Family Resorts & Vacation Ideas in Hawaii

Location:

Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii

Highlights:

Craving white sand, turquoise water, and that perfect mix of luxury and adventure? We’d absolutely tell you to check out Mauna Kea Beach Hotel—it’s set on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and offers just about everything.

We Recommend This For:

Active honeymooners, beach lovers, tennis and golf enthusiasts, and families looking for upscale resort fun in Hawaii.

What we Love:

Oceanfront tennis, helicopter access, panoramic golf courses, and a beachfront clambake under the stars—it’s a full Hawaiian experience.

• Stay in ocean-view rooms and suites with natural wood interiors and private balconies overlooking Kauna'oa Bay.
• Relax with massages at the Spa & Fitness Center, lounge by the pool, or soak in a sunset from your balcony.
• Play at the oceanside Tennis Park with 13 courts, golf at two stunning courses, or go hiking, snorkeling, or stargazing nearby.
• Dine at multiple resort restaurants including Batik, Pavilion, Hau Tree, and the Terrace, plus the Saturday night beachfront clambake.
• Explore the island by car or use the free Kohala Resort Shuttle for easy access between Mauna Kea and its sister resort, Westin Hapuna Beach.

Address:

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Phone: 800-882-6060 or 808-882-7222

Location:

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Highlights:

If you're looking for a beachfront Hawaiian resort that blends tradition, comfort, and incredible value, we’d happily steer you toward Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. It’s where sunsets, surf, and Hawaiian culture all come together—without the dreaded resort fee.

We Recommend This For:

Families, beach lovers, surfers, and travelers wanting a central Waikiki stay with cultural charm and beachfront dining.

What we Love:

No resort fees, oceanfront rooms with glass balconies, cultural activities like hula and ukulele lessons, and dining steps from the surf at Duke’s.

• Stay in one of 497 guest rooms or 30 suites—many with new glass-bordered balconies that are perfect for watching the sunset over the Pacific.
• Relax at Waikiki Plantation Spa with traditional Hawaiian treatments, or unwind by the pool just steps from the sand.
• Play with complimentary cultural experiences like lei-making, hula lessons, ukulele workshops, and vow renewals for couples.
• Dine at Duke’s Canoe Club for oceanfront views, Hula Grill for nostalgic island flavors, or grab a smoothie and sandwich at Hawaii Sandwich Shop on your way to the beach.
• Discover historical Hawaiian artifacts in the hotel lobby, including a koa canoe and heritage-inspired murals that connect you to the spirit of Waikiki.

Address:

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 800-688-7444 or 808-923-0711

Location:

Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Highlights:

If you're looking for a warm, friendly Hawaiian stay with traditional charm and loads of activities, we’d definitely suggest Kaanapali Beach Hotel. It’s all about aloha spirit, great value, and an unbeatable beachfront location.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, families, first-time Hawaii travelers, and anyone looking for a cultural, activity-filled Maui escape with beachfront access.

What we Love:

Daily cultural activities, four room wings with a variety of ocean views, and their “Island Romance” offer packed with fun extras like massages and luau dinners.

• Stay in one of 430 guestrooms and suites across four wings—Maui, Lanai, Kauai, and Molokai—each offering different views from garden to full oceanfront.
• Relax just yards from the beach in an oceanfront room with a terrace perfect for soaking up Maui’s tropical ambiance.
• Plan your adventures at the Ohana Fun Center, which also hosts a free welcome breakfast Monday through Saturday for new guests.
• Dine Hawaiian-style at Tiki Terrace, enjoy the buffet at Kaanapali Mixed Plate, or grab something casual from the Tiki Grill & Bar.
• Explore the nearby historic town of Lahaina, known for shopping, dining, and fascinating museums.
• Book the “Island Romance” package for a car rental, daily breakfast, picnic lunch, massage, sunset cruise or luau, and romantic dinner.

