Hawaii is a premier destination for relaxation since it's so easy to feel at home with nature on such beautiful islands. A beach holiday is just what everyone needs after busy days at school or at work, and it all starts with looking at the best resorts in Hawaii for families.
Although you can just find a comfy spot on the beach and splash around in the water as a family, each resort offers different activities that will give your holiday an upgrade. If you're fishing for more travel ideas, our Hawaii travel guide will make sure you have the best time exploring the islands.
Where in Hawaii is Family-Friendly?
Hawaii has several islands, with four of them being the most visited and being the most kid-friendly: Oahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawaii (the Big Island). These four islands are particularly family-friendly thanks to their many resorts, which have a kids' club and age-appropriate attractions.
Although each island has its own stunning beaches, water activities, and island adventures, Oahu is the most visited.
The island is known as "The Gathering Place" and the beating heart of Hawaii since most of the locals live here. It's also extremely popular for having great beaches—which are calm enough for kids to swim in—and top-tier surfing spots, but there are tonnes of things to do with the kids, from hiking to horseback riding!
To help narrow down your list, here are our recommendations for the 10 best resorts in Hawaii for families:
Which are the best family-friendly resorts in Hawaii?
1. Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa
There's nothing kids love more than classic Disney fun, and that's exactly what the Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa specialises in. They offer a perfect blend of fun and relaxation for guests of all ages, with countless activities and awesome amenities.
Lounge around on their beach, a private saltwater lagoon, one of their six pools, or their lazy river, while the young ones will love the Disney character experiences, Disney princess makeover, water slides, cove splash zone, and the kids club called Aunty's Beach House.
This Hawaiian Disney Resort [keyword variation: Hawaii Disney Resort] offers spacious villas with one to three bedrooms, as well as regular rooms and suites complete with ocean views. But before heading back to your room for the night, make sure to join their special luaus, lei-making activities, or outdoor movie nights!
Location: 92-1185 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei, Hawaii
How to get there: 40-minute drive from Waikiki; 30-minute drive from Honolulu Airport
Cost per night for two: Their nightly rate starts at around 976 AUD
Cost per night for four: It's about 1,751 AUD a night for four
Types of rooms available: Standard View Room, Island Gardens View Room, Poolside Gardens View Room, Ocean View Room, Deluxe Studio, 1-Bedroom Villa, 2-Bedroom Villa, 3-Bedroom Villa, Parlor Suite, Lei Hulu Signature 1-Bedroom Suite
2. Prince Waikiki
The Prince Waikiki is the definition of a beach paradise as the only hotel in Waikiki offering all ocean-view and oceanfront rooms. Every nook and cranny of this hotel exudes a calming, coastal lifestyle from the rooms' floor to ceiling windows to the oceanfront infinity pool.
Fill your days with historical tours of Oahu, lounging at the pool with live music, and trips to the Hawaii Prince Golf Course—Prince Waikiki guests can enjoy a special rate on their trip!
Once you're done, catch the sunset from one of their pools or their hot tub before heading back to your comfy, beach-inspired room.
If you're a bit of night owl, you can book their oceanfront club rooms for special access to the Prince Waikiki Club Lounge for drinks and eats all day long.
Location: 100 Holomoana Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
How to get there: 15-minute ride away from Honolulu Airport
Cost per night for two: Book a night at the Prince Waikiki for around 468 AUD
Cost per night for four: Prices start at 700 AUD for a night
Types of rooms available: Ocean View Room and Suite, Oceanfront Room and Suite, Oceanfront Premier Room, Lanai Suite, Oceanfront Club
3. Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Enjoy beachside living at any of the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach's airy rooms with views of the ocean and the mountains. Each room exudes a tranquil atmosphere that resembles Oahu's calming landscape.
Let Hawaii's marine life in the lobby's 280,000-gallon oceanarium serve as a preview for all the water adventures you're about to have. You can even learn how to ride a wave from renowned surfer Jamie O'Brien and his team of expert instructors, so take advantage of that opportunity!
Fuel up before and after your lesson with the "best buffet in Waikiki," the Makana Lani's breakfast, brunch and evening buffets, which have an unlimited array of mouthwatering seafood dishes. Also, the Alohilani Resort is just five minutes away from Kuhio Beach.
