13 Best Family Resorts in Hawaii, According to Parents and Travel Experts

From the Caribbean to Hawaii, there are tons of sun-kissed island destinations to consider for your next vacation. The Aloha State - one of the 50 best places to travel in 2023, according to Travel + Leisure -  is paradise for families with stunning natural scenery, activities galore, and many kid-friendly beach resorts. 

As someone who globe-trots with an adorable tot, I'm always searching for properties that go the extra mile for guests of all ages. In Hawaii, that looks like a jam-packed daily activity schedule to keep active youngsters busy, plus kids clubs and teen hang-out zones.

In terms of facilities, you'll want a pool with a shallow end (ideally a splash pad, too), gardens to explore, and direct access to a beach with calm surf and soft sand. Spacious accommodations with room to fit pack-and-plays, cribs, or rollaway beds are a must, and amenities like mini robes and slippers, bins for diapers (when needed), and high chairs are a bonus.

Kids menus and free meals for the youngest guests go a long way in keeping costs down, too. And, of course, on-site babysitting services come in handy when parents want to sneak away for a spa treatment or dinner for two. It's a tall order, but there's a perfect spot for every family thanks to the myriad options across the archipelago. 

Scroll on for the best family resorts in Hawaii, according to parents and travel pros.

MEET THE EXPERT

Chris Paterson is the owner and operator of Kailani Tours Hawaii, which offers tours around the Big Island. 

Carolyn Addison is head of product at Black Tomato, a luxury travel company. 

Hawaii has experienced several devastating wildfires in 2023. While these resorts were not directly impacted, communities on the islands may still be rebuilding. We recommend you read our guide to supporting Hawaii through tourism before you visit.

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Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea promises a luxury family vacation sans any of The White Lotus drama. One of the best resorts in Hawaii for 2023 as voted by T+L readers and a WBA Hall of Fame honoree, the prestigious property supplies five-star facilities and an extensive list of activities, from torch bearer rituals to Hawaiian star stories. The complimentary kids program keeps kiddos busy with tennis and swimming while parents peel off to the spa or serenity pool. Sophisticated, spacious accommodations can be stocked with strollers, baby monitors, high chairs, and swings, guaranteeing a stylish, comfortable space for everyone to spread out. 

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Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui

Tucked away a bit further south on the island of Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay - also voted one of the best resorts in Hawaii by T+L readers - is well worth the splurge with a peaceful location, luxurious accommodations, and five-star amenities - including a spate of family-friendly perks. After a day of hula lessons, lei making, strumming ukuleles, nature walks, swimming like a mermaid, and collecting Montage Merit Badges with the Paintbox children's program, kids can chow down on Hawaiian cuisine, go stargazing, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

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Turtle Bay Resort, O'ahu

Keen to plan a vacation that will make every member of your crew as happy as a clam? Turtle Bay Resort covers 1,300 acres of natural splendor on the North Shore of O'ahu. "Featuring seven gorgeous beaches, multiple swimming pools, oceanfront bungalows, and a wide range of activities - from snorkeling with sea turtles and learning to surf alongside a pro to horseback riding to hula lessons - the legendary property leaves families with wonderful memories to last a lifetime," says Chris Paterson, owner and operator of Kailani Tours Hawaii.  

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Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Island of Hawaii

Also voted one of the best resorts in Hawaii by T+L readers, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is a really special place for family vacations with a deeply rooted ethos that reflects the spirit of Hawaii. "Guests feel the integral connection between land and sea running through each dish at CanoeHouse, the culturally immersive activities - from cooking classes to moonlight storytelling - at the complimentary kids club, and in the beautifully decorated accommodations," notes Carolyn Addison, head of product at Black Tomato. There's also a world-class spa and babysitting services for when parents need a little adult time. 

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Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, O'ahu

If your kids have been begging to go to Disney World, but you'd rather jet off to Hawaii, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, might just be the perfect solution. Situated on the leeward coast of O'ahu, it has a beach and private saltwater snorkeling lagoon, six pools, water slides, a lazy river, and a cove splash zone. Lū'aus with a special island buffet for pint-sized palates, lei making, and hula lessons bring Hawaiian culture to guests. Kiddos still get the chance to snap photos with everyone's favorite characters, eat Mickey waffles, and watch classic animated movies on the outdoor screen. 

