Hawaii has loads of accommodation options for families. Groups of all shapes, sizes and budgets will find a hotel or condo that fits just right.
Check out our list of famous family favourites in Hawaii and then get packing.
First of all, we recommend staying in a condo or house so that you can be self-sufficient and have some wriggle room. Choose an apartment with its own kitchen and washing machine, and make the most of the privacy and extra space. For large groups booking extended stays, you will make your money’s worth and be grateful for the chance to live like a true local. For a little more luxe, check out Aston villas and suites.
Aulani Disney Resort, Oahu
Topping the charts when it comes to reviews and recommendations, the friendly Disney characters wandering around this resort are just the beginning of the family-friendly luxuries on offer. Kids will love the splash zone, snorkel lagoon, movie nights, Starlit Hui luau and story nights at the Mo’olelo fire pit. Auntie’s Beach House complimentary Kids Club is a huge bonus, as is the unique Painted Sky teens-only spa.
Grand Wailea, Maui
This Waldorf Astoria mega-resort is made for kids – you won’t want to leave! The Wailea Canyon Activity pool has nine interconnected rivers, jungle plunge pools, waterslides, caverns and a swim-up bar for the grown-ups. The huge Kids Camp onsite has video games, a movie theatre table tennis, and air hockey and foosball tables.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island
Despite its definitive kid-friendly status, this resort maintains peaceful island vibes. There are seven awesome swimming areas, including a wading pool for tiny tots and a saltwater pool full of tropical fish. Other onsite attractions include rock climbing, canoeing, crafts, lei-making and games on the beach. The Hale Kula Activity Centre for teens has video game stations and an outdoor grass area perfect for sports.
Hilton Waikoloa Village, Big Island
There are several Hilton hotels in Hawaii – at this one, you can choose to stay in the Lagoon Tower, Ocean Tower or Hale Ike Tower. You can also play with dolphins and enjoy a private beach and all sorts of water sports on a 4-acre ocean lagoon.
For some slightly less top-tier options, enjoy the emphasis on local culture at Maui’s Ka’anapali Beach Hotel which puts on magic shows, hula performances, ukulele lessons and lauhala weaving. Up to three rooms can be connected meaning there is plenty of room for large families. The Coconut Waikiki Hotel, a boutique option in an area of Waikiki with fewer people, also offers large suites sleeping up to 6 and boasting their own kitchenettes.
Getting there: Hawaiian Airlines flies to Honolulu and neighbouring islands from Sydney or Brisbane. If you are travelling from elsewhere, book a connecting flight to Sydney or Brisbane with Virgin Australia.
Playing there: Check out our stories on immersing yourself in nature or going for a scenic drive.
Read more:
Discover the best Hawaii family road trips
Ultimate family guide to the Hawaiian Islands
Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.