool with a 200-foot water slide, manta-ray viewing and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. With large, comfortable rooms, a stone’s throw from historic Kailua-Kona Village and the iconic Magic Sands Beach, and only 20 minutes from Kona International Airport, this is the idyllic escape, for a flop and drop holiday the family will love.
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Beachfront bliss awaits at a family favourite: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. On Hawaii’s big island, situated on a white-sand beach with direct access to water activities including catamaran tours, parasailing, onsite water sport rentals and cabana and daybed rentals, this is the perfect holiday. Even better, this is located in the heart of downtown Kona, where dozens of shops and restaurants call your name. Even better for those with young kids — up to two children five years and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian’s room, using existing bedding.
Timbers Kaua’i Ocean Club & Residences
Here, embrace the laidback and vibrant culture of Hawaii while admiring panoramic views of the turquoise ocean. There’s lots to explore, with nearby beaches and tropical forests. At the resort, float in the two-tiered infinity pool, or relax with treatments at Nanea Spa. Sporty families will love The Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature, to soak up the longest stretch of oceanfront golf in Hawaii. Take your tastebuds on a delicious adventure to the Garden Isles with fresh farm-to-table dishes served up at Hualani’s Restaurant. With golf lessons, free airport transfers available, and sprawling residences complete with a kitchen, living and dining areas, and a balcony, this is one of the best family resorts in Hawaii.
Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui
Nestled between two of Maui’s best beaches, and minutes from shopping, championship-level golf and Kahului airport, Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui is the perfect holiday adventure. Adults and kids alike will love this resort, with an adult-only pool, a curated adults-only wellness sanctuary, luau shows, the longest resort waterslide in Hawaii, and romantic evening dining on the candlelit beachfront.
Sitting on 22-acres of land, there’s an incredible array of activities and dining the family will love including snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, picnics and more.
