Top 13 resorts in Hawaii for families: planning a warm vacation

Hawaii is the perfect place for a family vacation, where you'll find everything you need and more – picturesque beaches and rainbows, green palm trees and volcanoes, modern amenities, and endless leisure options for all ages and tastes. If you are traveling with small children, an important criterion will be the availability of a shallow pool, babysitting services, direct access to the beach, and spacious accommodation with enough space for the many things you may need, such as cots or high chairs. In addition, many parents are influenced by the offer of free meals for the youngest guests. Of course, a kids' club also comes in handy, especially when adults want to spend time alone, enjoying a spa treatment or a romantic dinner. It can be a daunting task, but the following selection of the best resorts for family vacations in Hawaii will help you choose the best option for your adventure together.

Mount Kapalua Bay, Maui

Montage Kapalua Bay, located in the southern part of the island of Maui, has all the advantages to choose it for your next vacation:

• perfect location;
• luxurious accommodations;
• five-star amenities;
• some family bonuses, etc.

The resort offers an amazing Paintbox kids' program, which includes ukulele lessons, hula, making your own traditional lei garlands, swimming, nature walks, and much more. After an adventurous day, younger guests can sample Hawaiian cuisine and stargaze before heading to their rooms and falling asleep to the sound of the waves.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui

If you are looking for a place for a luxurious vacation in the style of The White Lotus, but without any drama, pay attention to the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, located on Maui. This prestigious establishment is deservedly included in the list of the top 13 best resorts in Hawaii and is also a WBA Hall of Fame winner. Four Seasons Resort Maui offers upscale five-star amenities, as well as a wide range of activities – from ritual torch carrying to interesting excursions.

The room rate includes a free children's program, where younger guests can enjoy swimming and tennis, etc. At this time, parents can relax in the spa or spend time by the pool. If necessary, the spacious and elegant rooms are equipped with baby monitors, strollers, swings, high chairs, and other things necessary for a comfortable vacation.

Turtle Bay Resort, O'ahu

If you want to arrange an unforgettable vacation, during which each member of the family will be as satisfied as possible, we recommend staying at Turtle Bay Resort. Located on the north shore of O'ahu, the resort covers 1300 acres of beautiful landscapes, so it offers a limitless number of activities and amenities. In particular, Turtle Bay Resort offers several swimming pools, seven beaches, and oceanfront bungalows. Entertainment options include surfing lessons led by experienced instructors, snorkeling with sea turtles, horseback riding, hula lessons, and much more. Such a fun and varied leisure time will make for a lifetime of memories for the whole family.

Mauna Lani, The Collection by The Reserve Hotels

Among the best resorts for families in Hawaii is Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection. This is a truly special place with an atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the island. In particular, guests can enjoy amazing cultural activities, including cooking classes and fascinating storytelling under the moonlight. In addition to stylishly decorated, aesthetically pleasing rooms, Mauna Lani also offers a complimentary kids' club with a diverse program.

To experience the inseparable connection between sea and land, sample specially designed dishes at the CanoeHouse restaurant. Other amenities essential for a perfect family vacation include a high-end spa and babysitting services, which will be needed when parents want to spend time alone.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Maui

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, set on 54 acres of lush tropical grounds, is the perfect place for a family adventure, where every traveler, regardless of age, will find something interesting to do. The resort boasts two golf courses, sandy beaches, six dining options, and luxury residences available for booking. In addition, you will find fragrant gardens and a century-old pineapple plantation on the grounds, so there are plenty of locations for pleasant walks.

A highlight of The Ritz-Carlton Maui is the program developed in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, which provides young guests with invaluable environmental experiences through a series of hands-on experiences such as planting local seeds, beach cleanups, snorkeling, and more.

Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa, O'ahu

If you need to find a compromise between a trip to Disney World, which the kids are so eager to visit, and a beach vacation, Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa may be the perfect solution. Located on the O'ahu coast, this beautiful Hawaii resort boasts access to a private lagoon with snorkeling facilities. Other facilities available to guests include:

• water slides;
• six swimming pools;
• a slow river;
• a bay area;
• access to a beautiful beach.

To immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture, Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa offers hula lessons and lei-making workshops, and Lū'aus has a special island buffet with a large selection of traditional dishes. Of course, as in all Disney-owned resorts, children can still enjoy breakfasts with Mickey Mouse, watch classic cartoons on the big screen in the open air, and take photos with their favorite characters.

Kona Village, Rosewood Resort, Hawaii Island

This resort on the island of Hawaii covers an area of 81 acres, on which 150 houses are scattered, each of them decorated with unique works of art created to order mainly by local artists. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is perfect for those looking for a luxurious, tranquil, and eco-friendly vacation on the Big Island.

Children have the opportunity to spend time at the Keiki Rosewood Explorer Club, on private beaches, or in the pool. In addition, the resort offers an activity center where guests can go paddleboarding and kayaking, rent scuba diving equipment, and much more.

