Hawaii’s unique culture, natural beauty, and awesome family-friendly features made it a natural choice for Travel Mamas’ best family vacation destination for all ages and interests. Each of the Aloha State’s visitable islands has its own atmosphere and attractions. This ensures families can enjoy a diverse and exciting time in Hawaii no matter where they go. The public beaches, theme parks, and shopping strips entertain, but choosing the right accommodation adds to the fun. Consider one of these top luxury Hawaiian hotels for your next family getaway:
The Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina: 92-1001 Olani St., Kapolei
As the home of the state’s capital, Honolulu, O’ahu is one of Hawaii’s most popular islands. However, for real luxury, head to the east coast. Many families choose the four-star Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, but you’ll enjoy more luxury at the five-star Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina next door. The resorts share a protected cove for swimming, and Four Seasons guests are welcome at Aulani’s character breakfast celebration and luau.
Since the Four Seasons doesn’t have water slides or cartoon characters, it’s not as overrun with children. However, little ones are still well-catered for. Bath toys, kid-sized bathrobes, and other treats in the enormous guestrooms help kids feel spoiled. All onsite restaurants and the in-room dining service also have children’s menus. They feature all their favorite meals, including cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, and macaroni. The complimentary Camp Kohola organizes daily activities, so kids 5 to 12 years will never feel bored. With themed keiki dinner parties designed for children, parents can enjoy romantic date nights at the resort’s acclaimed Mina’s Fish House.
For family fun, try snorkeling or paddle boarding. Unlike Aulani, these recreational activities don’t cost extra. The resort also has family pools, along with adults-only pools for couple time while the kids are at Camp Kohola. The camp also hosts family movie nights, complete with pizza and popcorn. Kids 10 and older can enjoy some pampering alongside parents at the Spa & Wellness Centre, which offers My First Spa Treatment services.
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea
Image via Flickr by Neeta Lind
Water babies can’t resist the Grand Wailea Maui, home to one of the state’s coolest kid-friendly pool complexes. It features a water slide, lazy river, rope swing, and even a water elevator, so it’s a ton of fun for the whole family. All those exciting additions attract crowds, though. If you prefer escaping the rush, you’ll appreciate the relatively quiet resort beach. With so many guests at the pool, you’ll find few people swimming in the ocean or exploring the tide pools.
When their skin has pruned, expect to find your kids at The Rock, a mini-resort within Grand Wailea. It’s home to Camp Grande, the Ohana Hale play zone, and teen hangout The Spot. With game consoles, a snack bar, and pool and air hockey tables, it’s the coolest place to be. Forget the restrictions on vacation and let your kids indulge with fluffy pancakes at breakfast and warm chocolate cookies before bed. Humuhumu and Bistro Molokini both have comprehensive kids menus. There are also plenty of options for picky eaters at the Grand Dining Room’s family buffet.
For a real luxury experience, book a suite in the Napua Tower. With a dedicated elevator and concierge service and two lounges stocked with snacks, this exclusive area lets you escape from the crowds.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa
A family vacation should let you relax as well as go on adventures. For accommodation that lets you feel like a VIP, along with your kids, choose the five-star Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa in Koloa. The friendly employees go the extra mile to make sure everyone enjoys their getaway. Camp Hyatt, for kids ages 3 to 12, will keep your children entertained with local arts and crafts while you get an Anara Spa treatment or take a dip in the adults’ pool.
The multi-level pool has plenty of places for younger visitors to splash around. The water slide and lazy river are always popular with pint-sized guests. The Grand Hyatt’s beach isn’t swimmable, but you’re only a mile from Poipu Beach Park for ocean dips. The Poipu Bay Golf Course is also next door for anyone wanting to practice their swing while the kids are at Camp Hyatt.
Families come together for dinner at the resort’s 10 restaurants. Ilema Terrace and Seaview Terrace both have special kids’ menus, but children are welcome in any of the eateries. Make sure you don’t miss the hotel’s luau for authentic island food and the thrill of the fire dancers. It’s a delight for guests of any age.
Fairmont Orchid: 1 North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast, Waimea
The five-star Fairmont Orchid is one of the Big Island’s most family-friendly luxury hotels. It’s an oceanfront property with a beautiful pool, so there are plenty of places for swimming. They’ll also love family activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, and discovering more about the night sky on the stargazing tour. There’s also the Keiki Aloha Adventure children’s program, which sees kids aged 5 to 12 exploring lava tube caves, admiring ancient cave drawings, and discovering local tide pools. The memories your kids make during these exciting cultural experiences should last them a lifetime.
If your kids are older than 10, it’s worth splurging on the Gold Floor. It adds a few hundred dollars a night to your stay, but the complimentary continental breakfasts, evening drinks and appetizers, and friendly concierge service all make it worth the extra. Older kids also love feeling independent accessing the Gold Floor lounge for exotic fruit snacks and access to books and board games without their parents.
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