Photo: Four Seasons

The Best Resorts in Hawai'i for a Family Vacation of a Lifetime

Hawaii Epic Stays
by Katie Scott Aiton Jun 10, 2024

Hawai’i is the perfect destination for a family getaway with its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and natural adventure playground. And when it comes to accommodations, nothing beats one of the state’s many family-friendly resorts. Enjoy exciting activities such as hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing on the island’s beautiful beaches, learn about the local culture and customs, relax by one of the many pools, or take advantage of luxurious spa treatments offered by many resorts. From beachfront properties and all-inclusive resorts with plenty of amenities to a more rustic experience, you can find something that fits your style and price range. Here are the best Hawai’i family resorts for a vacation your family will never forget.

We hope you love the best family resorts in Hawai’i we recommend. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina

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Photo: Four Seasons
Photo: Four Seasons
Photo: Four Seasons

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Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina is a five-star resort that presides over a turquoise lagoon on the sunny western coast of O’ahu, close to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. The property features 371 accommodations, including suites and family-sized villas with stunning views of the ocean, gardens, and nearby mountains. With a fully outfitted kids club and abundant cultural and adventure activities (swimming lessons, arts and crafts, luaus, and hula classes), there’s something for everyone at the resort — whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens. The world-class concierge can arrange experiences suitable for your family’s interests, ensuring everyone has a memorable stay.

Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina: 92-1001 Olani Street, Kapolei, HI, 96707

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Aston at Papakea Resort

Photo: Aqua-Aston Hospitality
Photo: Aqua-Aston Hospitality
Photo: Aqua-Aston Hospitality

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The great thing about Maui is that you don’t really need to spend a fortune on accommodation to make lasting family memories. It’s natural beauty will do that for you. This three-star will ensure everyone feels comfortable without worrying about your toddler knocking over an expensive china vase in the lobby. The multi-bedroom suites are ideal for families who want kitchen facilities for heating milk or rustling up a quick picnic lunch. Many of the larger accommodations also have a washer and dryer. There are grilling areas next to the pool for outside cooking, so you can multitask, flipping burgers and watching the kids splashing in the water.

Aston at Papakea Resort: 3543 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

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Aston Waikiki Beach Tower

Photo: Aqua-Aston Hospitality
Photo: Aqua-Aston Hospitality
Photo: Aqua-Aston Hospitality

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If you’re arriving in Hawai’i after a long journey, you might want to consider a few days in Waikiki with the kids before exploring further. This will give you time to decompress and relax into your family vacation. An excellent base for this is the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower. It’s directly across from Waikiki Beach and has many amenities to entertain the kids. There are weekly hula, ukulele, and lei-making lessons, a swimming pool, and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens.

Aston Waikiki Beach Tower: 2470 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

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Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui

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Fun for all ages, Wailea Beach Resort, sits between two golden sand beaches on Maui and offers some of the best snorkeling and turtle tours in calm, family-friendly waters.

The kids will never be bored. The resort offers a plethora of activities for children to enjoy from the Keiki Club which features fun-filled activities such as arts and crafts and games to afternoon snorkel adventures, and multiple outdoor pools with slides. And if you want to venture outside the resort, Wailea has a diverse range of activities such as beginner group surf lessons on Maui South Shore for your junior Kelly Slater.

Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui: 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI, 96753

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Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort and Spa

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Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort and Spa is a luxurious oasis on Poipu, Kaua’i’s south shore. This 50-acre resort offers families a more tranquil escape with its white sand beaches, and breathtaking views.

There are a variety of rooms for your troop. Generously sized suites are suitable for small groups with younger children, while the villas with private pools are a great option for those with teens. The kids will enjoy all the amenities, like the amazing swimming pools with water slides, exotic tropical birds throughout the property, Camp Hyatt kids club, demonstrations of Hawaiian crafts, and cultural lessons.

Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort and Spa: 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI, 96756

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Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

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Photo: Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Photo: Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

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Grand Wailea Maui offers an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway for families. The two miles of private property are a destination in themselves, and the resort is considered one of the best and most amenity-packed family resorts on Maui.

Children are in for a treat at the 25,700-square-foot Wailea Canyon activity pool with seven thrilling waterslides, rapids, and jungle waterfalls. The resort also offers a beach club, spa services, a fitness center, and restaurants with kid-friendly menus. Families can partake in special events such as movie nights or cultural activities like hula lessons or lei-making classes, all within the resort’s premises.

Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI, 96753

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Turtle Bay Resort

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Photo: Vio
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Turtle Bay Resort sits on the North Shore of O’ahu. This 1,300-acre resort has breathtaking views and is the only luxury resort on the North Shore, making it an excellent option for a family-friendly O’ahu vacation.

With its modern amenities and touch of Tom Sawyer-like adventure, Turtle Bay Resort has earned rave reviews from visitors. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are 12 miles of trails through the resort, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hiking or biking experience for the whole family. The three-pronged shape of the hotel ensures that each wing and each room has ocean views, and the resort’s bungalows are spacious and beautiful, making them an ideal choice for a group. While there is no kids club, the resort offers a variety of seasonal and holiday programs, as well as year-round family activities such as stand-up paddling, surfing, and an outrigger canoe picnic trip to a sandbar, ensuring a fun-filled vacation for the whole family.

Turtle Bay Resort: 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI, 96731

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The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali

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It wouldn’t be a reach to state that a majority of the guests at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa are families with children. And there’s a good reason for that. Nestled on the picturesque Ka’anapali Beach, this resort offers guests breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby islands, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere for your family vacation.

It has six swimming pools overlooking Ka‘anapali Beach and an 87,000-square-foot pool playground. If you need a break from splashing, there is a serene adults-only infinity pool and hot tub. The kids will be fully entertained in the newly designed family area, which has an interactive splash zone and a 270-foot water slide.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali: 2365 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI, 96761

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Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas

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Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, is on Ko Olina, O’ahu. The resort adds a little touch of Disney magic to Hawai’i. It features a variety of villas and suites, from the three-bedroom Grand Villa to the one-bedroom suite, to accommodate any size family.

The resort offers a wide range of amenities for children, including kid-friendly restaurants (with Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and Goofy available for photos), activities, spa services, a fitness center, several pools, a lazy river, fun slides, and whirlpool spas. Kids can enjoy activities such as snorkeling lessons and stargazing or take part in Aunty’s Beach House, where they can explore Hawaiian culture through music and art.

Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas: 92-1185 Aliinui Dr., Kapolei, HI, 96707

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Royal Kona Resort

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The Royal Kona Resort is oceanfronted in the heart of Kailua-Kona. With its dramatic setting overlooking Kailua Bay, the resort offers spacious guest rooms and suites, a spa, a pool (with a separate kids’ pool area), a salt-water lagoon (where you can safely snorkel), and an excellent sea-view restaurant. It’s also one of the Big Island’s best-value Hawai’i family resorts. There’s everything you need for a great family vacation at an affordable price point. From multiple onsite eateries serving delicious local cuisine for all ages to engaging activities like hula lessons and lei-making classes, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Royal Kona Resort: 75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740

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What part of Hawai’i should I visit with kids?

If you’re planning a family vacation to Hawai’i, you have a lot of great options. O’ahu is the best island for a Hawaiian vacation on a budget and for family-friendly resorts. At the same time, Maui is worth considering for a family that loves outdoor activities like snorkeling and hiking. The Big Island of Hawai’i is perfect for those who want convenience and a blend of city and beach.

How much is an average vacation to Hawai’i for a family of four?

The cost of a Hawaiian vacation will depend on the length of your stay, the type of accommodations, the activities you plan to do, and other factors. On average, a week-long trip for a family of four to Hawai’i can range from $3,000 to $5,000.

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