Address:

Kaanapali Beach Hotel, 2525 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761
Phone: 800-262-8450 or 808-661-0011

Location:

Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Highlights:

Looking for a budget-friendly stay right in the heart of Waikiki? We’d happily recommend Sheraton Princess Kaiulani—it’s got the views, the location, and the nightly entertainment, all without the splurge.

We Recommend This For:

Families, first-time visitors, budget-conscious travelers, and anyone who wants to be close to Waikiki Beach, parks, and attractions.

What we Love:

Nightly live music by the pool, fun Polynesian dinner shows, and easy access to Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo, and the beach.

• Stay in one of 1,150 rooms, including 10 suites—some with ocean views and all within steps of the action in Waikiki.
• Relax by the freshwater pool and catch nightly entertainment at the lava rock stage—a fun way to end your beach day.
• Enjoy a Polynesian dinner show with music, hula, and island flavors, or opt for Japanese cuisine at the on-site Momoyama restaurant.
• Dine at two full-service restaurants or grab a bite at the hotel’s convenient food court before heading out to explore.
• Play nearby with activities like surfing, swimming, and canoeing, or stroll to the nearby Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium with the family.

Address:

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, 120 Kaiulani Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808-922-5811 or 866-500-8313

Unique Family Resorts in Hawaii:

Location:

Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii

Highlights:

If your kids light up at the word “Disney” and you want a vacation that’s just as magical for grown-ups, Aulani is the dream family getaway. It's packed with Hawaiian culture, Disney enchantment, and non-stop fun for everyone.

We Recommend This For:

Families with kids of all ages, Disney fans, multigenerational travelers, and anyone wanting a resort that blends Hawaiian tradition with Disney storytelling and world-class hospitality.

What we Love:

Aunty’s storytelling, snorkeling in Rainbow Reef, sunset dinners at Ama‘ama, and the peaceful beach where everyone finds their happy place.

• Stay in spacious family suites or double rooms with terraces—perfect for relaxing after a fun-filled day.
• Play in Waikolohe Stream, on Menhune Bridge, or with water-loving characters throughout the day, plus catamaran tours and surf lessons for older kids.
• Learn about Hawaiian culture at The Olelo Room or the taro patch, where kids engage hands-on with the island's stories and traditions.
• Relax with a massage at the spa or a round of golf while the kids enjoy supervised fun at Aunty’s Beach House or cultural classes.
• Explore Rainbow Reef together—snorkeling or peeking through the underwater viewing window—and cap the day with a family meal at Ama‘ama Beach Restaurant under a glowing Hawaiian sunset.

Address:

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, 92-1185 Ali'inui Drive, Kapolei, HI 96707
Phone: +1 866-443-4763

Location:

Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Highlights:

Need a beachfront hotel that’s family-friendly, affordable, and full of personality? We’d definitely recommend Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel—it’s right across from the sand, with vibrant rooms and lots of perks.

We Recommend This For:

Families, budget-conscious travelers, wedding groups, and anyone who wants great views and walkable access to Waikiki’s top attractions.

What we Love:

Oceanfront rooms with sunset views, complimentary “Breakfast on the Beach,” live Hawaiian music, and a fun retro vibe at Tiki’s Grill & Bar.

• Stay in one of 645 colorful rooms, many with partial or full ocean views—opt for an Aston Select Room with a private lanai facing the sunset.
• Relax at the heated outdoor pool, enjoy in-room video games with the kids, or hit the fitness center to stay active during your stay.
• Dine at Tiki’s Grill & Bar for South Pacific-inspired fare, live music, and open-air sunset views from the second floor.
• Enjoy daily "Breakfast on the Beach" with live Hawaiian music and hula dancing—complimentary and fun for the whole family.
• Celebrate with the hotel’s affordable wedding packages, sunset receptions at the scenic Coconut Club, and flexible meeting/event spaces.
• Explore nearby attractions like the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium, and enjoy easy access to shopping and dining.

Address:

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, 2570 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 800-877-7666 or 877-997-6667