United States Hawaii Best Family-friendly Hawaii Hotels Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, is our favorite pick in this category By Holly Johnson Holly Johnson Writer Ball State University Holly Johnson is a travel expert and award-winning writer. She specializes in family travel, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 03/22/22 Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. If your idea of the perfect family vacation involves whale watching, hiking excursions across lush green mountains, or playing with your kids in the sand and surf, the state of Hawaii is the perfect destination. Hawaii is already a popular destination for sightseeing and honeymoons, but the islands that make up the 50th state are just as amazing for a family trip. But which Hawaiian resort should you book for your stay? There are a variety of factors to consider as you evaluate the best family-friendly hotels, including location, price, amenities, and things to do at or near the resort. You'll also want to be conscious of which Hawaiian properties are designed for romantic getaways and which offer fun activities for the whole family. To make trip planning easier, TripSavvy compared hundreds of properties throughout Hawaii to find resorts with family-friendly features, amenities, and plenty of space. 9 Best Family-friendly Hawaii Hotels of 2023 Best Overall: Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa Best Beach: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Best for Activities: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Best Resort Pools: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Best for Extra Space: Montage Kapalua Bay Best for Active Families: Fairmont Orchid Best Budget Option: Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club Best for Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Lana’i Best History: The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort Best Family-friendly Hawaii Hotels View All Best Family-friendly Hawaii Hotels Our Top Picks Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Montage Kapalua Bay Fairmont Orchid Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club Four Seasons Resort Lana’i The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort See More (6) Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Aulani Disney Resort and Spa tailors its hotel experience to families of all ages by offering kid-friendly activities and Disney experiences right in the hotel. Pros Excellent swimming beach, six pools, two slides, and a lazy river Disney-themed experiences, including character experiences Eight restaurants, bars, and snack shops Villas with up to three bedrooms available Complimentary kids' club activities Cons Remote location is far from other activities Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, was built with amenities and features that appeal to family members of all ages, albeit with the expected Disney flare. Located on Oahu’s small Ko Olina waterfront community, the resort evokes childlike wonder through experiences with Disney characters, a dedicated kids club, and a huge pool system with six pool areas, multiple water slides, and a lazy river. This resort also boasts a variety of dining options with choices for gourmet fine dining, casual fare, and even poolside eats with appetizers, sandwiches, and salads. While rooms vary in price and size, Aulani is home to numerous larger suite options ideal for families with kids. The three-bedroom villa even features a huge living room, three full bathrooms, and over 2,100 square feet of space. Notable Amenities Fitness center and spaExtensive kids' activities on-sitePhotography services Best Beach : Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is an excellent choice for families, thanks to its stellar Waikiki location and its 5-acre saltwater lagoon featuring a state-of-the-art water circulation system and private beach. Pros Stunning interior saltwater lagoon offers ideal swimming spot for kids Six huge pools, some with water slides 16 restaurants and food stores Conveniently located near other Waikiki attractions Large suites with separate living space available Free kids' club Hawaiian luau on site Cons Huge property can require lots of walking Daily resort fee required Guests have complained about long lines If you want a resort that offers safer swimming for your little ones, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort simply cannot be beat. This property offers six huge pools designed for adults and kids of all ages, plus an interior saltwater lagoon that lets children enjoy the ocean without being subjected to the surf. Not only can families swim in this waveless lagoon, but it's also perfect for standup paddleboarding and other fun water sports. The Waikiki Beach Resort is also home to pretty much everything you need for your vacation, including 16 restaurants and food stores that offer gourmet cuisine, snacks, and even Starbucks coffee. Guests can also enjoy a night of fun with the Waikiki Starlight Luau, which features an island-inspired feast and traditional Hawaiian dancers right on the resort grounds. Notable Amenities Mandara SpaFitness centerStarbucksGrocery store Best for Activities : Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Four Seasons Resort Hualalai See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers endless family activities, including educational events at the Kumu Kai Marine Center, tie-dye classes, and snorkel lessons with a marine biologist. Pros Special amenities for kids Seven pools, including a children's pool Six marine biologists available for marine education 24-hour room service Spacious, elegant rooms with granite bathrooms Kids club open daily for children ages 5 to 12 Cons Beach is smaller and rockier than some others in the area "Conservation fees" charged on top of nightly rate The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai sits on 800 pristine acres along the picturesque Kona-Kohala coast, but that’s not all it has to offer. This property offers one-of-a-kind experiences for families, thanks to features like a complimentary kids club and daily interactive activities such as tie-dye classes, henna tattoos, ceramic art, dream catcher weaving, and gyotaku, the Japanese art of printing fish onto cloth. The resort also employs six marine biologists, who are happy to take kids on a guided snorkeling tour for a look at the thousands of tropical fish in King's Pond, an on-site marine reserve. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai recently unveiled a $100 million resort-wide renovation, which included an enhancement of guest accommodations and public spaces throughout the property. Families who want extra space can also book a private villa that sleeps up to 10 guests. Some villas even feature their own private pool. Notable Amenities Fitness centerSpa18-hole golf course Best Resort Pools : Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa offers some of the most beautiful and fun swimming pools in all of Hawaii, including their own saltwater lagoon. Pros Gorgeous landscaping with lush tropical gardens Seven restaurants and snack bars Three freshwater pools plus a lazy river and water slide Hawaiian luau offered on-site Kids club available Suites with up to three bedrooms available Cons Some rooms aren’t as updated as competitors Daily resort fee required Beach isn't ideal for swimming The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa sits on an expertly manicured piece of property on the island of Kauai. This resort features gorgeous tropical plants, water features in every direction, and roomy suites with up to three bedrooms. Dining options are also plentiful, offering families everything from fine dining over a koi-filled lagoon to poolside cocktails and snacks. The resort pools are where this hotel truly stands out: Not only does the Grand Hyatt Kauai have its own 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon pool with a sandy beach, but it boasts a lava-rock-lined lazy river with waterfalls and a pool with a 150-foot water slide. Umbrellas offer shade across the resort, but you can also rent a private cabana for more space. Notable Amenities Anara SpaChampionship golfFitness centerTennis course Best for Extra Space : Montage Kapalua Bay Montage Kapalua Bay See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It The Montage Kapalua Bay offers expansive residences, with private kitchens, living areas, and up to four bedrooms. Pros Apartment-style accommodations for families who want extra space Villas have gourmet kitchens and private lanais Beautiful, 24-acre beachfront location in Maui Five restaurants and four bars to choose from Three large pools Kids' club available Cons Resort fee required Daily parking charge As a traditional resort with roomy residences, Maui's Montage Kapalua Bay is uniquely suited for families who want to travel without squeezing into a small hotel room. As an example, the property's three-bedroom ocean view residence features two king-sized beds and two queen beds, a full gourmet kitchen, laundry facilities, and more than 2,000 square feet. This resort also offers tons of activities your kids will love, including a Mermaid Academy that teaches hula, lei-making, and ukulele lessons. The Montage Kapalua Bay also has an immersive children's program called Paintbox, which includes nature walks, cultural activities, and fun island games. Three huge pools can also help keep kids happy and entertained. Notable Amenities SpaUkulele lessonsFitness center Best for Active Families : Fairmont Orchid Fairmont Orchid See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It With tennis, outrigger canoe adventures, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, golf, and more, the Fairmont Orchid offers numerous options for families who want to stay active. Pros Oceanfront location with private beach Eight restaurants and bars Hawaiiloa Luau available at the resort Expansive freeform pool Activities like golf, tennis, and water sports Kids' club available Cons Resort fee required Many activities cost extra Smaller rooms than many other properties Located on Hawaii island, the Fairmont Orchid is ideal for families who want to stay busy and active during their vacation. The property sits adjacent to a 45-hole championship golf course, but even if golf isn’t your sport of choice, you'll find tennis courts and water activities galore. Families can plan kayaking tours, outrigger canoe adventures, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling to fill their vacation days. This luxury resort sits on 32 luscious beachfront acres with its own private beach and an award-winning outdoor spa. Families who want more space can book an oceanfront suite with a separate dining area, an expansive balcony, and nearly 1,500 square feet of space. Notable Amenities 45-hole championship golf courseTennis courtsSpa Best Budget Option : Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It The Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club is located on the exclusive island of Kauai, yet you can frequently book this resort for less than $300 per night. Pros Located in a calm bay that's ideal for swimming 26,000 square foot outdoor pool, whirlpool spas and children's pool Villas with up to two bedrooms available