Top 10 luxury Hawaii family resorts

Hawaii is a must-do for sun-loving families worldwide. There are experiences aplenty in this island paradise, with stunning beaches, inviting swimming pools, exciting kids’ clubs and friendly faces all around. The spectacular resorts scattered along the coastline are another major drawcard. However, to merit a Five Star Kids Award the resorts chosen must be particularly outstanding.

Each of the resorts has distinguished itself on a number of criteria:

• Accommodation and services tailored to children of all ages
• Exceeding family expectations
• Excellence in staff and hospitality
• Standard of accommodation
• The ambience of the resort

From beachfront opulence to tranquil retreats, we’ve discovered the very best that Hawaii has to offer.

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Maui

This beachfront resort offers indoor and outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained.

The vibe  Check out of reality and into family paradise.

Pool party  Get wet with the nine best pools on Maui, featuring water slides, rapids and a rope swing.

Kids’ club  Choose from The Rock kids’ mini-resort; The Spot teen lounge; gaming room, Ohana Hale; and Campe Granda.

Why your kids will love it  Take a ride on the Fishpipe, the world’s first rotating barrel water slide.

Why you will too Swim up to fantastic cocktails at Grotto Bar, served daily from noon until 5pm.

The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
Maui

This retreat sits on Ka’anapali’s pristine North Beach, known as one of America’s best beaches.

The vibe Refinement for all ages.

Pool party There are two dedicated kids’ pools, including a pirate ship pool near the Westin Family Kid’s Club.

Kids’ club This fun escape is an interactive place where keiki can get crafty and learn about Hawaiian culture.

Why your kids will love it Soar above Maui’s valleys, seascapes and hills with a high-speed zip line adventure.

Why you will too Treat yourselves to a heavenly sunrise champagne breakfast or sunset dinner.

Princeville Resort Kauai
Kauai

This luxury resort on Kauai resides on the northern shore of the Garden Island and celebrates local cuisines.

The vibe Secluded rainforest hideaway.

Pool party Swim in a huge oceanfront infinity pool or enjoy a massage without having to leave your sun lounger.

Kids’ club Kids can have a fun, educational stay at the Young Voyagers Club, learning all about culture and local marine life.

Why your kids will love it Join Captain Andy to discover spectacular sea cliffs, massive waterfalls and natural lava tubes before snorkelling through a tropical reef.

Why you will too Indulge at Halele’a Spa, which embraces Kauai’s pure, natural resources and authentic Hawaiian healing traditions.

Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort
Maui

This resort immerses you in the spirit of Maui and is the perfect location from which to explore the island.

The vibe Tropical haven meets cultural immersion.

Pool party Choose from three infinity pools flowing towards the sea and a lagoon pool (plus a fifth just for adults).

Kids’ club The complimentary Club 808 is open daily for adventures designed for little ones from five to 12.

Why your kids will love it Join the kids and put your dance moves to the test with a traditional hula lesson.

Why you will too Situated in the heart of Ka’ana Kitchen’s open-air-style kitchen, parents can enjoy a Chef’s Tasting with six courses and sommelier-paired wine.

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
Oahu

The ‘Pink Palace of the Pacific’ offers sophistication in spades.

The vibe Sheer opulence with a tropical twist.

Pool party Relax in the Malulani Pool or head to Helumoa Playground, shared with Sheraton Waikiki, for ‘superpool’ fun.

Kids’ club The seasonal Royal Kids Club lets kids get closer to Hawaiian traditions; be sure to be book 72 hours ahead.

Why your kids will love it Honolulu Zoo is just minutes away, with over 200 species of animals and a petting farm.

Why you will too The hotel’s feeling of historic glamour cannot be beaten.

Trump International Hotel Waikiki
Oahu

This hotel is the first and only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel on the island of Oahu for three consecutive years.

The vibe Modern coastal indulgence.

Pool party Dive into the sixth-floor infinity pool overlooking Waikiki Beach and bask in style on the sun deck.

Kids’ club No.

Why your kids will love it Kid-friendly amenities like kiddie mocktails, colouring-in books and movies, children’s spa treatments and no-tear bath amenities are just the start.

Why you will too Wai’olu Ocean View Lounge offers panoramic views and a relaxing atmosphere for lunch, evolving into a romantic, star-lit dinner destination.

Halekulani Hotel
Oahu

Known for its long legacy, this hotel has welcomed guests since 1917, and now features a luxurious and calming interior with ‘seven shades of white’ to allow the elements of the room to frame the views, rather than compete with them.

The vibe An oasis of tranquility amid the vibrancy of Waikiki.

Pool party Fronting the beach, the oval heated pool features a spectacular mosaic of a Cattleya orchid.

Kids’ club Little visitors in the US summer or over Christmas can enjoy seasonal children’s programs.

Why your kids will love it Experience Waikiki on an introductory surf or stand-up paddleboard demonstration.

Why you will too Treat your tastebuds at one of Halekulani’s restaurants, each celebrating its own distinct style of cuisine, and all offering stunning views of the sea.

Turtle Bay Resort
Oahu

The only resort of this calibre on Oahu’s North Shore. Turtle Bay Resort is a hidden oasis for families who like to get away from the crowd.

The vibe Action meets relaxation.

Pool party There is a kiddie pool and slide as well as a meandering tropical pool for everyone.

Kids’ club Children’s activities are custom-designed; there is no kids’ club. Babysitting and child minding is available.

Why your kids will love it Go surfing with Keiki Adventures and discover the stables with Keiki Horsemanship.

Why you will too Nalu Kinetic Spa offers some innovative water and movement treatments.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Oahu

Set on the Kona-Kohala Coast of Hawaii, the Big Island, this oceanfront luxury resort is a showpiece of Hawaiian design.

The vibe Coastal extravagance.

Pool party The King’s Pond is an ‘aquarium’ carved out of the lava rock, with over 4,000 tropical fish swimming freely.

Kids’ club The Kids For All Seasons program takes advantage of the environment, expansive grounds and ‘old Hawaii’ feel.

Why your kids will love it With seven swimming pools and four whirlpools, the kids will be in aquatic heaven.

Why you will too Hualalai Spa creates a serene experience to refresh and renew the spirit.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii
Oahu

What child doesn’t like a Disney hotel and what adult won’t like this spectacular resort in Ko Olina?

The vibe Designer Disney in Oahu.

Pool party There’s Waikolohe Pool with games, Keiki Cove splash zone, and oceanfront Ka Maka Grotto, to name a few.

Kids’ club At Aunty’s Beach House kids from three to 12 explore the mysteries of Hawaii, with a dash of Disney magic.

Why your kids will love it This huge state-of-the-art kids’ club includes experiences such as learning to hula.

Why you will too Laniwai – A Disney Spa has a Signature Lomilomi massage that will change your world.

This article appeared of Five Star Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.