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Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Island of Hawaii

Glamorous but not so chichi that children receive side-eyes from other guests, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai - also voted one of the best resorts in Hawaii for 2023 - attracts families with a penchant for fun and the finer things. Perched on the Kona Coast of the Big Island, the five-star property provides sandy beaches with calm waters, seven pools, a complimentary kids program, Camp Manitou for tweens and teens, and endless activities. "Want to try ukulele lessons or get a close-up look at sea creatures alongside marine biologists? It's all possible," adds Paterson. 

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Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, Island of Hawaii

"The highly anticipated Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort opened to much acclaim recently - and for good reason," says Addison. It's a serene, luxurious, eco-focused Big Island retreat that's expressly perfect for multi-generational families with a warm generosity of spirit and awesome amenities. Kids stay -  and play -  in style at the private beaches, pool, and Rosewood Explorer's Keiki Club. "In addition to kayaking, sailing lessons, paddleboarding, and an interactive cultural center, the property even has a 'cinema under the stars' on the sand to watch movies together.”

Related: T+L's Kona Village Review

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The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Maui

Ranked among the best resorts in Hawaii for 2023, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua pulls out all the stops for travelers of all ages. Tucked away on 54 tropical acres, the resort boasts glistening beaches, fragrant gardens, two championship golf courses, six dining venues, luxurious residences, and a century-old pineapple plantation. Ambassadors of the Environment, a program in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, teaches younger guests to be stewards of the land and sea through hands-on experiences such as snorkeling excursions, beach cleanups, and planting native seeds.

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1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Kauai

"I love 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay for its minimalist luxury aesthetic, commitment to sustainability, and breathtaking surroundings that seem plucked right from Jurassic Park," says Addison. The brand's new oceanfront outpost on the North Shore of Kauai is also very welcoming to families. The onsite Seedlings kids club offers a plethora of activities and experiences aimed at connecting young ones with the natural world. The transformative wellness rituals at the renowned Bamford Spa are a high point for many stressed-out parents. And everyone comes together for cooking classes, yoga, surfing, and bonfires under the stars. 

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Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Families absolutely love Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. More than just a prime spot for fun in the sun, T+L readers ranked it as one of the best resorts in Hawaii this year because of its superb amenities and accommodations. Spend your days building sandcastles on Polo Beach, swimming in the pools, taking afternoon naps in the cabanas, and snacking on sweet treats at Makana Market + Cafe. All the one-bedroom suites are large enough for a crew of four. Of course, it's also possible to upgrade to a palatial villa with a full kitchen, private courtyard, plunge pool, and grill if that's more your vacation style. 

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Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai

Endless activities and kids-oriented amenities - plus a championship golf course and a 45,000-square-foot spa - make Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa the perfect family escape, according to Paterson. Hours of splashing around in the multi-level pools and saltwater lagoon, floating down the lava-rock-lined lazy river, whizzing down the 150-foot water slide, and playing a game of water volleyball or basketball are guaranteed to tucker out kiddos. While little ones nap in the generously sized guest room, parents will enjoy reading a book on the private lanai. 

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Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection, Kauai

Basking in the sun and frolicking in the water comes with the territory at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection. Located on the sunny south shore of Kauai, the family-oriented property possesses three sparkling pools - most notably for youngsters and young-at-heart adults, a 350,000-gallon main pool with water slides and cascades - a putting green, a volleyball court, a soccer field, and the largest accommodations in the area. As if all that wasn't enough to keep keiki entertained, little explorers get binoculars, compasses, and activity books full of clues for hours of creative play.

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Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Maui

Looking for a family-friendly place to stay in Maui? Paterson recommends Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa because of the giant maze of pools, waterfalls, whirlpools, rope bridges, and slides. The breakfast buffet is filled with favorites like homemade pastries, pancakes, and waffles. Many of the newly renovated rooms have two queen beds - an ideal setup for teens who don't want to share. The slow rolling waves at Ka'anapali Beach mean days spent splashing, floating, and swimming. Lū'aus, rooftop stargazing, and golf also rank among the highlights.