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort has four restaurants and bars, one of which is made from a sailboat that sank nearby. Don't miss a visit to the main dining room, Moana, which serves delicious Hawaiian masalada donuts for breakfast. Other key amenities offered by the resort include:

• gym;
• a modern spa center;
• tennis courts and pickleball areas;
• free Wi-Fi, and much more.

You can even watch movies by visiting the "movie theater under the stars" on the sand.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a glamorous and comfortable complex that is just the right level of luxury so that kids don't get dirty looks from other guests. In addition, it was recognized as one of the best resorts in Hawaii in 2023, attracting families who love fun, sophistication and appreciate great service.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is located on the picturesque Kona Coast of the Big Island. This five-star hotel offers extraordinary sandy beaches with calm waters, a free children's program, seven swimming pools, Camp Manitou for teens, and endless activities to suit every taste. From getting up close and personal with marine life with biologists to learning to play the ukulele, the leisure options are limited only by time.

1 Honeymoon Hanalei Bay, Kauai

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is characterized by minimalist luxury aesthetics, extremely aesthetic landscapes, high-quality service, and attention to the environment. The brand's new outpost in Hawaii is located on the oceanfront, on the northern shore of Kauai. In addition, the resort is characterized by special hospitality for families. The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has a wonderful Seedlings Kids Club with a large number of activities and experiences, most of which are aimed at getting young guests as close as possible to the natural world. Parents who want to get rid of stress and relax as much as possible can book transformational wellness rituals at the popular Bamford Spa. If you want to spend time with the whole family, get together for cooking classes, surfing and yoga, and end the evening sitting around a campfire under the stars telling each other stories.

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

The list of the top 13 family resorts in Hawaii includes the Fairmont Kea Lani, located on Maui. It's not just a great place for a beach vacation and fun in the sun, but also a complex that boasts a great range of amenities and different accommodation options. Spend your time swimming in the pools, building sandcastles on Polo Beach, and enjoying desserts at Makana Market + Cafe.

You can choose to stay in a spacious one-bedroom apartment that can comfortably accommodate up to four people. For more amenities and privacy, you can book a luxury villa, which includes a separate full kitchen, a private patio, a plunge pool, and a barbecue area.

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu & Spa, Aloha Collection, Kauai

If you're planning the ultimate carefree vacation filled with sun and water activities, look no further than Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection. This beautiful resort is located on the south coast of Kauai, offering family-friendly accommodations and three large pools, one of which has a 350,000-gallon capacity, with cascades and waterslides. Other amenities available to guests at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu include:

• volleyball court;
• golf course;
• round-the-clock fitness center;
• free morning yoga on the picturesque open-air lawn;
• activities for children, including devices for island exploration, such as compasses, binoculars, notebooks with clues, etc.

The resort is close to world-famous beaches, some of the best restaurants and shopping on the island, and the Kauai coastline is ideal for outdoor activities such as surfing, horseback riding, snorkeling, and hiking.

In addition, the complex boasts some of the largest accommodation units. For example, if you want to get maximum luxury and privacy, we recommend staying in an amazing penthouse. Offering spectacular ocean views, the interiors are individually decorated and designed by Sarah Lambson, with an endless list of amenities such as a large dining area, three fully furnished verandas, air conditioning, a double master bed, and much more.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Kauai is one of the best family vacation destinations in Hawaii with its modern kid-friendly amenities, unlimited activities, and entertainment, 45,000-square-foot state-of-the-art spa, and championship golf course. No matter what age you are, you'll be thrilled to spend hours in the saltwater lagoon or tiered pools. You can also raft down a slow river, go down a 150-foot waterslide, and play basketball or volleyball. With Polynesian dances and feasts filled with traditional and modern Pacific Island dishes, travelers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture.

The resort offers spacious, stylish suites, including those with large guest rooms and private verandas, which are ideal for accommodating the whole family.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Maui

The list of the top 13 best family resorts in Hawaii deservedly includes Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. Located on Maui, this AAA Four Diamond luxury resort offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as rope bridges and slides, a giant maze of hot tubs, pools, and waterfalls, where you can spend the whole day snacking and relaxing on comfortable lounge chairs. Accommodations include rooms or suites that offer views of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, or lush greenery. Start your day with a buffet breakfast to maximize your energy while sampling waffles, pancakes, homemade pastries, and more.

The newly renovated complex covers an area of 40 acres, offering access to everything you desire. In particular, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa has an oceanfront golf course, a separate water playground for children, and a large beach spa. The resort is also known for its cultural events, authentic Hawaiian hospitality, and the best service in the chain. For an authentic experience, guests have the opportunity to take part in a traditional ceremony and attend a fascinating show with songs, dances, and chants of Polynesia.

Whalers Village is located not far from the hotel, so if you want to leave your super cozy room, go explore the attractions of West Maui.