Five restaurants plus in-room dining options Free airport shuttle Fire pits and koi ponds throughout the property No resort fees Cons Large property requires lots of walking No kids club The Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club made our ranking due to the value it offers families at an excellent rate compared to others in the area. This hotel is frequently available for less than half of the cost of many similar properties, and it offers plenty of things to do at or near your hotel room. A huge pool provides the perfect place for swimming or splash play, and parents can relax by the pool with a good book while the kids entertain themselves. Beach activities are also available, such as paddle boarding and surfing. Plus, a free airport shuttle also helps families save on taxi fares. Notable Amenities Alexander Day Spa and SalonFitness center Best for Luxury : Four Seasons Resort Lana’i Four Seasons Resort Lanaâi See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It The Four Seasons Resort Lana’i offers unparalleled luxury everywhere you look, from its lush, manicured grounds to its opulent rooms and suites. Pros Huge rooms and suites with nearly 4,000 square feet available Dining at the cliff-side Nobu Lanai, as well as six other on-site eateries Exclusive resort caters to upscale clientele Large white sand beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling Kids' club available Two large freeform pools Cons 45-minute ferry ride from Maui The Four Seasons Resort Lana’i is renowned for its opulence and splendor, which is apparent to visitors as they explore every inch of the resort. The hotel boasts many specialty suites, all of which feature large living rooms and a separate space for dining. The grounds of the property are immaculate and professionally cared for on an hourly basis, and the resort features panoramic views of Hulopoe Bay. Kids will love the white sand beach, which is great for playing on the shore, swimming, floating, or snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish. Two large freeform pools are also on the resort grounds, each of which is lined with luxury loungers for a plush poolside experience. Notable Amenities Award-winning golf courseHawanawana SpaBotanical gardensFitness center Best History : The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Nearly 100 years old, The Royal Hawaiian is located right on the famed Waikiki Beach, and it has hosted famous guests including Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Temple, and Elizabeth Taylor. Pros Beautiful Waikiki location with views of Diamond Head Close to Waikiki attractions Two large pools with complimentary pool chairs 70-foot water slide Lavish suites that sleep up to six Five restaurants Cons Resort fee required Shares one pool with the Sheraton Waikiki Known around the world as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” The Royal Hawaiian has hosted numerous famous guests over the years. As a result, the property has built a reputation of storied history, with high-profile visitors like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Eddie Vedder. The Royal Hawaiian has an excellent location in Waikiki, which makes it easy for families to get out and explore the island or try new restaurants. Families can enjoy two large pools, including one with a 70-foot water slide. The property also offers family activities such as surf lessons, koi fish feeding, and lei making through its Keiki Family Resort Program. Notable Amenities Abhasa SpaFitness centerKeiki Family Resort Program Final Verdict The best Hawaiian resort for your family depends on the ages of your children and the activities you love. If you're a family full of Disney enthusiasts, then Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, is easily your best bet. However, plenty of other resorts offer fun activities and beautiful beachfronts, including the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Any of the family-friendly Hawaiian resorts that made our ranking could work for your next getaway, but you should pore over the details until you find the right fit. Compare the Best Family-friendly Hawaii Hotels Hotel Resort Fee Room Rate Number of Rooms Free WiFi Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa Best Overall No $$$$ 351 rooms and 481 villas Yes Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Best Beach $50 $$ 3,386 rooms and suites Yes Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Best for Activities No $$$$ 243 rooms, villas, and suites Yes Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Best Resort Pools $40 $$$$ 602 guest rooms Yes Montage Kapalua Bay Best for Extra Space $48 $$$$ 50 residential-style suites Yes Fairmont Orchid Best for Active Families $35 $$$$ 540 rooms and suites Yes Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club Best Budget Option No $$ 120 Yes Four Seasons Resort Lana’i Best for Luxury No $$$$ 230 rooms and suites Yes The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort Best History $42 $$$ 528 rooms and suites Yes How We Chose the Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Hawaii To find the best family-friendly hotels in Hawaii, we looked for properties that offer unique or extra amenities for families with children, including kids' clubs, kids’ dining menus, games, and family-friendly activities. We also sought out properties with larger room sizes available, as well as hotels and resorts with swimmable beaches or large pools. Finally, we read over past customer reviews to find hotels and resorts with mostly positive guest experiences. TripAdvisor Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies