14 of the Best Family Resorts in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States and worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. The tropical climate and stunning natural wonders make visitors feel like they’re in another world entirely. It’s an ideal destination for couples and families with children of all ages.

Because of its broad appeal, there are hundreds of resorts and accommodations on the nine islands of the Aloha State.

Luckily, we’ve done the research for you to find the 14 best family resorts in Hawaii. We’ve also rounded up the best family resorts in Oahu, Maui and Kauai to help you find the perfect spot on your chosen island.

Whether you’re traveling with little ones under five, teenagers, or your partner, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look so you can start planning your perfect getaway. 

Why not also take a look at our guide to the best family beaches in Hawaii whilst you’re here?

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

92-1185 Ali’inui Drive, Kapolei, HI 96707

You probably don’t need us to tell you that a Hawaiian resort owned and run by the Disney Company is suitable for families. Opened in 2011, Disney labored to create an oasis destination that would be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, without the usual appeal of their theme parks and resorts. They have certainly succeeded.

A stay at Aulani comes with many perks, including access to six pool areas and a private beach. In addition, some of the other complimentary amenities include daily pool parties, nature tours, outdoor movie nights, live Hawaiian music, hula, and ukulele lessons. Families love to utilize Aunty’s Beach House, where parents can drop kids off to indulge in video games and other activities while they enjoy some time separately to reconnect.

Aulani also offers guests spa treatments for the entire family, golf on an award-winning course, and a traditional luau for an additional cost. There’s a lot to learn, too, with sunrise yoga, scuba lessons, snorkeling in Disney’s private lagoon, spa treatments for the whole family, and dozens of unique experiences for kids. They also have specifically designed programs and activities for teens and tweens, including a separate beach area and curated activities for their age group. 

Aulani organizes excursion packages and custom excursions on horseback, watercraft, foot, or vehicle so you can explore the island of Oahu and all it has to offer.  

This resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club, but non-members are under no obligation to join or attend an information session. As part of this Club, Aulani offers many studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom villas with views of the gardens, pools, and ocean. They also have standard hotel rooms, all of which they appoint elegantly in tropical decor. 

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii 96756

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa offers guests exceptional service, accommodations, and amenities. Located on a private white sand beach with breathtaking views, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa boasts a championship golf course, luxurious spa, lush gardens, and multiple relaxing pools.

The Grand Hyatt has more than 600 guest rooms and suites, all with a private balcony or lanai attached. Most also have either garden, mountain, or ocean views. All rooms are decorated in classic Hawaiian style, drawing on the beauty of the hotel’s natural surroundings. Enjoy dark woods contracted with clean whites and pops of bright colors. They also come equipped with a walk-in shower, robes, flat-screen TV, Coco Mango toiletries, and more.

Included for all guests is access to the hotel’s sprawling grounds. Cool off in one of the multi-layered pools, the lazy river, or the peaceful saltwater lagoon. With so much to explore, kids especially don’t ever want to leave the water. There is also ample seating on the pristine beach to enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea.

There are six dining and drinking options in addition to 24-hour room service. These options range from the unique experiences at Tidepools, where guests eat in thatched-roof bungalows over a koi lagoon, to casual dining at the poolside cafe. 

Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

1 Kaniku Drive, Waimea, HI 96743

Located on the island of Hawaii, sometimes called the “Big Island,” the Fairmont Orchid occupies 32 lush acres of land on the highly desirable Kohala Coast. Fairmont designed the entire resort around the Hawaiian culture of aloha, emphasizing relaxation and drawing its guests outdoors while providing the utmost comfort and care.

One of the most unique amenities at this resort is the award-winning spa without walls. As the name implies, guests receive most treatments in open-air hales, or huts, that provide views of the spectacular mountains and volcanoes of the island. The spa also organizes several daily wellness activities, including seaside yoga and other classes.

The spectacular 10,000 square foot pool overlooks the ocean, so you can still feel like you’re on the beach if sand isn’t your thing. If it is, there are plenty of lounges on the resort’s coast, and you can rent snorkeling equipment, wakeboards, and other water toys.

The Fairmont Orchid offers an array of excursions around the island and water areas if you’re looking for activities during your stay. Take a helicopter tour, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or take an evening dive with beautiful manta rays. Their concierge can arrange everything for you.

All of the rooms are elegantly decorated and abundantly comfortable. The resort also offers several dining options and is nearby many other options for activities, dining, shopping, and experiencing all of the islands of Hawaii.

Kauai Beach Resort

4331 Kauai Beach Drive Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766

Situated on 25 acres of tropical waterfront property, Kauai Beach Resort provides a calming, inviting atmosphere ideal for the entire family. Swim in one of the four lagoon-style pools, or spend the day lounging on the beach. Be sure to grab a drink from the guest-favorite poolside bar.

Kauai is known for its incredible landscape, and Kauai Beach Resort strives to help its guests get out and enjoy it. They offer excursions to explore the island by land, sea, and air. You can also kayak to pristine waterfalls or enjoy breathtaking views on one of the nearby hiking trails. 