Location: 2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii
How to get there: 20-minute drive away from Honolulu Airport
Cost per night for two: A night at the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach starts at 492 AUD per night
Cost per night for four: Spend a night for four for just 968 AUD
Types of rooms available: Premier Ocean Front, Diamond Head Ocean View, Ocean View, 1-Bedroom Seascape Suite, 2-Bedroom Seascape Suite, 1-Bedroom Beachside Suite
4. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Relish having your own luxe hideaway at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Choose among their five towers each with their own special perks, and your choice of resort, coastal, or ocean views.
The Ali'i Tower offers exclusive access to the elevated Ali'i Pool overlooking Waikiki Beach, while the Rainbow Tower has some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu coastline. Some rooms even have a view of the Diamond Head Crater.
Experience Hawaiian culture as a family in the most fun way possible with their Waikiki Starlight Luaus featuring live music, fire knife dancing, and a feast of island delicacies. You can also spend your day at one of their five pools or their saltwater lagoon, but Kahanamoku Beach is just a few steps away. Try surfing, aquacycling, stand-up paddle yoga, and even swimming as a mermaid!
Location: 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu, Hawaii
How to get there: 25-minute drive away from Honolulu Airport
Cost per night for two: Book a Resort View room for around 497 AUD a night
Cost per night for four: The Diamond Head Tower 1-Bedroom Suite is 704 AUD a night for four
Types of rooms available: Ali'i Resort View, Ali'i Ocean View, Ali'i Ocean Front, Rainbow Lagoon View, Rainbow Ocean Front, Tapa Collection, Resort View, Tapa Collection Ocean View, Tapa Collection Family, Diamond Head Ocean View, Leilani Suite, Oahu Suite, Kalia Suite
5. The Twin Fin Hotel
Watch the waves roll in from your oceanfront room or suite at the Twin Fin Hotel. Book their room with a lanai, so you can soak up the sun in the morning right from your room. They also have up to three-bedroom suites for big families that wanna stick together.
If you hear the waves start to call your name, book a surf lesson for the whole family with the Jamie O'Brien School of Surf, which works with beginners and experienced surfers.
The hotel penthouse's Stellar Stargazing sessions are also perfect for unwinding with unobstructed views of the starry night skies. An expert astronomer will guide you through the mythology and science of the twinkling constellations, so all you have to do is sit back and look up!
Location: 2570 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii
How to get there: 26-minute ride away from Honolulu Airport
Cost per night for two: Stay a night at The Twin Fin Hotel for just 317 AUD a night
Cost per night for four: It's only 455 AUD a night for four at this hotel
Types of rooms available: Ocean Front Room and Suite, City View Room, Ocean View Junior Suite, Diamond Head View Triple Doubles
6. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Everything you'd need and want for an unforgettable holiday is right here at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. Stay right by the white shores of Ka'anapali Beach, which actually offers beach and family photography sessions to commemorate your trip!
You could also snap some pics from the private lanai in every room or suite—take in views of the ocean, the West Maui mountains, the golf courses, and the lush hotel gardens. Plus, their spacious connecting rooms make them one of the best resorts in Hawaii for families.
Ka'anapali's crystal-clear waters are also the best backdrop for the hotel's exciting luaus, rooftop stargazing sessions, oceanfront golf games, and more! While the kids splash around the half-acre pool's water playground, parents will love the Kamaha'o Spa's rejuvenating treatments with a beachfront view.
Location: 200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, Hawaii
How to get there: Around 40-minute drive away from Kahului Airport
Cost per night for two: Book a family holiday to the Hyatt Regency Maui for around 941 AUD a night
Cost per night for four: Stay a night here for just 1,544 AUD a night
Types of rooms available: Connecting Room, Oceanfront Room and Suite, Ocean View Room and Suite, Golf and Mountain View Room, Deluxe Ocean Suite, Presidential Suite, Palace Suite, Regency Suite
7. Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa, Kaua'i
Kick back into the pearly white sands of Poipu Beach during your stay at the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa in Kaua'i. With this luxury resort's pristine suites, an award-winning spa, and loads of fun activities, you might find it tough to say goodbye.
The Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa is one of the best resorts in Hawaii for families, after being most popular for their pools, which include a lazy river, a saltwater lagoon, and a 150-foot waterslide! You can also book surf lessons, a catamaran ride, a helicopter tour, join their hula and ukulele classes, and much more.
After a day of family-friendly fun, unwind in your own tropical hideout with a private patio or lanai to appreciate the greenery.
Location: 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii
How to get there: 30-minute drive away from Lihue Airport
Cost per night for two: Nightly rates at the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa, Kaua'i start at 1,598 AUD
Cost per night for four: Spend a night here for around 1,696 AUD
Types of rooms available: Ocean View Room and Suite, Resort View Room, Standard Room and Suite, Pool Suite, Connecting Room, Grand Suite, Royal Suite, Alii Suite, Presidential Suite
8. Maui Coast Hotel
Experience tropical luxury at the South of Maui's Maui Coast Hotel. They're dedicated to caring for their natural surroundings just as much as they care for their guests by using solar power, water conservation initiatives, environmentally friendly cleaners, and more green habits.
Fall even deeper in love with nature during your stay as you'll just be a street away from Kamaole Beach Park 1, and have unobstructed ocean views from your hotel room. Choose to stay at the Hoku Tower's homey rooms with private lanais, or at the Kai Tower's sleek accommodations.
Location: 2259 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii
How to get there: About a 10-minute drive away from Kahului Airport
Cost per night for two: The right room for you starts at 426 AUD per night
Cost per night for four: Find the best room for you and your family with rates starting at 856 AUD per night
Types of rooms available: Hoku King, Hoku Double Queen, Hoku Honu, Hoku Studio Suite, Hoku Suite, Hoku Elua Suite, Hoku Palua Suite, Kai Poolside, Kai Ocean View, Kai Resort View, Kai Garden, Kai Garden Lumi Pili, Kai Ocean View Ali'i Suite, Kai Ohana Ocean View Suite, Kai Ocean View Hui Pu Suite
9. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
Did you know that the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in Waikiki Beach, also known as the "First Lady of Waikiki," opened in 1901 and is the first hotel on Waikiki Beach? This is why it has the best location with 600 feet of oceanfront shoreline.
It's also at the heart of Waikiki's shopping, dining, and entertainment district for you to conveniently explore on your own time.
Tailor your vacation to your family's vibe with a room to perfectly match. Their rooms are spread out across three different wings: the Tower Wing has spacious, modern rooms with a private balcony; the Banyan Wing houses charming rooms inspired by the hotel's history; and the Diamond Wing contains breezy rooms with views of the Ocean and Waikiki.
Location: 2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii
How to get there: 20-minute drive away from Honolulu Airport
Cost per night for two: Experience a night at this historical hotel for 526 AUD a night
Cost per night for four: Head to the Moana Surfrider with your family for 723 AUD a night
Types of rooms available: Tower City, Tower Ocean View, Tower Premier Ocean View, Penthouse Skyline, Penthouse Ocean, Historic Banyan King Room, Historic Banyan Deluxe, Historic Banyan Ocean, Diamond City, Diamond Ocean Front
10. Trump International Hotel Waikiki
Experience the height of luxury at the five-star Trump International Hotel Waikiki. Treat the family to luxe rooms and suites with impeccable views—every room has a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu's skyline.
Your tastebuds will also be in for a treat at the hotel's world-class seafood restaurant, Wai'olu Ocean Cuisine, which is known for its modern take on sushi and handcrafted specialty cocktails.
Waikiki's night district, along with Oahu's own version of Rodeo Drive, is just a short walk away, but you can easily ask the concierge to arrange fun family-friendly things to do in Hawaii, like surfing lessons, a catamaran ride, a parasailing ride, and a hike up the Diamond Head crater for you and the kids!
Location: 223 Saratoga Road, Honolulu, Hawaii
How to get there: Around a 20-minute drive away from Honolulu Airport
Cost per night for two: Have 770 AUD ready for a night at the Trump International Hotel Waikiki
Cost per night for four: Splurge for one of the best resorts in Hawaii for families on a luxury holiday at 919 AUD a night
Types of rooms available: Superior City View Room, Deluxe City View Room, Superior Ocean View Room, Deluxe Ocean View Room, Deluxe City View Suite, Deluxe Ocean View Suite, Premium Bedroom Plus Den Prime Ocean View Suite, Trump Executive Bedroom Plus Den Prime Ocean View Suite, Diamond Head Penthouse 2-Bedroom Suite, Ocean Penthouse 2-Bedroom Suite
Choosing the island and resort to stay at really depends on the kind of adventure you wanna have with your family. Whether you prefer to play in the water all day, or explore the local scene and immerse yourself in the culture—since most resorts can help you sort out transport in Hawaii—the best resort in Hawaii for your family [keyword variation: best resort in Hawaii for families] is waiting for you!