The hotel offers several types of rooms with various views and fully-equipped suites to better accommodate families. Each of the rooms and suites has a private lanai, and the prices are relatively affordable, especially in this expensive part of Hawaii.

Kauai Beach Resort management acknowledges the unique history and culture of the island’s people. They try to bring in cultural elements from the island’s past and connect its guests to the real people who call the island home through a community market and more.

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea-Makena, HI 96753

The Fairmont Kea Lani is an all-suite and villa resort on Maui’s highly sought-after Wailea coast, with stunningly blue ocean waters. Many villas here offer oceanfront beach access or have private splash pools for early morning or evening dips, ideal for intimate family time.

This resort has two sizeable lagoon-style swimming pools connected by a 140-foot water slide. There’s also a serene adults-only pool with a swim-up bar and two whirlpools. Comfortable lounge chairs surround the pools, and there are also cabanas available for rent if you want a dedicated space for your family for a day.

Of course, no time in Hawaii is complete without spending some of it by the ocean. Fairmont Kea Lani provides guests with umbrellas on the white sands of Polo Beach, which enjoys the protection of two lava outcroppings. 

Because of these natural wonders, the beach has a private, serene, and protected feeling with calm waters. You can also rent snorkel and scuba gear, as well as surfboards, paddleboards, and more.

Unique to Kea Lani is their Inspire Your Energy fitness and wellness program with many class options for all fitness levels. The design of this program aims to connect you to the mana or energy of the island. Best of all, they offer a Hawaiian cultural program with several daily events and activities designed to impart visitors with the traditions and wisdom of the Hawaiian people. 

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Maui, HI 96753

The Four Seasons brand is known for over-the-top luxury, and their Maui resort exceeds even their reputation. The open-air design beckons guests to enjoy the tropical atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings of Hawaii’s most spectacular places.

All guestrooms have customizable mattresses, marble bathrooms, private outdoor space, and views of the mountains, gardens, or ocean. Several suites comfortably provide all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen and separate living space. All rooms receive twice-daily housekeeping.

Luxury amenities include the spa, which offers poolside, oceanfront, and in-room treatments. There is also an oceanside golf course, tennis courts, salon, and much more. Experience Hawaiian culture with a nightly hula and torch-lighting ceremony, or explore the island with customizable excursions and experiences which the concierge can arrange for you.

Enjoy one of the pools or the sea. There is an adults-only oceanfront infinity pool and a family pool, with poolside food and beverage service. The stunning white-sand Wailea Beach draws guests into its waters, and Four Seasons offers snorkel and scuba gear, paddleboards and surfboards, whale-watching excursions, and much more. 

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu

72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Located on the island of Hawaii, or the “Big Island,” Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is one of the most luxurious hotels on this list. The Four Seasons designed the entire resort, including all of the guest rooms and suites, with the culture and legacy of Hawaii in mind. Your family will feel at one with and embraced by the spirit of Aloha at this resort.

The villas, suites, and guestrooms here contain customizable beds, granite bathrooms, high-end touches and finishes, and views of the Jack Nicklaus golf course, pool, or ocean. The villas offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and separate living spaces.

The resort has seven swimming pools, including Sea Shell Infinity Pool, dedicated kids’ pools, and adults-only swim spaces. They also offer poolside food and beverage service. Or you can choose to spend your days lying by the breathtaking sea and rent all sorts of equipment for water sports.

The Four Seasons offers many customizable experiences and excursions around the island for shoppers, outdoor adventurers, history buffs, kids, and more. Also for children is Camp Manitou, with daily activities tailored to specific age groups.

Honua Kai Resort & Spa

130 Kai Malina Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761

Located on the island of Maui’s renowned Kaanapali North Beach, Honua Kai has a design that keeps families in mind. It’s an all-suite hotel with studio, one, two, and three-bedroom rooms, which all come equipped with a washer and dryer, a full gourmet kitchen, and a large lanai—best of all, children under 18 stay for free.

They also offer their aquatic playground, which has multiple pools, five whirlpools, water slides, a waterfall, fountains, a kids’ play area, and much more. On the beach, they offer snorkel gear and lots of other equipment for rent. They also arrange many excursions to explore Maui’s splendor, including hikes, helicopter tours, volcano visits, and much more. You can even rappel down a waterfall!

Dine at Duke’s Beach House on the oceanfront or prepare sumptuous meals in your room. There’s also a quick-serve market and general store on property for all your family’s needs, as well as easy access to Maui’s restaurants and shopping nearby.

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club

92-161 Waipahe Place Marriott Vacation Club Kapolei, Oahu, HI 96707

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club is part of their Vacation Club membership program, so it has many villas and suites in addition to standard guest rooms, making it ideal for family getaways. Built on a breathtakingly blue ocean lagoon inside a quiet gated community, guests enjoy a tranquil setting only half an hour from the excitement of Honolulu.

The resort has three large pools in addition to its white sand beach with ample lounges and umbrellas. The pools sit amid the lush tropical landscape that creates a relaxing yet stimulating atmosphere. There is a quiet pool usually visited by adults, and the lagoon pool has a unique sand entrance and exciting slide.

Ko Olina Beach Club also features a full-service spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and outdoor yoga classes for guests. There are multiple daily activities for kids and families, including lei making and hula. Choose from eleven dining options on-site, including a marketplace and three separate dinner shows. Enjoy easy access to some of Oahu’s most thrilling attractions, including the unforgettable Waimea Falls.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is colorful and exciting in the heart of Honolulu. It truly is a village, with several options for accommodations, including Rainbow Tower and the exclusive Ali’i Beachfront Boutique Hotel. The Hilton Company has beautifully decorated all of the guestrooms with every essential amenity. 

One of the most one-of-a-kind features of this resort is Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. In this manufactured saltwater lagoon, guests can safely try all sorts of watersports and activities, including stand-up paddleboard yoga. Or, take a dip in one of six pools that range from the adventurous with slides and games, to the tranquil, with lush landscaping and waterfalls.

The Waikiki Starlight Luau is a must-see for all guests, and there are more than ten other dining options on the property. You’ll also have easy access to the best of the city of Honolulu, and the resort offers multiple tours and excursions across the island for adults only as well as families, including trips to Pearl Harbor.

Finally, the resort also offers a range of daily classes and activities (including hula, lei-making, yoga, and tai chi), a full-service spa, whale watching boat adventures, and more.

Turtle Bay Resort

57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, HI 96731

The Turtle Bay Resort, located on Oahu’s North Shore, has recently reimagined itself and the experience they want to impart to guests. They have tapped into Hawaii’s deep cultural and historical roots. The rooms have upgrades, and the hotel offers various levels of villas and suites in addition to traditional guest rooms.

Each of the rooms has all of the necessary amenities, and the design of each encourages rest and peacefulness. Many have ocean views, and you can hear the sounds of the ocean throughout the resort.

There are so many adventures to explore at Turtle Bay. Traditional amenities that you would expect from a high-end resort are meticulously maintained, such as a gold course, tennis courts, and pickleball courts. 

Traverse various trails connected to the hotel, try surfing or kayaking, take a segway or helicopter tour, go boating or fishing, and much more. Relax at one of the six pools, which feature whirlpools, slides, waterfalls, and other features. Best of all, the ocean and pristine white-sand beach are only steps away, with easy access to all that Honolulu has to offer. 

Sheraton Waikiki

2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

Located in the heart of Honolulu, the Sheraton is located in Waikiki, one of the most desirable sections of the capital city. This resort is ideal for families who want to experience all of what Hawaii has to offer, from the bustling shopping and five-star restaurants in the town to the breathtaking natural beauty of their surroundings and the island.

All guestrooms come equipped with stunning views of either the city skyline or the ocean, comfortable beds, a lanai, and all of the necessary amenities. The hotel also offers two pools, including an infinity pool, an updated fitness center, and a luxurious spa. 

If you’re someone interested in food and dining opportunities, there are also nine in-hotel dining options. These include room service, full-service restaurants, a pizza place, and a marketplace.

You can rent watercraft of all kinds at the hotel. Local attractions include glass-bottom boat tours, the Dole Pineapple Pavilion, Pearl Harbor, Sea Life Park, and much more.

The Lodge at Kukui’ula

2700 Ke Alaula St. B, Koloa, HI 96756

Unlike the other accommodations on this list so far, the Lodge at Kukui-ula on the island of Kaui is a sprawling neighborhood of full-size vacation rental homes. The homes are one to four bedrooms, and you can choose one with a private pool, a cottage, or other stunning amenities.

As guests, you and your family have access to the Club at Kukui’ula. Some of the Club’s highlights include concierge services, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, yoga classes, a full-service spa, fitness center, snacks and drinks throughout the day, daily Hawaiian cultural activities, and so much more.

The Club’s staff hosts daily activities for families, kids, and adults. They can also help you plan custom experiences and excursions across the island or on the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. There’s a beach entry area and a sprawling complex of pools with waterfalls, waterslides, whirlpools, and a lazy river, among other features. You can also rent whatever equipment or watercraft your family can imagine.

Paniolo at The Equus

1696 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96815

The Paniolo at the Equus is one of the only locally-owned and operated resorts on this list or any Hawaiian islands. It’s a charming boutique hotel located in the highly desirable Upper West Side of Waikiki. Be in the heart of Honolulu and Waikiki by eating at some of the city’s most innovative restaurants, shopping in its most unique stores, and more.

The owners of Paniolo also own some of the North Shore’s only undeveloped coastline: 100 acres that are also home to the Hawaii Polo Club. You’re only steps from the stunning waters of the Pacific, and the hotel also has a serene courtyard pool. The Paniolo Cafe and Bar is a favorite among locals and hosts local musicians every Friday evening.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable for families, many of which have stimulating city views and balconies. Still, the rooms are surprisingly quiet, providing a serene and restful environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life, which is ideal for families after a busy day of exploring.